My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week's creative space is all about getting creative spaces ready for other people. In the background you can see an array of stunning limited-edition, hand screen-printed Pippijoe prints. They are destined for the "Handmade Shower Cap" craft lab which I am running next week at at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show 2010. As I prepare the patterns, fabric and notions I am feeling equal parts of nerves and excitement.

So, are you going to the Stitches and Craft Show? Its open daily between 5 - 9 May at the Caulfield Racecourse. It will be heaps of fun and entry is only $10 (can you believe a two day pass is just $15?). So much to do - pop along to craft labs and studios, make stuff, learn stuff, meet people, be inspired ... and of course stock up on your craft supplies! The full show guide can be found here.

And I had better not forget a bit of shameless self promotion! If you fancy sitting down for an hour and making a shower cap for yourself - or maybe as a gift for Mother's Day - do come along to my craft lab. (See for yourself whether I really am a blue hippo in red overalls!). Full booking details (along with dates and times) can be found here.



Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Its just a number .... right?

Here's a question for you: what's the most daunting part of learning to sew? Could it be setting in a sleeve? Or maybe making buttonholes? Perhaps its putting in a zipper?

Personally, I think the hard bit is getting your head around the numbers. You know, the kind you see on the back of the pattern envelope, set out ever so closely to words like "bust", "waist" and "hip". Yes ... those numbers: sizes. If your experience of garments is entirely of the Ready-To-Wear (RTW) persuasion, entering the world of pattern sizing is much like walking into a parallel universe.

You see, working out your Pattern Size is not dissimilar to one of those silly games where you work out your porn star name. You take some facts about yourself, apply a formula and come up with something completely ludicrous. (I'm Sammy Monica, by the way). Your suspension of disbelief (I'm a what?) is critical to accepting your Pattern Size. Wave goodbye to that RTW Size ... you can leave it at the door (with your dignity).

Take me, for example.

I have have just bought a pair of jeans in an Australian size 16 (USA 12). Despite being quite er ... well-padded .... I bought the jeans from the regular ladies collection at a middle-of-the-road store. They fit comfortably and if I am not mistaken (or thinking too wishfully), they are perhaps even a little loose around the waist. Now Size 16 isn't ideal (it is admittedly very well-padded), but to be honest it sounds a whole lot better than the horror we'll call my Pattern Size.

If I look in a commercial pattern book, my bust measurement puts me at a Misses' Size 18. My waist and hip, however, cannot be located in the Misses' patterns - I need to look at something called Women's sizing for the more mature figure (I suspect this is a euphemism for very well padded ... which of course, is in itself is a euphemism ... but I digress ...). My waist and hip measurements now make me a size 26. So I've jumped from 16 to 26.

But if that weren't bad enough, my fondness for European pattern magazines - such as Burda World of Fashion and Patrones - has introduced a new problem. European sizing uses a different system and friends, it isn't pretty. According to the size charts, I graduate from a 46 on top to a 50 around the waist and hips. Good grief. Now my derriere has jumped from 16 to 50. I know its just a number. But its a jolly big, demoralising one (ahem much like my bottom, I should say).

But having said all that, at least there is an upside. We home sewers are not obliged to sew size tags into clothes. There are no constant reminders when we get dressed or hang the washing out; no big numbers on fancy woven tags. Whether you cut an 18 or a 46, is irrelevant once you have packed those pattern pieces away. So as you set out looking fabulous in your custom-fitted garment, its size remains your secret.

That is, unless you happen to put it on your blog. Ooops.

Reversible scarf

A satiny print; a soft warm knit.
Pinned together; right sides inward.
Sewn carefully; almost all the way.



Corners clipped.
Right sides turned outward.
Perimeter top-stitched.
A new scarf.



Satin and jersey fabric from Tessuti Fabrics. Made for my mum's birthday. Modelled by me. (With just a hint of grey dressing gown. Classy.).

