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 machine have you gone for? I delayed my Christmas present of a new machine until next year!

@Iggly

What machine have you gone for? I delayed my Christmas present of a new machine until next year!

This one😍

It's like a rolls Royce compared with my rattly brother. I'm testing it on a fabric that the brother struggled with 2 layers of and it's managing 4!

I'd have gone for a bigger machine if I had somewhere permanent to set it up but this is a nice compromise.

Lovely!!! I was eyeing up a janome but the one from the sewing bee - 725 something.

Don't forget there's another celeb Sewing Bee on tomorrow, i've hit record already.

I'm currently communicating with a local independent sewing supplies shop over facebook trying to get the necessary cones via click and collect on certain days.... Mustn't complain but this is certainly a much trickier way to shop. Still, glad to support real people. And to continue learning a new skill.

Oh well, I can't go to the haberdasher now we're in Tier 4 but I gave up buying new fabric for 2020 and it's NEARLY OVER.

@drspouse

Oh well, I can't go to the haberdasher now we're in Tier 4 but I gave up buying new fabric for 2020 and it's NEARLY OVER.

I should do that for 2021...not happening

I did "no buying clothes or beauty product in 2020" and pretty much did it - bought a couple of things in the post xmas sale which were really needing replacing (mascara for example) and I think over the year I bought a raincoat, a pair of harem, 2 hoodies and a cardigan (all necessitated by working from home suddenly and having no casual stuff at all). For me that was a massive reduction, I used to buy double that in an average month.

I have spent on fabric and craft stuff but I've learned a lot of new skills and it's kept me sane through lockdown

I have a voucher for a haberdashery and some money from my MiL for Christmas but now we're in Tier 4 and everything is closed . Luckily I bought a reduced duvet cover in Sainsbury's yesterday which I will use to back a crumb quilt I am making. I have 24 blocks and the batting cut out waiting, hopefully it will keep me going for a while.

I also have a knitted Latvian mitten kit that I am working on .

@drspouse

Oh well, I can't go to the haberdasher now we're in Tier 4 but I gave up buying new fabric for 2020 and it's NEARLY OVER.

Blimey, that's quite the achievement!

I'm also in Tier 4 but where there's will, there's a way...hence me going to some lengths to find click and collect, facebook messaging local indie shops etc.

I have bought used fabric and a couple of things to complete a piece (an acre of brushed cotton sheets has become 3 pairs of pyjamas for the DCs plus a pair of bottoms for me).

Hello all! I’ve been following this thread from the start and enjoying all your updates. I only started sewing this year, but have really got quite addicted. I bought an overlocker to go with my fairly basic sewing machine and I love using it. Here’s a link for the online shop I bought my thread cones from @IDontMindMarmite:
www.littletshaberdashery.com/product/overlocker-thread-bright-rainbow-jumbo-cones/
They do plain colours too. The rainbow thread makes a pretty finish on the inside and means you don’t need to keep rethreading each time to match your fabric( they do bright and pastel rainbow thread) You only need the rainbow thread on your two loopers & maybe use a neutral grey or white on the two needles. The overlocker thread seems really expensive, but it lasts for ages and ages!

Oh that's a good idea for the rainbow thread! I do need some I think.

I have those exact cones. The overlocker thread does last ages - I've had my overlocker since easter, it's sewn a huge amount in that time and I've fully finished 2 cones, and maybe on average half way through another 10 (I bought a pack which had 4 each of black white and cream and I only bought more this month)

Thanks for delurking Piffle! Can I ask a daft beginners question? So I'm still doing alterations. When taking in a top, do I still need to use a sewing machine to sew the new seam and then the overlocker to finish, or do I just use the overlocker and it'll do both?

@IDontMindMarmite Overlocking only should do the trick, but I’d suggest having a practise on some scraps of the same/similar fabric first if you can, rather than just leaping in. Double the fabric over and overlock or overlock two pieces together, and you’ll see what sort of finish you get, inside and out, as well as seeing what position you need the fabric to be in to get the seam in the correct position, if you see what I mean. I tend to use my overlocker making cotton jersey clothes for my grandchildren, not so much for woven fabrics so far. I’ve also got to do some alterations, on bought stretch velour items which are way too long for the recipient, should be ‘interesting’😱

Thanks, that is good advice. DH is a bit precious about these items and I do tend to jump in which is a bit risky so I will exercise a bit more caution this time .

Best of luck with the stretch velour!

Good luck and thanks @IDontMindMarmite!

Stretch velour....been there, sewn that! The hardest thing is it just slides constantly!

I've got a half made stretch velour dress from about 25 years ago. 2 sizes too small for me, now. The boob fairy hadn't been very generous to me at that point.

Hi all. I’ve just returned to dressmaking because I’m such a weird shape nowadays that I can’t buy clothes. Turns out that I’ve got better attention to detail nowadays and spend more time on the things I used to rush. Like cutting out and tacking.

So far I’ve made a couple of pairs of culotte shorts, a dress and a top which haven’t been shoved into the wardrobe and forgotten so while I’m on a roll I want to do some more.

I’ve got a little over a metre left of a beautiful drapey fabric that crying out to be made into a sleeveless vest type top but I can’t find a pattern I like and may have to get my pencils and Swedish tracing paper out.

Before I do that has anyone seen a pattern for a v neck, sleeveless top, coming to about hip length and not especially fitted? I suspect I’ll make a few so price not critical

Hi, @Jins

It's like riding a bike, isn't it. Only riding a bike would give me a sore bum, these days!

The fold line is a good place to browse for patterns, as they have so much stock.

Thanks for the tip. Sounds dangerous 😂

Can I join, this chat looks fab? I got a sewing machine about 8 years ago to help with PND and keep me busy, I made some kids clothes, baby bunting, cushions & curtains but I've always wanted to try making clothes for me. I'm a size 20 tho but I've been following the growth of the plus size sewing movement on Instagram and I'm feeling inspired

I went nuts one night after Xmas and bought loads of fabric from some cheap websites figuring that even if its just for learning its not really a waste? One of them is 3m of stretch Bengaline (£8.85!) I was hoping it would be suitable for a Colette Moneta but now its here I'm not sure? It seems quite thick, but it does stretch. Any advice? I'd never heard of it but it said high cotton content and was cheap!! Happy New Year to you all

The bengadine should do the job but a decent cotton spandex Jersey we would be better. No harm in practicing on the cheap fabric and seeing if you like what you make, though.

Welcome Lt and Happy New Year Sewing aficionados.