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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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IDontMindMarmite · 16/12/2020 08:29

Before Covid there were several really good fabric shops in Birmingham. Hope they make it through...

I saw this gif today which shows how sewing machines work. 'tis interesting. gfycat.com/ficklescarykoi

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Iggly · 17/12/2020 18:13

I’ve been dreaming of opening a small fabric shop in my town but cant imagine I’d make any money to run it 😂

StatisticallyChallenged · 17/12/2020 18:15

@Iggly

I’ve been dreaming of opening a small fabric shop in my town but cant imagine I’d make any money to run it 😂
I'd end up making stuff out of the stock 😂
Iggly · 17/12/2020 18:59

Hahaha that’s a massive risk also 😂

Iggly · 17/12/2020 20:59

I ordered some black cheap wool mix fabric - I’m going to make the Sapporo coat again. The first one I made in cream is fabulous but far too dressy. So I’ll remake it in black as much more practical for daily use!!

The fabric arrived today, along with some grey jersey as I’m going to attempt this top. I had a go with some spare orange jersey but I didn’t have enough and couldn’t buy more! I’m also getting ribbed cuff material as I think that’ll look nice.

PickAChew · 17/12/2020 23:48

I do like that top, @iggly. Nice smooth flat seams would be the challenge. I see so many pieced items in knit fabrics that are just plain lumpy.

And there's a bugbear. I see so many garments on blogs and in magazines that are just so badly finished, with wonky seams, loose threads and lumpy bits. Even the cover samples on some patterns look so badly made. fridaypatterncompany.com/collections/all-patterns/products/arlo-track-jacket-printed-pattern for example. Nothing lines up and it has weird creases where creases shouldn't be!

PickAChew · 17/12/2020 23:53

Here's another. I know it's just a sample but that first one needs an urgent appointment with the iron. The seams are all stretched and it looks like it has been sat on. oliverands.com/community/blog/2020/12/noord-t-shirt-and-sweatshirt-tester-round-up.html

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/12/2020 07:44

I rejected a pattern the other day because so many of the tester pics looked awful. Think it was the Rebecca page henley.

At 1am I was heat pressing transfers on to xmas eve bags and christmas pjs and thinking "why the hell did it decide this was a good idea"...

IDontMindMarmite · 18/12/2020 08:31

Good morning. I've stalled in my clothing alterations as I took in the side seams of a top but the armpit was then baggy and created a weird crease/pull across the chest. I'm thinking of continuing the new seam into the underarm.

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Iggly · 18/12/2020 09:42

Those two look bad @PickAChew

Especially the second one - it looks like the tension is too high hence the puckering???

I’m glad I had a go with spare fabric first - the seams were the triangles join are incredibly bulky.... I’ve set myself a ridiculous challenge as I find stretch tricky anyway plus the multi points meeting as well 😂😂😂

PickAChew · 18/12/2020 12:23

@StatisticallyChallenged

I rejected a pattern the other day because so many of the tester pics looked awful. Think it was the Rebecca page henley.

At 1am I was heat pressing transfers on to xmas eve bags and christmas pjs and thinking "why the hell did it decide this was a good idea"...

The Houston? Even the green one on the pattern page is iffy. The stripes don't even match. Lots of bodged plackets in the gallery.
forgetthehousework · 18/12/2020 17:55

It never ceases to amaze me, the absolutely awful results posted on the various blogs/YouTube etc. I mean it's not as though it has to be posted live! And then there's the editing ... or rather the complete lack of editing on some of the 'tutorials'!

However there are some very good ones, so I keep watching.

PickAChew · 18/12/2020 18:55

Some of the stuff in magazines is dreadfully made up, too. It could be partly the limitations in production, at the moment but my needlework teacher (old enough to have had one!) would have given me a C- at best for some of the stuff printed.

I shall own every one of the creases in this mind. It is linen, after all!

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
PickAChew · 18/12/2020 18:57

And I really do need some new clothes hangers.

SBAM · 18/12/2020 19:45

Leggings and dribble bib finished and posted off for my nephew. I didn’t get the matching T-shirt finished in time, but that’s the next size up so it can wait until after Christmas.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
IDontMindMarmite · 18/12/2020 20:29

Super cute fabric @SBAM and that's a lovely colour @PickAChew

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PickAChew · 18/12/2020 20:35

Love the foxes! (contemplates making a pair in a women's size 14)

SchadenfreudePersonified · 18/12/2020 21:02

Wonderful colour *PickaChew". Peacock blue, I would call that.

PickAChew · 18/12/2020 22:07

It's slightly more green than blue but my phone wasn't having any of it. The website calls it alta mare. So probably a sea green. merchantandmills.com/store/cloth/sustainable/linen-sustainable/alta-mare/

SchadenfreudePersonified · 19/12/2020 09:48

Just checked -still lovely!

Iggly · 19/12/2020 15:53

Can I just say I hate sewing collars (part way through a shirt dress for DD). I’ve only done them three times before and every time I’m Angry

PickAChew · 19/12/2020 16:13

I love fiddly things to build. I'm the same with knitting. I love lace and cables (though avoid them because they hurt my hands) and 3D structural knitting like socks.

PickAChew · 19/12/2020 16:15

I'll admit that I kept that greenish linen on view for some weeks before working with it, just so I could gaze at it and stroke it.

IDontMindMarmite · 19/12/2020 17:32

Someone thinks I'm done with my alterations today.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
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Haggisfish · 19/12/2020 17:37

Cuuuuuuuute!

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