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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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toomuchlikemyusername · 28/11/2020 15:37

Really enjoying this thread and hearing/seeing the variety of makes. I love the striped apron up thread and am I awe of anyone who does curtains. The thought of all that fabric and sewing such straight lines gives me palpitations!

My polka dot dress is sloooowly coming along, thanks to a super busy week and not enough time and energy to see. Have jumped onto a new project today which is a Christmas gift for someone and have, in the interests of making it as nice and neat as possible, have taught myself how to do French seems. Am feeling ridiculously chuffed with myself but have no one to share my delight with in real life so am sharing with you fellow makers.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
drspouse · 28/11/2020 15:49

Overlocker arrived, got it out, got it threaded and have made some mask bags!

seizethecuttlefish · 28/11/2020 17:28

Thanks, I shall try and work round my fear of bands. After I see the cushion that I've been putting off...forever!

HalleLouja · 28/11/2020 17:48

I would like to join. Have rediscovered ny sewing machine this year and made lots of quilted cushions, a baby quilt, an Everyday skirt and a few Cocoon dresses one was a disaster and may have been thrown away. .

Am now starting a Tilly and The Buttons Lotta dress with some gorgeous fabric from Pound Fabrics. Am going for the long sleeve version.

HalleLouja · 28/11/2020 17:50

I forgot I made quite a few pairs of shorts to wear in the beautiful lockdown weather.

NothingIsWrong · 28/11/2020 18:12

Ooooh sewers! I have been sewing on and off since I was about 8 and bought myself a hand Singer machine in a charity shop. Over the years I've stopped and started various times. I've made quilts, memory bears from babygros, curtains, cushions, mended clothes and have just discovered stretch fabrics and have been sewing like a demon the last week or so. My smallest girl in a jumper I made from scuba fabric, my FINALLY mastered thumbhole cuffs and a jacket for a Christmas present for the son of a friend of mine.

I WANT TO MAKE ALL THE THINGS! But am
definitely eyeing up the Sapporo coat...

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
mystitchername · 28/11/2020 20:07

As promised, here is the dressing gown I've just finished for my grandson. Shoulders look a bit wide, but that's because I only have adult size coat hangers. I'm very happy with it.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
StatisticallyChallenged · 28/11/2020 20:41

Super cute dressing gown!

I decided to make some Christmas stuff for the windows which turned out to be a mare of a job. Think I'm going to go sew something so the day feels more productive!

IDontMindMarmite · 28/11/2020 20:52

Ok not strictly sewing, but i've ordered several metres of red organza. I'm going to wrap my garage door to look like a gift box with a bow Grin

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SBAM · 29/11/2020 14:14

After having no time or motivation for sewing for ages I just sneaked in some cutting out while the baby napped 🎉 I’m feeling very pleased as I got a pair of leggings, a long sleeve top and a dribble bib for my nephew out of 0.5m of jersey

StatisticallyChallenged · 29/11/2020 18:59

I love how little fabric it takes to make stuff for wee ones. I frequently get stuff for my 2 year old out of the leftovers from making things for me.

I've done a bunch of cutting out today too - I think 4 pairs of adult leggings, 3 dresses for small one, a dress and tunic top for big DD, and a tee for me (a tester of a new pattern squeezed from some leftovers).

Going to have a scan through some of the pattern websites as some have good black friday sales on.

IDontMindMarmite · 29/11/2020 21:31

Well done for all the fabric cutting! That always intimidates me. I've definitely overthought what the 'bias' is. I know it's on the diagonal, but I often wonder which diagonal!

I am irritated that the needle I ordered a week ago for adjusting my jumpers, still has not arrived. Amazon Prime has done a number on me I know and i'm trying to avoid it but I really do expect quick delivery these days. Anyway, I could have done all the pinning and drawing on the garments i'm adjusting but I didn't. Hopefully next weekend...

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StatisticallyChallenged · 29/11/2020 23:12

I'm the same. We no longer get prime same day here and it's often 2 days rather than one. I'm waiting for a gathering foot to arrive for my overlocker - I have a pattern for leggings with a gathered side panel and pulling basting threads on both sides for that length drove me nuts! I've also got a little dress cut out that has ruffles and gathers which I've been putting off

drspouse · 30/11/2020 07:29

I don't think you need a gathering foot. I don't use one. It says you can't pull up the threads but I have Confused

blog.treasurie.com/gathering-with-a-serger/

CaptainMyCaptain · 30/11/2020 09:42

I've never used a gathering foot, I do it the way I learned at school in the 60s. Two lines of large stitches and pull from one end.

I've almost finished a dress but the threads and zip (for a different project) I ordered from a local haberdashers were all the wrong colours. I've done all the stitching that won't show with a vaguely similar colour but need the right colours to top stitch the neckline and do the hem. I'll have to go and change them when the shop opens on the 3rd.

StatisticallyChallenged · 30/11/2020 10:07

The gathering foot lets you gather and stitch to the next layer simultaneously - I don't think you can do that easily without it? So it will keep the bottom layer flat and gather the top.

I really hate pulling threads...fine for something like sleeves but it drove me nuts with these leggings as it was 4 lots of 1m gathering...

drspouse · 30/11/2020 10:36

You just gather the top separately, and then sew them together. Pulling the threads is a million times easier with the overlocker gathering, in fact I seem to remember I actually pulled the fabric in some way (so, I think I gathered tighter and then pulled the fabric looser). Try on some scrap fabric.

StatisticallyChallenged · 30/11/2020 10:52

I have tried gathering with my overlocker on its own but it didn't hold terribly well. I'm all about timesaving and for things like these leggings doing it all in one, if it works, will be really helpful.

forgetthehousework · 30/11/2020 16:23

@IDontMindMarmite

Well done for all the fabric cutting! That always intimidates me. I've definitely overthought what the 'bias' is. I know it's on the diagonal, but I often wonder which diagonal!

I am irritated that the needle I ordered a week ago for adjusting my jumpers, still has not arrived. Amazon Prime has done a number on me I know and i'm trying to avoid it but I really do expect quick delivery these days. Anyway, I could have done all the pinning and drawing on the garments i'm adjusting but I didn't. Hopefully next weekend...

Just mark a line at 45° to the selvedge and that's the true bias of your fabric. Straight to the grain has the threads horizontal and vertical and on something with a firm weave (cotton, linen etc) there is no stretch at all in this direction, but if you pull the fabric gently on its bias it will stretch a little; useful for some projects, hell for others!

I really shouldn't be left alone on any site selling fabric as I have ordered more, inspite of saying I would use stuff from the stash until l'd reduced it a bit ...

IDontMindMarmite · 30/11/2020 17:19

Thanks, should be simple enough.

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PickAChew · 30/11/2020 17:24

Icut out my Fielder top, today, and had hex pleasant surprise of finding I'd received an extra 30cm of fabric. Must have been the end of the bolt.

I've found it difficult to match threads etc, buying online. I ended up ordering some gutermann shade cards. Some online stores tell you the colour you need or give the option to add matching thread, but that's not always helpful.

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/12/2020 21:32

I found some left over thread that would do and finished my Hinterland dress.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
PickAChew · 01/12/2020 22:30

Love that. Is it velvet or is that just the light?

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/12/2020 22:31

That's lovely!

Didkdt · 01/12/2020 23:56

I am sorry I haven’t posted for a while I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of projectors for PDF patterns and I’ve become immersed in finding a solution that works.
Did anyone get any Black Friday deals on fabrics or patterns or machines
Loving all the makes and tips

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