What Makes a Hem Gauge Worth $15?

Let me start by saying the 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge by Nancy Zieman is grossly overpriced. According to the package, this notion has five uses:

1. Spacing and marking buttonholes:
2. Seam Allowance Gauge
3. Hem Gauge
4. Circle compass
5. “T” Gauge

Click to enlarge and see details

The 5-in-1 Sliding gauge functions like most other seam/hem gauges, only better. Both the "T" top and the movable ruler are extra long allowing you to make marks anywhere along it's length. That comes in handy when drawing guidelines for buttonholes. In addition, the gauge locks in place and does not move until you press the button. There is a slot down the center so you can mark ¼" seam allowances and the gauge itself is 5/8 " wide. The slot opening is 1/8" wide. The clear plastic circle acts as a hub and the gauge rotates around it for drawing circles.

The design is quite clever and Nancy Zieman has to get her cut, but why spend $15 on a hem gauge? Because, I'm a sucker for sewing gadgets, that's why. This really proves it. And I bought this on a day when I had a few extra dollars no sales resistance. I've managed to sew for more than 30 years without this little tool. But now that I have it, I'm sure I'll use it quite frequently, so in that way, it's worth every penny.

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PS: Click here to see a video demonstrating the many uses of this tool.

Next: BWOF 03-06-131C and 04-06-126

I've done a little mindless sewing, I've done some house-cleaning, and most importantly, the 2008-09 school year is history. Now, I'm ready to lose myself in my next sewing project.These patterns come from my BWOF Archives and I've made both before (the pants in the longer length). BWOF's method for a notched collar is unusual and has given me a little trouble in the past. Eventually, I mastered it, but I will probably practice the collar one more time before I start the blouse.

It's hard to tell from the photo, but the blue fabric is actually a stripe – like seer-sucker without the puckers. Since the blouse is white linen, I want to do a little something to make it coordinate with the capris. I plan to add some subtle touches of blue to the blouse, including the blue buttons pictured. I have other plain white tops, so it's not a problem if I can't wear the blouse with anything else. While I'm practicing the collar, I can play around with some ideas.

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Ta- Daaaaa!

Here is my quilt top! If I remember, I'll take my camera to the next class and show my classmate's quilts. The final two classes will cover batting, backing, quilting and binding and we'll be finished.
It just so happens the colors of the quilt match the color scheme in my sewing room, so I'm hanging this quilt no matter how it looks when it's finished!

I Need a Break!

Sewing is my hobby. I sew to relax. Lately, some tension has crept into my otherwise relaxing hobby because I haven't been happy with the fabrics with which I've been working. So, it's time for a detour – a little side trip to Kwik Sew Land.

Kwik Sew patterns are not the most stylish, but there is nothing better for the mindless sewing I need right now. If there is an easier pattern, I'd like to see it. Even the tracing is easier! In addition to providing some relaxing sewing time, this project will provide some much needed summer sleepwear. After one or two night gowns, tanks and shorts using some cotton prints, I'll be ready for some more strenuous sewing.

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BTW, I ended up sewing the "conflicted" plaid shirt (Click for review). It will be a great blouse for the days I don't leave home!

Never Shop for Fabric with Cousins Who Don't Sew

Back in April, I drove to Rockville, MD for a G-Street field trip. I was with four of my cousins, three of whom live in Georgia and I rarely see. (The fourth cousin lives in Philadelphia and I see her often enough.) Two of these cousins are … how can I say this …well … bossy. None of the cousins sews. As much as I love them all, these are not the people I needed with me in a store like G-Street Fabrics. I wanted to fondle the silk; they wanted to go to CVS. I wanted to search for coordinating pieces of fabric; they wanted to get dinner. Since they don't love fabric the way I do, I couldn't get them to stay in G-Street for any length of time. And the bossy cousins kept bitching suggesting we leave. As a result, I was rushed and couldn't take the time G-Street deserves.

Two months later, I finally reached the G-Street fabrics in my queue.



I bought the fabrics intending to match them up as shown. Yes, they are neutral colors, but I just don't like the match-ups anymore. If I'd had more time in the store, I would have made different choices. I bought a yellow jersey knit to be worn with a blue print with touches of yellow and I never liked that match-up! I'm sure that pairing won't last either. The only match-up to survive was the fabric I bought when I went back to G-Street alone the following morning.

Here are the facts:

1. I'm not satisfied with the fabric match-ups I bought when I was with my cousins.
2. I am satisfied with the fabric match-ups I bought when I was by myself.

Hmmmmmm. There is only one logical conclusion: Never shop for fabric with cousins who don't sew.

Who Bought This Fabric?

This fabric has been troubling me since I bought it. What was I thinking? No, it couldn't have been me. I think my evil twin, Elaroops, bought this fabric and slipped it into my closet when I wasn't looking. I've changed my mind about the pattern for this fabric at least three times. That was the first sign of trouble. When I assign a pattern to a fabric, usually it stays assigned. As of this minute, I've decided on Kwik Sew 3586, but who knows – I may change my mind again! I finally put my finger on the problem – it's plaid! I looked in my closet. I don't have a lot of plaid. Why not? Because I don't really like plaid. So why did I buy this fabric? I don't know – I must have liked it when I bought it. Usually, I have a feeling of excited anticipation when I start a new project. Not so with this fabric. I just want to sew it up and get it out of the way. When my sewing projects are destined to implode, there is a point where I admit defeat and projects change from "garments" to "learning experiences". That usually happens when I'm almost finished and I realize the garment isn't going to fit. It rarely happens before I even start! At least I'll get practice working with plaids. Although I don't know why I need the practice because I can't see myself buying another plaid ever in life. After this ordeal is over, at least I'll have a new shirt for knocking around. And who knows … maybe I'll like it better when it is made up into a shirt.