Sewing machine fun!

Today I borrowed my mum's friends sewing machine. There are no instructions and it very old! I got a quick demonstration and it looked okay to use, but when I got home it only worked for 5 minutes and then it jammed up. I somehow managed to fix it but it jammed again. I also thought it would be a good idea to start with the dress instead of practising before hand, this did not help me to develop my skills using the machine in order to make the dress perfect. The front of my work looked fine but then when I turned it over there was a big mess of thread. So I unpicked it all. I spent absolutely ages trying to make it work and wasted so much thread. It was so frustrating and I was getting nowhere. To overcome the problem I decided to have a break and come back to it later. If when I go back to it I still can not get it to work then I will ask one of my friends who knows how to use sewing machines or I will search the make on the internet and try to find some instructions or a 'Youtube' video explaining how to fix it. Although I got very annoyed that the machine stopped working properly some good came out of it; I taught myself how to use the bobbin and put more thread on it and how to change the tread. I also managed to get one side of the hem done to my dress. Next time I use it I must not waste too much time trying to fix it by my self but ask for help or find a more productive way to spend the time i.e. while waiting for help pinning the other side of the dress so it is ready to be sewn straight away.  


After having a go with the sewing machine I wrote about what research skills I have used through out this project and which ones have been effective and why. I also wrote about my market research and how it led me to my design.

My Granny's verdict:

So when I went to see the two knitting experts I got two quite different opinions on my masterpiece jumper.


First I saw my grandma Rachel a few days back and she was rather positive about my first attempt at knitting a jumper she gave some very constructive feedback and was impressed with my hard work. She said that as a whole it was a good effort and there were a few holes which were normal for a beginner. 


Today I saw my grandma Annette who was not so complementary! To quote her exactly she said 'a knitter you aint.' She several times suggested undoing the whole thing and redoing it. She then gave a list of faults:
1. Far too big, for some unknown reason it has turned out enormous.
2. Bit holey.
3. Wrong stiches used at times - plain instead of pearl.
4. Neck band - no real neck band to speak of  and full of more holes.
5. A few dropped stitches.
6. To sew it up at the end cotton should not be used instead wool should be.
7. Not impressed with the improvisation of the neck band and the pattern was not followed precisely enough.


After all this my granny did say it was a good effort for someone who only recently learnt how to knit and after practice my skills may improve. 


I personally am pleased I managed to finish the jumper and although it is  not going to be worn out of the house or even in it, I enjoyed making it. And my granny made me laugh and I amused her too with my improvisation and faulty knitting techniques!    

What's next:

I saw my supervisor Miss Price today and what i need to to do next is:

• Find out my grandma's verdict on the jumper.
• Write about how i have built up my research skills.
•  Get together information about market research and write about how it lead me to do what i have.

Sewing machine:

I should be able to borrow a sewing machine on Monday, so I shall make the clothing items then. I have knitted a boob- tube as I had a pattern for one. It has turned out quite small so I may not include it in my clothing range. It didn't take very long. Yesterday I cut out the vest top shape and I have spare material. So may make a bag or skirt with the remaining cotton.

The floral dress:

This evening I am going to draw around one of my long vest tops onto the floral cotton fabric and then cut it out. I need to leave room at the edges, for the seam and i shall make it longer so it can  be worn as a summer dress. With a bit of luck i may have some fabric left over so i can be creative and make something else with it to fit into the clothing range.

Finished!!!!

The jumper is finally complete. There are a few holes and the neck line has gone a bit funny. I don't think there is much that can be done about those things but I shall show my grannies next time I see them so they can inspect it! It has taken me a long time to do and was frustrating at times but overall I have enjoyed knitting. It is very relaxing to do and enjoyable. It has been great to discover parts of my Granny's past through spending time knitting. It is amazing the stories that knitting brought out in my Grandma Annette.

Sewing:

All the knitting is done. Now I am sewing it all up. So far i have sewed one sleeve to the back and front now for the other one. The knitting is adequate and so far the sewing is pretty easy to do.

One whole sleeve is done and I am currently half way through the second one. Afterwards i need to knit the neckband and then sew it all up together. I spoke to my Mum's friend who was a designer for Vivian Westwood and she said I may be better off to hand sew the other clothing items as machines can be a hassle and her one is broken. After finishing the jumper I will decide.

The slow sleeve

I have now done half of one sleeve. One and a half left to do. Then i need to press on with the other clothing items.  

Knitting, knitting and more knitting...

I have now completed the front and the back of the jumper. It has taken much longer than I expected. Still left are the two long sleeves and then i shall sew it all up.    

Slow progress:

Today I have been knitting the front of the jumper. I have had to undo it all twice as things keep going wrong. I am now on the right track but it is taking forever and i have not done that much. After I finish the front I still need to do both long sleeves and i need to borrow a sewing machine to make the other clothing.