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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.

OP posts:
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MoonlightInVermont · 23/11/2020 09:27

Thank you so much for the pj pattern link! Exactly what I’ve been looking for.

And that Bernina certainly looks hefty. Very nice indeed.

PickAChew · 23/11/2020 14:11

I can understand the buttonhole fear. Urgh😖

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
MoonlightInVermont · 23/11/2020 15:49

I now appear to be in discussion with a sewing machine shop about buying a Bernina. It won’t necessarily happen (it’s not a done deal) but if it does I’m blaming you lot.

IDontMindMarmite · 23/11/2020 15:53

@MoonlightInVermont

I now appear to be in discussion with a sewing machine shop about buying a Bernina. It won’t necessarily happen (it’s not a done deal) but if it does I’m blaming you lot.
Just in time for a black Friday deal!
OP posts:
MoonlightInVermont · 23/11/2020 15:55

Except they’re not offering a Black Friday deal, which may prove to be the sticking point ...

287xx · 23/11/2020 18:35

I started sewing again this year having not made anything for 10+ years, and am using an old 1960s machine at the moment. Surprised at how much I remembered, but am looking to get a new sewing machine for some of the fancier things like automatic buttonholes. So far I’ve made McCalls 7969 as a top, a wrap skirt from a free pattern from a magazine and today I’ve just cut out a Fibremood Mira dress, which will be my first attempt at french seaming fitted sleeves.. quite scared about this!

PickAChew · 23/11/2020 20:39

Done. No more stretch for a while, I think.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Allgirlskidsanddogs · 23/11/2020 20:56

Lovely top Pickachew!

seizethecuttlefish · 23/11/2020 21:22

Love it @PickAChew

Iggly · 23/11/2020 21:24

[quote TheClitterati]@Iggly I've made the saporro coat - it's super easy. I made mine in leopard print with a bright lining and get loads of comments on it. I wear it lots. I have some gold brocade vintage curtains lined up for my next one.

Only change I'd make is perhaps increase the pocket size. [/quote]
That sounds gorgeous!!

So far I’ve made the pockets and then the kids decided they wanted me to sew a guinea pig snuggle so I spent 30 mins doing that, next thing I know it’s bedtime for the kids and now too late to sew more 😂

Iggly · 23/11/2020 21:26

@PickAChew

Yes, heft is what I'm after - and maybe adjustable foot pressure. I'm hypermobile and appreciate the light weight for that but won't if it breaks by Christmas. Bernina appears to be posh Singer, from my searches. You seem to have to go quite expensive with some of the volvo brands to get things like the speed limiter, which I can no longer imagine not having.
Have you checked if you can adjust the pressure on your existing one? I didn’t realise I could on mine but google told me that many presser foots have the option - turn it over and check underneath to see if there’s a small hole for a screwdriver with a -/+ sign. It’s not mentioned in the instruction book for some reason 🤦🏻‍♀️
Iggly · 23/11/2020 21:26

@PickAChew

Done. No more stretch for a while, I think.
Nice print! Looks fab
PickAChew · 23/11/2020 21:55

I'll have to have a look, iggly. It all needs a good de-fluff, anyhow.

MoonlightInVermont · 23/11/2020 22:10

That looks great, PickAChew.

PickAChew · 23/11/2020 22:58

Just had a nosy with one of dh's many torches. No screws that don't look like something would fall out if you loosened them. Lots of fluff, mind.

PickAChew · 23/11/2020 23:03

All my Jersey prints have been from jelly fabrics, BTW. Really good quality cotton/spandex, some of it organic, and loads of choice. The whale fabric was seconds because some of the blue dye had splashed onto the white ground but it looked completely intentional until I realised it wasn't a regular repeat.

Iggly · 23/11/2020 23:05

@PickAChew

Just had a nosy with one of dh's many torches. No screws that don't look like something would fall out if you loosened them. Lots of fluff, mind.
this explains it better although maybe only singers?
PickAChew · 23/11/2020 23:34

That seems to describe limiting the speed. My brother has a very useful speed limiter slider, far beyond the capabilities of most £160 machines. I'd love to be able to adjust the foot pressure, though.

And, after these pyjamas, I'd love more consistent stitch length!

thisgardenlife · 23/11/2020 23:53

What a wonderful thread.

I have several projects I've been putting off because I can't remember how to use the sewing machine and its mysterious attachments. You lot have spurred me on. :)

Iggly · 24/11/2020 06:17

@PickAChew

That seems to describe limiting the speed. My brother has a very useful speed limiter slider, far beyond the capabilities of most £160 machines. I'd love to be able to adjust the foot pressure, though.

And, after these pyjamas, I'd love more consistent stitch length!

Sorry - I was confusing the two 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ve been meaning to adjust mine for my dd as she finds it hard to control the speed. I wish they’d make it easier!
Halsall · 24/11/2020 14:19

I don't know whether I should be encouraging expenditure but if anyone's a fan of Megan Nielsen patterns, she's having a Black Friday sale at the moment. 30% off. I haven't made any myself but I'm thinking the Matilda dress looks quite cute.

PickAChew · 24/11/2020 16:15

Grainline studio have 20% off, too.

Iggly · 25/11/2020 07:47

Fabric godmother have 15% off everything. I love their fabrics but only really for quilts and dolls clothes.

Iggly · 25/11/2020 07:48

@Iggly

Fabric godmother have 15% off everything. I love their fabrics but only really for quilts and dolls clothes.
Ignore me - well fabric godmother do have 15% off but the bit about only for quilts/dolls clothes applies to the fabric fox shop not godmother 😂
VanillaSpiceCandle · 25/11/2020 09:07

I was pointed in the direction of this thread from chat. I’m a total beginner - I’d never even touched a sewing machine before the summer when I bought one. So far I’ve only done quilting projects which I’ve loved but I want to attempt some flat bottomed drawstring bags for fabric storage and a little storage bag with a zip for notions next. Has anyone got any hints for zips for someone who doesn’t know anything! I’ve learnt using YouTube videos so really basic.

I’d love to make clothes - the ones up thread look so professional!