Do your friends and family ask you to do sewing chores for them? Do they think that since you own a sewing machine and use it often that any tailoring project will be right up your alley? No sweat, easy peasy? Yeah. Me too. And in general it is a huge drag.
I don't mind the occasional request to sew up a split seam, but most of the requests I get are honestly beyond me. The Halloween costume that involved a hat? A real hat, with something called buckram to hold the shape of the brim? Please. Although I have to say I rose to that occasion, and five hours later, had a fairly decent hat to show for my efforts.
The padded computer case made out of my son's favorite sweat shirt? I totally ruined the sweatshirt and he ended up with no computer case what so ever. A botched job for sure. He hasn't asked me to do any more sewing jobs for him since.
I dread the requests from my mother in law the most. She is the sweetest lady, and to her, asking me to hem a pair of pants for her seems like the simplest of simple tasks. I should be happy to do such a small thing for her. And I would be. Only, here's the thing. She is 89 years old and only wears stretchy knit clothes. Stretch terry, stretch velour, stretch everything. Fabrics that fray and ravel and practically disintegrate when cut into. Fabrics that require a serger to sew.
I know I am behind the times and may be the only person out there who doesn't own a serger. But that is the truth. So what do I do when she gives me her tailoring jobs? Why, I let it sit in my sewing room for at least a month, and then I break down….and take it to a real tailor. $30 to hem a pair of terry cloth pants she got at WalMart for $6? So be it.
112 responses to “A Tailor In the Family”
Oh I know what you mean. I am asked all the time to do things like that. I hate to hem pants or do shirt sleeves or anything that doesnt including quilting. People always saw well it is really good money in it but then when you do it they say oh thank you so much and walk away. It is not for me NO WAY. I had an older well to do lady that always wanted me to make her dressy clothing. Well she would buy a size 6 pattern so she could tell her friends that she got a size 6 but I would have to make it to fit a size 18. She didnt know I would take the pattern back and switch the size. That is when I stopped any and all clothing sewing. LOL to much quilt to be done.
Oh I know what you mean. I am asked all the time to do things like that. I hate to hem pants or do shirt sleeves or anything that doesnt including quilting. People always saw well it is really good money in it but then when you do it they say oh thank you so much and walk away. It is not for me NO WAY. I had an older well to do lady that always wanted me to make her dressy clothing. Well she would buy a size 6 pattern so she could tell her friends that she got a size 6 but I would have to make it to fit a size 18. She didnt know I would take the pattern back and switch the size. That is when I stopped any and all clothing sewing. LOL to much quilt to be done.
I’ve heard a saying “Asking a quilter to do your mending is like asking Picasso to paint your shed”.
And I’ll tell anyone that asks me that I can make a quilt up really nice, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to do a nice job mending – it’s just not my special skill. You’re not alone hon – and I don’t own a serger either.
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
I’ve heard a saying “Asking a quilter to do your mending is like asking Picasso to paint your shed”.
And I’ll tell anyone that asks me that I can make a quilt up really nice, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to do a nice job mending – it’s just not my special skill. You’re not alone hon – and I don’t own a serger either.
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
I don’t own a serger either…
and I only hem hubby’s pants and only because well, I am married to him for better or worse!
I don’t own a serger either…
and I only hem hubby’s pants and only because well, I am married to him for better or worse!
Making quilts or other piecing and construction, even most garments, I love. Asking me to sew on buttons, repairs, other ‘maintenance’ sewing is the worst and most likely these projects are set aside and buried, and frequently never see the light of day again. You’re definitely not alone there. That being said, your Bernina should have a stretch stitch and a foot available such as a roller foot or similar that does make sewing on fabrics you describe easier. Owning a serger simply does not interest me either.
Making quilts or other piecing and construction, even most garments, I love. Asking me to sew on buttons, repairs, other ‘maintenance’ sewing is the worst and most likely these projects are set aside and buried, and frequently never see the light of day again. You’re definitely not alone there. That being said, your Bernina should have a stretch stitch and a foot available such as a roller foot or similar that does make sewing on fabrics you describe easier. Owning a serger simply does not interest me either.
After returning from vacation to find my dog had bitten my brother in law who was doing the dog chores, I am now obligated to patch his jeans for life. Someone needs to tell him holy jeans are in style.
