Ruth’s Crafterly » Blog Archive

First of all I have to say that although I’ve been a bit absent from my blogs, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing anything craft-related. On the contrary, I’ve actually been very busy - aside from the projects on my sidebar, I have casted on and am in the midst of four new projects. Yes, I know, I’m a project-whore. Even my dear hubby has mentioned every so casually for me to be careful, as I may get overwhelmed with all my projects. Too late. =P

Ok, back to the intention/purpose of this post. For those who do not know, I have jumped on the sewing bandwagon (no groaning please). I’ve actually wanted to learn to sew every since I got married, 4 years ago, but was scared to death of the sewing machine. Even my mother-in-law attempted a lesson or two on her old machine, but nothing helped. As a result of my procrastination/conflict-avoidant/cowardly personality, I decided to put the whole sewing-thing on hold and opted to start on knitting instead (this was 2004).

My younger brother is a sewer. In fact, when he found out I was secretly shopping around for a machine, he gave me tips on what to look for, and was hugely excited about the whole prospect of me sewing. He even said (I’m loosely paraphrasing here) that once I get into sewing, I’ll completely abandon my knitting because sewing is just so much more exciting and faster. I was offended and appalled by that statement. It made me even more wary of the whole thing (how can I EVER let go of my first love - knitting?? Never!!!)

So this year, I finally got the nerve to sign up for a sewing class. It started off okay… manageable. In fact, in class, for my first sewing project, I decided I would do two projects instead. I don’t know if this is just me, being a beginner or not, but whoever said that sewing was relaxing was insane. I don’t think its relaxing at all. It’s hugely stressful for me, getting it right, getting it straight, making it look good, what’s wrong with this damn machine, why are the stitches looking so strange, etc. etc.

Excuse the poor quality of pictures, as I snapped these photos in frustration/anger:

Difficulty turning these loops…

.. with this wretched tool (a complete waste of money):

My ugly fugly crooked stitches:

So I come home from the class, wound up too tightly, looking like I’m ready to strangle something/someone. Dear hubby notices, and we have this exchange:

Hubby: How was class? Are you ok?

Me: Whoever said that sewing was relaxing was on crack. I’m so mad!! I don’t think I ever get this upset when I make mistakes with my knitting - I just end up sad or depressed, but never angry. But this sewing really got me mad!! If I was strong enough, I would pick up my sewing machine and throw it against the wall!! But it’s too friggin heavy!! $#@$#!$#@#$!!

Hubby: Really. [Studies me a little closely] Do you think this has anything to do with what time of month this is?

Me: [long pause] …

He’s got me speechless there. I HATE it when he’s right. Time to stay away from the machine until I cool off. Sewing will become enjoyable when this week is over. ARGH!!$#@$#!@

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13 Comments so far

Sorry sewing has gotten you down. I think it is best if you just back away from the machine and take a break. Knit a little instead!

Hahaha! My husband busts me with ye ole’ PMS all of the time. I hate it when he’s right.

Amy

Ok, I know that was really frustrating, but that was a very funny story. I have sooooo been there before, except I’m the one who gets the bobbin all messed up and then after two mintues and I realize I’m not going anywhere and I look underneath and there’s a pound of yarn in a HUGE knot and sewn into my fabric. Yeah, that’s how skilled I am ;)
Don’t worry, it does get better. Just walk away and come back later. Post-PMS later =)

Ha! That’s funny! Hang in there though - for all the frustration that sewing brings, there’s also instant gratification that you rarely get from knitting.

Yeah - they know us too well… (well, on the other hand, why doesn’t he bring me flowers more often??? hmmmmm???)

Oh - yeah, the sewing. You know, it’s not for everyone. I can sew, quite well in fact, learned in school and taught by my mother, a superb seamstress… and while I can sew well, and probably make about anything I would choose - I HATE to sew! It frustrates me to no end.

Hopefully, and this is more likely the case, you will learn to love it, as so many do…. just give yourself time to learn.

I am *so* sorry that you experienced such frustration, though I must admit that I laughed out loud at the conversation between you and Wayne. I think a break is a wonderful idea.
For what it’s worth — your seams WILL get straighter. They will. Practice helps. I also found that if I don’t think too much / obsess about them, they actually turn out better.
As for the loop turner — I have a different type (one part is a tube and the other is a stick) and it works quite well for me. Don’t know about the Clover one, though.
I wouldn’t say that sewing is relaxing either, but the satisfaction from finishing a project in one sitting is very, very nice. Hang in there, Ruth!

Really? It had something to do with the time of the month? My husband always put the blame on that when I have a temper … I always refuse to think that he is right!

Ruth, I always think sewing with the machine is work. I don’t mind hand sewing too much, I love cross stitch and needlepoint, but the machine is not my friend. The good think to me about knitting is you go at your own rate. With the sewing machine, I feel like I’m not in charge and the machine is racing ahead of me all the time.

As you might guess, I’m not very good at it. You will be glad you know how because you need the skill for other needlework finishing and fun projects like knitting bags…..

Well done you for trying your hand at something new. I guess it’ll will just take time to get the hang of it. (My new sewing machine is still in it’s box, I don’t dare open it!!)

Don’t you just hate it when hubby is RIGHT!

your husband is wrong and right. right b/c he remembered….wrong b/c he used it against you! hahaha. at least you are trying…i tried…once. lol. i’m so confused to sewing!

Oh my, I hope this bad experience will be a forgotten memory soon. I just got a new machine and love it. I’ve been sewing for years now. I can still remember my first projects in high school. One was a v-necked jumper made out of a red and green plaid…big plaid material my Mother picked out. And a sleeveless dress that was green with a jelly bean sort of print. And then for the senior school picnic to the amusement park I sewed a sailor top and green shorts. Of course, when things go wrong…there’s no being happy. I do hope your sewing experience will smooth out and be enjoyable. I don’t think you mentioned just what your projects are? Thinking of you tonight…=)

what? your brother sews? such information I’ve had dumped on me today! don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. if it makes you feel any better, I’ve been sewing longer than I’ve been knitting and I would choose knitting over sewing any day. and if you saw the things I’ve sewn, you would understand why… but it is a useful skill to have. press on, sister!

I could never get my stitches neat and my sewing teacher once said “you can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler dear”. So I stuck with knitting and circulars as much as possible.
Good luck!

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