A Bibbin, A Bobbin | Chickens in the Road

Aug
24

It’s been so long since the last time I used my sewing machine that I have been afraid to use it. I got a new, really cool sewing cabinet last year then cleared out and cleaned out a room to sew. Then the wood stove moved in and after that things went from bad to worse as the room turned into a catch-all for everything I didn’t really want. Since I’ve been on my minimizing and purging bender, I’ve gotten back to where I can reach my sewing machine.

You know, the one I haven’t used in all this time since I set it up.

The one I’ve been carting around across the country even though I haven’t used it in maybe 10 years. Or more. (Not even sure anymore!)

So then I decided I wanted to make one of Great-Aunt Ruby’s aprons.

I talked my cousin’s wife, Sheryl, into coming over today to make sure I didn’t hurt myself with the sewing machine or maybe because I couldn’t remember how to wind the bobbin. But once I started doing it, I remembered how.

And LOOK:

I can’t believe I procrastinated about using the sewing machine again, after making a room where the sewing machine can stay set up all the time and everything! I was just…afraid to get back on the horse. Er, bobbin.

Oh, the things I can sew now! Maybe I should sew some little light day dresses just so people don’t catch me in my chore boots and t-shirts…….. Hmm.

(I’ll have a post soon all about the apron.)

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24 Responses
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8-24
6:37
pm

Can you teach me how to sew???? My husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas last year, cause that’s what I wanted…to learn how to sew….well, tried to use it once…it was horrible…need to take a class….LOVE the apron.

Melissa (N4M)

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8-24
6:42
pm

Nothing beats a house dress and an apron………….No slip, no underwear! You just have to live far away from town! They had the right idea in the old days.

Maryellen

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8-24
6:45
pm

When I was little, my grandmother made us matching aprons. One side had a pocket, and the other side had a tea towel tacked to it somehow so I could wipe off my hands.

Does anybody remember those?

Because I’d sure like to make a grown-up version for myself, but have no idea what the apron looked like (even whether it was a waist-down or bib type) and how to make one.

Suzanne, I’m looking forward to that post all about your apron!

morningstar

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8-24
7:04
pm

Melissa,

Most sewing machine stores have classes, often free if you’ve bought the machine there.

Karen Anne

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8-24
7:18
pm

hey suzanne – from the time you posted way back when that you were going to sew an apron, and showed the pic of it, i decided that i’d like to do the same, so i bid on some apron patterns on eBay and went overboard, and now have about 15 patterns of different types of aprons, all old-timey styles. but now, i will be moving to a place with no electricity, so i am now on the hunt for a treadle sewing machine. i have high hopes of quilting and making aprons and house dresses, since i will be living out in the middle of nowhere, and it won’t matter what i wear (under the dress!) or not. people that know me would die if they knew i was now interested in wearing dresses, but if i can make them myself and they’re comfortable, the skies the limit. thanks for you inspiration. take care, from ky.

Kathy in KY

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8-24
7:33
pm

I said I’d join you in the apron making when you did the post on seeing aprons with Georgia. I haven’t even gotten the fabric yet. Surely, shopping for fabric can’t be that difficult. I’ve sewn recently. Two of my girls give musical performances, so I’m forever altering dressy dresses. No bobbin fear, just never near a fabric store.Duh! Get the car keys…

Patrice

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8-24
7:44
pm

That inspires me to pull my sewing machine out of the corner it has been in for the past couple months!

Amber

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8-24
8:04
pm

Sewing keeps me sane & I especially love quilting! It just feeds my creative soul.

Glad you enjoyed getting reaquainted with your sewing machine. Your apron rocks. Looking foward to seeing what all you create, now that a sewing mood is upon you.
An easy quilting project would be wonderful for you to tackle in winter. I bet your daughter would LOVE a ‘rag quilt’. Go for it!!!

Donna Mc

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8-24
9:28
pm

I so hate it when life…..and procrastination….gets in the way of sewing!!! I have a very large ‘to do’ list before I get back on the horse……ummm, bobbin……….

Tisha

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8-24
9:33
pm

You do sound so much like myself.I made a room in one quarter of the basement for my craft room, then suddenly, it was needed for an extra bedroom.The craft supplies are still stacked everywhere in boxes and bins.Barely room to wiggle down there.Hopefully when it’s too cold outdoors, I’ll get back to it. Speaking of bobbins, I picked up a bobbin winder at the local fabric store yesterday. My machine is computerized, and it would scare me when the bobbin started winding and jerking and eventually stall, making the machine act all weird and crazy.That’s when I decided I’d use the separate portable winder.It is not so scary, and I can take it to Mom’s and wind all her bobbins at once for her. She can’t see good enough to wind her own.

Sue Nugent

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8-24
9:34
pm

Speaking of clearing out an area to sew…. ahem… I’ve got a disaster area to work on (and I definitely can blame it on my youngest ) before I can sew….

Merlin

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8-24
9:54
pm

A frilly bonnet for Clover!!

Nancy in Iowa

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8-24
10:15
pm

My sister gave me a very nice sewing machine for Christmas, but I don’t know how to use one. I make quilts, but I sew everything by hand. Maybe you can show me how to use a sewing machine.

LisaAJB

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8-24
10:25
pm

I don’t own a sewing machine and even if I did, I wouldn’t have room for it. *sigh*

I just realized that your are the “country-fied” version of Martha Stewart!

Jo

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8-24
10:41
pm

I also suffer from bobbin phobia !!! I am glad I am not alone . Perhaps, I shall uncover my sewing machine and attempt once again to befriend it : )

KELLY

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8-24
11:54
pm

Great job, Suzanne!! Getting back on the bobbin will surely give you more inspiration to get that room back together! And sadly, I can’t even see my sewing machine…it HAS to be in that back corner though, I’m sure!

CindyP

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8-25
7:15
am

Hurray! Don’t ya just luv having a sewing area? We did our basement over and I have one corner that is all mine…ALL MINE!! Needless to say, i keep it clear of clutter. Oh, and the housedress; get yourself a simple jumper or sleeveless dress pattern and sew away. There is nothing like a light cotton sundress with sandals…and I mean nothing else. So cool and breezy. Really!

northcountrygirl

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8-25
11:48
am

We had a great time sewing the apron! Just wait for the details!

Cousin Sheryl

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8-25
12:01
pm

My grandmother sewed all of her aprons. the full style that covers your whole front. I hope you post about the one you made Suzanne, and if you have a pattern with instructions, that would be awesome!!!

Miss Becky

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8-25
2:40
pm

For those people who want free downloadable apron patterns, go to tipnut.com and do a search on “apron” (without the quote marks). They have an incredible variety! There’s even one that buttons up into a bonnet …

morningstar

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8-25
3:02
pm

I don’t have bobbin fear. I have fear of cutting. Once I cut something out, I can sew it up lickity split but it can take me weeks just to cut into the fabric.

Jblank

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8-25
4:45
pm

I’m just wondering how I managed to miss this post yesterday!? I like the apron, and the dresses are a great idea, ‘cept not too much time left to wear them this summer, but you’ll have them for next year!

Yvonne

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8-25
11:03
pm

Cute!

MAYBELLINE

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8-30
9:30
pm

I just love the picture of you in your apron..In the news letter.Looks very good with boots..

Melody

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