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Keeping Record – a Sewing Project Diary

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Sewing Project Tracker Examples

I decided I needed to start keeping a Sewing Project Diary.  But why? you ask….

The Problem

Have you ever made something, then a few months later you want to make it again and you cannot remember what size you made or what fitting adjustments.  Or even which pattern you used?  No? Well, that’s me, I’ve done it countless times.

So, I decided to start keeping track of the items I’ve sewn.  On Facebook I saw a post by someone with a cool looking project sheet where you can make a drawing of the item you are sewing and attach samples of the fabric used.  I didn’t save it, and then couldn’t find it again, so off to Pinterest I went.

I only managed to find 3 “sewing journals/planners”, this one by diydanielle.com, this one by sewmamasew.com and this one by simplesimonandco.com.  All of them were nice, but had things I didn’t need/want or were lacking things that I’d like to keep track of.  I’m sure if I kept on searching I would’ve eventually found one I liked better.  I just didn’t want to go to all that effort.

The Solution – my own sewing project diary

I decided to go to even more effort and make my own…. Yes that’s right, I went on and created my own sewing project diary sheet to keep a record on, with all the info I want on there.

It has space for info from 2 different patterns because I like to make sets of things.  And they don’t necessarily form part of the same pattern.  Then, my favourite part.  It has a space for a line drawing of the patterns and a sample piece of the fabrics I used below that.  There is a space for a list of the items required to make the pattern/s and they can be ticked off if I have them.  Below that I can make notes about any changes I’ve made to the pattern as well as any changes I’d maybe want to make if I make the same pattern again.  There is tick list to track my progress while making the item.  And last but not least a space to note for who the item was made, when it was made and if it was for a special occasion.

Because this was for my personal use, I’ve made it in Afrikaans.  But I like it so much and have subsequently decided to create an English version and offer it to my newsletter subscribers. As a freebie ofcourse!

  • Sewing Project Tracker with Paris Nighties
  • Sewing Project Tracker with Shirt

When you sign up for my newsletter below, you will receive a link to download my Sewing Project Diary, FOR FREE!  All I ask is that you not share the link directly with anyone, but rather send them to my website to sign up & download their own copy.

Already a newsletter subscriber?  Don’t worry, you will receive a link for the download in today’s newsletter.

Are you keeping track of what you are sewing?  If so how?  Or do you feel it’s a waste of time? Why?  Please share your thoughts with me in the comments….

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A new year – AGAIN

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Well “Hello There!” 😊

Its a new year again! I started 2018 full of excitement and with lots of plans.  But then I fell pregnant and as a result everything else was pushed aside a bit, including writing blog posts.  Sorry about that, but with this being my last pregnancy, I am made sure to “enjoy” every moment of it, even the all day sickness…. 

Little C was born at home on the 2nd of November after a super quick 30minute labour.  I have been (and still am) enjoying all the newborn cuddles I can get.  He is now just over 2 months old and I am starting to be able to steal a moment or two here & there to spend on here.

I managed to make all the maternity wear I needed for this pregnancy as well as 2 sets of breastfeeding pajamas.  With my previous babies I just used normal pajamas, but let me tell you, these are a game changer.  Little C got quite a few mommy-made outfits and has been rocking them on his cute cloth bum. I hope to do a roundup post of all the items I made in 2018 soon.

I have managed to clean up my office/sewing room and look forward to start sewing up some awesome new items soon.

  • Sewing Machines on Table

For the year ahead, I have big plans. Including some new fabric bases, new colours in our hand dyed range and a whole new range of products which will hopefully be added to the website soon.

  • Cute Baby in SewIsta outfit
  • Smiling Baby

I know I have been slow in replying to some of your queries, and I apologise but who can say no when this cutie pie wants you to hold him the whole time? 

So here’s to 2019!

May your pins always be sharp and your bobbin thread never run out!

My 2018 Hobby-X Jhb experience

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This year was the 6th time I visited the Hobby-X Jhb and it was by far the best experience I’ve had.

I pre-booked 4 workshops for me and my 9 year old and scheduled them all for yesterday (Thursday the 1st of March).  We were literally booked from 10:30 for our 1st class with our last ending at 18:00.

The Workshops

Tarn Plug Rug

Tarn SA Workshop1st up was the Tarn Plug Rug at the Tarn Yarn stall.  We each received a bag filled with enough tarn to make our rug as well as a pattern sheet.  It was an enjoyable and very relaxing experience.  We completed about 1/8th of our rug in the allotted time for the workshop. And now it is something that we work on together in the evenings after dinner.  Living in a house with all slate floors I can see us making many more of these.

