Double Welt Pockets Practice

Happy Independence Day America!

I'll admit, I never want to bbq or anything on the 4th, but it's because my birthday is the 6th - which, my mom reminded me for the 34th time that I she went into labor with me at the 4th of July picnic and I wasn't born until 2 days later on the 6th. :-)

The two big ones are with their dad's family for the holiday and we have the other two here at home. We decided to keep it simple because I want to have bbq chicken and ribs (mmmmmmm!) for my birthday. Have I mentioned that I hate sharing occasions  I don't understand people who choose to overlap occasions  Like...ok, you can't control a kid being born on/near a holiday, but I know a guy who shares a birthday with his mom and then got married on that day too.  I just don't comprehend it! Anyway, I'd never want a 4th/birthday celebration because it's my birthday! I'm not a brat or a diva or anything I just love birthdays!

Today, I would have liked to just sew. But I as I sit on the patio feeling the warm breeze on this perfect 85 degree day, I don't mind that I got out of my own way a bit.

Now, I did get *some* sewing done, but instead of trying to get a project done, I decided today was the day I'd learn how to do double welt pockets. I was intimidated but I knew I'd get it if I just keep at it.

Attempt #1 - Using cotton was smart, it was nice and sturdy - easy to press, etc. The pattern made it hard for me to assess though...and my stitching in the ditch was sad.

Then I decided to try some suiting fabric that I got in a free bundle...This is horrific poly something and it was distorting as I tried to make the marks on it and it doesn't press at all.

Then I decided to try the lovely woven that I made my peplum out of. I loved working with that fabric and figured it would make a good practice fabric.

It's mostly even, the corners are hard to turn properly

I was very proud of myself after this attempt! I will say, I will probably stick to using only stable fabric until it becomes second nature to me (and I didn't interface this attempt at all). It wasn't difficult at all - just an exercise in patience! You have to move slowly and deliberately. You have to watch your stitching closely. You have to cut it correctly down the center. You have to keep going even though you're going to be positive you did something wrong when you turn the pocket bag out and the whole assembly is flopping all about. (I like using run-on sentences for dramatics!). 

I used Fashion Sewing Blog TV's tute with pocket dimensions from Professor Pincushion's tute. I would assume that a pattern with welts would have a pattern piece for the welt. 

My New Sewing Space!

I am tired. No, you don't understand. Really, really tired. Like I want to ingest naproxen for breakfast, lunch and dinner tired. Like I want to sleep for 4 days tired. Moving is stupid exhausting.

You're kicking butt, making progress, you got this.

Then...THEN, you realize you have NOT got this. There are suddenly 1,187 things to move. Wait. Where did all of these things come from?!?

But you persevere because well...you sort of have to. Then eventually, you're out of the place. But wait! There's more!!! You get everything to the new house (not in - to). There was still work to be done and we started moving things into the garage, which seemed like a good idea, but it would have been better to just move directly from the truck to the house.

So later, we separated the overflowing garage by room. The kids knocked out everything to go downstairs and then moved on to their own bedrooms and finally our bedroom. They were soldiers. Little moving soldiers!

I got the main and 1/2 bath cleaned and set up. I got the dining room set up and even have art on the wall. Not my main art though that's a 3 piece set and takes forever to hang because of all the measurements. It is compounded by the fact that the 3 pieces each have a two-hook system so you have to account for the nail spacing on each piece as well. I enjoy math but sheesh.

I then got the family room going because well...those kids would revolt eventually. This is our first time with a family room and they are so happy to have their own little world down there. The tv, video games and all the trappings...plus their computer...plus a cool little Ikea table and chair set to hang out at, play board games, or whatever.

Then I started on my room. Only I have so much stuff. More stuff than I ever thought I had!!! Boxes and bins and storage containers - Oh my!

The basement is cold which I'm okay with and it's kind of dark. But I scored (mis-matched) lamps for $15 total on CL so it's okay at the sewing/serger table. It'll be tough at the cutting table - when I get one set up.

 

"empty room"

 

It's like a little enclave. Blue totes have my fabric. Ironing board with new 'Fitz Like a Glove!' cover, and Lily is hanging out!

 

Folding table with sewing machine and serger, Dollar Store tins with bias tape, zippers, buttons. Purple/Green case has thread and bobbins plus needles and other goodies. Desk for writing, notes, where my laptop will rest when I'm sewing.

Black storage bin for other odds and ends: elastic, serger thread, interfacing, etc. White bin on top has pattern weights (ok, washers) and scissors, rulers, seam gauge, etc. (stored in a Dollar Store pen/pencil holder).

Wicker basket has cut patterns that I'm working on next. Stored on top of white tote that has WIPs and UFOs

 

 

Right now, I have my cutting mat, clear ruler and tracing paper stored over here so the mat doesn't get bent. It's not wide enough and is slightly too tall to be a cutting table. Dratz! The mini dress form used to be for modeling tutus. I *might* start selling them again.

 

These boxes are primarily tulle from the old tutu business and yarn oriented things.

Two drawer units of yarn plus some other stuff. And the other desk that I probably won't use.

 

There are four (yes! 4!!) of these cabinets along the back wall. This size tote fits perfectly. I have to slowly buy bins and totes that will fit on these shelves to store yarn and fabric. I might give one to the family for storing supplies :-) My husband has an obsession with Ammonia. We have like 4 bottles of ammonia at any given time.

 

 

I'd been sewing at the dining room table so what I don't have is a CHAIR! Sheesh! I'm wondering if I get one on casters so I can easily move between the SM and serger...AND if I get a stool vs. chair. We'll see! :)