[Blindtlk] Sewing for the blind

[Judy Jones]

I like the tape on pattern edge idea.  I have never used it, but been very 
careful with the scissors to stay straight on the edge.  The only help I 
need is when buying a pattern, have someone cut off the extraneous edges. 
Patterns have a heavy dark line on their edges of the pattern, and if the 
dark line is not right at the edge of the paper, the extra paper needs to be 
snipped off.

If you do tape on the pattern edges though, make sure to also note any 
matching notches on the edges of some patterns.  The notches look like 
little peaks, and they are there to help you match up pieces when you start 
to sew.  When you cut out the pattern, you cut around the peaks so your 
pieces have the matching peaks.  Those are hidden in the seams of the 
garment after sewn together, or you can snip them off.

Another thing I ask for help with is to have someone place pieces of scotch 
tape marking the darts, if any, so I know which angle to sew, and how long 
the dart is, and what type of darts.

You can also have someone read the pattern directions, or they scan in 
nicely in the patterns I have used, or any optacon user can find them simple 
to read.

A seam guide is great for straight seams, but when using one make sure you 
don't vere when coming to a pattern notch but make allowance for it and stay 
straight.

The only times when a seam guide does not work is if you are sewing around 
the inside of a shoulder seam when putting in sleeves, or the front or back 
seams of pants, for instance, or the interface in a neckline..

When getting ready to sew, a zipper for instance, I use an iron to make sure 
material is creased where I want it, or I just pin the zipper in and let the 
pins keep my material in place.  I always keep an iron and pins handy, in 
case I have trouble getting the material to lay the way I want it to when 
sewing.

The machine I have had for years has its own needle threader, but you can 
use a wire loop threader with machines, and you can also buy machine needles 
that have the slit in the side of the needle for threading.

I hope all this helps and is not too confusing.

Is anyone out there blind and using a surger?  I have never tried one, just 
curious.

Judy


-----Original Message----- 
From: Ringlein, Ellen via blindtlk
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2015 7:05 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Ringlein, Ellen
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Sewing for the blind

I don't sew much at all beyond sewing on buttons, but I did complete a 
sewing project during my rehab training a number of years ago. It was a good 
confidence building experience and I still have the garment, even though it 
no longer fits.

There was one very neat trick for cutting out patterns. Since the pattern 
paper is usually very thin and it's hard to feel the edges, my instructor 
used masking tape to reinforce the edges. That made it easier for me to pin 
the pattern in place and I was able to cut out my own pattern.

I think we had some kind of guard on the sewing machine, so that it would be 
easier to maintain a consistent distance from the edge, while sewing. But I 
don't remember this exactly.

Ellen

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jewel via 
blindtlk
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2015 5:26 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Jewel
Subject: [Blindtlk] Sewing for the blind

Hi,
I am going to start hand sewing costumes for myself and my fiance for 
medieval recreation /re-enactment. I haven't sewn costumes since going 
blind. Does anyone know a or some good books or websites with sewing tricks 
for sewing as a blind person? I am looking for more than just how to thread 
a needle and such.
Jewel

Sent from my iPhone
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