Lest we forget

The freedom that we cherish has been bought.

from: Sonnet for ANZAC Day, Alf Wood

Sew handy: some notions references for new sewers

How to choose sewing thread
http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Sewing-Thread
This step-by-step introduction at Wiki How, is particularly good for differentiating types of thread. The authors point you in the right direction for matching thread to projects. Did you know you should use silk thread for basting fabric?

A factual look at sewing thread
http://www.ylicorp.com/pdf/tot-brochure.pdf
This brochure titled A Thread of Truth, is technical article about the properties and manufacture of thread. Despite the level of detail, its still quite an accessible read and is geared to the home sewer. Learn about tex size, tenacity, loop strength, color fastness, raw materials, finishes and construction.

How a button works
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4673326_a-button-work.html
This eHow article clearly explains the differences between sew-through, shank and frog (Mandarin) buttons, as well as pronged and post snaps.

Attaching buttons
http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/12_105_attaching_buttons.pdfThe Sewing and Craft Alliance provide an introduction for attaching both flat and shank buttons, as well as creating a shank on a flat button. I like their suggestions for "novelty" button applications, including tying the button on!

Elastic - the notion that gives
http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/6_145_elastic_notion_that_gives.pdf
I undoubtedly first bookmarked this article because of its title! It is, however, a very good introduction to using elastic. Find out whether you should be using woven, braided or knitted elastic for your next project. This fact sheet is full of useful information about measuring and sewing with this notion.

All about zippers
http://www.sewingsupport.com/zippers.html
This article is text only, but is a good introduction to zippers. It details types, parts and how to make a selection. There is even a short description on how to shorten a zipper.

The ABC of zip fasteners
http://www.industrie.coats.de/zip/zipabc/?_lng=
Large manufacturer Coates, provides some great diagrams and photographs. See the differences between spiral, profile, concealed and metal zippers, as well as various types of open and closed ended fasteners.

The new neighbours

I don't like to sound uncharitable, but the new neighbours are a bit wild. Someone is really going to have to speak to them about the noise.

Honestly, I know they have a new baby, but do they have to make such a din at all hours? They shriek and squeal and fight so loudly.

Perhaps it wouldn't be quite so bad, if it weren't directly above my bedroom at 3:00am. What a bunch of animals.


Nocturnal mother and baby Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in our garden last night.

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week's creative space is feeling distinctly un-creative just now. In the background there, you can see lots of cut pieces for a trial-run of my first shirt, McCalls M5522, View D. And I know its about to cause me grief; lots of it.

You see I've reached a point in my sewing where my ability to alter patterns is lagging behind my ability to construct garments. I would love to make lots of shirts, jackets and trousers, but sadly there is little point unless they fit nicely. And for someone of the full-busted-sway-backed-protruding-tummy-you-really-need-to-stop-slouching-like-that persuasion, there's a lot of altering to be done.

So I am sitting at the cutting board this week, contemplating the hard yards ahead. (Its not a good place to be, if your secret favourite quote is work fascinates me; I could watch it for hours.)

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Sew handy: some sewing pattern references for new sewers

Taking proper body measurements
Burda Fashion
These 3 pages on the Burda website provide detailed instructions about how and where to take measurements for sewing women's garments. Good diagrams are provided. The last page helps you determine the shape of your hip, bottom and tummy.

How to choose the correct pattern size
iSew
Commercial patterns are sized for ten different body classifications, including children, junior and men. Use the information here to decide on the sizing for your next project. Of note is the explanation regarding differences between Misses and Womens patterns.

Browse the pattern company catalogs online
Simplicity and New Look
Kwik Sew
Burda
Butterick, McCall and Vogue
While nothing beats leafing through the glossy pages of a real pattern book, the reality is many of us don't have the time (for example, diverting my attention for a few nano-seconds from my preschools, would lead to an embarrassing rampage). These sites are invaluable for browsing from home. The downside is that seasonal-collection information is sometimes topsy-turvy for those of us in the southern hemisphere.

