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.

@PickAChew

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

Thank you. Its a very soft, drapey needlecord.

My ball point needle has finally arrived so i'm hoping to take in my tops this weekend.

Ooo lots of posts! Just catching up!
I got some fabric that was 50% off on a whim and waiting for it to arrive.

I’ve almost finished the Sapporo coat but it looks so glam I haven’t actually decided when I’ll wear it. I’ve made mistakes but a good learning for next time as I’m going to make another one in black/navy (current one is cream wool mix and it’s too fancy for the school run 😂)

DH offered to get me a new sewing machine for Christmas - something around £350 which is exciting. But I’m undecided. Feels extravagant 😂

@Didkdt

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

I use a projector, it's awesome

I've just bought an UST i am very excited

I have an epson UST. It is amazing how much more you can get done without paper everywhere

Wow, that's commitment to sewing.

In my case a commitment to laziness! It means I can go from "I fancy making a dress" to actually sewing it in about 5 minutes flat.

I do like a techy solution though!

I've not completely left stretch neckbands behind. Rob on woven and got this one right first time. Not 100% happy with the top stitching, despite going slowwww and concentrating hard. I need to practice going around bends.

And this linen needs daylight plus all the ceiling spots or else I can't see what I'm doing.

A projector is pretty dedicated. How do you avoid getting in the way as you trace or cut?

That's a pretty good neckband!

I have an ultra short throw projector so it stands on my desk rather than being overhead - it means the projection is coming from the back so there's only the odd angle which blocks and I can usually reach from the other side of the table, or if I can't it's only a very small piece so I can just mentally "hold the line" and cut it. I don't trace, just go straight in with a rotary cutter. I'm going to cut some stuff later so I'll try and take a picture

I have also bought an ultra short throw to sit on my table but this video is quite good for showing an overhead one in action

@StatisticallyChallenged

In my case a commitment to laziness! It means I can go from "I fancy making a dress" to actually sewing it in about 5 minutes flat.

I do like a techy solution though!

That's pretty cool

I think my problem with that would be that I always end up altering madly, and trying the tissue on me, so I'd probably be tempted to cut without fitting properly first, disaster! But it looks so cool.

@drspouse

I think my problem with that would be that I always end up altering madly, and trying the tissue on me, so I'd probably be tempted to cut without fitting properly first, disaster! But it looks so cool.

Some projectors have an interactive pen so you put projected lines on the image thus enabling you to make alterations as you go.

You can also make alterations on free software called inkscape

Here's mine...excuse the clutter

It looks like you wouldn't be able to juggle the pieces about to use less fabric. I think I'll stick to the traditional way.

I do that on the computer if necessary but it's easy to rotate and move things around. I'm stingy with fabric!

@StatisticallyChallenged

I do that on the computer if necessary but it's easy to rotate and move things around. I'm stingy with fabric!

I'm stingy too and often get enough fabric left to make something else.

Yeah me too - especial with a 2 year old! So many fabric requirements on patterns are way more than needed

Look it isn't for everyone but for me my sewing time is limited and the bit I hate is cutting out and sometimes taping up l the pieces with some clever pdf programs you can alter patterns on line, rotate the pieces and fabric for best use and you don't have to cut out paper pieces first if you don't want to.
It's a win for me.

Same here, not for everyone but it's a real timesaver for me. Especially with kids who grow like weeds- 6 months ago I cut and taped umpteen patterns and they're all too small as they've grown.

I need to try my alterations on me but it might be good for the DCs!

Yours is more impressive than the one in the video @statisticallychallenged. Her lines were rather thick and clumsy.

Hello... just waving here. Played with sewing machine on and off for about ten years, mostly on half completed quilts. I’m not enough of a perfectionist and then it all looks a bit dodgy. Then inspired by something in the first lockdown I tried sewing some MBJM patterns and have made various things for my kids (hats, trousers, dress, tops) since then, all MBJM patterns. Now appear to have committed myself to making Christmas pants for all the family as we won’t be together...

It all works a bit better now I’ve shelled out for a machine service and they replaced the bobbin case but I’m really not much for the non pretty side of things. And very much an experimental learner.