We are all trying to save a buck these days right? When have you gone too far in being frugal? I learned a thing -- or two -- about this lately.
Here's my story:
I started sewing some quilt squares using some old white fabric that came from my grandmother's stash after she passed. I don't know how old it is, where is came from or what it was meant for. I decided to use it because I had it and it didn't cost me a dime so... why not. Well, after I sewed about half the strips together, I thought I'd iron them. (I don't know why I stopped sewing and started ironing in the middle but it turned out to be a good idea.)
After ironing, I noticed something weird... The white strip had shrunk!! I had lost 1/4 inch in length on that side!! Holy Crap!
Good thing I only had to rip apart half of those darn buggers. I'll get back to that project later... Have to let the frustration settle some.
Next lesson:
I thought I use some cheap thread to baste hexagons because... why not. I had it and the basting is on the back and doesn't matter how it's done right, so why not save some pennies on thread.
Well... When I pressed those little hexies... my iron melted that cheap thread and now I have a perfect black hexagon shape tattooed on my iron. I did some scrubbing to get most of it off. (I need a new iron anyway.) The good thing, I guess, is that the melted thread sort of glued the hexagon down so I didn't have to re-baste it. It survived ok.
I guess we all get to learn our lessons ourselves, huh.
Do you have an experience like this too?
4 comments:
Wow! I've never had thread melt like that. I wonder what it was made of. The white fabric must not have been the same content (cotton, polyester, etc) as the print. So glad you didn't wait to iron until you had them all done.
Oh no!! I had a mess up like that with some white fabric also. I bought the fabric before I knew what I was doing. LOL! Well at least you did not have to rebaste the hexie. I hope you have a better sewing day today!
We all have days like that! As for your iron...an easy way to get the marks off is to use Hob Bright (or like cleaner for stove tops for removing cooked on dirt) when your iron is cold. It's what I use and it works brilliantly.
Wow! I love your stories of cheapness! Sometimes, cheapness doesn't pay after all. I am frugal, too. Thank you for a laugh today. I will be doing Sheryl's block this week before I go on spring break. My goal is to get it done before quilt club meeting day!!! PS--I am loving my bountiful basket!
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