Downloadable patterns
SewingPatterns.com
www.burdastyle.com/patterns
If you like shopping in your pyjamas in the dead of night, then you will love these sites. Download, print, match, tape and cut out your own patterns at home. SewingPatterns.com offers a subset of commercial patterns for download at a reduced price. Burdastyle offers a range of lovely free and modestly priced patterns. Be warned though - you will need a lot of sticky tape and printer paper and some patience!

How to read a sewing pattern
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=478
If you are about to sew from your first commercial pattern, look no further than this excellent primer by Lara at Sew Mama, Sew. You will find lots of helpful details regarding the envelope back, the pattern pieces, markings and instructions.

Brief introduction to pattern alterations
New Mexico State University
This site gives an overview of types of pattern alterations you might make to improve a garment's fit. Its a good summary with short explanations and diagrams (though probably not a substitute for a good book or class).

The font of all knowledge
sewing.patternreview.com
Last, but most definitely not least, is this outstanding site. The comprehensive knowledge base at PatternReview is always worth consulting before buying or starting on a pattern. Thousands of sewers have submitted their personal reviews; rating the best and worst. There is a lot of candid, anecdotal information about alterations and workarounds. If you are a newbie sewer, the benefit of a bit of reading may stop you heading down a path of doom before you even start! You can view recent reviews (including photos of finished projects) as a guest, but have full access as a member. Use the advanced search page for the best results.

Sew handy: some sewing machine references for the new sewer

How Sewing Machines Work
home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm
I love this entry at How Stuff Works. Not only is there a good basic explanation of the workings of a sewing machine, but there are two completely mesmerising animated diagrams showing stitch formation. Stare at them too long and you will go into a trance.

Sewing Machine Manuals
http://www.sewingmanuals.com/
Lost your sewing machine manual? You're bound to find a replacement here ( ... though admittedly you will have to pay a modest amount for the privilege). Manuals are available as a PDF download or on CD.

Sewing Machine Needle Charts
www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf
This very handy table at Sewing.org provides a detailed description of the different types of sewing machine needles. The selection includes: universal, ballpoint, twin, overlocker, jean and leather needles.

Sewing Machine Needle Sizes
www.dummies.com/how-to/content/sewing-machine-needle-size-and-fabric-chart.html

You can always rely on the Dummies site to save the day. If sewing machine needle sizes (including the sizing variations between countries) has you flummoxed, you will appreciate this cheat sheet.

Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance
aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-102.pdf
This PDF shared by the New Mexico State University says: When you have trouble with your sewing machine, a good rule to follow is “Clean it first.” Many problems are caused by dust, lint or thread ends that have collected on the working parts of the machine. (Lint? Dust? Who'd ever have thunk?) Use their straightforward instructions to perform your own basic machine service.

Specialty Presser Feet
www.simplicitysewing.com/help/FAQ/presser-feet-instructions.asp
Simplicity Homecare provides basic information and diagrams explaining some common speciality presser feet. Find out more about the overcast, narrow hem, blind hem, cording, darning, applique, gathering, pintuck, roller and 1/4 inch feet.

More Speciality Presser Feet
sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=27779
Start a whole presser foot collection! PatternReview.com member Loohoo44 has put together an amazing list of links detailing specialty presser feet and uses. All the links point to PDF files residing at www.sewingmachinesplus.com, but so far as I can see the site has no readily accessible index.

Sew handy: some fabric references for the new sewer

Please enjoy a selection of favourite reference bookmarks related to fabric.

Estimated Fabric Yardage Requirements
www.getcreativeshow.com/seminars/yardage-reqirements.htm
Are you a fabric stasher? Do you like buying fabric without a clue as to what you will do with it? See how to estimate yardage when you are buying fabric, but don't yet have a pattern. These tables, provided by Denver Fabrics, give you suggested yardage for shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, slacks, skirts and dresses. Measurements are provided in both inches and centimetres.

