I spent a lot of time with my sewing machine this weekend. It is an old Kenmore that is probably 30+ years old. In addition to working with an old machine, there is the minor detail that I never took a sewing lesson, am not very good at it, and don't enjoy it in the least! Unfortunately, I have a need for things like curtains and slip covers, and here are the fruits of my frustrated labor -- cushion covers for our trailer. I fell in love with the bold pattern, had no idea how much material to buy or how I would use it until I started working on it.
I did not have enough material to make two full sets, so I used a contrasting pattern for one side of the seat cushions. The back/bolster is the same on each side. The blue material I used on the side was left from other camp sewing projects and it saved me from having to match up the pattern. I used the patterned material on the sides of the lower cushion because I did not have enough blue -- and I did not do a stellar job matching it up!
I have some plaid fabric left over from the project where I used the plain blue. I don't think it goes horribly with the new material so I might be able to tie in some of the old and new. In addition to this part of the 2017 spruce-up, I bought some spray Rustoleum that works on plastic and vinyl which I plan to use to cover the ugly wallpaper border. Our metal blinds are going to be replaced with white roller shades and I'm going to spray paint over the ugly valances while I have them down to remove the old metal blinds -- which are dented and too loud for windy days (which we have a lot of). Our big picture window will get roll-up bamboo shades. I hope to be able to top mount them to cabinets that run along the ceiling.
We have a month before camp opens so I'm really working towards being read to revamp the place when we open it. While my sewing project was frustrating and less than perfect, I'm glad I got it done. Next time I am paying someone to do it for me!
Well! Doesn't look like the work of someone not very good at sewing. They are quite nice.
ReplyDeleteCamp life doesn't appeal to me in the least, until you start talking about loud, windy days. That sounds cozy!
It gets crazy windy on the shores of Lake Ontario! The Great Lakes are big water -- and we love it!
DeleteMy measurements aren't exact, they're a little large for the cushions.
Hey I say you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I did a better job on the second set. I was just figuring my way through on the first one.
DeleteThe covers look great. I like the way the cushions have the stripe on one side and patterned on the other. You matched the stripes and pattern well.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I bought both fabrics on clearance and just took what they had left. I wish I could have gotten more. Each pattern was less that $5 per yard and it's outdoor fabric.
DeleteThey look good!
ReplyDeleteI like that they are unusual. No other RV will have these cushions!
DeleteI have a 1954 Singer, the first zigzag they made and love it. Mama gave it to me.
ReplyDeleteIn the 70's when I was a kid, my mom had one of the old black singer machines fro the 40's. So mine is as old to me as hers was to her!
DeleteAlex,
DeleteI have the one I bought in 1964 that I bought to take to college. I can afford newer machines, but I love the old ones. Last year, I sold my new serger. I still have a commercial serger and a commercial specialty machine. I learned to sew on my grandmother's treadle that she inherited.
You did a fabulous job! I'm quite impressed! I fear that I, too, was born without the sewing gene. Seriously, I tend to break needles, and get the bobbin thread hopelessly tangled into a big knot, and... well... it generally ends in a fit of frustration and cursing. Actually, lately whenever I need to sew something, I just do it by hand because it's much less stressful.
ReplyDeleteSo congratulations on a job well done! You're sooo much braver than I am! :-)
Well, the first set I did was a nightmare. I must have had the settings messed up because there were a lot of skipped stitches, the fabric didn't line up well, etc. I'll have to decide which side of the dinette to put the messier set. I hated every minute of the project!
DeleteFor someone who doesn't sew, you did pretty well I think. BTW, I have inherited a 1910 Singer from my grandma and it actually works! I don't sew though...
ReplyDelete