After returning from vacation to find my dog had bitten my brother in law who was doing the dog chores, I am now obligated to patch his jeans for life. Someone needs to tell him holy jeans are in style.
Oh Lordy Bee!!! I hate when someone ask me to do mending, especially hems!! My sister is the worst! “just do what you can, it should be easy, won’t take but a second” I want to say “Then do it Yourself”
I do such a crappy job hemming, most people have stopped asking me to hem!! Yay!
Oh Lordy Bee!!! I hate when someone ask me to do mending, especially hems!! My sister is the worst! “just do what you can, it should be easy, won’t take but a second” I want to say “Then do it Yourself”
I do such a crappy job hemming, most people have stopped asking me to hem!! Yay!
Have you tried a wide twin needle? You could hem those with a wide twin needle and a long stitch length.
Have you tried a wide twin needle? You could hem those with a wide twin needle and a long stitch length.
You are such a good DIL!!!! I love the people, that when they know I quit, say “Oh, can you make me a quilt!?!” Yea, right. In my spare time!!! I’ll whip one up this afternoon. LOL!
You are such a good DIL!!!! I love the people, that when they know I quit, say “Oh, can you make me a quilt!?!” Yea, right. In my spare time!!! I’ll whip one up this afternoon. LOL!
I hate the clothing sewing/mending too! And like the rest of you I don’t have a serger and no intrest in getting one. And Jean, when people ask me to make them a quilt I lead them on… tell them they can pick the fabric and the pattern… and then tell them it will cost them $700 for my time (not counting materials and the quilter’s fee) and whadda ya know? they decide they don’t want one. And if by chance they ever do… I will at least make it worth my time!! My philosophy is I would rather GIVE a quilt to someone I love than make a quilt for pay for someone I only know.
I hate the clothing sewing/mending too! And like the rest of you I don’t have a serger and no intrest in getting one. And Jean, when people ask me to make them a quilt I lead them on… tell them they can pick the fabric and the pattern… and then tell them it will cost them $700 for my time (not counting materials and the quilter’s fee) and whadda ya know? they decide they don’t want one. And if by chance they ever do… I will at least make it worth my time!! My philosophy is I would rather GIVE a quilt to someone I love than make a quilt for pay for someone I only know.
I had a serger given to me, and after it sat unused for a few months, I donated it to a group that does sewing for charity. I used to make alot of clothes, even sewed for people for a while years ago – hated it!!
I am the “designated sewer” in my family though, and do that because I love them, but it’s a chore. (Hem up pants, replace zippers, take in side seams, etc.)
My most enjoyable task was replacing a block in a quilt my grandson’s girlfriend had been given that her grandmother had made. She had spilled nail polish on it, and I carefully unstitched and lifted out that block, and with the help of some donations from a friend’s stash, and from mine, was able to duplicate that block pretty close, reset it in, and requilt it. A fun challenge.
I’ve had people hint to me that they would like a quilt made – even give me the color and design choices they have, and I just ignore them – I think they think that because I am a quilter, that that’s what I do for profit – not!
I had a serger given to me, and after it sat unused for a few months, I donated it to a group that does sewing for charity. I used to make alot of clothes, even sewed for people for a while years ago – hated it!!
I am the “designated sewer” in my family though, and do that because I love them, but it’s a chore. (Hem up pants, replace zippers, take in side seams, etc.)
My most enjoyable task was replacing a block in a quilt my grandson’s girlfriend had been given that her grandmother had made. She had spilled nail polish on it, and I carefully unstitched and lifted out that block, and with the help of some donations from a friend’s stash, and from mine, was able to duplicate that block pretty close, reset it in, and requilt it. A fun challenge.
I’ve had people hint to me that they would like a quilt made – even give me the color and design choices they have, and I just ignore them – I think they think that because I am a quilter, that that’s what I do for profit – not!
I think you found the perfect solution!! No, it doesn’t make financial sense, but makes you look like you can do a fantastic hem job!!! LOL
I think you found the perfect solution!! No, it doesn’t make financial sense, but makes you look like you can do a fantastic hem job!!! LOL
Well I do own a serger. It’s 22 years old now and I still can’t work out how to adjust the tension LOL. My daughter could adjust it at 13 years of age and did it up to 4 years ago, then she married and moved too far away, so now if I need help I have it serviced! I have threatened to sell it so many times! As for sewing and mending clothes, I think the older we get, the harder it gets.
