The most challenging part of threading the sewing machine for me was completing step 4. You had to hook something on the inside, and I just couldn't get it through. However, it just ended up being because it wasn't lifted enough to hook inside.

2. When steering along a straight or curved line, what strategies helped you stay on track?

I just stared at it intently. I liked to sew right next to the line so I'd get a clear view of it. Also, I kept my hand very steady, and I never lost focus, and if I did, I'd just shut it off.

3. What is one personal goal you have for yourself when using the sewing machine in future projects?

I hope I can do it at a medium pace and still make intricate designs with unique shapes.

4. What is something that you want to remind yourself of next time you're using the sewing machine?

I'd try to remind myself to identify a pattern. My brain kind of works like a machine, so I based my timings on memory and patterns I'd observe instead of eyeballing everything.

https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/ortigia-peplum-blouse-free-sewing-pattern/

https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/marbella-foldover-top-free-sewing-pattern/

My goal was to make a going-out top that I knew I could wear often, so I went on an extensive internet search trying to find a sewing pattern for a babydoll top. Eventually, I found a pdf link in a YouTube vide,o and I downloaded and printed it. There's a full sheet that I printed out along with my sewing pattern that helps me measure my size, but generally for these types of tops I switch between XS and S.

(Sorry I didn't take photos for these days since I always went into overtime with my working and didn't think to take photos).

First, the fabric was folded over and back multiple times, similar to the kiko shiburi. However, after that's done, I pinched it and pulled it up like the miru, then used small rubber bands to tie it tightly and create the negative space.

The process for prepping for Nui Shibori Dyeing is taking a piece of fabric, an embroidery string, making a running stitch, and lastly tying the two loose ends together to create folds. I placed this in the dye back for 6 minutes. I attempted to do a gradient on this one, with a 1 minute interval between each color. However, it isn't noticable at all.

The prepping involved small beads and a lot of rubber bands. First, I used fabric chalk to mark where I wanted each bead to be. Next, a bead is placed where a dot is marked. After that, I hold the bead from behind, and while the fabric is wrapped over the bead, I secure it with rubber bands. After dying, it creates many little circular patterns throughout. I dyed this one and was in the process of drying it, but I lost it.

First, I had to pinch the fabric to create a peak where I could create a knot. After a knot is tied, I wrapped the embroidery string along the piece of fabric until the desired length (where I wanted to stop). Lastly, a second/last knot is made at the bottom to keep it together. I placed this in the dye bath for 8 minutes. In my opinion, it looks like a spiderweb, or a complex wheel of some sort.

This piece was prepped by first folding the fabric into multiple sections (as if it were a brochure), then a corner is folded to the sides and you keep folding them over and over again until you form a stacked triangle. Next, 2 triangular pieces of wood sandwich the piece of fabric, then a clamp (or rubber bands) is used to secure it in place and put pressure down on the fabric. I made a mistake in the dying process, however, as I forgot to soak the fabric before putting it in the dye back, making the colors slightly faded and uneven. This was in the dye bath for 5 minutes.

The process for prepping itajime is slightly similar to the kiko shiburi. It begins with the same type of folds (folding over, then under, like a brochure). After this, instead of the triangular diagonal folds, I folded it similarly to how the initial folds were made to create even rectangles/squares. It is then sandwiched between two rectangular wooden slabs and secured with clamps, clips, and/or rubber bands.

I prepped a cloth by first wrapping it around a tube, then using the string to wrap it around it. Not only does this hold it in place, but it also creates the negative space/white spots on the dye itself. This dye technique reminded me of tiger stripes, and I think it looks very unique since most of the other techniques involved creating more circular patterns. This was in the dye bath for 6 minutes.