I cut out the pattern for the kids’ smock from “Bend-the-Rules Sewing” the other day before I discovered the missing bobbin case. So when my new bobbin case arrived today, I was able to hit the sewing machine right away.
I started out by sewing together the wrong parts to make the armholes. And thus, I became familiar with the seam ripper very quickly. I had to use it several other times, too, such as when I completely missed the body of the smock when I tried to stitch on the bias tape.
I had some difficulties with the machine itself, too. I think the tension is set wrong — at least, that was my mother-in-law’s long-distance diagnosis. I’m going to take it to her for an in-person check-up this weekend.
I still have a few rough bits to fix, and the stitching is a little wacky in places. Overall, though, I’m pretty happy with the little smock. The fabric isn’t what I would have chosen if I wasn’t exclusively shopping the clearance rack. (I’ll be doing that until I feel a bit more proficient.) But it’s going to work very well for its intended task — keeping P’s clothes clean at art time.