Fabric Width Conversion Measurements
www.studiotantrum.com/Bonuses/Fabric-conversion2.pdf
(requires a PDF reader)
What do you do when the perfect fabric for your sewing project is the wrong width? Too narrow and you'll run short; too wide and you'll have too much. This table, provided by Studio Tantum, allows you to convert the pattern requirement, based on a range of widths. Measurements are provided in both inches and centimetres. (Similar tables can be readily found on other websites such as Butterick.com, but are stated in inches only.)

Fabrics International Wiki
fabricsinternational.wetpaint.com
This collaborative website is being filled with information by fabric enthusiasts. With each fabric indexed according to content, construction and family, its an interesting read. There are gaps here and there, but the documentation is extensive. Information includes how the fabric is made, its drape, care and sewing challenges. There are also links to pictures of completed projects using each fabric.

Textile Dictionary
www.fabriclink.com/Dictionaries/Textile.cfm
Can't tell your tell your burlap from your boucle? Not sure if its selvage or selvedge? See Fabric Link's textile dictionary. There are no pictures, but plenty of short,helpful definitions.

Fibre Burn Test
www.ditzyprints.com/dpburnchart.html
Do you have unidentifiable fabric in your stash? Why not try the "burn test"? By setting a small piece of your fabric alight, you will be able to get a better idea of the fibre content. Ditsy Prints chart is easy to follow ( ... and fun, if you like burning stuff!)

Death, taxes and far worse things

There are only three things in life that are of certainty: death, taxes and that your children will embarrass you. The first two are, of course, merely an inconvenience in comparison to the latter.

Take this week for example, when Mr Hoppo Bumpo and I chanced upon a Discovery Channel production called Dirty Jobs.

If you are not familiar with this series, each program looks at a difficult or messy occupation. This week's episode involved mud and sludge and dredging trucks: just the thing that we suspected small boys would enjoy. We taped the episode, saving it to our computer hard drive, for future viewing with Argy and Bargy. And as we expected, the boys adored it.

In fact Bargy loved it so much, that he went to kindergarten and told his teacher all about it. Yes he did: I went into my dad's study. And I watched a dirty video on the computer.

See? Give me taxes any day.

May contain traces of sewing

Do you trace sewing patterns? I do. Always. Absolutely. But, if you were to ask me why I do this without fail, I would struggle to answer.

I could, however, tell you that the seeds of this habit were sewn early.

Take my very first project: a pair of child's pyjamas. I ever-so carefully cut out the size 3 from the multi-size pattern and painstakingly sewed the two piece set. It was my flannelette triumph. But approximately 5 minutes later, Argy was a size 4 and the pattern pieces all but useless to the nervous novice. I tried to buy the same pattern again, only to find it out-of-print. Ah, if only I had traced the original. Why, I could have made Argy the same pyjamas every year until he was 12. Awwww, cute.

Disclaimer: A-hem ... of course I would never, ever, ever do that. Cross my heart; hope to die; stick a sewing needle in my eye. Because as we all know the big pattern companies say blah, blah, blah ... you may only make just so many garments .... blah, blah, blah ... in just the one size from your pattern ... blah, blah, blah.

Following directly on from the pyjama pattern fiasco, was my first skirt. It was a lovely A-line number with a facing instead of a waistband. Again, I ignorantly chopped into the original pattern paper. I immediately sensed my mistake, when something labelled front-facing-cut-one-on-the-fold drifted from the table to the floor. A passing melee of children swept up the wafer thin paper and the pattern piece was, as they say, toast. (That is, if your toast is generally a piece of bread trodden on, then shredded by preschoolers). Ah, if only I had traced the original.

From then on, I decided that such calamities should never befall me again. No siree. Armed with an HB pencil and translucent paper, I started tracing. There is such comfort in having a back-up; a disaster recovery plan - especially when making pattern alterations.

