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Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...

967 replies

IDontMindMarmite · 15/11/2020 09:05

Now I know when the Sewing Bee is on, there are loads of super talented ladies who would be a gold mine of information! It'd be great if we could gather. Maybe even have a section to ourselves in "In the club". If this thread doesn't die a death anyway. Please say I if you are in favour!

So over lockdown the sequel, I thought i'd actually get my sewing machine out. I sound like someone who has a clue - I don't. I was gifted a sewing machine years ago. I've made two pairs of curtain tie backs since. I've been to a class or two (made a cushion under supervision! And a canvas bag) but can't say i've truly got the hang. It's getting my head round the machine more than anything. It scares me!

Now though, i've decided to tackle mal fitting clothing. I've put darts in DH's shirts using youtube tutorials. I'd like to adjust some of my tops but would love someone to ask - do you only dart shirts? Youtube tutorials for tops like I have do a different method where you pin and sew a new side seam. Also, can I just use pinking shears to trim the excess fabric instead of doing a final zigzag stitch or is that too lazy?

Any general chat welcomed.

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Halsall · 15/11/2020 09:29

Thanks for this, @IDontMindMarmite - very happy to accept the invitation. I don't know how usefully I can contribute but I'd be interested in a group chat and am keen to learn more. I've been making things off and on for years but it's been sporadic and despite possessing 5 sewing machines Blush I definitely need motivation !

KatyMac · 15/11/2020 09:37

I'm a professional bodger!

You can use darts on tops and you can take in shirts on the side seams - its the fit that matters

My biggest tip for either darts or seams is to try it on inside out and pin the seams that way- so they are ready to sew when you take it off

I approach it quite mathematically with lots of measuring from seams but lots don't

Pinking shears might work depending on the fabric - the more open the weave the less likely it is to work; but there are lots of different seams that can cover the raw edges, like French or flat felled (I don't know them all, I just look them up if I need one)

I am currently in a lull due to depression and I need to get back to it!!! So very glad to talk sewing

Oh DH says I have 3 hobbies, sewing, unpicking and collecting/storing fabric

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 15/11/2020 09:40

Ooh can I join you? I've sewed on and off for years but now have a dedicated space and last night I made myself a pair of mbjm wonder undies Grin

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 15/11/2020 09:41

Forgot to say the useful bit. I use an overlocking foot and stitch and it gives such a nice finish, much tidier than zig zag

BeBraveAndBeKind · 15/11/2020 09:49

Oooh I'll join. I'm no use when it comes to clothes though as I really just do bags, cushions etc although I did once make a wrap skirt. When it comes to machine sewing, I very much just make it up as I go along. I've just started hand sewing a patchwork quilt.

dillite · 15/11/2020 09:53

Thank you for the invite! It's rather timely as I am starting to go back to sewing after not doing any since the Sewing Bee- just lost my mojo.

Regarding seams, always zig zag/ overlock. Prinking shears just aren't good enough and those seams become a mess after a wash or two.

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/11/2020 09:55

Thanks for the invitation. I'm in, although I've been knitting more than sewing recently - nowhere to go in nice dresses possibly.

I've been sewing for over 55 years, starting with making doll's clothes when I was in Primary school. My mum taught me at first then I had very good tuition at secondary school. As a teenager I made a lot of my own clothes and carried on until, I think the 90s, when my teacher workload got heavier and clothes got cheaper. I started again when I watched the first GBSB series and realised I was becoming de-skilled. I now make almost all my own clothes and have also taken up quilting. I have been doing some alterations during lock down but fitting is my weakest point as I'm pretty average in size and shape and have usually managed to use patterns without any tinkering.

IDontMindMarmite · 15/11/2020 09:56

Yaay! Takers! Wonderful.

Please tell us all about your current or recent projects.

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TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 15/11/2020 10:02

I’ve been sewing since 5. I’m 57.

Degree in fashion and 10 years a pattern cutter. I can pretty much make it alter anything. I just KNOW how. I was making my own clothes at 7 or 8. And again in my teens without patterns. I just used to cut into the fabric. This kind of scares me now.

Use safety pins when pinning for alterations. They don’t move round as much.

Looking forward to this thread.

