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Lessons Learned From Sewing Teddy Bears by suegold
Normally all of creativity is dedicated to running my jewelry business, Trinity London. However, in recent months, I've decided to try my hand at sewing, specifically making teddy bears. Since I only attempted any type of sewing within the past few months, I have learned many things in the process that I thought I would share.
Lesson 1a:
If you think your cat or dog sheds too much, making a stuffed animal is not for you.
Lesson 1b:
People coming into your house while you are making a teddy bear may think you have sacrificed your pets as part of a cult ritual when they see the amount of fur on the floor.
Lesson 1c:
If your significant other is not attracted to hairy chests, it's probably best to wear something over your clothes.
Lesson 1d:
Even if you bought the fur there in the first place, the people at the craft store will look at you strangely if you don't use a lint roller (or a vacuum... or just burn the clothes and change into something new entirely) before you make a quick stop at the store to pick up that one piece you are missing.
Lesson 1e:
Expect to find stray pieces of fur in odd places (i.e. - on the light switch, the curtains, the shower, etc.) as it clings to everything.
Lesson 2a:
Slightly furry reversible fleece fabric makes it much easier to see where you are sewing.
Lesson 2b:
Slightly furry reversible fleece fabric is so thick that it will make your sewing machine buck like a bronco in a rodeo.
Lesson 2c:
It is easier to pierce your thumb with the eye of the needle when attempting hand sewing than it is to pierce two layers of slightly furry reversible fleece fabric with the sharp point of the needle.
Lesson 2d:
When your mother suggests using slightly furry reversible fleece fabric to make a teddy bear because it reminds her of the fabric used on bears when she was younger, pretend not to hear her while swiftly walking away from the slightly furry reversible fleece fabric.
Lesson 3a:
If you didn't need to pin the section of fabric you are sewing, but it is still staying together, it is most likely on a fold and you shouldn't be sewing there.
Lesson 3b:
The person who designed the pattern put those marks on the pattern for a reason.
Lesson 3c:
It takes a lot longer to remove stitches than to sew them in the first place.
Lesson 4a:
When making a jointed teddy bear, if you use plastic safety joints, be sure they are placed exactly where you want them before attaching the lock washer.
Lesson 4b:
Asking your husband to remove a safety joint after the lock washer has been attached may result in an unexpected flathead screwdriver injury.
Lesson 4c:
It is best not to laugh hysterically at your husband's unexpected flathead screwdriver injury, as he will probably not find it as humorous as you.
Lesson 5:
If your cat is a bit skittish, she may impale your loved ones with her claws when she sees you walking into the room with a 2' tall stuffed grizzly bear.
Lesson 6:
If you have a child, take a picture of your completed project before you show him/her because you may never see it again.
I hope you have learned a little from my lessons... not that I would have made any of those mistakes myself.
Author Nancy Hall manages the Brother sewing machines and other sewing machines sales website. This site offers quality new and used sewing machines at discount, low prices online.
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Lessons-Learned-From-Sewing-Teddy-Bears/541034
Why is my clothing size in ready-to-wear different from sew-at-home patterns?
When i go into a store to buy clothing, i'm one size. But if i take my measurements and look at the sizes on sewing patterns, i'm coming up 5 sizes BIGGER... that's 10 whole numbers! It's insane!! Why would this happen? I've checked and double checked, both my measurements and the patterns.
The last time pattern companies revamped their sizes was sometime in the late 1960s. As Americans have gotten larger, RTW sizes have changed to reflect this. A size 12 used to be a lot smaller than it is today - its called "vanity sizing". I've found that if I wear a size 12 in RTW, I need to use a size 16 pattern. It seems I usually go up Two Sizes. Another hint, patterns are sized for a "B" cup. If you are larger than a B, you need to go by your "upper bust" (right under your arms and around) measurement and do a "full bust adjustment". Otherwise your clothes will be too big in the neck and shoulders. There is a great sewing site called Pattern Review where you can ask questions and get help. Lots of sewing and fitting advice!
http://sewing.patternreview.com/
