I have always like to do finishing on items. I have given away almost everything I have ever made over the years....so finishing is not new to me. I see a lot of people post that they don't like to do their own finishing....so my question is....how much finishing do you like to do on an item? How simple do you like/need it to be?
I have done simple envelope cushions recently for a customer.....all you need to do is place the pieces right sides together and stitch all around and then you just turn the piece right side out and sew on a button. I tried to get her to attempt this simple sewing project.....but I just couldn't convince her to give it a try. It doesn't get any easier than this. I even attached the linen to the border pieces before she stitched her pieces. Do you think that would be a great idea for some kits? Then all the stitcher would have to do is stitch the insert and sew the pieces together. Maybe sew on a charm or two....hanging ribbons....I love the ruffled bias tape ribbons I use. I will show that in a post later this week. I have dyed several colors that I use and maybe I will dye more colors. The ruffled ribbon bow could be tied in the kit too...then you would just have to tack it on. Or I could even tack that on the back too!
What are your finishing skills? I will be putting kits together this summer and I would like to know how simple I need to make these. Is it the edge trim you find the most difficult part? I am trying to see how much I can do in a kit to make the finishing easy for you. I have always enjoyed hand sewing and find it easy to attach trims to pieces. Then I hear that others don't enjoy this process.....so I am trying to help as much as I can.
How many of you like the wool applique pieces? I see they are popular on some sites. What if the applique was already done on the back of a piece....just thinking out loud here....and that would be incorporated into the price of the kit for a little more. I guess the kit could be offered both ways, for you to finish or the finishing almost done for you and you just sew the two pieces together and turn. No seam to sew closed. Just tack on a button or charm on the overlap seam.
I would love to hear from you.
Nancy
I am really new to 'finishing' things... I only thought cross stitch went in frames! h ah a its only since blogging that my eyes have been opened! I love all the things people do to their projects.. I mean GOSH! There are some really talented people out there! I love a challenge and will try anything... I still have to perfect my skills but I am still learning.... I love to surf around stitchers blogs as there are so many ideas out there. And I have found stitchers are more than happy to help or advise too... such a wonderful community. When I have a go.. the whole process is difficult to me as I have learning difficulties and counting, measuring and cutting... sewing... its all a challenge! Something that may take a few hours takes me 2 days! ha ha I dont mind as I am proud I had a go! Yes a kit that has everything and really good instructions on what exactly to do to finish your work off would be REALLY useful.... I have thought about getting my stitching finished professionally but just could not do it... I would feel like I have only half done it! And it would not be my work.. so this is why I persevere and plod on learning as I go!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jacquie for your input. It helps to know what stitchers want or what parts they don't want to do. And how proud you must be when you complete a project with the difficulties you have...I applaud your perseverance!
DeleteThank you.. I love to stitch its taught me many things.. patience is one thing! And I have made lots of lovely stitching friends through the wonderful blog community :)
DeleteI have basic sewing skills, so I can do my own finishing if I chose. But it takes away from my stitching time, so I choose to send things off to be finished. It is a win-win because items don't languish in a drawer and the gal who does my finishing enjoys the creating of the finished item plus it provides a bit of income to her.
ReplyDeleteRobin in Virginia
I wish I loved the finishing part of a project, but the truth is I just don't. I can stitch like nobody's business, but when it comes to the sewing at the end that comes with finishing a project, I just despise it! I would rather frame a piece myself than do any sort of finishing.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad, too, because I see so many great ways to finish things on people's blogs, and I think "maybe this time"....but then, nope! Can't bring myself to do it ;/
Like Jacquie I thought cross stitc was to be framed or lay on a table. Anyway I am not at all good at sewing so I avoid finishing my pieces still. I make them into frames most of the time. Recently I tried to finish a piece into a pincushion with beads all around. It isn't very good but it's a start. I envy all those people who can use a sewing machine and those who can finish things into boxes or squares.AriadnefromGreece!
ReplyDeleteI can and do make-up my finished pieces into ornaments and small cushions. I tend to frame the finished piece with strips of fabric and can and have finished the edges with piping, ruffles and lace (I am aging myself now, aren't I?!). My preferred finish on smalls is a hanging cushion as described above or just a plain cushion with trim around the edges. I chenille, cording and rick rac and ruched ribbon. I frame things myself as well. I don't think I would by a kit with the finishing supplies in it...for me, how I "make-up" the stitching is how I make it my own. I enjoy shopping for the trim and fabric.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean....I love to play with fabrics and trim myself.
