Today's topic at Mommy's Naptime is:
***Bad sewing habits. Do you have them? Share with us, what are your worst habits when it comes to sewing?***
Hmm. I think I've improved a lot in this area, but there are still some things I do that I shouldn't.
1. When I'm changing thread, I leave it attached to the spool and pull it out from the top. Did you know that you're not supposed to do this???? I didn't! Until a month or two ago, when I got my machine serviced. The guy told me that you're supposed to cut the thread and pull it through the bottom. Continually pulling thread out through the top messes up the tension & timing. Who knew? I did it the right way for about a week, then slid back into my old ways.
2. I also tend to disregard instructions when it comes to...well, everything. Heh heh. I can't tell you how many times I had to rip seams out or do something completely over when I was making my Petrillo Bag simply because I didn't fully read the instructions. I even got the wrong kind of snaps. Argh! My disdain for reading instructions has also been the cause of iron-on transfers permanently on my ironing board to this day. Also, once I purchased some no-sew Heat & Bond, and didn't believe that I shouldn't sew through it. I believe now!
3. I definitely don't change my needle as often as I should. That's my frugality coming through. It seems a waste to go through so many needles when I could make them last a little longer. But using a fresh, sharp needle really does make a difference.
4. Even though I made myself a cute machine cover, I hardly ever cover my machine. Apparently that extra 4 seconds it takes is too much of a hassle for me.
But I do have some good habits, too! Really!
1. I oil & clean my machine about every other time I sit down to sew - which is like, every day. Gold star for me! I entertain myself while doing it by saying "oil can" out of the corner of my mouth.
2. I don't sew over pins (anymore). I got tired of breaking all those needles. See Bad Habit #3.
3. I do keep spare rotary blades around so that I can replace them as soon as they get dull. I also have forbidden my family to use my fabric scissors for anything but fabric, and never do it myself.
4. I have finally learned to take the time to pre-wash & dry fabric that I'm using for garments. Finally.
What about you? What are your bad sewing habits? And do you get any gold stars for doing things right?
I hate that thread pulling through rule. I also pull the thread out backwards and AND I do not cut the thread on the bobbin so that it is not going back wards either...who does this? that is so much wasted thread and I waste enough with mistakes as is!!!
ReplyDeleteI get a gold star for not sewing over pins! I used to do it all the time when I first started sewing, but I broke so many needles do it.
ReplyDeleteI feel guilty every time I pull thread out through the top, but cutting it and pulling it through seems like such a waste!
ReplyDeleteLove that... thanks for reminding me to clip the thread and pull it out from the needle side not the top. I know this is the best way to do that... but I always think of it a second to late! :) Thanks for linking up this week!
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