Sewing for Speed: Batch Sewing!
A couple days ago, Heather Lou (of Closet Case Files fame!) posted on Instagram about how to speed up your sewing by assembling things in batches. When I first started my sewing adventure, I was sewing only for my twins, so things were always done in twos- so much so that my first sewing blog was called “Double stitch”. However, as their interests diverged, and I’ve branched out into sewing for myself and my daughter more, I had sort of forgotten this trick, so her post was a welcome reminder.
Someday soon, I hope to apply this trick to sewing some Ginger Jeans, but with the all holiday craziness going on, I knew I needed to find a slightly faster project- enter Hey June Halifax numbers 4, 5, and 6! Unfortunately, I overestimated the fabric I had left over from my daughters hoodie (see it here), so that one is still on hold, but #4 and #5 are done and ready to be pressed into service. Because seriously, jeans and a hoodie (or cowl hoodie, in this case) is pretty much my standard #momiform.
I made up the cowl neck option, in the smallest size, using a pale pink french terry from Surge Fabric shop and a confetti french terry from Style Maker Fabrics. Because I’m lazy, I used 1/2″ twill tape for the drawstrings, and installed 7mm grommets with my KAM snaps press. I freaking love that thing!
I think the batch method is perfect for sewing multiples of the same item once you’ve got the fit dialed in- and the fact that I have two sergers, which I can thread with different thread colors, helps speed things up as well. I’m actually quite proud of myself, since both of these fabrics were ordered with a Halifax in mind, and that’s what I actually sewed them into- rather than letting them languish in my stash for months and months (sometimes years!) after my original plan has expired.
One of my sewing goals next year is to be intentional and follow through with my fabric choices, and I feel like I’m off to a good start!
I love this view of the Halifax for keeping my neck warm on cold days.
As you can see from these photos, it was pretty windy- but I was plenty cozy inside my new sweatshirts!
I heard there was a Halifax Party going on last week, and I’m a bit late (#storyofmylife), but I’m still glad to join in the fun!
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Lovely lovely. I need to figure out how to do this while still being able to work in a few pattern modifications.
Good point- these were pretty much straight off the pattern. But think how many jeans you could knock out!
Ahh your hair looks amazing in that wind shot! I batch sew kids clothes if I am making something for everyone. I tend not to batch for myself because I often make just one thing and then move onto the next thing. I would *like* to batch sew however! I do try to limit my movement at the sewing machine, doing as much sewing as I can before going to the iron, serger, etc.
so cute!!! I have one cut out to sew but I’m wondering where you got your grommets and snap press!
I purchased them from KAM snaps directly. Expensive but totally worth it for me!
Good to know! Thanks! I like the look of the grommets so much better than making buttonholes!