DeleteI used to take all my pieces to be professionally done, but after my husband and I both retired, I vowed to learn to do this myself. It's been a slow, but interesting process. Having very clear instructions is the most important to me when I do something I haven't attempted before. Having all the material already cut to sew is a great time saver, but (for me) not necessary. I do all my finishing work now. Sometimes it's a slow go, but I find the $$ I save makes it worth my time. If you need a guinea pig to try out your instructions, etc., I'd be happy to oblige. Hope this feedback is of help to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI have done a few Christmas ornaments and a few handmade cards. I use the sewing machine when I have to, but I am not in love with the process.
ReplyDeleteI love finishing,but I am my own worst critic! I get the idea, but sometimes... the edging is crooked or horrors!!--once I did a piece totally inside out! But it is coming back to me. Years ago, I used to sew all my girls' clothes, so you would think... I might be tempted to try a finishing kit from YOU because I know it will be complete and perfected. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of you! I think a lot of us have had to brush up on sewing skills from years ago.
DeleteI am not good at finishing. I get great ideas on other blogs but I never seem to get around to it. I have baskets of stuff that needs to get done. The problem with framing is that I am pretty much out of wall space.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea. Can't wait to see what they will look like.
Kathy
Finishing is not my strong suit. I would love it if you made some fairly simple kits. I have used your products for trims.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do own a sewing machine...I've never actually used it....so all finishing I do is by hand.....which can be a bit of a pain sometimes! Because it's all hand sewn, I tend to do rather simple finishes.....but I really enjoy choosing the bits and pieces and deciding what to do with a project.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely looking forward to seeing your kits!
I don't own a sewing machine.... so I too have to tackle all things by hand - which is something I've chosen to do... but then simplicity of construction is VERY appreciated! I also do love all inclusive kits - find myself gravitating to them. So I don't have to buy things and have EXTRA of!
ReplyDeleteI don't own a sewing machine either and I'm completely useless at anything creative....I've no idea how I manage to stitch!
ReplyDeletePlease remember that what may seem easy to you, would probably be quite daunting to someone like me who has never done anything other simple framing. I've never stitched by hand and I'm terrified of ruining a piece of stitching that I've done by messing up trying to make it into something!
I think if I had someone who could show me how to do it in person and could direct me then I'd be willing to have a go!
I know what you mean. I always jump right in and don't worry that it will get ruined...I just experiment. Maybe I could do some simple designs and show step by step how I finish them...that's a thought. Another project to add to my summer list that is growing and growing. It's a thought.
DeleteNancy
ReplyDeleteYou are always thinking, dear...I think "pre-finishing" kits would be a boon to many stitchers. Although I am retired and am able to enjoy the luxury of completing every stage of the stitching process myself, many struggle to find time just to stitch. It can be expensive to send items to a finisher; it takes time to secure the supplies to self-finish; many stitchers have not had the opportunity to learn basic finishing skills.
Yes, yes the kits you are considering are wonderful and may add even more needlewomen to the fold! Perhaps consider posting online tutorials to help too, as some may benefit from this visual...I know, WHEN will I have time to do this?????
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia
Thank you for your input Patricia.....I appreciate all of the comments and helpful tips you are leaving on this post. I really want to try to do some nice kits this summer......of course we will give a few away when the time comes.
DeleteTutorials......yes....finding time will be a challenge but something to try to put on the list. I don't even have time for a bucket list!!! I have to much on my regular list before I get to my bucket list!!!!
I don't mind finishing my pieces and I'm not afraid to try a new technique. I would buy a kit for the included fabrics and trims to complete the finish. I wouldn't need any of the finishing already started or done for me, but if that's the way the kit came, it wouldn't stop me from purchasing it.
ReplyDeleteI actually have come to love finishing my smalls--really enjoy experimenting with the way different combinations of fabrics, trims, buttons, cording, etc. can make a design look. I love that moment when it all comes together--that "aha moment!" That being said, I'm not good with trying new shapes such as the heart or stocking shapes. I'm fine with round, oval, square or rectangular finishes, but I really need to get out of my comfort zone and try something new :)
ReplyDeleteI know many stitchers are nervous about finishing their own designs, Nancy, so I think a partially finished kit would appeal to many :)