Well I do own a serger. It’s 22 years old now and I still can’t work out how to adjust the tension LOL. My daughter could adjust it at 13 years of age and did it up to 4 years ago, then she married and moved too far away, so now if I need help I have it serviced! I have threatened to sell it so many times! As for sewing and mending clothes, I think the older we get, the harder it gets.
Mending just keeps me from doing the things I enjoy doing and don’t have enough (or any) time for as it is. I have a serger and would still have to say that $30 to have someone else deal with that cheap stretchy fabric was well worth the price and I would pay it any day!
Mending just keeps me from doing the things I enjoy doing and don’t have enough (or any) time for as it is. I have a serger and would still have to say that $30 to have someone else deal with that cheap stretchy fabric was well worth the price and I would pay it any day!
I am the same way…no serger and elderly parents who need items to be hemmed or fitted and I HATE it! But I do try my best and usually it turns out OK.
I am the same way…no serger and elderly parents who need items to be hemmed or fitted and I HATE it! But I do try my best and usually it turns out OK.
I’m so glad you wrote this post! I get these requests all the time. I feel like a tiny tailor in a royal kingdom…. make this higher, make this lower…. yes your royalness!
I’m so glad you wrote this post! I get these requests all the time. I feel like a tiny tailor in a royal kingdom…. make this higher, make this lower…. yes your royalness!
I so hear you. Straight to the seamstress downtown…once my Dad asked me to alter the sleeves on a jacket he bought at costco for like 12 dollars…urghghgh and I said sure. omg. I hemmed them too short and he was the first man I saw with 3/4 length sleeves! Fashion forward? Not!
I so hear you. Straight to the seamstress downtown…once my Dad asked me to alter the sleeves on a jacket he bought at costco for like 12 dollars…urghghgh and I said sure. omg. I hemmed them too short and he was the first man I saw with 3/4 length sleeves! Fashion forward? Not!
Boy can I relate to this post! My husband served in the military for 23 years and required numerous badge and name changes on uniforms through each move, promotion etc. I love to sew but dealing with the uniforms was such a chore AND THEN the people he worked with learned I did his and would ask him if he can pursuade me to do theirs!
Boy can I relate to this post! My husband served in the military for 23 years and required numerous badge and name changes on uniforms through each move, promotion etc. I love to sew but dealing with the uniforms was such a chore AND THEN the people he worked with learned I did his and would ask him if he can pursuade me to do theirs!
Oh my gosh, I laughed at this one. I feel the same way. I joke that I make quilts but can’t sew a stitch! If it is a straight line, I’m your girl. I can make a pillow, but please don’t bring me your clothes to mend. My dear friend always brings me something to fix, and I somehow muddle through!
Oh my gosh, I laughed at this one. I feel the same way. I joke that I make quilts but can’t sew a stitch! If it is a straight line, I’m your girl. I can make a pillow, but please don’t bring me your clothes to mend. My dear friend always brings me something to fix, and I somehow muddle through!
We just had this conversation on the weekend, paying more for the tailoring than the clothes are worth. And I am sergerless and plan to stay that way.
We just had this conversation on the weekend, paying more for the tailoring than the clothes are worth. And I am sergerless and plan to stay that way.
My answer to the sewing and mending requests is: I make quilts. One size fits all and no zippers or button holes to deal with.
My answer to the sewing and mending requests is: I make quilts. One size fits all and no zippers or button holes to deal with.
This is really quite funny. I agree, sewing and quilting are two very different beasts. I have sewed all my life, but have been quilting for just less than a year. Very different principles involved. And very different outcomes!
This is really quite funny. I agree, sewing and quilting are two very different beasts. I have sewed all my life, but have been quilting for just less than a year. Very different principles involved. And very different outcomes!
“Asking a quilter to mend is like asking Van Gough to paint your garage.” I once owned a sweatshirt that said that!
If you cut off the bottoms of the knit pants, just zig zag them. It doesn’t look great. Fold under the hem. Then get a double needle and stitch them. It will take you 20 minutes. (That tailor is making about $90 an hour on you!) She’s 89 years old and will never look at the inside! And they’ll look great from the outside.