Glass & Metal Pendant & Earrings

Metal & Glass Jewellery2nd was the Glass & Metal Pendant workshop at Heart of Glass.   What an awesome experience and so much fun to make your own pendants.  We each made a 14mm & 25mm glass pendant with the picture of our choice.

Our 3rd class was Glass & Metal earrings, also at Heart of Glass. We had a choice between 10mm, 12mm or 14mm earrings as well as stud or drop earrings.  Little madam chose drop earrings and I made studs, both in 10mm.  We each ended up with 2 sets matching our pendants, and then 3 other random sets.  I also got us some supplies to make more at home.  I might start wearing more jewellery now.

Bird Tray & House Keyring Hook

Bird Tray

The 4th and last workshop I booked for the day was decorating a Tray at Melinda Kuns.  The picture of this tray on the workshop listing is what drew me to book this class.  Melinda gave us a choice of designs to use but I chose to make mine just like the example.  We felt right at home at Melinda’s workshop.  I was impressed at how patient she was when little miss messed up or didn’t quite get how to do something.  Our trays turned out great and has  already been put to good use.

MosaicWe enjoyed my class with Melinda so much that I ended up booking a beginners mosaic class for myself for this afternoon.  I’ve never done mosaic before, but with Melinda’s help & guidance I think my project turned out beautifully.  Its not quite done as I only had time to finish laying down my tiles at the workshop.  But Melinda explained exactly how I need to apply the grout and I am confident that it will be easy enough to finish tomorrow morning.  Doing a workshop with Melinda was like crafting with your best friend that know exactly what she’s doing.

Taking A Break and Browsing the Exhibits

After our 2nd class we had a 45 minute break in which we browsed some of the exhibits and went looking for something to drink.

Wearing our new jewellery we went browsing again during our two hour break between workshop 3 & 4.  We found the most amazing stencils and also got some fabric paint.  We will be using these for some exciting projects over the next few months.

At the PNA stand we got sun catchers and fridge magnets which the kids painted with the glass paint that came with.

The model train exhibition was an out of this world experience for my little one.  She was amazed by the little trains moving and the awesome miniature world before her.

For me seeing how the ladies from the Wits Lace Guild makes the prettiest lace by hand was definitely a highlight.

Other exhibits that also drew my attention was Just Love Stitch & Craft House.  Just Love Stitch has the most amazing kits for cross stitching on wooden blanks and Craft House sells kits for just about every imaginable craft.

Observations about the show itself

In 2017 most of the stalls seemed to sell the same or very similar items and for me it was a total waste of R80 for the entrance fee.  That made me very reluctant to fork out the R100 entrance fee this year.  In hindsight (even though I do feel the 25%  year on year increase in ticket price is exhorbant) I do feel I got much more worth for my money than last year.

If you are doing workshops over multiple days you only have to pay the entrance fee once and can visit the organisers office for complimentary tickets for the other days.

One thing that was really off putting about the whole show was the loud noise from the cars at the car exhibition starting up and revving.  It really distracted from whatever you were busy with and was particularly disruptive during our workshops.  I get that cars are a hobby too (hubby is a classic Merc fanatic) but it is definitely one that is best practiced outside in a well ventilated area where the gasses & noise are not forced onto unsuspecting visitors.

A really big disappointment was that NOT ONE of the beverage kiosks had straws available.  Yet they ONLY sold cold drinks in tins.  This is something that I really would encourage the organisers to take their vendors to book about.

Overall I still feel that this was one of the best Hobby-X Jhb events I’ve attended.

Will you be visiting the Hobby-X Jhb this year?  Or have you visited already?  How did you experience it?

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions & views contained in this blog post are my own and based upon my personal experience at the 2018 Hobby-X Jhb exhibition.

The Sewing Thread Mistery

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Sewing Thread, the backbone (literally) of all your sewn projects.  Its what keeps your creations together, but what do we actually know about it?

What is sewing thread made of?

Thread can be made from a variety of fibers but the most common is probably cotton or polyester.

Cotton sewing thread is a natural thread that is derived from the boll of the cotton plant.  Cotton thread is great for sewing plant based fabrics like cotton & rayon.  Be sure to use a mercerised cotton to prevent it from shrinking like your cotton fabric.  Beware that it will still shrink if exposed to very high heat.  Because its highly absorbent, it dyes wonderfully, but cotton sewing thread has no “give” and breaks under high tension.  This makes it undesirable for use with stretch fabric.

Polyester sewing thread is synthetic and entirely man-made.  Its relatively inexpensive, low maintenance, durable & long lasting.  These qualities makes it a great General Sewing Thread.  It is able to withstand moderate heat and doesn’t absorb moisture well.  Polyester sewing thread can be engineered to resemble cotton, silk or even nylon.  It can accommodate a small amount of give with good recovery and doesn’t shrink.  It is however a bit more abrasive than cotton & silk so you wouldn’t want to use it on your expensive silk chiffon.

