January 07, 2006
Well, I have spent the best part of the past two days in tutu hell. At midnight last night I sat down to knit 2 rows of the shawl, simply because I hadn't knit a stitch all day. This is what it is like trying to get the damn thing under the sewing machine.
On Thursday night I made a bodice from scrap fabric. Yesterday morning, I tried it on Em, and made all the necessary adjustments, then for the best part of yesteray and last night, I made the real bodice and basque, then pinned the basque to the skirt.
This morning I sat down and tried to sew the basque to the skirt by machine.
I swore, I threw a tantrum, I kicked the tutu across the room. The piece of shit would not go under the machine foot. There was simply too much fabric. The feed dog was jamming, and the fabric wouldn't feed properly. Then the machine wouldn't run. I found out that was because Twinkie has chewed her way through this stinking cord as well. This is the second sewing machine cord she has massacred. However, I just taped it up and went on. But I had to give it up. It simply would not go under the machine.
So I hand sewed it.
Yes, I hand sewed the entire basque to the skirt. It took three hours. But it's done.
(pic is clickable)
Well, the worst parts are done. It still needs to be flattened (also by hand) and decorated. (Yep, by hand).
But no more wrestling fabric under the machine. My arms are aching from holding it all out of the way and constantly reaching over it.
In not-so-breaking news, Twinkie has a fat face.
And just to show you all how pretty Fuzzy is when he isn't dripping wet,
He also has a fat face :)
Marti sent me a lovely gift, which arrived yesterday, pics tomorrow.
I'm not finishing the tutu tonight. In fact I don't think I want to look at it again for at least a week!
Comments
Pretty ballerina!
And sooo cute, Twinkie and Fuzzy. Fat faces just mean you feed them well.
Posted by: Puggyspice at January 7, 2006 10:45 PMWhat a lot of work!
Posted by: wool winder at January 7, 2006 11:37 PMMy the tutu is perfect! See looks marvelous and happy in it. Hope you'll show it completed.
Posted by: margene at January 7, 2006 11:57 PMI always knew I didn't want a ballerina in the family. Now I am sure I don't! But it is lovely, and will be even more spectacular when done.
Posted by: Chris at January 8, 2006 01:05 AMYou are such a good Mum! The tutu looks wonderful on Em.....I hope she appreciates all of the work that you do for her ;-))
Twinkie.....just too Cute!
Posted by: Kim at January 8, 2006 01:12 AMWow, my hat goes off to you, babe, for all that. I'm allergic to the sewing machine. I hope Em appreciates it!
Posted by: Norma at January 8, 2006 01:49 AMWow; the tutu is stunning and the ballerina is beautiful. And, of course, the animals are adorable. But I feel for you, woman! :-)
Posted by: Janet at January 8, 2006 05:31 AMHow satistfied you will feel when its all decorated and you see her dancing in it!! Well done - Boy I'm hoping for girls who dont want tutus :-)
Posted by: the stripey tiger at January 8, 2006 06:41 AMI never knew so much work went into tutus.. But I've got to say that you're good at it. Em looks so pretty in it! =D
Posted by: kessa at January 8, 2006 03:44 PMEm looks amazing. Job well done:)
Posted by: Kylie at January 8, 2006 03:49 PMWhoa! looks like you are being attacked by a purple people eater!
Em looks beautiful,you have done a great job there Donna, she is such a sweet girl.
The look on her face must have made it all worth it, that and a strong drink, lol. Sewers over here are happy to tell you that 'hand' is a 'four letter word', and like other curse words should be avoided *wink*. Of course, 'hand' is probably the only four letter word I avoid- heh.
Posted by: Shannon at January 9, 2006 12:47 AMGeez that tulle is enough to send a shudder down your spine isn't it?
You're a better woman than I am.
My daughter was in dance for 5 years and I tell you the mum's up here in Minnesota would have had a revolt if they were expected to sew the recital costumes. We provided transportation to dance class and plunked down money for the lessons and the costumes. I even remember hearing grumblings when the ready-made costume needed a snap sewn on. What do the non-sewing Aussie mums do if their daughter wants to be a dancer???
Posted by: Sue at January 9, 2006 05:53 AMVery pretty - soooo much work. She looks wonderful in it!
Posted by: Rox at January 9, 2006 09:17 AMthe tutu is gorgeous and em is so lucky to have such a talented and dedicated mom!
Posted by: debbie at January 9, 2006 02:26 PMTwinkie and Fuzzy are adorable with their fat little faces. So.Cute.
Sorry your had so much trouble with your machine, and then had to do it by hand, but the results are fantastic ... Em is sooo happy looking and the tutu is gorgeous! Well done!! :)
Posted by: Samantha at January 10, 2006 12:25 AMOK - that tutu is totally out of control. I'm SO impressed by it!
And your pets - what could be cuter!?
Posted by: Cece at January 10, 2006 04:23 AMwhat a beautiful job you did on the dress.
Posted by: Nichola at January 12, 2006 02:36 PM
How happy is Em? She looks beautiful!
Posted by: Kathleen at January 7, 2006 10:33 PM