Category: Sewing

Posted on in Sewing

Day One Of Me Getting Back Into Fashion Design

I didn’t get anything done today but I cleared my cutting table and opened the books. I flipped through them to remind myself of where I left off and now I’m walking away. Why? It’s seven-something p.m. and I feel like… well, I just don’t feel like I have the energy to start up right now, so I’m setting a goal.

I am going to remeasure my dressform (I have my old measurements but I really feel like I need to do it again to refresh my brain on it) and recreate my bodice patterns this coming Saturday. I really want to learn how to sew and create my own designs and I genuinely believe that I am going to be good at it. I just have to get out of my head and do it.

A picture of books about sewing.
Posted on in Sewing

Learning How to Create Patterns Is Discouraging

I haven’t sewed or attempted to create a pattern in four months. Why? No idea. Well, no, that’s not true. I spent hours crafting my first pattern from scratch and the damn thing didn’t fit. I don’t know what I did wrong but I didn’t feel like figuring it out. I’m pretty sure that experience left me feeling a little discouraged.

I’m ready to crack open my books — “Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing” and “Pattern Making for Fashion Design” — and commit to doing the work. I really want to make my own clothes, this year, so this is my accountability post. I will redo my first pattern and post about it on Saturday.

A picture of the Studio Designs cutting table parts and tools.
Posted on in Sewing

New Cutting Table, Who Dis?

My cutting table is up and ready to use—I’m so excited. After eyeing it for months on Joann.com, I finally bought Studio Designs’ “Sew Ready Cutting Table with Grid White,” for $199 ($217.74, including tax) and I like it. I haven’t used it yet, so this is just a brief first-impressions post.

The instructions were super easy to follow and every piece was labeled, so it was a breeze to put together. One of the parts arrived chipped, one of the screws is deformed (still usable, though!), and there’s some weird discoloration on one of the parts.

Besides those minor issues, everything arrived in great condition and was noticeably well packaged. I didn’t keep track of the time but I think it took me like two hours to put together. I was worried that it would be too short but 39.25 inches is the perfect height for me to stand and cut. The table, which includes two baskets, is sturdy, long AF, and rolls well on my creaky floors.

The only con that I have right now is the regular retail price, which is $399.99. I would’ve been big mad if I bought this table at that price because the quality is not giving $399.99. The table top’s wood is too thin for that price and the table’s legs could be thicker or made from a stronger material. Regular price aside, it seems like it’s going to be a great table for a beginner like me. Only time will tell, though!