What are some of your odd sewing habits?

bakertoo writes: I always have to tidy up my sewing space a little bit, just to feel slightly organized and get into the focused state of mind I have to be in to start my next project. Move my stack of tagged Threads magazines off of my small sewing table, all opened to a new idea I have to try. I have the radio turned on to the local NPR station and there are good talk shows during the morning I listen to, and just lately I have been haunting the library for books on tape to listen to, and came across some good mysteries set at the turn of the century England, and the author is really great with the details of the clothing of the era. She describes the clothing of the characters, especially the women's dresses so well, it is fun. And she also does such a good job of describing the meals it makes me hungry! I also have to make time to pet the cat when he comes in for a visit, and to reassure him that that the iron is not a bigger cat hissing at him!
Posted: 12:44 pm on April 14th

AnnsAttic writes: I can't believe that some don't sew barefoot. I love the barefoot feel against the sewing pedal. Also, I am an avid reader so I luckly bought a house two years ago that is a story and a half. The top being a loft which has become my sewing room. Large table to sew on and another to cut on. Also, just received a second hand dresser so I filled that with material. My husband put up a peg board for all of my tools. I listen to books on tape so I can read and sew all at the same time. My sewing room also has a hugh window - great light and lots of birds.
Posted: 6:40 pm on April 12th

lvstosew writes: Before I start to sew on the working project or before starting a new one, I must have a glass of ice cold pepsi lol and like gladrags wrote Chocolate is a must . I also like to have some type of noise so i run my small tv it seems to keep me from going insane with complete quite lol, I also at the end of a project i clean my sewing table and whipe off my machine with spic n span i like the clean smell and it shines up the machine a little bit, along with laying out my next project materials at the end of my sewing day. I as well sew with no shoes on but i keep those socks on i always have cold feet , i keep my trash can on the right side of me but thinking i need to move it to the left as i am always finding my self dropng thread pieces on the floor lol.
Posted: 4:14 am on April 11th

Gingerly writes: I always sew barefoot and wear loose/comfortable pants.
If one or more of my cats are sleeping on their hammocks just
above my sewing table; that makes it all better. A tranquil time is important.
Yes, I check for fur on my workspace before beginning!
Posted: 12:37 am on April 7th

writerinfact writes: Well, for those of you who only SEW barefoot, I suppose I can go that one better - the first thing I do when coming in is get rid of the shoes! Since my "sewing room" is the dining end of the living/dining room, and I sew on the dining table, I suppose my odd habit is - that I'm habitual. For some reason, I have always put the wastebasket to my right; except that, as I'm right-handed, the scraps are always in my LEFT hand. That made dropping them into the basket a ritual of transference. On my last project, I finally had a light-bulb moment and moved the stupid thing - and was amazed at how much easier things were! I insist on leaving the ironing board set up while I sew (Mom doesn't like that one!). I can relate to those who cut out several projects at once, for "next time" - but since I have ADD, I found that more confusing than helpful - I kept finding pieces from one project "lost," probably mixed in with another. My goal is to have (someday) a whole room devoted solely to sewing and the other fiber crafts I love - with enough storage for the contents of 37 boxes and 9 "tubs" currently stored in the garage!
Posted: 5:19 pm on April 6th

LadyJaneinMD writes: Count me in with the 'cut out several projects at once' crowd! But my biggest thing is The Television. I MUST have my cable tv, or a movie, or something. The radio just doesn't do it for me - I have to have the tv. This is why my 'sewing room' is in the middle of the living room, because I can't afford to have cable in two rooms, and I can't afford to *not* have tv in the main part of my apartment! And I also kick off my slippers, but under the sewing table. I slip them back on before walking anywhere, because of the possibility of lost pins. NOBODY is allowed to walk barefoot in my apartment. Ever.

