Measure Twice, Cut Once

I read some Amazon reviews of Weekend Sewing (reviewed below) and boy are they harsh. (I like the book and have had no trouble with the one thing I have started) What is frustrating is that many of the issues that the reviewers complained about could have been avoided by always following these steps.

1. When you are making a new pattern,(or a recipe) read all instructions all the way through
2. Measure carefully (the old rule "measure twice, cut once" isn't just for carpenters)
3. Make a muslin to determine fit and any construction issues before you cut your good fabric
4. If the pattern is from a book, check the author's or publisher's website for any possible known errors. Threads Magazine did an article a little while ago on proofing your patterns. It's a good habit to get into. I have found many mistakes when doing this at the start and saved myself frustration and grief later on.

Here's Heather's info with corrections: http://heatherross.squarespace.com/weekend-sewing-errata/

5. Ask for help if you get stuck. Don't give up! Many problem projects can be saved with some creative thinking. Nancy used this ingenious solution to fix an accident


What creative solutions have you used to save a problem project?

Book Review: Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching

I bought some new sewing books this week and that's always fun, because while I am reading them and trying out the patterns, if anyone interrupts me I can say that I am working. New sewing books are great; there are lots of good ideas out there, and I like to read all the new books to see if I can capture any good ideas for my sewing. This book is full of good ideas for weekend sewing. For most of us, that's the only time we get to sew. This charming book highlights simple projects that one could make in a weekend. There are patterns attached inside the front and back covers, and the projects include everything from a wrap skirt to napkins and a tablecloth to a simple shirt. Plus the book is written in a friendly reassuring style. Many projects are suitable for beginners. Each project is accompanied with illustrated diagrams and complete instructions. I've been sewing so long that I don't need instructions for most projects, but I have to confess that her method for putting together a pillowcase was something I had never even thought of doing before. If I had had a book like this when my kids were little I would have made the little tent and pillow and ground cloth for backyard and picnic adventures; they would have loved it. There are lots of great gift ideas included as well: easy garden gloves (she recommends Liberty knits - I did not even know Liberty MADE knits. Now I need some!), a super cute make-up/toiletries travel bag that would work for men and women as a perfect customized gift, pajamas for everyone and much more. There are lots of good ideas in here and I look forward to customizing some of them for my own projects. Plus she includes recipes for some of her favorite easy dishes. That peach, basil and fresh mozzarella salad is now on my list when summer peaches arrive.
Heather likes to cook and sew and I think if we knew each other we'd have a lot to talk about. This book would make a great gift for someone you know who is getting into sewing or coming back to sewing after a long break(or yourself). I liked the fact that she included a list of her favorite music to sew by. She had interesting choices...of course I had to ask my 18 year old son for a sample. Mr. Hunting Creek likes to play music that matches what he is making for dinner. I could do this for sewing too: surf guitar for Hawaiian shirts, bossa nova for evening wear, folk music for peasant skirts...(maybe patterns should come with MP3s?)
What music do you like to sew by?