Thursday, March 29, 2007

Much better at knitting than sewing!

I have always thought that I was better at knitting than sewing, but now I know for sure!! Several weeks ago I bought some material and a pattern to make myself some aprons. My old aprons are looking pretty weary and pathetic. My first instinct was to knit myself an apron...I have seen patterns (Knitty's party apron and Saucy apron from Tracy Ullman's book Knit 2 Together) and they do look quite nice. I would probably have to add a bib to Saucy, but either apron would be wonderful knit with a nice cotton. I talked myself out of knitting the apron because I thought it would take too long and would it really be practical? Ok, so I went ahead made the aprons:
From a distance they don't look too bad. They will definitely serve their purpose and I'm glad I made them. I made many mistakes for sure, but by the third one I did much better. Not perfect, but a little better. I'm glad they are for me and not a gift. I would be very embarrassed to give them to anyone!

With so much fabric left over, I then proceeded to try to make a needle case somewhat like Ren's. She was my inspiration to actually pulling out my sewing machine and sew the aprons and then the case with the leftovers. Her case is beautiful! My case is ok and much better than the way I was storing my needles previously. You can see my mess here:
I had one pretty good case for my long straights and I had a zippered case for my circulars, but over all it was a chore to find needles when starting a new project. Now, the new case didn't actually end up as I had envisioned it. I wanted a case that would hold all my needles. I really tried, but the circulars just wouldn't stay put in their pockets. Every time I tried to flip that portion of the case over they all would fall out. Very messy and frustrating. I probably could sew snaps on the pockets, but that just seemed like way too much work! I think it would be ok for a few, but I have way too many. Then I came up with a solution that works out very well. I am using a three ring zipper binder with page protectors to keep the circulars in order by size.
I wish I had thought if this earlier. Now I have two cases for ALL my needles!
This is the case I made:
I now have room for all my straight ( short and long) and all my double pointed needles. The flap folds over and I end up with a pretty compact, but heavy roll:
I'm happy, but please do not look too closely at the sewing!! It's functional; it works, but is it a product of a skilled sewer?..... NO...definitely not. My sewing machine is now safely tucked away in it's case, probably for at least another year. That's enough sewing for this year and now back to my knitting. Next time I need an apron I think I will knit it....that would be a much more enjoyable experience!!

happy knitting :)

16 comments:

  1. aww, don't say your sewing is terrible! it all looks wonderful from here! i really like how you have all the layers for your straight needles in the case. my circulars stay in the pocket when i flip it over because i made the pockets much narrower than the cords. they may be pretty kinky when i go to knit with them again, but at least they're all in one place for storage!

    p.s. thanks for the shout-out and glad i could help you get your machine back out! : )

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  2. well.color me impressed. i don't eve know how to work the bobbin. so kudos to you for even trying. i love how all the needles are lined up so pretty. the aprons look nice to, so give credit where credits do! good job!

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  3. I think they look great!!! My sewing is terrible.

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  4. heck, if I knew how to work a sewing machine and if I had one, I'd definitely be making one of these needle cases! It looks awesome! Your aprons are great too! if you ever got around to doing the knitted apron--you could always do a patchwork one made out of dishcloths. ;)

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  5. Don't sell yourself short---all look great to me! My sewing machine has been in its bag for about 15 years now---after its original total of about 4 hours use! I don't think I could run the damned thing without a lesson-LOL!

    As for the entrelac--if you've already done garterlac, you have the hard part down. The entrelac is just knit and purl, rather than all knit!

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  6. Oh please, it doesn't matter if they are perfect or not. Your aprons are cute and I'm sure parctical. The needle case is great! I love the fabric you used for it! I could use something like that as well. Right now I HATE to sew, so I don't. Hmm.

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  7. Well, it all looks very nice to me!
    Good idea with the binder, too.
    Aprons are a great way to practice sewing. I've been meaning to make myself a couple new ones, just never seem to get around to it.

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  8. Well, it all looks good from here. I've been thinking about Ren's needle roll ever since I saw it. Yours is lovely too. Now I'm going to shamelessly copy both of you :)

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  9. I think the aprons are very cute - great job! But the needle case - its great! Make me one! :-) Its really so nice....maybe you should take the sewing machine out a bit more!

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  10. I think the aprons and the needle case all look great!! It will be wonderful to have them all stored so nice!! Now that the sewing machine is tucked away, what are you going to knit???

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  11. I think I use my sewing machine an average of once a year too. I can make curtains and repair seams. Beyone that --travel at my own risk!!!

    The needle case is wonderful. I have a drawer that gets easily messed up when it is opened and closed. I also have a large stein filled with long needles.

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  12. I think all looks very nice, I made several of the needle cases too. I have gifted them and sold a few. And your aprons look wonderful too.

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  13. I think all your sewing projects look just fine!! Just think now how much easier those needles will be to find!! My grandmother and mom were born with the sewing trait, sadly, not me.

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  14. Terrific job! I, too, have been feeling compelled to sew SOMETHING, ANYTHING! Don't know what's come over me lately, but my machines (I have 3- my MIL's, dear Aunt Rose's, and mine-2 are locked and loaded!) have been calling to me!

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  15. I wish I could sew! I've had a machine for a couple of years and have yet to take it out of the box. Your aprons look lovely, and your needle case is fantastic!

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  16. If it is functional and convenient, then I don't think it matters how perfect the sewing is. Both cases look good and I will have to try the zippered binder for my circulars. Good Idea!

    Ang

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Thank you all for your comments! I really appreciate them. I usually don't follow up with an email, but if you do have a question please make sure you include a way to reach you within your comment so I may answer your question. Thanks and happy knitting :)

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