My First Sewing Project

[MelindaH]

Okay, I lied. This isn't my first. However, I haven't sewn anything except the edges of my cross stitch projects since I was a teenager. I stopped because I would always get dizzy whenever I leaned over the sewing machine. Now, the anemia I suffered from then is gone. The doctor even told me I don't have to take any iron supplements anymore. Also, my hypotension (low bp) is under better control now. I thought it would be safe to give it another try. Besides, my arm hasn't been letting me stitch for days. I need to be making something. So far, it hasn't made me dizzy.

I decided that a stuffed animal would be a good start. If it winds up a little misshapen, that's okay. I could just say it survived a war. I picked out an elephant pattern that looked easy. I've already done most of the sewing. I just need to rip out some horribly messed up seams before I can continue. Now, story time.

So, I'm coming up on the last leg, the finish in sight, when the thread breaks. That's okay, just rethread the needle and slow down. Then it breaks again. *sigh* Okay, rethread it again. We can do this. It's almost over. Then... The machine stops. What happened? I release the fabric and find... THERE'S A BIG, HORRIBLE MESS OF THREAD UNDER IT!!!! I run to my mommy for help. Mom unjams it, rewinds the bobbin, and tries stitching some more. It jams again. She wiggles the thread and comes to a horrible conclusion: the machine has lost all tension. Oh, no! I broke my mom's sewing machine. I don't know what I did, but I broke it. Everything I touch breaks.
Mom points out the part she thinks is causing the problem and says she'll see if she can fix it tomorrow. I wait until she's fast asleep and break out the tool box. I take the malfunctioning machine apart, look at the part in question, see nothing wrong with it, and put it all back together. I also tighten a single screw in another part of the machine. The next day, Mom tries to sew and... IT WORKS! I FIXED IT!!! Somehow. Either that single loose screw caused a huge problem or the sewing machine was copying Windows. It just needed to be restarted.



Anywho... I'll post pictures later. I'm feeling all muddle-brained right now.
Any tips on seam ripping without using my right arm?

[fccs]

Wow, look at you being all mechanic-y! Well done.

I don't have any tips for seam ripping one-armed.

[MelindaH]

Okay, I gave my hand a massage and fixed the messed up seams. My hand is in need of another massage now, but the elephant is nearly finished!
I took a couple of pictures while stuffing him.
flat face
all stuffed and ready to be sewn shut

After I sew him shut, I still need to cut out and sew on the eyes. All of this will require hand sewing, so we'll see how I do. My arm and hand are starting to recover, so I'm hoping to be able to grip a needle without too much pain.

[rcperryls]

Really cute!! I'm sure the elephant won't mind going without eyes until your hand and arm are fully recovered.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

Great progress on the elephant in spite of difficulties!

[MelindaH]

I got the back all sewn up. I couldn't leave him open like that. However, I think I'll wait a few days at least to do his eyes. I want a steadier hand for that. I had this silly idea that I could tuck him under my right arm and stitch with my left hand. I quickly realized how very wrong I was. There was stuffing coming out all over and the seam got warped.

It's not too bad. I guess. Not bad enough to rip out, anyway.
The directions said to under-stuff the space between his body and his legs, so I did that. Now he doesn't sit up straight. That'll teach me to follow directions.


I'll take some nicer pictures when he's finished. Gotta keep the suspense up.

[richardandtracy]

Given the state of your hand, maybe a fabric adhesive (like those for sequins or other sparkly bits added to dresses) may be kinder on you.

Regards,

Richard.

[MelindaH]

Thank you for the suggestion, Richard. I did consider that, but since I will be giving it to a baby who's likely to stick it in his mouth, I decided a more secure method would be better. I just have no faith in adhesives.
He is finished now. Sorry it took so long. I didn't think about just how much sewing I would need to do with three pieces on each eye, plus the eyelashes. Mom did the eyelashes on one eye because we're going to visit my sister tomorrow, and I didn't think I could finish it before that.

[fccs]

Very cute - well done!!!

[Squirrel]

What an absolute cutie he is too. Well Done he is amazing.

[karen4bells]

Simply adorable---the eyes are so cute!!

[richardandtracy]

Grand job. I see why you don't want anything stuck on.
Looks rather nice.

Regards,

Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

Great work !

[rcperryls]

Simply adorable---the eyes are so cute!!

I agree completely!

Carole

[AlwaysGoofy]

What a sweet finish! I'm sure the little one who receives this will love it.

[MelindaH]

I was able to give the elephant to my nephew on Saturday. He didn't pay much attention to it at first because he was busy staring at the window, but once he did notice it he seemed happy with it. He smiled anyway.
"How do I get out that window and away from these people?"

[rcperryls]

Adorable boy!! Love the expression on his face. Your quote says it all!

Carole

[karen4bells]

He's definitely a keeper!!!

[agi]

What a cute elephant!

[chenlin0]

he is so cute. Great work







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