“Asking a quilter to mend is like asking Van Gough to paint your garage.” I once owned a sweatshirt that said that!
If you cut off the bottoms of the knit pants, just zig zag them. It doesn’t look great. Fold under the hem. Then get a double needle and stitch them. It will take you 20 minutes. (That tailor is making about $90 an hour on you!) She’s 89 years old and will never look at the inside! And they’ll look great from the outside.
Oh boy can I relate – ugh!!! Asking a quilter to mend clothes is like asking Piccaso to paint the wall. LOL
We live in a retirement community. The first summer we were here I was asked to repair the velcro on all (25) shuffleboard scoreboards. No problem, I said – they arrived in a pile with bird poop all over them. Ugh, Ugh, Ugh!!! Once I cleaned them off I repaired them and told them I couldn’t do it again (actually wouldn’t do it again). I’ll spare you the long list of other chores I did, as well. I finally learned to say NO!!!
Oh boy can I relate – ugh!!! Asking a quilter to mend clothes is like asking Piccaso to paint the wall. LOL
We live in a retirement community. The first summer we were here I was asked to repair the velcro on all (25) shuffleboard scoreboards. No problem, I said – they arrived in a pile with bird poop all over them. Ugh, Ugh, Ugh!!! Once I cleaned them off I repaired them and told them I couldn’t do it again (actually wouldn’t do it again). I’ll spare you the long list of other chores I did, as well. I finally learned to say NO!!!
I think that you are a good daughter-in-law…
I think that you are a good daughter-in-law…
Your hems will work if you sew them with a very slight zig-zag stitch (so slight that you can barely tell it’s a zig-zag) which will give a little more stretch to the stitch than a normal stitch would have and so won’t rip as soon as the fabric is stretched a little. Do a regular zig-zag on the edges and I’m sure they will pass muster and save you a lot of money! That’s what I would do anyway!!!
Your hems will work if you sew them with a very slight zig-zag stitch (so slight that you can barely tell it’s a zig-zag) which will give a little more stretch to the stitch than a normal stitch would have and so won’t rip as soon as the fabric is stretched a little. Do a regular zig-zag on the edges and I’m sure they will pass muster and save you a lot of money! That’s what I would do anyway!!!
I hear ya!!!!!
I hear ya!!!!!
I don’t like the mending jobs either…once my DH asked for his trousers to be shortened and to this day he reckons one leg is longer than the other…I’m sure it’s not, but he has never asked me to fix anything else which suits me fine! :o)
I don’t like the mending jobs either…once my DH asked for his trousers to be shortened and to this day he reckons one leg is longer than the other…I’m sure it’s not, but he has never asked me to fix anything else which suits me fine! :o)
I started sewing when I was about 9 years old, making clothes for my Barbie. During my high school years I made some of my clothes and even back then other girls would ask me to make clothes for them. While my children were toddlers I made their pajamas, dresses, shorts, etc. When I entered the workforce, sewing was the farthest thing from my mind. As the golden years approached, my interests turned to quilting. Hemming a pair of slacks was a turn off. And like everyone who has commented, friends and family continue to request for their mending/alterations. I usually end up doing them, but they are not on the top of my to do list and may take a few weeks to do 🙂
And I agree, I would rather give a quilt out of love instead of being hired to quilt.
I started sewing when I was about 9 years old, making clothes for my Barbie. During my high school years I made some of my clothes and even back then other girls would ask me to make clothes for them. While my children were toddlers I made their pajamas, dresses, shorts, etc. When I entered the workforce, sewing was the farthest thing from my mind. As the golden years approached, my interests turned to quilting. Hemming a pair of slacks was a turn off. And like everyone who has commented, friends and family continue to request for their mending/alterations. I usually end up doing them, but they are not on the top of my to do list and may take a few weeks to do 🙂
And I agree, I would rather give a quilt out of love instead of being hired to quilt.
Boy, do I ever agree with you. I love quilting but I HATE mending. I just had to fix a bathing suit to fit a 7 year old. Ugh. also stretchy fabric. I hope it held together at the beach.
Boy, do I ever agree with you. I love quilting but I HATE mending. I just had to fix a bathing suit to fit a 7 year old. Ugh. also stretchy fabric. I hope it held together at the beach.