 What are different threads used for?

Sewing ThreadGeneral sewing thread:-

Your does it all thread.  You will use this the majority of the time.  You can use it for both hand and machine sewing.  Our Seralon General Sewing Thread is made of Polyester.  While it’s not as heavy/thick as “heavy duty thread, its not as thin/light as embroidery thread either.  Its perfect for constructing seams, edgestitching and quilting.  It really does it all although you wouldn’t want to use it with very fine, sheer fabric or very heavy denim or canvas.  In projects that will be exposed to constant direct sunlight or very high heat, please use it with discression.

 

Seralon General Sewing ThreadOverlocker thread:–

Overlockers use 3 or 4 spools of thread to construct the seam and finish the raw edge in one step.  Overlocker theads are generally a bit finer than normal sewing thread to help prevent bulk.  Even though the thread may be finer the seam is still strong, durable & flexible because multiple threads are used to create it.  Because an overlocker uses so much thread, this thread usually comes on cones of 5000m or bigger.  Because lint builds up much quicker on your overlocker than your normal sewing machine its essential to buy high-quality overlocker thread.

Seralon Bobbin FillA lot of people use the 5000m cones of Seralon General Sewing Thread on their overlockers as it comes in all the same colours as the 1000m Spools.  Thus your sewing machine thread & overlocker thread can be a perfect match.  Then there are those that prefer to use the Seralon Bobbinfill on their overlockers as it’s a thinner thread producing less bulky seams, but it comes in fewer colours.

 

Finestitch ThreadUltimately, if you do a lot of sewing with your overlocker and don’t want to keep on changing threads, you might want to consider Seralon Finestitch thread.  This much finer thread is only available in Natural & Black.  But the Natural blends in with most colours, and even looks good on black.

Textured Filament Thread:–

If you’ve ever heard of “floss” or “wooly nylon”, that’s what this sewing thread is.  Its very elastic and soft and the texture component makes it appear thick and fluffy.  Its commonly used in overlockers for rolled hems because it provides excellent coverage and hides the entire raw edge.  It also gives a softer feel on the inside seams of underwear and works well in the looper of a coverstitch machine.

I’ve heard you talking about thread weight, how is that measured?

World wide thread is measured in different units, most commomly used ones I could find are TEX, DTEX, DENIER & METRIC

I will explain DTEX because thats the unit of measure used for the threads we supply.

Dtex is the abbreviation for decitex, which is the mass in grams per 10 000m of sewing thread.  Higher numbers therefore equate to a thicker thread, while lower numbers means a thinner thread.

Herewith a weight comparison of our threads:

Seralon General Sewing thread has a dtex of 310, Seralon Bobbinfill thread has a dtex of 206 and Seralon Finestitch has a dtex of 123 while Seralon Floss has a dtex of 347.

Looking at these numbers its easy to see that the Seralon General Sewing thread is almost 3x the thickness/weight of Seralon Finestitch.

How strong is my sewing thread?

Thread strength refers to the amount of force (in grams or kilograms) needed to break the thread.  The technical term for it is tensile strength.  The higher the tensile strength number the stronger is the thread as more weight is needed to break it.

But the actual strength of your sewing thread is relative.  Remember like anything else thread can age, so if you have thread that is really old, test it before you start your project because it can break more easily as it ages.

It is always advisable to buy the best quality thread you can afford.  Sewing thread might make up the smallest part of your project, but its one of the most important parts.  If your thread fails, so does your project.  Sub-standard threads also damage your machines, pushing up the maintenance costs on them.

 

I hope this post has helped you understand your sewing thread a bit better, but if you’d like to learn more you can visit Wikipedia.org, Sewingpartsonline.com or Sailrite.com.  Or ask me in the comments.  If I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to find it for you.

January Sewing Round Up

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The new year has kicked off with a bang and lots of sewing.  For the first month of January I’ve already sewn 5 items and it’s been an awesome experience so far.January Sewing Round up

Week 1

In the first week of January I finished sewing up the last pillows for our new couches on the patio.  Read the blogpost about those here.  I still need to finish the covers for the seats, but I haven’t had time yet.

Week 2

[Read more…]

Sewing my first ever pair of Jeans

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I always struggle to find jeans that fit properly, usually its only the most expensive ones that look somewhat decent.  This week I decided it was finally time to make myself some Jeans.  The folks at Sew Altered is running a 2 month “workshop” on fitting casual pants.  Katie had some good suggestions for Jeans patterns & choosing your size in this post, I was inspired.  Project two for my #2018rtwfast, here we come.

