Short Cuts

We all know some short cuts and use them in any number of ways and areas. Short cuts in home repair can be acceptable or they can be dangerous. When working with tools and materials that have the potential to do harm, one must be cautious about short cuts. Observing professionals at work is a great way to pick up techniques and short cuts, but be wary -- all of us have some bad habits, and professionals are no exception. What might be thought of as an acceptable short cut may just be a bad habit in disguise. In addition, a short cut used by a professional may be based on years of experience and a thorough understanding of the situation. Follow manufacturers' recommendation when using tools and materials. Remember, if you are wondering if what you are doing is safe, it probably isn't.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Answers

Okay, how many of you put in a row of tacking (basting) stitches before you actually sew a seam? Pin it? I worked in a sweatshop in another life and learned how to sew without all that preparation. You probably could too.

But for the initial work, whether it's fabric or wood: "measure twice, cut once." Always.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Old Git...

You must be kidding me. Hell, I just cut the pattern and sew. I don't even pattern fit. I've only made one item that didn't fit (too small).

I did baste the sleeves to my wedding dress, only after ripping one out 4 times.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

PIN.....baste...surely you jest!!!!!!! hahahahaha I just do everything on "eyeballing it!" works for me! and if it doesn't...I MAKE it work! (Learned that from ,my dad.)

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

I've never bought anything that needed to be sewn.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

Cultural difference. In English schools, girls used to be taught knitting, starting at age 7 and continuing. Embroidery began around the same time, then sewing. By the time I was 12 I was sewing shirt-type blouses. We were taught to do the pinning, basting and then--only then--machine-sewing. (They weren't electric, they were the kind with a hand-crank on the wheel. Hmm. Guess that's why they wanted us to pin and baste--hard to guide unfettered fabric with only one hand.)

BTW, boys were taught carpentry and other guy stuff. I dont know if there's cross-training these days or if they simply don't have to learn any more.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001