I don’t do my own mending, so when someone asks me to do it, I really cringe. I was so happy when my daughter married a boy whose mother was a clothing and textiles major in college. Boy, can she mend and tailor! Sometimes I ask her to help me!
I don’t do my own mending, so when someone asks me to do it, I really cringe. I was so happy when my daughter married a boy whose mother was a clothing and textiles major in college. Boy, can she mend and tailor! Sometimes I ask her to help me!
and then there are the loved ones who want you to fix something involving a zipper. Please, just shoot me now.
and then there are the loved ones who want you to fix something involving a zipper. Please, just shoot me now.
You’re a good woman, doing that for your MIL. Your reward is not of the earthly kind!
You’re a good woman, doing that for your MIL. Your reward is not of the earthly kind!
Yep, a co-worker at my then new job thought I would be thrilled to take an old half finished quilt started by her mom and ‘put it through the machine’ to make a quilt….something a kin to a xerox machine was her picture, I think. I respectfully declined.
Yep, a co-worker at my then new job thought I would be thrilled to take an old half finished quilt started by her mom and ‘put it through the machine’ to make a quilt….something a kin to a xerox machine was her picture, I think. I respectfully declined.
I don’t have a serger either.
The way I handle my hems is to just fold up the existing hem & hand stitch it to the inside. . . definitely not the correct way to do it but it works for me.
I don’t have a serger either.
The way I handle my hems is to just fold up the existing hem & hand stitch it to the inside. . . definitely not the correct way to do it but it works for me.
I don’t own a serger either…people ask me for “favors” and I tell them I quilt, I don’t sew. I hem dress pants for my husband and 2 boys only because my mom bought me my first sewing machine so she didn’t have to hem for them anymore. Turns out I like quilting not clothing…
I don’t own a serger either…people ask me for “favors” and I tell them I quilt, I don’t sew. I hem dress pants for my husband and 2 boys only because my mom bought me my first sewing machine so she didn’t have to hem for them anymore. Turns out I like quilting not clothing…
Same here and I don’t own a serger or intend to get one!!!!!
Hugs!
Same here and I don’t own a serger or intend to get one!!!!!
Hugs!
you just need a nearby friend with a serger.
The job is quick and easy with the right tools.
you just need a nearby friend with a serger.
The job is quick and easy with the right tools.
I don’t like mending either.
I don’t like mending either.
Definately not my forte’ (sp) I would rather go around with a safty pin on my pj’s than sew the button back on!LOL sad, but true.
Definately not my forte’ (sp) I would rather go around with a safty pin on my pj’s than sew the button back on!LOL sad, but true.
… I almost forgot about the stack of Levi’s in my sewing room that one of my son’s gave me to mend/ripped the crotch on every one of ’em!
… I almost forgot about the stack of Levi’s in my sewing room that one of my son’s gave me to mend/ripped the crotch on every one of ’em!
If you are looking for a good tailor that only charges $10 to hem a pair of pants, I have one!
Connie
If you are looking for a good tailor that only charges $10 to hem a pair of pants, I have one!
Connie
I’m lol. It sounds like we all have the same problem. I could tell you some good stories on my MIL with dementia and my 99 yr old FIL and their tailoring requests. But I’ll spare you. I have to agree with those who have recommended the double needle. What a boon! I am short and ALWAYS need to re-hem my pants. Secret: I do NOT finish the cut edge. I run that double needle close to the cut edge. With 2 lines of stitching, it has never frayed. Any initial loose threads can be clipped and I’m good to go. Now about that fly zipper that FIL wants repaced….
I’m lol. It sounds like we all have the same problem. I could tell you some good stories on my MIL with dementia and my 99 yr old FIL and their tailoring requests. But I’ll spare you. I have to agree with those who have recommended the double needle. What a boon! I am short and ALWAYS need to re-hem my pants. Secret: I do NOT finish the cut edge. I run that double needle close to the cut edge. With 2 lines of stitching, it has never frayed. Any initial loose threads can be clipped and I’m good to go. Now about that fly zipper that FIL wants repaced….
Nicole, what a good daughter-in-law you are. I hate those requests, and begrudgingly will do something, but like you rather than disappoint a loved one, will pay someone else to do the nasty dead, after all it’s easier to make new, rather than repair, that goes for clothes as well as quilts.
