The Poultry Keeper

NannyP · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject: No laughing now!!

Yes, it's me...NannyP...who hasn't used a sewing machine for 27 years!

Whilst in the UK, I purchased a second hand Singer machine, as I decided it was about time I started making stuff!! I have no idea what "stuff" I will make, but hope eventually to be having fun at least.

Had a friend here a week or so ago, who went through the dynamics of the machine with me, which was brilliant...so I know what does what. Managed to get an instruction book for the next model up, so that's good too.

Whilst searching for something else the other day, I came across a pair of little used, almost brand new, white curtains, in a damask style. I bought them for one of the bedrooms at the Devon cottage....so they were little used, as the room never became a bedroom. I was going to cut them up and make some serviettes Rolling Eyes

(I can hear all those sharp intakes of breath Laughing

)...but had a brainwave. We have a longish table, and I don't have much in the way of table linen that completely covers it. I have a couple of white damask cloths that I have to use together to cover the table. How about I join the 2 curtains to make a tablecloth, and then I can throw over one of my damask cloths diagonally to cover the seam.

So, today, my first sewing project for 27 years was successful. I unpicked the header tape (with my new embroidery scissors!!)...and pinned them back to back...and wait for it..........................................................................
............................................................................
sewed a straight seam and joined them together

As you can imagine, I am quite pleased with myself.....heaven knows what I'll be up to next Laughing

move aside Jaydee and Auntie Noo

I'm coming through.

debcat · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

where's the pic?

OH bought me one 2 years ago - it's still in the box Embarassed

NannyP · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject:

James and Trouty are coming tomorrow....I'll take a photo of the table once it is ready Very Happy

They will have to admire it, or I won't feed them Wink

Auntie Noo · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 616 Location: Guildford

That great nannyp! - WOuld love to see a pic? - I've only just started sewing so anything you do is very impressive to me! I can't get the thing to go straight

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2623 Location: South Cumbria

Well done Kathy ! I was brought up sewing made my own wedding dress, and the girls coats don't do much now except curtains and such , but boy does it save cash !

jessjess · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 218 Location: Derbyshire

I too got my sewing machine out for the first time, yesterday.... there must be something in the air!! Well done1

NannyP · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject:

mark wants a pair of heavy duty dungarees Laughing

So, once James and Trouty have been, I shall make him some white damask ones Wink

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2623 Location: South Cumbria

30+ years ago I used to make hubbies jeans with heavy duty denim, made some dungarees for my toddler out of the off cuts they looked good but if she fellover she couldn't get up as they were so stiff ! I took a pair of levis apart to make the pattern for hubbies jeans !

NannyP · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject:

I have a plan.

I have a dentist appointment in 3 weeks or so. I will take the opportunity (saving fuel, so no unnecessary journeys) to go to the local Emmaus.....which is a charity place (I notice one in norfolk a few weeks ago Confused

). I will have a browse for old clothing and material, as I have no stash of remnants to work with. There are very few charity shops in France, so I'll make the most of my trip.

Maybe I'll find a pair of dungarees to work with...or to fit mon amour.
Very Happy

jaydee67 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:05 pm Post subject:

Going into a charity shop with an eye for fabric - not sizes gives you a completely different perspective, as well as a seemingly mismatched pile of stuff! Great fun though.

Glad to hear you are sewing Kathy - waiting for the photos!

NannyP · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:10 pm Post subject:

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT hold your breath Very Happy

CP · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:02 am Post subject:

I have 2 sewing machines. 1 is an ancient manual Singer that belonged to AR's mum..The other is my mum's old electric ...can't remember the make.
Both rarely see the light of day. Rolling Eyes

I bought material to make curtains for my youngest son's newly decorated bedroom over 2 years ago but only got as far as cutting it into 2 lengths! Embarassed

stephen · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:29 am Post subject:

We lost our ancient singer (hand cranked) when we moved to Sweden. That worked great, I could control the speed on it, and it sewed through anything! It was rare that I used it, but to make cushion covers and stuff it was fantastic.

We've somehow still got an electric one - can't remember the make. I've never quite got to grips with that one. I desperately need to make some new sofa covers for a sofa that Ikea have stopped making and new covers cost nearly £300 second hand! That's more than the sofa was...

james419 · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject:

As members of the Damasc Table Cloth Inspection Team, Trouty and I visited NannyP today for luncheon and despite being threatened on this forum to the possibility of no lunch - this is an incredible master piece of the seamstresses art. Not only is the sowing to a very high standard but the level of pressing left Trouty aghast.

Joking aside a great piece of work and a wonderful meal to enjoy as well - plus a guided tour of the estate and came home laden with cucumbers for our animlas as Nanny'sdont eat cucumbers!!! Ours are not so fussy and all gone in seconds

Once again many thanks for a lovely afternoon

NannyP · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject:

Lovely to see you both. Pleased you were impressed with the sewing Laughing