Back in time to the days before sewing machines

I've set myself a bit of a crazy challenge. I wanted to make myself a dress from this cool sheet I picked up at a local charity shop but had forgotten how to thread up the sewing machine. Its been so long since I have used it I've had a total mental block. This got me thinking. I'll make it all by hand. A lot of work but I'm doing okay at the moment and its quite relaxing just sitting on the sofa with my fabric and a needle and thread. Anyone else fancy doing the same? I'll post a pic when I'm done.

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18 replies since 5th July 2009 • Last reply 5th July 2009

Reply #1:

fun fun! everything i sew is done by hand it does take for ever to do some projects. but i just cant get the hang of using a sewing machine! i tried but it didnt work out. lol. the machine just goes too fast for me. (i bought a cheap one from walmart with only one speed)

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Reply #2:

fun fun! everything i sew is done by hand it does take for ever to do some projects. but i just cant get the hang of using a sewing machine! i tried but it didnt work out. lol. the machine just goes too fast for me. (i bought a cheap one from walmart with only one speed) CANT WAIT TO SEE UR DRESS: )

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Reply #3:

Accidently sewed two of the front panels on back to front! Doh! Happy

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Reply #4:

i've been sewing since i was real little and finally got a sewing machine i don't want to have to go back to hand sewing

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Reply #5:

we have three sewing machines in our house, and neither one of us can use them (we should really get some lessons) so this challenge is right up my street, does it have to be clothing or can it be anything involving stitching?

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Reply #6:

I suppose it can be anything that you might normally do with a sewing machine.

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Reply #7:

Thats actually how I did my first clothing recons Happy I made my sister a purse, and myself a tube top all hand stitched Happy

Probably going to have to do it by hand again. My sewing machine bobbin is on the blitz, and I cant afford a repair guy. But I do have a 30 + hour drive to sew up something. hmmmm...what can I sew? Needs to be small enough to fit in a car and move around easily.

Going to look for inspiration Happy Then I will tell you what I am going to hand sew.

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Reply #8:

I Am cery eager to see the dress. I love to sew. I purchased a sewing machine but don't know how to use it. I have tried and tried and I can't manage more than a 7 inch long stitch so I sew everything by hand. I do find it relaxing.

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Reply #9:

I need to get finishing off the dress. The main sewing is done but theres so much hemming.

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3831049731_8f731dc650.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Current sewing project" /></a></textarea></p>



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Reply #10:

i made a really cute bunny hat yesterday its not published on the site yet... awaiting approval.,... should be later trough
made it all by hand.. don't have much choice trough i dont own a sewing machine lol
took a couple of hours to sew it all by hand it was my first try sewing i never did before

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Reply #11:

yes i always do my sewing by hand, i find sewing machines annoying cos they keep unthreading themselves. i mostly sew on trims and stuff but if i was going to make dresses completely by hand rather than customising i guess i will have to get an annoying sewing machine some day but i like hand sewing much better, it is more sastifactory for me.

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Reply #12:

I just realised I haven't done anymore to my dress. I must get on and finish it. Its sewing the hems which takes forever and I think I'd got myself sidetracked. Ooops

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Reply #13:

I hand-sew everything cause my sewing machines are bastards. It takes forever though.

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Reply #14:

ive hand sewed everything since i was 5 im35 now finally got a machine I LOVE IT i wouldnt go back if you payed me but i say u guys have fun

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