Wednesday 29 January 2014

What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday? #243

These dark, slightly out of focus desk shots just keep on coming, don’t they?

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Remember that simple “getting my hand back in” skirt pattern from last week? Well it seems that it was not quite so simple after all. I decided I did not want darts in the front as I prefer a flat fronted skirt. I thought if I just folded the dart in the paper pattern piece, before cutting out the fabric, that would get rid of them. Of course, it doesn’t, but you knew that, didn’t you?

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After an hour or so of fiddling about, I solved the problem and could get down to the cutting. I thought I’d have a go with the rotary cutter. I always think the fabric puckers up underneath when I pin patterns. In the absence of pattern weights, I grabbed a few tins from the cupboard and set to. It wasn’t without a few holding my breath moments, but I got there in the end. Much quicker than pinning. Will definitely be doing this again. All cut out and ready to sew, when I get a minute.

I’m linking up with Julia today. Head on over to see what everyone else has been making this week.

24 comments:

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Isn't it funny...seeing paper patterns like that takes me straight back to the knee trembling needlework class at school! A la recherche de Temps Perdu, huh? It can still bring me out in a cold sweat, so I REALLY admire you for making clothes, oh yes indeedy!
AND it gladdens my heart that there is someone else who doesn't pin ;-)
Hooray!!
Hugs, LLJ 51 xx

Jo said...

Ooh some gorgeous fabric there, can't wait to see the finished skirt x

alexa said...

That's a great solution and much quicker than all that endless pinning and finger-picking :).

Sian said...

I like how you got there with the help of the tins! Pinning and cutting is definitely not my favourite bit of the job

CraftygasheadZo said...

Good on you, I'd sew myself!! Tins make fab weights for a lot of things! Take care. Zo xx 64

scrappyjacky said...

I know just what you mean about pinning!

Twiglet said...

I always find the pinning and cutting out takes ages but its worth "measuring twice and cutting once" as my gran used to say!! Happy sewing. Have a good week. x Jo

Annie said...

I'm running late with my visits today [well late for me :-) ].
Have had a busy morning playing with the twins but they are both down for their naps now so I'm having a quick catch up with my friends :-)
Lovely to see you mastering the art of sewing :-)
Hugs,
Annie x # 38

My not so simple life said...

I think its amazing you make your own clothes, I made a wash bag back at school and was so impressed with myself for that! lol. Can't wait to see the finished skirt.

Kate Hadfield said...

I'm looking forward to seeing your finished skirt, that is such a pretty fabric!
Happy WOYWW!
Kate #52

Ann B said...

The burning question is.....what kind of beans did you use? Can't see from here. Clever idea to use the tins, I used to hate the laying out and pinning.
Happy WOYWW
Ann B
44

shazsilverwolf said...

Well done from another confirmed 'no pinning' person! Well done on the dart solution- I'd have made a complete mess of that! Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #35 xx

Jackie said...

Seeing paper patterns laid out that like reminds of my childhood mum was always sewing, I soon learnt how to lay out those patterns
Jackie 33

Sandra said...

Really looking forward to seeing the finished skirt. Looks to me like you're really enjoying dressmaking again

Unknown said...

I really like the fabric, can't wait to see the finished skirt. #3

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

I've always been a "pinner" but I am curious about fabric weights now. Clever idea to use cans, and your fabric is lovely.

Julia Dunnit said...

I use extra long pins and the puckering isnt the issue ot was..but I like the idea of weights and rotary cutters...aren't you patient - the thing with the darts would have been enough to make me shove the pattern back in the pocket!!

fairy thoughts said...

I use the extra long pins for patterns too, but always cut garments out with scissors.... more accurate I think. If you had folded the dart all the way down the line on the pattern and folded it back... it might have worked but you seem to have sorted out anyway... good luck with the rest of it .
janet #37

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

I still can't so but this looks great. Peg R-13

glitterandglue said...

Lovely fabrics, Fiona. Well done you for solving the problems you encountered!! I'm sure that skirt will be just great. Will you model it for us all??
Have a great week.
Margaret #39

lisa said...

Yep, no what you mean about the dark photos..same here.
Wow, I envy that you can dress make, darts and seams are double dutch to me, I can just about sew a straight line with my sewing machine!!!
Hugs Lisax #59

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

The last sewing project in which a pattern was involved was a large cloak that I made for a friend ~ *years* ago. I admire the process and respect the abilities of folks who are good at it!

Best wishes as this project progresses and comes together!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I hate pinning. Of course, I don't cut my fabric, so that may be one reason (grin). Looks like yours turned out great, and you can now breathe again. Happy belated WOYWW from # 1.

Lisa-Jane said...

I would have thought the same about the darts! I can't get my head around a rotary cutter actually being sharp enough to do the job! #46