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This is a post about late night, last minute costume tailoring. But more so, it is a post about tackling my sewing machine after years of neglect.
Decades ago, I sewed. Since then, my sewing machine and serger have been stored away in my basement, with my sewing machine only getting pulled out for scrapbooking or card making projects. I haven’t “sewed” anything in many, many years.
But last week, I had two costumes that were too big. The tailor up the street only had time to do Olivia’s Princess Dress hemming and not the adjusments for Jackson’s Captain Rex costume. AND I was horrified that she was charging me $30 for Livvie’s!
I should have grabbed back the dress and said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” But I didn’t have the guts. Plus my sewing confidence was below low. Could I really get both costumes adjusted with my already over packed schedule?
So I left Livvie’s dress with the tailor and took home Jackson’s. At 10pm, the night before the Halloween costume parade at school, I tackled it. (Yes — I left it right down to the wire cause I like drama.) 😉
I dug out my dusty sewing machine, pushed back the papers next to my laptop, turned on Grey’s Anatomy, and got down to work.
I needed to shorten at the ankles and at the waist to try to get the costume to fit.
Maneuvering around the foam shin pads and the shoe covers wasn’t easy, but I decided to abandon perfectionism. This was about function, not beauty.
But I think the legs turned out pretty well anyway.
Next, it was time to tackle the waist.
The front looked alright…
But the back seam didn’t line up correctly. BUT considering the original sewing showed through their black thread, my tailoring will make the cut!
If you are wondering why I didn’t take it in at the original waist, once again, I had foam pads in the way. So I just wanted to make a tuck so it all lined up well in the front.
Two hours later, (yes — it took me two hours. Very embarrasing. But I might have been a bit distracted by Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice) I was done.
And the next day, Jackson was Captain Rex from The Clone Wars.
tran bao ngoc says
Wow!! For them to make you wait on a broken machine that is still under full warranty surprises me. I thought they’d replace that! Mine is just older than the full warranty which is why I assumed they’re making me wait
Miss Sews-it-all says
Wow, great job on the costume! I have to admit, alterations are about my most un-favorite thing to do.
There are lots of great sewing tips, tricks, and how-to’s to share at http://www.WeAllSew.com
AY says
Great job with the sewing. I finally got my son’s glass cabinet up – long overdue project which materialized thanks to Tackle it Tuesday.
Rebecca says
I bought a sewing machine second hand over 6 months ago and still haven’t tried it. Maybe you’ll see a project on a Tuesday Tackle soon! His costume turned out great!
Mother Hen says
I’m so sorry. The first link is wrong (#35 I think). I linked correctly the second time (#36 I think). Sorry for the trouble.
Rhiana Pfaff says
Great job! Love the sewing machine! I have a Bernina that keeps me going, believe it or not (see my last name above). I linked up with my holiday gifts crafts to-do.
Have a great Tuesday!
BarbaraLee says
That is a cool costume. For something he is going to wear one time I wouldn’t sweat over it.
heather says
Looks awesome! You’re doing far better than me. I’ve never even been CLOSE to a sewing machine.
Vic says
I have yet to tackle quite a few projects.
You did such a great job. Looks AWESOME:)
Organizing Mommy says
Good for you! Sewing is so therapeutic, isn’t it? I was sewing this week also.
Bonnie says
That is fantastic!!! Way to go. I would love to know how to sew for this exact reason.
Susie's Homemade says
Two hours? I would have taken me two months!! Awesome tackle:-)
Alyson says
I need someone in my area to help me tackle my sewing machine; I am sure in just a couple of lessons I would be able to sew again. Help! Thanks for your post. I tackled baking with my daughter, we need to practically make appointments to share our special baking time. But we did it yesterday and always so much fun!
Alyzabeth’s Mommy for One Year!
Janice says
Ann Marie – that was the bad part about doing it after Jackson had gone to bed. I couldn’t check it as I went. Had to wait for morning to see if I got it right.
Lisa – ohhh I so need to get a family shot!
Lisa says
Looks great! We tackled our family Christmas photo this week.
Ann Marie says
Great Job with your sewing machine! And yes you did a wonderful job hiding the thread! Wonderful pictures too!
I think the question isn’t how long the project takes – but how often did little man have to try it on! 😉