KatyMac · 15/11/2020 10:03

Oo yes safety pins fabulous for alterations and pinning

Can anyone recommend really good ones I have about 5 lots "i saw online" but despite all being different brands all are crap

NoodieRoodie · 15/11/2020 10:05

I'm currently feeling all smug because I've discovered my machine has an overlocker foot and I've learnt how to use it (thanks YouTube) and I've read the manual cover to cover. I've also realised that it's a bit like riding a bike and I'm remembering all the things my granny taught me as a child

asifiwould · 15/11/2020 10:05

I long wanted to sew, but never had the time when I was in work. The first thing I treated myself to on retirement was a second hand sewing machine. i have made 4 pairs of trousers and a wrap over skirt since may. They are not brilliant but I can already see I am getting better and much more accurate in my cutting and sewing. I am especially proud of me new pj bottoms! I am obsessed with buying fabric and have enough for at least 8 more projects.

I am keeping it simple - no pockets and elasticated waists. By long term aim is to make some nice summer dresses. I would love to take some evening classes, but clearly that will have to wait.

I could easily spend a fortune. First it was the machine. Then I treated myself to some decent fabric scissors, and some pinking shears, and nicer pins, and tailors chalk and machine oil and trims and oh the fabrics - so much lovely choice.

You tube had been so helpful. So many tutorials on there for beginners. I am interested in the overlocker options - is this a special foot I can just add to my basic singer machine? I am tidying up my seams - I started with the pinking shears but clearly they will not survive washings. Now I iron over a small fold then fold again and sew that - seems to work, but needs a bigger seam allowance.

Wowcherarestalkingme · 15/11/2020 10:08

Lovely idea! I’m a quilter mainly but dabble in clothes. Currently making a Christmas table runner. Not sure I can offer any advice but love to chat to other sewers! Really missing doing classes and sewials

Allington · 15/11/2020 10:13

I'm in! No access to my sewing machine for a while - moved house and now the builders in - but want to get back into it in the New Year. I have made simple dresses (in bright swirls patterns so the wonkiness doesn't show!) but would love to be able to make trousers. My next project will be PJ bottoms

MoonlightInVermont · 15/11/2020 10:13

Ooh, I’m in too! I hated needlework at school, but later taught myself to sew from easy patterns. These days I mostly do craft sewing - bags and bunting. I’ve also got several quilts on the go.

I too had a ridiculous stash of fabric but have given a lot away via FB during lockdown. It seemed as if my whole neighbourhood had got into sewing!

bruffin · 15/11/2020 10:14

I don't sew very often more of knitter nowadays. But I loved the Sewing Bee.
I did some sewing classes in my early 20s and made my bridesmaid dresses and dds christening dress, but nothing recently but am more a knitter nowadays. I did start a dress last year but wasn't happy with it

I've been watching Bernadette Banners YouTube channel about historical clothing recently. It fascinating

LadyEloise · 15/11/2020 10:16

Sadly I'm not a sewer, @IDontMindMarmite, so I'll pass up on the invitation. But thank you anyway.
I just enjoy watching the tv show.

MoonlightInVermont · 15/11/2020 10:16

People who’ve made/will be making pyjama bottoms. Do you have a recommendation for a good online pattern? I want to make some for DD’s Christmas stocking.

Clutterbugsmum · 15/11/2020 10:17

Thank you for the invite.

I'm not sewing at the moment, I'm finishing an embroidery.

Patrick was on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning and he was saying that the next season of Sewing Bee is in editing.

Roussette · 15/11/2020 10:17

Thanks for the invite!

I'm afraid I'm a lapsed sewer, stitcher and all of that, but love reading about it all !
Used to make clothes for myself, used to do patchwork snd cross stitch, then other stuff took over so I may be a bit passive on here but will be reading avidly! Smile

pastabest · 15/11/2020 10:20

@MoonlightInVermont

People who’ve made/will be making pyjama bottoms. Do you have a recommendation for a good online pattern? I want to make some for DD’s Christmas stocking.
I'm pretty sure Ellie and Mac have a free children's pyjama pattern. From memory I think it's called 'grow with me pyjamas'
IDontMindMarmite · 15/11/2020 10:22

I don't have an overlocker, don't know if my machine came with an overlocker foot, will have to investigate!

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IDontMindMarmite · 15/11/2020 10:23

Gosh making PJs sounds awesome. Better hurry up with my alterations so I can start a project like that.

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Cocolapew · 15/11/2020 10:24

Thanks for the invite, I can't sew though Grin.
I can make little felt type crafts and I do a bit of embroidery but I'm happy to be here Smile.
Theres a Sewing Bee on iplayer but I'm not sure what series, why can't the BBC put all of them on?

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/11/2020 10:26

@asifiwould one of the best things about making your own clothes is that you can always put pockets in.

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