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Wednesday 30 March 2011

Argument with a serger

Thanks for the comments on the Tracey Reese V1224 dress, I just read them all to cheer myself up. Argh, I am so annoyed with myself right now but will try and keep this rant brief!

I spent most of the evening preparing to sew Vogue 1209, this Rachel Comey pattern in some stone coloured mystery fabric.


Learning from my last dress I could see this one needed lengthening as well. It's impossible to see in the photo, but the front pieces extend down the side seams to the hem, making for an odd shaped piece that is difficult to lengthen and still fit on the fabric.


I finally just barely managed it, albeit on the cross grain and rethreaded my serger and then set about adjusting the tensions for this different fabric. Once that was done I started on the dress and wouldn't you just know it the tension randomly went off again so I re-grabbed some scraps and tried again. You know what's coming don't you?

Yes, I serged on my front dress piece instead of on the scraps. It's completely unsalvageable and the whole thing has gone in the bin. Bah, I'm cross with my serger for being temperamental and I'm cross with myself for not being better organised.

Oh well I bet that stone colour would have washed me out anyway, right?

Onwards, I need a break from that dress...next I am going to attempt to make this simple (cross your fingers) cowl neck top from Patrones 300, #30.


I'm using a remnant of a poly silk I picked up for HK$20, it's a fun print although now I look at it it looks like an exploded Louis Vuitton signature print!


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18 comments:

  1. Rachel30 March 2011 at 22:23

    I want to make that same dress and I will need to lengthen it. I did not notice how oddly shaped the pieces were. I have done lots of damage with my serger to fabric so I know how you feel.

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  2. Karin30 March 2011 at 22:44

    Oh how annoying! I don't blame you for wanting a break from the pattern for a little while. Perhaps later you will find an even nicer fabric to make it up in. Meanwhile, I like your shirt pattern, it's a bit different from other cowl patterns and I think it will look nice in your fabric.

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  3. Amanda S.30 March 2011 at 22:54

    Oh no! This is just the sort of thing I would be doing if I sewed with a serger. Sewing can certainly be a very frustrating hobby!

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  4. Sandy Huntress30 March 2011 at 22:54

    That does look like an adorable dress, but yes, I'd lengthen it,too.

    I know how aggravating sergers can be, and then to pick up the wrong piece to test on, auuugh!

    Rest assured, we've all done things like that. :-)

    Here's to a lovely cowl top, make sure to show us how it comes out.

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  5. Anonymous30 March 2011 at 23:50

    Aargh! how frustrating. That dress is in my queue too, and I will definitely need to lengthen it - out of interest how wide was your fabric?

    Good luck with the cowl top - here's to it being a lovely relaxing and successful project!

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  6. Angela31 March 2011 at 00:06

    Oh no! That's so frustrating! It looks like the cowl top will be gorgeous... the fabric and pattern would look awesome together!

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  7. Kim Hood31 March 2011 at 01:04

    Haven't we all done something like that at some time. Sad that it was on such an awkward dress too.
    Best thing, move along, enjoy the next project, and come back to that pattern later.
    I find swearing at the serger helps too.

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  8. Jenny31 March 2011 at 02:45

    At least it wasn't fabric you really loved! I really like the print for your next project. It'll be perfect with that pattern. Can't wait to see it!

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  9. Vicki31 March 2011 at 04:30

    Yep, done that before! Great buy on that remnant though - should look great made up in that top.

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  10. coffeeaddict31 March 2011 at 05:56

    I can feel your frustration! We've all been there: ruining fabric accidentally. I think you're doing the right thing to just let this pattern be and focus on something light and easy.
    As always, your fabric selection is mouth watering!

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  11. Irene31 March 2011 at 07:49

    Oh, how sad! I do hope that the next project goes without a hitch. Love the print.

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  12. meli88a31 March 2011 at 08:07

    oh no... that's a sewing tragedy.

    Still, I can't believe i never noticed this pattern before. I'm looking forward to your next attempt!

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  13. Anonymous31 March 2011 at 08:09

    Oh no. That is awful. Just the *worst*.

    Here's to hoping the next project goes much better. I love that top...

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  14. Karen31 March 2011 at 21:03

    so sorry about what happened to your dress! I have a totally unrelated question though. I live in the Philippines (where fabric shopping is pretty bad) and am going to Shanghai for a long weekend just before Easter. Do you happen to have any tips on where to find good fabric? I've found lots of info on the web, but its all a bit much as I don't have that much time and would prefer a couple of personally recommended addresses! Thanks!

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  15. Eugenia1 April 2011 at 02:23

    Oh how I feel for you. But it could happen to anyone - a moment's lapse of concentration when sewing and anything can happen! But next project will be lovely for sure.

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  16. Summerset1 April 2011 at 04:02

    Yikes! I suppose that was not meant to be. I have that issue of Patrones, too and that is a nice top, shouldn't be too hard.

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  17. Gail1 April 2011 at 07:33

    What about inserting a contrasting fabric into the dress front? If not its a shame - love your next projects.

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  18. June4 April 2011 at 07:27

    I recently bought that issue of Patrones and I'm going to make it as soon as school breaks for the summer.

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