Jeans Front View1

Which Jeans Pattern to choose…

I chose the Jalie 2908 Jean pattern, it’s a bootleg jean pattern and is supposed to flatter my inverted triangle figure.  Bonus as I like wearing bootleg jeans 😉  The Jalie 2908 comes in a regular waist & low waist version and I cut the latter.

I ran into my 1st problem having to choose the size.  According to Katie’s blogpost you should pick your size based upon your hip measurement.  But mine was 1cm bigger than a 6 and 2cm smaller than a 7.  After picking the brains of fellow members in the Sew Altered & Capsule wardrobe facebook groups, I decided to start with a size 6 and see how it goes.

Then I ran into my 2nd problem, [Read more…]

Using the last fabric I purchased

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And so another week has come to an end. Our challenge for week 2 of the 52weekchallenge was to make something from the last fabric you purchased.  My last fabric I purchased was on a local destash page.  I bought it with the specific purpose of using it as part of my planned capsule wardrobe for the 2018RTWFast.  Thus, this was an easy one for me.

What fabric did I use and what did I make?

Last Fabric PurchasedI chose a double brushed poly with navy and white stripes and bright coral flowers.  My biggest challenge was to decide what to pair it with.  I had a plain navy and a plain coral Viscose Lycra in my stash already and my secondary goal here is to use as much as possible of what I already have.  It was a tough choice but the navy won 🙂

My favourite top pattern, [Read more…]

2018 A New Year with a New Challenge or Three

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What is life without a challenge or three 😉 Its been a busy start to the new year.  Uitstappie  Hubby has gone back to work, and the nanny is still on leave.  I am running around like a headless chicken entertaining the 3 kids, getting them fed 3 times a day and getting all the housework done.  This means I haven’t had any time to sew yet this year.  But I’ve juggled and doubled up on the tasks I could.  I even took the kids on an outing yesterday.  All to make sure I will have some sewing time today.

Now onto my sewing challenges for the new year…..

First up the 2018 Ready to Wear Fast

2018 RTW ChallengeLate in December I came across the 2018 RTW FAST challenge by Sarah Gunn from Good Bye Valentino via the Capsule Wardrobe Sew Along facebook group.  I’ve been wanting to convert to a Capsule Wardrobe for a while.  So decided that this challenge was just what I needed to make me finally commit to this.

What exactly does this challenge entail?  Well basically you undertake to not buy any clothes during the next year, but rather to sew them yourself.  There are some exceptions like your wedding dress, underwear, shoes and accessories but the rest you gotta make or do without 😉

What have I done to prepare for this challenge….?

[Read more…]

A crazy year, ending an era, new adventures, some sewing

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In 2017 our lives were a bit crazy.  We thought we would never move from our house which we’ve spent 6 years renovating and setting up the way we liked it.  We needed a bit more space, but we had plans on getting that.  It would just take some time.  Then suddenly out of nowhere an advert for a house came across hubby’s facebook feed.  We looked at the pictures and loved what we saw but when viewing it, it just wasn’t love.  Then the what-ifs came knocking and we ended up viewing quite a few places. We found a place we really loved, it had enough room inside and out. AND I would have my own sewing room and wouldn’t need to share the study with hubby anymore.

Pillow preview

The end of an era

We put in an offer and started packing.  It was crazy to see HOW MUCH STUFF we had!!  Mostly because we’ve always been planning on extending our current place, so we kept what we thought we could use again.  We had to rent a storage unit to get stuff out so that we could show our place better to potential buyers.  It was really sad to pack up and say goodbye to the house we’ve given so much love to and which had so many memories.  We didn’t end up selling and will be visiting it on occasion so its not all lost for now.

The beginning of a new adventure

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Why revamp the website?

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Under Construction - Revamp

I never planned a revamp but in March, the server where SewIsta was hosted, crashed. Since my hosting provider always had backups when I previously needed it, I never bothered to make the effort to do my own. Well lesson learned..! When their servers crashed they lost everything.  They have been able to retrieve a lot of things, but not my website information.

I have been holding off working on re-doing the website. [Read more…]

We are Located in South Africa and currently only trade locally

Keeping Record – a Sewing Project Diary

I decided I needed to start keeping a Sewing Project Diary.  But why? you ask…. The Problem Have you ever made something, then a few months later you want to make it again and you cannot remember what size you made or what fitting adjustments.  Or even which pattern you used?  No? Well, that’s me, […]

A new year – AGAIN

Well “Hello There!” 😊 Its a new year again! I started 2018 full of excitement and with lots of plans.  But then I fell pregnant and as a result everything else was pushed aside a bit, including writing blog posts.  Sorry about that, but with this being my last pregnancy, I am made sure to […]