So here I am two years later, with a thousand million copied pattern pieces. I haven't stopped yet. I trace everything. Large project and small. Patterns I will reuse and those I won't. Even patterns that come printed on the sturdiest of archive-quality paper, with single sizing. Sometimes I trace the children while they sleep.

Of course a small part of me acknowledges that I have a problem. The uncut fabric; the stationary sewing machine; the lost enthusiasm after pattern preparation. They all point one thing: the madness of traces. Or was that traces of madness?

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week I am doing a little jewellry repair: re-stringing a somewhat fragile, but beautiful and unique necklace.

I believe the beads are the rarely seen Macaroni-ite Dye-us. I would have run them through my teeth to check their authenticity, but oddly the words colour run keep springing to mind. Anyway, I have replaced their original stringing (a piece of pink yarn) with some nice stretchy hat elastic.

I am told that you can make a good replica of these beads by combining a couple tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, food coloring and some uncooked pasta. The beads need to be left to dry for an hour on paper towel before being used. (And I am assuming that wearing them in the rain would be a disaster waiting to happen.)

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

How to attach a Janome walking foot

Have you ever purchased a walking foot for a Janome sewing machine? And looked at the rather scant instruction for installing the foot? Then looked at your machine? Then looked again at the walking foot? And realised that the instructions should state:

WARNING: Any resemblance between the walking foot in this diagram and the one that you are holding in your hand is purely coincidental. Small but crucial parts have been omitted from the illustration, so that you will feel like banging your head against a wall.

Yes? Well, go put an icepack on your head and relax. Today's entry is from me to you with love. (Its also intended to replace a well-visited link to some very faded old instructions I scanned and uploaded ages ago).

Trust me, once you attach your walking foot you are going to just love it. So let's get started ...


Press the red button on the foot attachment to release the existing presser foot. Put the foot to one side.


Using a screwdriver, undo the set screw on the side of the foot holder. (A magnetic screwdriver - the sort that will grab the loose screw - is very handy.)


Remove the foot holder from the vertical presser bar and set it to one side in a safe place. (Don't let your three-year-old play with it or you're a goner. Its very hard to reattach your other presser feet without this contraption)


Put the little set screw somewhere safe! You will need it again in a minute.


Take the walking foot and raise the lever.


Keep the lever raised and hook the walking foot around the presser bar. Line the foot up vertically, so that you can insert the set screw.


Put the set screw in and tighten with the screwdriver.


Make sure the walking foot is nice and sturdy. The lever should be resting on top of the needle clamp.


Hooray! The walking foot is ready to use.

Now a word of encouragement: the more practice you get at attaching and removing the foot the better. It can be a bit fiddly to start with, but the process does become easier ( ... and I speak from the point of view of a hopeless butter-fingers). Whilst its awfully tempting to put the foot on and then leave it there, be aware there are some types of sewing that really shouldn't be done with a walking foot!

If you wish to attach the quilting guide, you simply push it into the slot at the back and move it left or right to set the desired width.

Helpful sewing acronyms

FBA - full bust alteration; changing the bustline on a paper pattern

EBA - enormous bottom adjustment; similar to above, but much larger measurements

OOP - out of print; pertains to patterns

IPBNIS - in print, but not in stock; relates to the pattern you took a 30 minute drive to purchase

WIP - work in progress; project status

UFO - unfinished object; former WIP; collective noun is the-cupboard-we-don't-mention

SBAMIPCA - started, but a more interesting project came along; see also UFO

OOAK - one of a kind; has unique characteristics

SWHW$#%&@ - something went horribly wrong; see also OOAK

Grounds for divorce

There's no point in putting up a pretence.
Decorating James The Tank Engine took ages.
My, how my hands hurt.
Those piped stars just went on and on.
There was wailing and gnashing of teeth.

But pity the man of the house.
A foolish hapless soul.
Who queried.
Right. At. The. End.
Why James wasn't towing his usual tender car.

At least the 5- year-old birthday boy loved it.

