vintage pillowcase challenge
As part of my new year cleaning frenzy, I recently folded and stacked my vintage pillowcases. I made an apron from one last year and it turned out really cute but, while admiring my nice, neat stack of pretty colors, I thought of something else I could make. I cut my own pattern from one of the cases. The pieces have been waiting for a couple of weeks. Why the delay? Because I'm afraid of my sewing machine...
My sewing machine is a well-cared-for, cute-as-can-be 1963 Singer Touch & Sew. My project requires two button holes. The sewing machine manual is confusing about how to do this...and the "Professional Buttonholer" attachment is even scarier than the sewing machine.
While procrastinating on my project, I found The Handmade Parade Vintage Pillowcase Challenge. There is absolutely no way I will win this challenge but it's just the kick I need to tackle my sewing machine fears and give it a try.
Great contest! I think that definetly makes it worth the effort. Good luck!
Posted by:Jen | January 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Does the machine have something like a satin stitch? You could fake a buttonhole by making a satin stitch "button hole", and then just clip the center as usual.
My new machine has this super fancy button hole gadget that actually measures your button and makes the button hole the perfect size. Crazy!
Posted by:Sarah | January 16, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Go for it! If your attachments give you trouble, you can always make one just by using the zigzag stitch and these instructions: http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=200246
Good Luck!
Posted by:Thimbleanna | January 16, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Okay..My recommendation is to Figure Out How to Use The Attachment. Usually worth the effort, these little marvels, once you break the code are so worth it.
Just got a pecial binding foot for mine...It is a miracle of modern machinery... I kid you not!
Posted by:bethany | January 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Ohhhh how pretty. I also pulled out my small stash of vintage cases and have already made a go at my handmade project. I also have no chance of winning but it's coming out so cute!..
Tackle your machine gizmo, it will be well worth your time. All my machines make button holes so I am very blessed... it you are too freaked for words send me the fabric and the button and I will throw them on my magic machine that measures it's own buttons and then I will do it and send it right back to you!. Did you know there use to actually be services that did this very thing?..crazy hu?
Maddie
Posted by:Maddie | January 16, 2008 at 04:23 PM
your collection of vintage cases are lovely!
Posted by:stitchingsurgeon | January 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Ack! I too am terrified of the Button Hole Attachment - and as a result I outsource all button holes to my Mom.
Posted by:Jenn | January 16, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Good luck with your challenge- you certainly have some beautiful raw materials to work with.
Posted by:the pesky bombolino | January 17, 2008 at 04:22 PM
I thought of doing that challenge but my creative juices were not flowing. Good luck to you I know you'll do great.
Posted by:Judy | January 18, 2008 at 07:32 AM
I feel your pain with the button-holer. My mother has a 1962 Singer Sewing machine (I don't know if it's a "touch & sew"), the attachment always looked like some sort of torture device...
Good luck with the challenge, I'll definitely be following it via the Handmade blog!
Posted by:Rachel | January 19, 2008 at 08:03 PM
How fun! I'll also give it a whirl in the name of improving my sewing skills! I happen to have more old pillowcases than should be allowed for any one woman. Sigh.
Posted by:Mary Ann | January 21, 2008 at 12:23 AM
don't be afraid! Just practice, practice, practice!!!
Posted by:calamity kim | January 22, 2008 at 10:22 AM