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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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drspouse · 08/12/2020 23:20

I love my Scrundies, which pants patterns do you have?

PickAChew · 08/12/2020 23:22

If you fancy something more fancy, drapers daughter have 15% off for their 6th anniversary with the code CELEBRATE-6

Increasing the rise is fairly straightforward. Just need a neutral spot in terms of features like legholes and grade it in according to how curvy or not you are there.

Looking forward to seeing Dr ranj on sewing bee. Wonder if we'll get cbeebies Dr ranj or sexual health Dr ranj.

PickAChew · 08/12/2020 23:24

I refuse to make anything for dh because he will not sort his laundry.

NothingIsWrong · 08/12/2020 23:26

@drspouse

I love my Scrundies, which pants patterns do you have?
MBJM Wonder Undies - comes with the kids pattern as well :-)
StatisticallyChallenged · 08/12/2020 23:27

I have the Bunzies - I think the same company as scrundies? I haven't made them yet but I'm sure they had a high rise option

StatisticallyChallenged · 08/12/2020 23:34

Thanks Pickachew, they have some nice things.

Think I'm struggling a little with inspiration as we're stuck at home so much. Normally I'd make lovely wool skirts or dresses - slightly fancier things. Right now it seems a bit pointless. Contemplating this coat for DH. I need a challenge I think, I'm feeling very fed up just now!

Fabworks has a gorgeous sloe gin wool herringbone that's talking to me too. But not quite sure what she wants to be. I made a circle skirt in a very similar fabric a couple of years ago which I never got round to hemming I don't think. One of those where I hung it up to let it drop and then just never got round to it.

NothingIsWrong · 08/12/2020 23:49

@StatisticallyChallenged

I have the Bunzies - I think the same company as scrundies? I haven't made them yet but I'm sure they had a high rise option
I'm a little... rotund. I'd ideally like them higher than the high waist option Blush
StatisticallyChallenged · 08/12/2020 23:53

I'm rather rotund myself - I think it should be easy enough to increase the rise on them. I'll try to get round to making a pair soon and see if they're any better.

forgetthehousework · 11/12/2020 13:16

@StatisticallyChallenged

I've got a pants pattern I keep meaning to try. And a scrap pile that really would be perfect for it!

Whipped up a couple of dresses for big DD and a t-shirt for DH. I'm still trying to perfect his fit but I think I've got it now and at least it will form a solid basis for anything else I make him.

I'm now browsing pound-a-metre rather than the more expensive stuff. Although I may wander to them later...

Did you escape unscathed from pound-a-metre @StatisticallyChallenged? I am sitting gloating over my latest order from them right now, while watching Bernadette Banner on YouTube and ignoring the boring housework. Bliss!
StatisticallyChallenged · 11/12/2020 13:51

@forgetthehousework nope...there's a mountain pending dispatch including some bargainous Melton wool

PickAChew · 11/12/2020 16:30

My cotton poplin and shirt pattern finally arrived, this afternoon. The dark bits that I thought were black have turned out to be blue, so I'm going to have to go on another thread hunt, when I get chance.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
PickAChew · 11/12/2020 16:44

And 2 FO's this week. The Nani Iro Basic Blouse that nevertheless had me swearing like a sailor, in a gorgeous cotton sateen and a dry run of the Merchant & Mills Dress Shirt, made tunic length, out of an old cotton duvet. It's a little crisp for this pattern but still very wearable. I'm happy with the size, as well - perfect across the shoulders, the bearest drag on the left boob, probably not helped by the stiff fabric. I'm looking forward to making the longer sleeve version of this in my blue-green linen in time for Christmas. It's the same linen I used for the Fielder top, last week, which was a real pleasure to work with.

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...
Iggly · 11/12/2020 16:45

Think I'm struggling a little with inspiration as we're stuck at home so much

This is how I feel!

I ordered some fabric to make some clothes for DD including this gorgeous denim.

Currently cutting and sticking a PDF pattern for a sweatshirt I’ve bought on a whim. I’ve got some spare orange jersey, might not be enough but it’s something to do 🤷🏻‍♀️

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Haggisfish · 11/12/2020 17:42

Those are amazing @PickAChew!

PickAChew · 11/12/2020 17:45

Love that denim. Sparkly!

forgetthehousework · 11/12/2020 18:40

[quote StatisticallyChallenged]@forgetthehousework nope...there's a mountain pending dispatch including some bargainous Melton wool[/quote]
I got some of their '3 for £10' wool which is very nice. (Well, to be honest I actually got two lots of the same one, so I can make a skirt and short coat.

NothingIsWrong · 11/12/2020 20:25

[quote StatisticallyChallenged]@forgetthehousework nope...there's a mountain pending dispatch including some bargainous Melton wool[/quote]
You are bad. I now have 3m of that coming my way, going to attempt a winter coat for myself.

MoonlightInVermont · 11/12/2020 20:30

Apologies. I fell off the thread but am enjoying looking at your latest fabrics and makes. From which of the places mentioned are you getting these fabulous bargains?

StatisticallyChallenged · 12/12/2020 00:08

I have two lots coming (not the 3 for £10 but similar) to attmpt a forester coat for DH and something else for me.

Couple of xmas presents for big DD

I've also just cut out some leggings and a snood (for me) and a t shirt (for DH) in this charming fabric...

My main fabric sources seem to be fabworks, tfg fabrics, uk stretch fabrics (lovely bold/colourful fun prints), 1st for fabrics, fabrikanza (dirt cheap, good for testers but had a few lovely things), pound-a-metre, ebay (some crud but some bargains), dalston mill...need to find some new sources!

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...
PickAChew · 12/12/2020 00:43

Love the stretch :o

forgetthehousework · 15/12/2020 13:55

Almost finished making a Christmas apron; I only had a small oblong of Christmas fabric (about 30cm x 45) but I did had a pair of new deep red pillowcases! There's a surprising amount of fabric in a pillowcase if you unpick the seams, and the festive fabric is the bib and a pocket. There's even enough red to make Victorian style straps, crossing at the back rather than going round the neck.
I am inordinately pleased by this, even if its only DH who will see it this year.

StatisticallyChallenged · 15/12/2020 22:39

Ooh sounds good. I've just ordered some mildly festive fabric (it has deer on it) to make MIL some xmas oven gloves and maybe an apron.

Slight frustration, order fabric to make xmas pjs - no local fabric shops really - bottoms are a tartan/plaid, top was to be raglan tops in coordinating colours but one of the shades doesn't match right. Grrr. WIll need to just go with black for the tops now I think.

I'm starting to run out of places to stash my made and pending christmas presents!

PickAChew · 15/12/2020 22:47

Yep, coordinating colours online has gone tits up for me a few times already. 2 fabric shops in town mostly craft polycottons. A few other quilting shops around and a shop with some dressmaking fabrics in a nearby village but none of those really accessible when I'm avoiding public transport. There's a fabulous fabric shop in Darlington, just moved out of the matlrket into its own premises but I've not been to darlo since early March. Tempted to persuade dh that we need a drive down, after Christmas, while he's off, as it is a place the boys won't have to mask up for.

StatisticallyChallenged · 15/12/2020 22:50

I hear you - we've just moved to a smaller town which I was pleased to see had a nice looking wee fabric shop but it's just a sea of crafting poly! I want nice cotton and wool dress fabrics.

The biggest fabric shop in our nearby city went bust during covid too. There's not much left really.

PickAChew · 15/12/2020 23:59

There has been a quirky fabric shop in my small city, forever, which is now gone. Typical.