Embroidery

You can do this. I promise.

Probably because the holidays are now in my sights, today I started thinking about gifts.  I really like to embroider, especially since I got my new glasses ("progressives.").  Hey, I can see the stitches again.  Awesome.

The pillowcase shown above only took about three nights.  I embroidered it while watching tv.  It makes me feel better about sitting on my butt, watching tv, if I do something constructive.  Enter embroidery.

In my humble opinion, the absolute best patterns come from Sublime Stitching.  Besides my beloved Tiki Freak transfers, who can resist "Beefcake Beach," "Sexy Librarian," or "Bowling Bettie" transfers?  Have fun with Sublime! 

Sewing

Thoughts on Sewing
I like to sew, but readers, I am not very good at it.  There was a time when I was (and I have a “Best of Show” ribbon to prove it), but in my older age, I’ve lost my edge.  There, I admit it.   I could make bound buttonholes, pleats, matched plaids and bias skirts.  If you know anything about sewing you know those are fairly advanced techniques.  I wouldn’t try any of those now.  Somebody could get hurt.  It’s much safer if I stay in the porch swing and sip a marg.

However, you really should learn some basics.  There are times in life where even a tiny bit of sewing knowledge is very helpful:

You can hem a pair of pants

Re-cover a hideous pillow

Cover windows inexpensively

Sew on a button

Those are just a few basics.  Sadly, sewing isn’t terribly economical anymore. If you have priced a pattern lately, you know what I’m talking about.  Unless you are extremely disciplined, you really will not make each and every “view” featured on the pattern.  Most of us will make the dress once, stuff the pattern tissue back inside, and pull it out when it’s time for a yard sale.  Furthermore, yardage, unless you get it on sale, is not the bargain it used to be. 

If you like to redecorate periodically, though, being able to sew is a bonus.  The last time I got the itch, I ran up new curtains, pillows, and a tablecloth.  It looked great, and at that time I did find everything on sale. 

Another advantage of being a home-sewer rolls around in October, when costume fever strikes.  Let’s face it, the best costumes are home-made (and I am just remembering my sister-in-law, in her russet potato number -fantastic).

Similarly, with just a little sewing technique under your belt, you can crank out charming baby shower and Christmas gifts (which does indeed save money).

Unless you are a really wonderful seamstress, I would advise against attempting bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses.  Been there, done that. 

We will, as we venture along here on cruelironing, have some inexpensive and satisfying sewing projects.  Stay tuned.