Ode to stitchless sewing

I'd like to ask you a question
To see what you think and know
About this favourite pastime
The hobby we all call: "Sew"

You see, I think I'm "sewing"
But this could be quite unjust
You see, my poor sewing machine
Is gathering loads of dust

There's been not a single stitch made
Nor any fashion fabric cut
Yet in my mind, I've done loads
I've been a total sewing nut

I've bought lots of sewing mags
And renewed my undying passion
For possibly, maybe, one-day tracing
Something from Burda World of Fashion

I've downloaded a Jalie pattern
And begun taping together pages
(But the seventy-two I've printed out
Are taking bloody ages)

I've slavishly read sewing blogs
I'm keen to keep abreast
Of all the current sewing trends
(Especially how Cathy will be dressed)

But at the end of the day, I accept
That most would really deem
That the act of sewing must really result
In the creation of at least one seam

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week's space is again dedicated to finishing my hand-beaded and couched name tag for a swap (for Sew It Together, a sewing and craft blogmeet being held in May).

My brand new reading sewing glasses turned up late today: just in time to see how bad my eyesight has really been. The couching is a debacle with stitches all over the place. The glasses confirm that I should have focused on couching more in the sense of lazing about on a sofa. At least it wouldn't have been so messy.

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Homemade

07.04.05
Homemade
One of a kind
Argy (10lb 1oz)

About to make my fortune?

Its April and feijoa season. Have you seen the little green fruit? They are about the size of an egg, native to Brazil and related to guavas. I believe they are quite popular in New Zealand, but seldom seen here in Australia. Except for my place, where I have quite a lot.



You see about two years ago I asked my parents not to lop the huge feijoa tree in their garden. As a result I now receive all the fruit. At the time of writing, I have taken receipt of approximately a bazillion feijoas.

And as is often the way in nature, with volume I have started to see some variation in the shape of the fruit. For example, this penguin turned up today.



I am deeply suspicious (but cannot prove) that the eyes and wings were added, sometime after it parted company with the tree. That aggressive expression is, however, quite genuine.



The question is whether I should make it into chutney ... or follow this example and list a Rare Feijoa Penguin (Cranky Disposition) on eBay?

Fabric store ettiquette and unspoken rules

Today I faced my greatest sewing challenge to date. And I was nowhere near a sewing machine.

Instead, picture me in a fabric store. I've just spotted a bolt. When I say bolt, I really mean the remainder of a bolt - let's say 5 metres at most. From a distance it looks like denim, but up close its softer, finer and has more the appearance of a shot cotton. Nice. My heart gives a little skip as I see the tag: a steal at $6.95 a metre. I give it the furtive crinkle test before it springs back, flat as a tack. Good. Poly-cotton. Highly suited to the bias cut skirt I want to make.

I pick up the bolt and set off on the awkward passage around the narrow shop.

And that's when I am accosted. That's a lovely one she booms. She puts her hand out and strokes the fabric, despite its proximity to my person. I nod and smile and try to edge away. I really like that she persists. Gosh, I can see where this is going and frankly I'm not quite sure what to do. Thankfully Rival Shopper's friend Raucous Customer calls from across the shop and she is momentarily distracted. I slink away toward the counter.

But then a knit catches my eye.

Now, as hard as I try, I can't negotiate peering at the knit's price tag and holding the bolt, so I put my prize find down. I prop it against my ... ahem ... bosom (as one does) and examine the price tag. Just as I am squinting at the tiny writing, I feel the bolt rock slightly, then move in its entirety. Yes, Rival Shopper is back and she has taken the bolt. And she is fondling the fabric. My fabric.

Wait a minute. My fabric? I haven't paid for it yet. So technically it isn't. It was, however, in my possession ( ... or was that my bosom? Same, same.). This is awkward - what should I do?

Politely ask for it back?
Offer to share the spoils?
Accept that possession is nine-tenths of the law and I am no longer in possession?
Say "Hey look over there, I think that's linen for $2 a metre ..." and make a mad dash with the bolt?
Head-high tackle her and wrestle the bolt from her clutches?