Nicole, what a good daughter-in-law you are. I hate those requests, and begrudgingly will do something, but like you rather than disappoint a loved one, will pay someone else to do the nasty dead, after all it’s easier to make new, rather than repair, that goes for clothes as well as quilts.
My daughter has has stopped asking me to hem her pants. “Thanks, Mom, you just turn them under and then they are bulky and ugly” Really!!
People who say, will you make me a quilt get my standard answer. “No, but I will be happy to teach you to make one. End of story.
Serger, no thanks. How many napkins do I need?
My daughter has has stopped asking me to hem her pants. “Thanks, Mom, you just turn them under and then they are bulky and ugly” Really!!
People who say, will you make me a quilt get my standard answer. “No, but I will be happy to teach you to make one. End of story.
Serger, no thanks. How many napkins do I need?
Seems a lot of us, maybe all of us, have the same problem. DH never asks but DD and DGD come around with a little something in a paper bag. I laugh, I cry, and I do the best job I can. However, I make sure everyone knows how very busy I am and that I can’t just drop everything to fit their project in. Keeps these interruptions to a minimum. 😉
Seems a lot of us, maybe all of us, have the same problem. DH never asks but DD and DGD come around with a little something in a paper bag. I laugh, I cry, and I do the best job I can. However, I make sure everyone knows how very busy I am and that I can’t just drop everything to fit their project in. Keeps these interruptions to a minimum. 😉
Yes, we have to be nice to our mother-in-law, no matter what she asks. Hopefully the stretch pants hem request is not too often Nicole!
Yes, we have to be nice to our mother-in-law, no matter what she asks. Hopefully the stretch pants hem request is not too often Nicole!
Yes Nicole I know the feeling I used to be asked all the time .Then I started to say I am very buisy and I dont have the time And that stopped it.Do you mean an overlocker is that what you call A serger I have one it is handy A friend of mine who does quilting Does all her quilting on the overlocker.
Hugs Mary.
Yes Nicole I know the feeling I used to be asked all the time .Then I started to say I am very buisy and I dont have the time And that stopped it.Do you mean an overlocker is that what you call A serger I have one it is handy A friend of mine who does quilting Does all her quilting on the overlocker.
Hugs Mary.
Ha! I totally understand, except I had a former boss (when I was still employed by her) asking me to hem thick velvet curtains and make her a table runner out of organza and beaded trim. I cannot stress enough how much I hate sewing organza. I still think the MIL is worse though.
Ha! I totally understand, except I had a former boss (when I was still employed by her) asking me to hem thick velvet curtains and make her a table runner out of organza and beaded trim. I cannot stress enough how much I hate sewing organza. I still think the MIL is worse though.
You could use misty fuse or wonder under on the fraying fabric, this will not only stop the fabric fraying but will also bond the hem to hold it whilst you sew.
For stretchy fabric use stitch and tear to keep the fabric from stretching whilst you sew. You can get a sticky version these days.
hth wendy
You could use misty fuse or wonder under on the fraying fabric, this will not only stop the fabric fraying but will also bond the hem to hold it whilst you sew.
For stretchy fabric use stitch and tear to keep the fabric from stretching whilst you sew. You can get a sticky version these days.
hth wendy
I’ll hem pants for nieces or nephews. I press in a deep hem and do it by hand so it is easy to let down later.
My sister is still mad because I won’t “whip her up” a quilt. Over the years she and her family got gotten afghan after afghan and my hands are worn out. I told the whole family that I can’t make quilts for all of them, that the leftovers were being made into small quilts for charity. Sheesh, she stuck her lower lip out and said “But I’m poor!”
Still didn’t work!
I’ll hem pants for nieces or nephews. I press in a deep hem and do it by hand so it is easy to let down later.
My sister is still mad because I won’t “whip her up” a quilt. Over the years she and her family got gotten afghan after afghan and my hands are worn out. I told the whole family that I can’t make quilts for all of them, that the leftovers were being made into small quilts for charity. Sheesh, she stuck her lower lip out and said “But I’m poor!”
Still didn’t work!
…. no serger at my house and I’ve figured out a few tricks to hem knit stuff.
…. no serger at my house and I’ve figured out a few tricks to hem knit stuff.
