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.

What pattern did you use for that sweater, @PickAChew? It's really nice

Can anyone help me? DH has suggested I get a new sewing machine for Christmas but wonder if an overlocker is better. I prefer to make clothes - and could do with one...

My sewing machine is a basic singer (free - it was a gift), and can struggle with some heavier things like my coat, but I could get an over locker to compensate?

Overlockers aren't great with heavy stuff (though I have just upgraded for that reason).

@justchecking1

What pattern did you use for that sweater, *@PickAChew*? It's really nice

It's the merchant & mills fielder top and dress. I definitely plan to make more of them - the limitation is finding nice ribbing to go with whatever fabric I opt for.

@Momsincharge

I finished this in the first lockdown. It’s just sitting in the closet because I am afraid to do the button holes!

Many, many years ago (n the 1970s) I made a jacket and took it to someone who did alterations etc for them to do the buttonholes.

@Iggly

Can anyone help me? DH has suggested I get a new sewing machine for Christmas but wonder if an overlocker is better. I prefer to make clothes - and could do with one...

My sewing machine is a basic singer (free - it was a gift), and can struggle with some heavier things like my coat, but I could get an over locker to compensate?

If it was an either/or choice I would choose a decent sewing machine. I have an overlocker and don't use it as much as I thought I would, it's a bit of a white elephant. I was quite able to make clothes including jersey before I got it anyway, all you need is a zig zag stitch.

I would go for a sewing machine too. Much more flexible than an overlocker. Overlockers are good for finishing seams but I only use mine to sew the seams together on jersey. If making a non jersey garment I us both but managed without an overlocker for years

I use my overlocker a lot, it probably does 80% of my sewing. But, that other 20% (hems, topstitching) can't be done on the overlocker whereas the constructed can be done on the sewing machine albeit not as nicely.

I sew a lot of stretch though, my girls both like soft comfy clothes.

@PickAChew would using a non rib nut stretchy fabric work? Slightly different look but I do lots of sweatshirts with cotton lycra bands/cuffs/necks. Tfg fabrics have an awesome colour range - they actually have a pretty substantial ribbing range too.

It probably would work but it's the colour matching that's tricky, I find. I have some green ribbing sitting in my stash as, despite having the same colour name, in the same store, it was a much more blue green than the fabric I wanted to match.

And I Agree about a decent machine. Mine has a lot of features but is quite underpowered. It's great as lightweight machines go but I am going to look for something more robust once stocks recover from this year a bit.

@PickAChew
This is a good place for ribbing:
www.dotsnstripes.co.uk/search.cfm

@CaptainMyCaptain

That’s an interesting idea. I wonder how many of these kinds of workshops are still around.

[quote Momsincharge]@CaptainMyCaptain

That’s an interesting idea. I wonder how many of these kinds of workshops are still around.[/quote]
There's one in my town centre and a lady in a nearby village that does it from home. You might be able to find one.

[quote Momsincharge]@PickAChew
This is a good place for ribbing:
www.dotsnstripes.co.uk/search.cfm[/quote]
That's another good selection (though a dreadful website!) thanks.

I'm going to go against the grain and say get an overlocker, as long as your sewing machine is still functional. I do nearly everything on it, including hemming (I do it as if I was doing a blind hem). Zips are tricky, although you can do it, but it won't do buttonholes obviously.

99% of my fabric is stretch though, so that makes it the more robust choice for me.

I wish I didn't like circle skirts so much, the hemming seems to go on forever 😫

I adore circle skirts, such a beautiful classic. Never made one,i’ve never made any clothing but if I did, that might be the first thing I’d aim to do.

I have a pair of pyjama bottoms that are too big, they fall down if not tied with the drawstring. I know how to take in a leg but I’m wondering about how to approach the elasticated waist, anyone know?

@IDontMindMarmite

I adore circle skirts, such a beautiful classic. Never made one,i’ve never made any clothing but if I did, that might be the first thing I’d aim to do.

I have a pair of pyjama bottoms that are too big, they fall down if not tied with the drawstring. I know how to take in a leg but I’m wondering about how to approach the elasticated waist, anyone know?

Unpick the drawstring channel, it's just a wide hem really. Take in the sides and re-do the drawstring channel. At this point you could replace the drawstring with elastic if you wanted.

Thanks, the waistband has elastic in it as well, how should i deal with that?

@IDontMindMarmite

Thanks, the waistband has elastic in it as well, how should i deal with that?

Just take it out and put it back or replace it if you have to cut it and there's not enough left. A drawstring cut in half with a length of elastic sewn in the middle section is a comfortable alternative.

Thanks on the comments re overlocker v machine. I don’t sew much stretch fabrics (but that might be because I don’t have an overlocker and never get on that well with a zig zag stitch). My daughter loves using the machine and I’m worried if I get a better one, it’ll be too fast for her (although I can keep the old one for her as well).

I may wait a few months - there is no real rush to be honest.

My machine has a half speed setting which is great for the DCs.

I use the speed limiter on my machine a lot. I only really have it on full whack for winding bobbins and zigzagging long straight seams. The middle speed is great for making sure I don't hit pins or start topstitching like I'm drunk and the slowest is not much faster than hand cranking it so occasionally comes in handy for tricky lumps - and there is a needle ip/down button that advances one stitch if you press it twice.

I never use the pedal on my sewing machine - it's not even connected anymore. Start/stop and speed control is awesome. The super slow is great when I'm sewing a toddler sleeve so having to constantly adjust the fabric position.

Quite frustrated, the dress is had an issue with hemming isn't great. The skirt is massively gathered (about 4x the bodice) and it just doesn't sit right as a result. Ive added elastic inside to stop it stretching out the top but it's determined to flick the skirt up. It's got two rows of top stitching now, but if that doesn't work I might add some decorative elastic on the top

The nightmare dress...