Tuesday, August 07, 2007
basting
i decided to put the ruffle on hold. i have to find out what basting means. two people have mentioned it and i clearly have some learning to do :) so in the meantime, i just trimmed and dropped my rod to create cafe curtains. maybe you remember i had long formal drapes here? i was never fond of them being so close to my fun refrigerator. it just never mixed. the simple linen eyelet cafe curtains that i shortened seem more appropriate. but as i was playing around, i remembered how i can tend to get too girly in my decor, especially in the kitchen. there is a "man of the house" - you know, the one who won't let me get a yorkie - and so i have to try to put in some toughness here and there.
aha, the curtain rod. i used pvc pipe, that's tough, right?
aha, the curtain rod. i used pvc pipe, that's tough, right? 
7 Comments:
Basting = big long temporary stitches. Easier done by hand. Make huge childish stitches, pull the threads and viola, a ruffle!
If you can find an older copy of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, it might be helpful if you are new to stitching! (I thnk the newer version is not as useful.)
Agreed on the vintage RD Guide to Sewing. I've had it since 7th grade home ec and it really does explain it in easy terms. Basting is very, very easy, and best done in a bright contrasting color so you can easily see and pull out the stitches after you've made your permanent seam. You'll be ruffling everything soon enough! It's nice to do it yourself, because you can decide if you want a gentle, flowing ruffle or a tightly pulled, full ruffle depending on how much fabric and gathering you do.
I have to agree with Sarah & housemouse about the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. It is very helpful for learning how to sew (and even for those sewing a bit longer, I still find things to help me:)
I really like the cafe style curtains...and yes PVC pipe is very manly so you're covered on that one. Looks GREAT! :o)
So glad you got int othe Nashville event. You'll love Heidi. :o)
thank you all so much for your sewing help! i ordered the readers digest book - found it for 98 cents! great tip!!!
What a great blog!! I'm not sure how I got here but I really enjoyed reading your blog. Love your pictures they are great. For sure I will stop back to visit.
Thanks for sharing,
Michele
I know what you mean about not getting too girly. Your curtains look great with the pvc curtain rod.
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