Sewing Vloggers

Friday, July 31, 2009

Smocked Insert

Finally, the geometric smocking on my insert is done! This took HOURS! It is now resting happily on the blocking board. I drew out the shape I wanted to block it to on that cheap 911 interfacing. (That's the only think it is good for.) Then I pinned to the outline of the shape , sprayed with spray starch, and left it do dry. This insert is not done. Now it will get some bullion daisies and beads. After that it will be inserted into the upper waistline of the blouse. There is more smocking and bullions going in other places but more on that later. It takes me about 45 minutes to do a row, which translated to 36 hours. I really don't think I took that long to stitch the insert but maybe between twenty and thirty. I really hope to get this finished this weekend. Everything is ready and just riding on finishing the embroidery. Got to get this puppy done. Ever get to the point in a project when the next project is really pushing you on? That's where I am. This may be more due to the fact that I don't multi-sew, but never have more than two projects at a time. So finishing one means I get to start the next. It is very motivational. I guess I could just keep planning, cutting, and putting in ziplocs or totes but that does not work for me. I stick to two projects and that is it! How long did it take me to learn this trick? About 30 years! And worth every minute it took me to get me there! If you have loads of UFOs I highly recommend trying the two project method. The way I do it consists of one handwork intense project and one machine project. That way I can work on my handwork in odd available moments that the machine can't offer me. Yesterday I was stitching away in my car while waiting for lunch. This method lets me grab every available moment to get some sewing in and max out my productivity. I have harped on this before so if I have bored you, forgive me, but on this one I have religion....Bunny

12 comments:

  1. Great strategy, Bunny! Your GWS is going to be amazing, there's no doubt in my mind!

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  2. I'm anxious to see just how you are using that inset. I'm sure it will be awesome, as always.

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  3. Can't wait to see the finished blouse! And I like your idea of one machine project and one handwork project...it would ensure that I always have something portable to work on.

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  4. I know how you feel. I have all of these projects ideas in my mind; so I'm always anxious to get through with the one I'm working on. I am always tempted to cut out several of them so they are ready and waiting. But I find that stressful, too, because then there they are, and you feel you really have to hurry even more. I would like to enjoy the process of doing each project as well and not have that added pressure. So I feel your two-project is the way to go.

    Just wondering, did you ever receive Emily's letter?

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  5. Trudy, I left Emily a post on her blog. We have been straight out this week and I have not picked up my mail since last Saturday!!! So I will be able to hit the mail early tomorrow morning. Please tell Emily I am looking forward to it.

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  6. Agreeing 100% on the two projects at the time rule. The few times I didn't stick to it has resulted in UFO's. Also, once I cut into the fabric (not the muslin) it's a project, another good reason to make muslins first :)). The last couple of months my stash has grown considerably... At least they're all still in one piece :))

    Your smocking is exquisite.

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  7. I need to be harped on with good strategy as Kristine called it. And it is a cinch I have LOTS of UFO's.
    As usual the smocking is beautiful.

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  8. Exquisite job on the smocking, Bunny!

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  9. I am anxiously awaiting the finished blouse!

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  10. This is such gorgeous work. I'm loving watching the steps of all your beautiful hand work.

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  11. I love the old fashioned look of the smocking inserts. It is the color of the fabric that gives it an old time look.
    Excellent advice concerning limiting yourself to 2 projects: 1 machine and 1 handsewn. Sounds like it equals more productivity and thereby more enjoyment and satisfaction.

    Julie (from My Smocked Dress)

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  12. estupendo el tutorial sobre las margaritas, también interesante lo de los dos trabajos, que pena que no pueda alcanzar todos los detalles del ingles y tenga que utilizar el traductor,aún así mil gracias desde el sureste de España.
    Carmen.

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