Monday, October 23, 2006

First-best sewing friend

Babies. They're coming at me from everywhere at the moment (not my own, of course). This usually isn't a problem, I went through a baby-knits frenzy about 6 months ago and i've still got a stash of hand-knits with no home, but it's getting hot here. Too hot for baby cardigans.

How thoughtful of Martha Stewart to solve this conundrum for me.

This is a great pattern. Although it took me about an hour to figure out how to read it the first time I made it. Is it just me and my lack of sewing ability or is this a confusing pattern? Only thing I do differently is sew the inside ties in the seams. Anything to avoid hand-sewing. Which leads me to this:

My binding foot is my first-best sewing friend (it and my quick unpick ;). Notice the bias-binding around the neck? Well stifle that groan and buy one of these. Binding and material go in the front, perfectly sewn bias binding comes out the back. No hand-sewing required. However I should clarify that the bias-binding isn't always perfect...occasionally for some inexplicable reason (like your needle sitting in the wrong place) it will not catch both sides. When this happens you can swear and throw the tape measure across the room. That is a perfectly reasonble, mature, adult response.

This little top went to one of my all time favourite babies, Frances (seen here in part of my great baby cardigan explosion.) She was christened yesterday and took it all with dignity and grace. That is she didn't scream her lungs out like I would have. Not a peep.


10 comments:

SadieandLance said...

All hail the bias binder foot!

Sourire11 said...

such a cute baby!

Leah said...

Wow! What a great gift & what a cutie pie!! :)

Shazmina Bendi said...

Martha Stewart eat your heart out! YOu are the ultimate craft godess! :) still feeling the love for the binder foot hey!! Have you got any photos of Frances with the kimono top on??

Green Kitchen said...

Super cute. Makes me want to make some. Thanks for dropping by my blog. Welcome to the wacky craft blog world.

Anonymous said...

"When this happens you can swear and throw the tape measure across the room. That is a perfectly reasonble, mature, adult response."

Hehehe, it is the ONLY response.

Unknown said...

oohh -cute! You've given me an idea for a present for a baby arriving soon... thanks :)

Anonymous said...

Both pieces are beautiful - you're very talented... and how cute is that baby???

miss ewe said...

I love that sweater!!!

E said...

Wow - what a lovely pattern and you did an amazing job! There are going to be some very happy mums and babies about. I want to make one now too! How clueless am I - I didn't even know there were things like bias binder foots. I'm going to have to investigate :)