What would you do?

Thankfully before I have to make a decision, Raucous Customer calls across the shop and Rival Shopper's attention is once again diverted. I scoop up the bolt and head post haste to the counter. Whew ... that was close: the need for fisticuffs in the fabric shop, has been averted.

Musings on being a late bloomer

Do you sew garments? If you do, I wonder when you began? As a child or teenager perhaps? (Many craft blogs I read, suggest this might be the case).

Me? Well, I started only a few months shy of a milestone birthday; one that sounds a bit like the word naughty. Prior to this, I had a chequered past in the sewing department. Indeed the words fiasco and debacle do spring to mind.

You see at some point (quite possibly eighth grade Textiles) I (or possibly a teacher) decided that I really couldn't sew. And once I thought I couldn't sew, I really didn't bother trying again. I bumbled my way though to adulthood without completing even the most basic of sewing tasks. With hand-on-heart, I can swear I found the stapled hem to be a perfectly acceptable finish. And as for the safety-pin-for-button substitution? Guilty as charged. Years ago, I remember Mr Hoppo Bumpo confiscating a garment with a split seam. Apparently his days of sewing up windsurfer sails trumped the use of office stationery in garment repairs.

Sewing went one way and I, the other ... and it seemed never the twain should meet. Which was a pity given that my dear, late grandmother was the most wonderful seamstress. She could make anything and to absolute perfection. She created all sorts of fabulous garments for me and course I watched as the machine whirred away. Unfortunately, I managed to turn sewing into some kind of spectator sport (complete with ignorance of the rules).

Nan used to tell me all the time that I could sew, but to this day I have no idea where her confidence sprang from. In my recollection she never saw me sew anything in particular ( ... and I kept the staples very hush-hush). Sadly, it wasn't until after she died and I was nearly forty that I tried to learn. The 12 hours of beginners' evening classes were a complete revelation: not only was sewing relatively straight-forward, but it was interesting, rewarding and fun. Sewing was liberating too - suddenly there was the possibility of garments in the just the colour, shape and fit I wanted.

Now I am looking back and kicking myself: if only I had started earlier; lots earlier. I am very sad that I didn't take the opportunity to learn from my grandmother. And I can only imagine what those years of extra experience might have produced by now. Plackets with alacrity. Armscyes with my eyes closed. Ease adjustments, with er ... ease? Maybe my wardrobe would be filled with a range of beautiful garments that I truly loved and appreciated.

What do you think? Is an early start in sewing an advantage?

It's certainly the case when you are learning a language or an instrument. And it helps for athletic pursuits (... you don't, for example, see many people taking up gymnastics at my age). On the other hand, being of the mature age often brings a greater degree of motivation and possibly, application to learning. But then there's also a certain confidence that comes with starting something young. (Picture the difference between a 4-year old and a 34-year old novice skier hurtling down the slopes). And let's face it ... there are many aspects of sewing that are about confidence.

While I ponder these questions, there is only one thing I can say with confidence: I am yet to meet an eight-year old who wants to learn how to construct a welt pocket.

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week's space is full of teeny tiny beads. I'm working on a name tag swap for Sew It Together, a sewing and craft blogmeet being held in May.

My partner's name is being couched in satiny red braid and I am filling the background with little aqua sequins, round beads and bugle beads. I hope she doesn't mind a bit of sparkle.

I have to admit that I have found the near-work incredibly tricky. While I have been joking for some time about my eye-sight, it never occurred to me that I might need spectacles. Mostly because I already wear glasses.

According to an eye test yesterday, I now need two pairs. But not at the same time of course, because no one wants to be called six eyes (unless you are a fly, in which case that is a compliment).

The new glasses won't be ready until the day after the swap is due, so between now and then there will be much stitching at arm's length.


Oh look ... more sparkles.

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.