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

[IDontMindMarmite]

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.

Hi, Vanilla - Do you use Pinterest? There are lots of ideas there for Japanese rice bags, which are flat-bottomed and very easy to make. Have a look too for Japanese lotus bags, which are similar. Some Japanese knot bags also have an inset base so are flat-bottomed too.

I make a lot of zipped bags. On the whole, I think zips in bags are far easier than zips in clothing, but to make sure everything’s straight I hand baste the zip and the lining in place. You need a zipper foot and (as I found yesterday when I bent the needle) even on quite lightweight fabric you need a stout needle for sewing across the teeth of the zip when you join the sides of the bag.

I taught myself to sew in zips from videos and it was fine (for a pencil case) - I’m a bit ropey with zips for clothes though

When I go across the teeth, I use the manual dial not presser foot to slow things down.

Yes, that helps, and mostly it's fine, but if (as it occasionally does) the needle makes a direct hit on the teeth it can all go a bit Pete Tong.

I need tactile brown material for a cushion. About a 50cm square. Usually I would hunt out charity shops but that's a no go here. Ideas that don't cost a fortune. I was thinking cord but who knew how expensive that was going to be!

Romo Linara is lovely to the touch; a sueded cotton/linen union. There are a couple of brown remnants on sale on Ebay.

Thanks @rosegoldwatcher. I'll have a look.

My machine is so much happier with this light-mid weight cotton. Almost had a tingle, doing this top stitching.

@MoonlightInVermont thank you so much! I found the best video on YouTube for a Japanese rice bag and I’ve just finished it. In one day! I know this is super simple but I didn’t even know how to thread the machine when I bought it in July! I managed to use all leftover material from quilt projects and think I’ve got some other bits to make another.

Feeling more confident now so will be looking at zips in the next couple of weeks if I can get to the shops.

Hello, I've just found this thread and would love to join you.
Long time sewer - but don't look at the back of anything!
I make my steampunk costumes but today I've been making a few Christmas fabric face masks and finishing the machining on a skirt.
The thing I like most about sewing is being able to make really individual and unique things.

You’re welcome, VanillaSpiceCandle! They’re a doddle to make but look so good when finished.

I hope it' OK to join. I've loved sewing since I was a child. I've been lucky enough to own some wonderful machines over the years, including an amazing old treadle machine my late dad got for me when I was about 11 years old. I recently picked up sewing again after a long break. My machine was last in regular use around 20 or so years ago when I used to make lots of clothes for my two ds's. It's now back in use making bits and pieces for my dgs. Latest make was a dressing gown made from cuddle fleece. I'll try to grab a picture and post it soon. X

Welcome newbies

We love pictures, @mystitchername :)

I have spent today using a old duvet cover to make a copy of my one of these. www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/gifts-home/gifts-for-artists-and-crafters/cotton-studio-apron-dahlia.htm
I figured I'd best cracl on with it today because I was dreaming about it, last night. The cotton is much lighter than the canvas used for the apron so I've put a facing on the whole upper half, doubling the 3d headwork required to attach the straps and consigning me to just as long stood at the ironing board as sat at my machine, pressing out all the seams. Satisfying as it's such a crisp cotton but fiddly, trying to avoid steaming my fingers, and I have achy thighs and lower back, now.

That looks promising, PickAChew. I want to make myself a Mobius apron but, even though I have ridiculous quantities of fabric, I don’t have anything suitable and feel I can’t justify buying more.

Yay at last a sewing thread 😬
Patterns wise there are loads on etsy (where I get most of mine) they are download patterns that you print. I usually print the master pattern and trace the size I want onto greaseproof paper. If I already have clothes I like I sometimes take a pattern off them, although this takes a little skill as you need to understand how to do it. Made by jacks mum has a nice range of easy patterns for kids and adults.
I have just ordered a new sewing machine to replace my 20yo Toyota and i’ve had a few requests from friends to make quilts from their baby clothes as keepsakes.
Re the overlocker foot, you can get them cheaply on a popular auction site but the standard zigzag stitch on most machines is not really wide enough to give a good overlock seam. If your machine can sew with a double needle you could use that instead as it gives two rows of stitching on top then a loop between the two rows underneath and stops unravelling. I’m not sure anyone really uses pinking shears nowadays 🤣 As for the darts, just try out a fee things, you can put them wherever you like, if they are on show then it’s best to try and make sure they look even, if not then it doesn’t matter. You can pin and tack before deciding what you want to go with.
Recently i’ve made some nice modern waterproof nappy pants for DD as we are using terry squares, but the traditional plastic pants are horrid. The main thing is that you learn and have fun with it all. Good luck 👍

Ooh a sewing thread, can I join?

I've mostly made curtains and home stuff in the past, started sewing bits of clothes about 3 years ago but really got back in to it over lockdown. I have a huge list of things I want to make.

Welcome welcome, i'd love to make curtains. They do scare me a bit, especially with some of the problems found upthread.
The next time I redecorate (have been doing the whole house bit by bit, just have a couple more rooms to do), i'll make some curtains. I'll just have to face the fear. I do with other things, fgs I reupholstered complicated dining chairs as a complete novice.

I made curtains for a couple of rooms during the summer and lined them with thermal blackout fabric.
The biggest problem with curtains is actually (wo)manhandling the weight and bulk of them as you machine. I managed by putting a dining chair next to the table so the weight was distributed across the back and seat, which worked quite well.
Even better was that I used fabric from my stash and only had to buy the blackout material.
The remaining fabric stash is still enormous though and the cabbage bag is sson going to be two cabbage bags if I don't get ruthless!
Right now I'm hand stitching the final bits on the green velvet skirt I made yesterday.

Agreed, the problem with curtains is just size and weight. The actual sewing is easy.

I ended up not lining the last pair I made - got a gorgeous very heavy voyage chenille for a steal on ebay. Once I'd sewn the widths together it became apparent there was no way I'd be able to lift them if I lined them too.

Biggest I've done was 2.5 widths per curtain, 3m drop, lined and interlined - the main fabric was silk. That was a 2 person job, I had to get dh to help me lay it out, pin the layers together, and gradually fold it up as they were bigger than the floor space.

They were a huge bargain though - saw the fabric in a swatch book in a shop. Normally £80 a metre. Thought "oh well". Maybe I'll get a metre for cushions. Found it online that night reduced to £13...I have never checked out so fast in my life

My knees (and back) can no longer cope with floor work so I recently bought a massive sheet of plywood which, when supported by two small dining tables, makes a good surface for curtain making.

I can't work on the floor any more. And we have hard floors, now, so no chance!

Apron done, anyhow. The pocket is a bit messy because it was difficult to manoeuvre but I'm pleased with the rest of it and my brain can finally shut up about it.

Agree the size and weight of curtains makes them a tough sew, but you really do save a lot of money.

I made curtains for my sons bedroom. Victorian house, huge windows. Agree that they're not complicated but working with so much material is mind boggling. I couldn't even cut it straight!

Material secured for my cushion project, work commencing tomorrow.

You do save a fortune. I just did curtains for our bifolds - fairly pricey fabric (about 400) but quotes for making were at least the same again.