Posted: 10:53 am on April 6th

Bonnies_Sew_Crazy writes: I cut out several projects beforehand so I can spend more time sewing. I wake up early and begin sewing around 4:00am in my jammies. I talk to myself a lot.
Posted: 7:33 am on April 6th

sewslow67 writes: I always sew bare foot and, anytime I'm sewing "bottoms", i.e. pants or skirts, I sew in my nickers. I also cut out several projects at a time, as I have a cutting table that, when open, takes up most of my sewing space; thus, it saves time to cut out several projects while the table is stretched out. Also, it seems easier work out pattern adjustments several at a time so I don't forget any detailed alterations to the pattern. And zooming through the sewing of several projects that are already cut out makes me feel like I have accomplished more even though logic tells me otherwise. This is esp. so if I am making an entire outfit, i.e. a two or three piece suit with blouse and possibly coordinating pants. If this is the case, then I cut out everything at once, then sew, sew, sew ...
Posted: 1:35 am on April 6th

nativemsn writes: Well, I talk through the project to myself out loud--many comments, including 'encouraging' ones. My daughter doesn't seem to mind when she's on the computer in the same room! I also sing here and there.

I sew barefoot at times like many others. And I need to have something to drink like sparkling grape juice (that's the latest addiction). And listening to good music also helps.
Posted: 12:23 am on April 6th

dreamie writes: This is for Edger; what a great idea to cut patterns ahead of next time! Who enjoys cutting out, especially when looking forward to sewing a new project, and for many with bad backs (me included)I'd be more inclined to pick up again the next time.
Posted: 10:33 pm on April 5th

yari_sews writes: My sewing room is on the second floor of my house. Before going in there, I turn the waterfall of the pool on, and I open the window so I can listen to the sound of the water. Even though I have a good cutting table, I like to cut my pattern pieces on the floor, and then I mark them with bright pink labels, so I don't get confused with the pieces. Big Diet Coke, and ready!!!!!
Posted: 10:15 pm on April 5th

spinnerlady1 writes: I like to sew barefoot. If it's cold outside, I will wear socks, but no shoes!
Posted: 10:05 pm on April 5th

gladrags writes: Chocolate!!!or wine, or for serious projects...lots and lots of tea...and did I mention chocolate?
Posted: 6:53 pm on April 5th

kara12107 writes: Cuss. It happens.
Also, loud indie music gets me motivated so I almost always finish a project in one sitting.
Posted: 6:36 pm on April 5th

thesewbox writes: First I have to kick off the shoes! I have all my machines set up on a waist high very long sewing table (nice of hubbie to make it). That makes it very easy to jump from one to another. My strange habit? I always sew standing up!


Posted: 6:18 pm on April 5th

Simka writes: I make sure that I "power up" by having a good meal before I start sewing. (That way I am not interrupted by a growling stomach...LOL)! I also make sure I have at least 1 cat in the room to keep me company. That way, I have an audience to "kvetch" to in case something goes wrong! A good selection of music for background also helps me to concentrate.
Posted: 6:15 pm on April 5th

porthavengirl writes: My best toy is my Huskystar. I used to put it on the table in the dining room facing the wall...that was before I got my priorities straight. I moved the sofa out of the living room into the dining room. I put the table in the middle of the living room facing the television, near the CD player, across from the fireplace, and still not far from the refrigerator. I have marathon sewing projects with all three Lord of the Rings movies, or maybe the Riddick trilogy, or even public television. The last sewing extravaganza resulted in three pairs of slacks, a jacket with a zipper, and a lined skirt. This princess has made her castle space work for her ....
Posted: 5:53 pm on April 5th

Edger writes: I LOVE to sew, but HATE to cut things out, so I make
it a habit to cut out at the end of a sewing session so there is always something waiting at the machine the next time I work in my sewing room. Also, I sew on an old Singer machine that has a "button" control on the foot pedal, so I sew barefoot...the better to control the speed, but dangerous with pins around the fllor!
Posted: 5:49 pm on April 5th