Frustrated... when will I get "good"?

I'm so frustrated with my skills lately. It seems, with purses especially, that the finished product looks so much uglier than picutured. I don't know if its my technique or my machine or what.

I just did a pattern for childrens fleece gloves that has me sew through 4 layers of fleece. It practially broke my machine. I don't know if thats typical, or I should have used a different needle or settings, but none of that was outlined in the pattern and so I'm left wondering if I'm doing something wrong or its my equipment.

And when a pattern doesn't give you peices but tells you to measure out and cut fabric in certain dimensions, how does one do it without cutting crooked? I feel stupid for asking this, but its so aggravating.

 I see so many cute things that seem like they *should* be within my skill level by now, but when I start things just don't come together right.

Sewing and I are just not getting along very well as of late!

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My Blog & Kristi's Frocks

A rotary ruler... ok. I have a rotary mat, but I didn't know there were rulers to go with it. I'll have to grab one next time I'm out. Thank you!

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My Blog & Kristi's Frocks

The ruler has a lip edge along the short end that allows you to push it flush against the edge of your self healing mat so you can cut in a straight line.  Patterns rarely include recommendations for machine settings, but a basic sewing book would include that information.  Check www.nancysnotions.com she has some terrific books on technique from begginer through advanced, dvds too. 

 Keep on keeping on, I've spent years learning as I go and now I'm pretty confident.  I'd still love to take a few classes though.  One on sewing with knits and one on fitting/tailoring.  I'd love to be able to make pants for myself, rtw pants never fit right. 

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Ashlea, formerly AMum, mum to Thomas J. age 8, Claire age 5 and Lila nearly 3

Au Lait, I've had the same problem cutting, even with patterns, and will probably invest in a cutting board and rotary tool like these ladies say to. 

Darn, and I was at Joann's yesterday with my coupon and nothing I had in my cart wasn't already on sale!

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I heart coffee.

Keep your chin up

All I can say is keep on trying, I am new to sewing as well.  I've made a couple blankets & I always cheat on the binding b/c I don't know how to miter the corners.  I just like to try different patterns & projects, it keeps the juices flowin'. 

 

Work at Home www.workathomeunited.com/theresanne

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www.workathomeunited.com/theresanne