Our Homeschool Studio
Aug. 29, 2009
Sense and Sensibility Patterns
Posted in TOS Crew Reviews
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Sense and Sensibility Patterns www.sensibility.com Girls' Edwardian Apron eClass with ePattern $24.95  When I had the option to receive this bundle to review I leapt at the chance. Then I started wondering what had I gotten myself into? I have never printed out an e-pattern before. How was this going to work? I have not sewn much since being married. Were my skills up to par? I haven't used my machine in a couple of years. Would it work? Well, all my fears were for nothing. My machine was not cooperative. It is needing a tune-up to the price of a simple new machine. We may go that route, still deciding. Meanwhile, my mother has graciously lent me hers. The e-class bundle consists of an audio workshop in mp3 format, an accompanying slideshow, additional video shorts of some of the more possibly confusing assembly points and the e-pattern. The audio/slideshow combination was great. I had both windows open and could pause the audio as needed. I could scroll through the slideshow at my own pace. It was like having Jennie right there beside me instructing me step by step. I do not have my computer and sewing machine in the same room, but if I did, or had a laptop, this would be great for a beginner to have available while sewing. The class starts with choosing the fabric and goes through each step to completion of the apron. Ironing after each step was emphasized. I heard echoes of my mother. :) I do not like ironing, but what a difference it makes! Before beginning the seemingly daunting task of printing out the pattern I noticed a test page to be printed first. This page prints a 6" ruler. You are then to compare this to be sure it is printing at a true 6" before proceeding. I made sure my printer was set to print at 100% and not print to fit, etc. I had no problems printing at all. In all 25 pages printed to be assembled for the complete pattern. I kept all of the pages in order and it was pretty simple to piece them together. There are instructions given to trim or fold the edges as printing on most machines leaves a blank border. Alternately, you could hold the pages up against a window to see through. I did not find any of these things necessary and just pieced together the pages right on my dining table. After taping then cutting the pattern pieces out, I did find a few areas that need some additional tape where the corners of the papers came together in an awkward location on the pattern piece. One great thing I realized about e-patterns, I can print this over and over cutting out each size as I need it. Suggestions are made for transferring your printed paper pattern to other types of paper for long term use. I have not done anything like this and may investigate it further if our use of e-patterns really takes off. There were very few pattern pieces, so assembly was quick and easy. I have never done any sewing that required a binding. I was intimidated, but found it not difficult at all. Directions are given for making your own binding from your own fabric. I did not choose this option, but it does not look difficult. A little time consuming perhaps, but very versatile in making your apron. And yes, I did iron each step of the way. My mother would be so proud. :) I did not have my eldest daughter assist in the machine sewing this time. We are going to make aprons for all of the girls--three more of them. I will probably be showing her more and more as we go. I was sewing on a machine at this age. My mother sewed regularly then. I had watched quite a bit, learning at her elbow. This pattern is definitely simple enough for a young sewer. I do not know if I agree that it could be used for a complete beginner. It is good for someone fairly new to sewing, but I do not think for their first time using a machine. Some of the corners in applying the binding might prove to be a little much for someone who has never used a machine before. Perhaps, as in all things, it just depends upon the individual. My eldest daughter likes to do her own thing and not follow directions completely. Once she knows the skills, I have no problem with her doing this just not when she is first learning. We have really enjoyed this e-class and pattern. We are looking forward to making the other girls their aprons. When sewing something yourself, you can personalize it in so (or is that sew?) many ways. I am pleased to be teaching this seldom used skill to my daughters and have found a great product to get us started. We will be checking out other patterns from Sense and Sensibility for future projects. They have patterns from different historical eras, made from actual garments and patterns when possible. Everything I have seen on this site is modest, which is a big plus for our family. There is also a forum and a newsletter. Note: I have pictures to include for this review but am lacking the cord to download them from my camera. The last time I saw it my son was playing Indiana Jones. Once it has been recovered, pictures will be added to this post :) |
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Posted by Anonymous