(photo by me)
Mostly these are sewing lessons that I have either learned over time, or discovered from working through Sew U.
- Paper patterns can be ironed on low heat to get the wrinkles out of them
- Transferring patterns to poster paper helps to preserve them and makes it easier to keep reusing a pattern.
- Store your patterns on hangers in your closet. Or get a wardrobe rack like this.
- Always thread an extra bobbin when you start a project
- Change needles before each sewing session
- Use ballpoint needles for knit fabrics!
- Use tailor’s chalk to label all your fabric pieces
- Press, press and press when sewing! Your iron is your friend.
- Measure twice, cut once. Taking your time will save frustration later.
- Use quality fabrics. Don’t settle for the cheap stuff.
- Read the instruction manuals for your sewing machine(s).
- Be a perfectionist. Keep trying until you get it right
- Don’t beat yourself up when something doesn’t work. With each failed project, you learn more and your skills improve.
- Measure yourself and compare you measurements to your pattern. It may need adjusting (and usually does).
Ooo, how tempting would it be to have shelves and racks just dedicated to sewing? What an awesome picture.
I confessed to a friend that while I would never love ironing on its own, in the context of sewing it’s an absolute must and makes *everything* so much neater and easier.