OMG! Thank you ladies. I feel so much better about myself now! No one in my family (not even my wonderful seamstress mother) understands how much I HATE to do mending or sewing for other people. I want to sew what I want to sew, when I want to sew! Sometimes that’s quilting (a lot of the time) and sometimes it is a shirt for my hubby and sometimes other crafty things, but no, I don’t want to hem your pants, fix the rip in the crotch of your jeans because you bought really expensive jeans with really thin fabric that split right at the seam, I don’t want to make your bridesmaid dresses for any amount of money, make pillows with piping …. I don’t think I need to go on, you all know ….. I do own a serger, because I used to be a very good seamstress, but I love quilting so much, I’m difficult to fit in my older age and I’d rather buy the clothing! Thanks again for making me feel better and enjoy the weekend.
OMG! Thank you ladies. I feel so much better about myself now! No one in my family (not even my wonderful seamstress mother) understands how much I HATE to do mending or sewing for other people. I want to sew what I want to sew, when I want to sew! Sometimes that’s quilting (a lot of the time) and sometimes it is a shirt for my hubby and sometimes other crafty things, but no, I don’t want to hem your pants, fix the rip in the crotch of your jeans because you bought really expensive jeans with really thin fabric that split right at the seam, I don’t want to make your bridesmaid dresses for any amount of money, make pillows with piping …. I don’t think I need to go on, you all know ….. I do own a serger, because I used to be a very good seamstress, but I love quilting so much, I’m difficult to fit in my older age and I’d rather buy the clothing! Thanks again for making me feel better and enjoy the weekend.
Well, it looks like I’m the odd one…I do like to mend. I don’t always want to do it, but when I get started I enjoy it. I find it very satisfying to get that pile down to nothing…then I like to calculate how much money I saved. When we were young (and not so young) marrieds, I needed to mend my husband’s work jeans. I NEEDED to save that $25 several times over. I don’t necessarily want to do everyone else’s mending (though I do mend for my children and their families.)
I don’t own a serger either but I would like to. I don’t know anything about them so am a bit afraid to buy one.
Thanks for the fun post, Nicole.
Well, it looks like I’m the odd one…I do like to mend. I don’t always want to do it, but when I get started I enjoy it. I find it very satisfying to get that pile down to nothing…then I like to calculate how much money I saved. When we were young (and not so young) marrieds, I needed to mend my husband’s work jeans. I NEEDED to save that $25 several times over. I don’t necessarily want to do everyone else’s mending (though I do mend for my children and their families.)
I don’t own a serger either but I would like to. I don’t know anything about them so am a bit afraid to buy one.
Thanks for the fun post, Nicole.
I hate tailoring tasks. People used to ask me all the time, but not so much anymore. I think they can tell by my expression and the length of time it takes for them to get their garment back that I don’t like to do it.
Wanted to let you know that the plates arrived safely. No chips, no cracks, just beautiful. Please let me know how much the total cost is with postage, tax, etc., and I’l send you a check right away. Thanks so much, Nicole, for picking these up for me. I love these dishes, don’t you?
I hate tailoring tasks. People used to ask me all the time, but not so much anymore. I think they can tell by my expression and the length of time it takes for them to get their garment back that I don’t like to do it.
Wanted to let you know that the plates arrived safely. No chips, no cracks, just beautiful. Please let me know how much the total cost is with postage, tax, etc., and I’l send you a check right away. Thanks so much, Nicole, for picking these up for me. I love these dishes, don’t you?
what a great post!
I tell my family… do not give me mending! The only thing I might mend is a vintage quilt, and even then, I would probably leave it alone!
I keep meaning to buy a serger, but that would require me to stop piecing!
what a great post!
I tell my family… do not give me mending! The only thing I might mend is a vintage quilt, and even then, I would probably leave it alone!
I keep meaning to buy a serger, but that would require me to stop piecing!
I am so happy to hear that someone else experiences this!! My DH does this to me all the time and I HATE it. I HATE HEMMING, and I am not very good at it. Good for you taking it to someone who does it for a living!! Me too, next time he asks. Unfortunately for me it is usually because he needs it the next day!
I am so happy to hear that someone else experiences this!! My DH does this to me all the time and I HATE it. I HATE HEMMING, and I am not very good at it. Good for you taking it to someone who does it for a living!! Me too, next time he asks. Unfortunately for me it is usually because he needs it the next day!