So I’ve hinted strongly at Yang what I’d like for my birthday present last year. He gave me a ‘are you sure?’ kinda look when I told him that I wanted a sewing machine. I want to be empowered to make alterations to clothing and sew simple things you see.
So far, I’ve managed to
- replace loose elastic bands on Hannah’s shorts with new ones instead of throwing them away;
- replace the loose elastic bands on Peter’s fitted bedsheets; and
- alter the length of Yang’s new pants.
Now I dream of sewing quilts for the family and dresses for Hannah. However, free time is hard to come by and hence these dreams are distant realities. Anyway, I got myself started on something small recently. At the rate that Peter was drooling, the number of bibs we had couldn’t meet the demand. So the idea of sewing bibs came about. I browsed the Internet for ideas and tips and I got intrigued with bandana bibs. The initial prep work took up some time as I did not have all the necessary tools to begin with. I learned something new: fat quarter fabric! Ha, what a neat piece of cloth to sew small items like bibs. Fell in love with it. I also found a little online fabric store (local some more!) that sells lovely fabrics. Gosh, I think I’m addicted to acquiring beautiful fabrics.
I sewed 15 bandana bibs for Peter using 4 different fabric designs. I also experimented with different absorbent materials (e.g. terry and nappy cloths) for the backing. Am quite happy with the results and especially so with all the bibs being put to good use. Nobody can say that they have the same bibs as Peter because these are one of a kind! Hee hee :)
Hi, I’ve been thinking of picking up sewing but as I’ve not had prior experience with sewing machines, am hesitant about plonking down cash for a device I may not use regularly.
Did you have any prior knowledge about using a sewing machine before getting one? Also would you mind sharing which shop did you get your fabrics from?
Thanks.
Hi Hermes,
Welcome to our blog. :)
My mom taught me how to sew and I had plenty of practices because I helped my mom in her sewing business. I had experience in using powerful industrial kind of sewing machines before owning one (as shown in the photo above).
IMO, it is best to have someone teach you how to sew, e.g. in a sewing class. That way, the learning process is less daunting especially if you are totally new to sewing. The ability to trouble-shoot any problems that arise with using the sewing machine will also make sewing a pleasant experience.
Having said so, the next best option is to tap on the many useful self-help sewing tutorials found on the Internet. They are really quite good and come with demonstrations on video clips too.
The online fabric store is GOOOD Fabrics (http://www.gooodfabrics.com/main/). They are currently having a membership promotion. Quite nice. Membership is free. Of course, you could probably get better deals at specialised fabric stores in Chinatown (Singapore) but it is quite a hassle for me to bring along my kids to do fabric shopping and so shopping online saves me time and energy. :)
Hope this helps.
Looking good, Ling! Peter is looking pretty cool sporting those bandanas. Next time I’m around I might provide you some fabric to make one for me. It could prevent me from looking like a blast victim after I eat sup tulang.
The only time I’ve sewn is for an assignment in Junior High Home Economics. I still recall the note the instructor issued me on my cooking apron project: “Nice effort; stitching should be straighter.” I mean, gee, I thought it was obvious why I elected to use black fabric and thread: you’re not supposed to see the crummy stitching job I did!
Hi Matt,
Thank you for the compliment, though I often look much worse! And I must say that bandana bibs make baby boys look really cool as compared to the traditional type. Give those cute girlie dresses a run for their money. Lol.
No problem, I’ll sew you a bandana for your culinary delights. :D Clever you for using black to mask any imperfections. Is that apron still with you? :)
Funny you should mention it, but I just unearthed that apron yesterday for the first time in something like 15-plus years. If I had to describe it, it’s . . . well, I was young, what can I say? Clearly my Home Economics instructor was a kind, gentle, sensitive lady and quite mindful of my feelings. (For the record, she was decidedly less critically restrained in her opinions on the pizza rolls I baked that year.)
Are there any plans of fashioning attire for Hannah in the near future?
Wow wow, you found your apron, Matt! A trip down memory lane eh. I suppose between sewing and cooking, teachers would have lower expectations in the former for boys. Stereotype hmm?
Hannah is into dresses at this age. I hope to sew at least one pretty dress for her. Had something in mind and the design is rather retro. :)
hi! i was looking at getting the viking e20 as well. would you mind sharing your experience with it so far? :)
Hi MG,
This machine is not bad, especially if the user is a beginner. Remember to change the needle to the appropriate size if sewing thick material – check the user’s manual. I’d like it more if it can sew at industrial speeds as I was used to using my mom’s heavy-duty sewing machine :)
These bandana bibs are so cute! I am very amazed how you have done these cute things, they look so perfect and yes, they are one of a kind! How I wish I could make some of them too, but I really don’t have any skills especially when it comes to sewing. Well, congratulations because you did a very great job.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for the compliment. :) And welcome to our blog. :D