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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:
Thread gallery
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forgetthehousework · 01/01/2021 14:22

Happy Sew Year everyone.
May your fabric always be wide enough, your needles remain threaded and your yarn never break at the wrong moment.

IDontMindMarmite · 01/01/2021 15:32
Grin
OP posts:
Iggly · 01/01/2021 16:55

Welcome to everyone new!

I’m now regretting my decision to postpone buying a new machine. As soon as sew anything heavy weight, the machine struggles - I’ve bent two needles in quick succession sewing thick ribbed cuffs to a jumper. To be fair, I think the cuffs are too thick for the material but I was impatient.

Taking a break from sewing for the day abs will finish it off tomorrow!

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2021 16:57

I'm contemplating my 2021 challenge - I might go for "no new clothes I don't make". With exceptions for socks, tights, bras and possibly fine knitwear (I could do with a new fine cashmere jumper to wear with wool skirts)

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2021 17:00

Boo to bent needles!

I've currently got a bunch of fabric tumbling after a pre wash, and another washing. The second batch is wools which are probably dry clean but they're for a skirt and a dress, which realistically I won't dry clean. I tend to only dry clean stuff like coats. Figure I'd rather pre wash and find out now if it won't survive rather than spend hours making something that shrinks or falls apart

drspouse · 01/01/2021 17:02

Broke a twin needle due to sticky thread. How can thread be sticky? And HOW MUCH for a twin needle?
Anyway top and pants for DS who keeps on growing, how dare he.

Iggly · 01/01/2021 17:04

@drspouse

Broke a twin needle due to sticky thread. How can thread be sticky? And HOW MUCH for a twin needle? Anyway top and pants for DS who keeps on growing, how dare he.
😬 sticky thread!? Is it the thread or something else?
Dizzybintess · 01/01/2021 17:04

Sewing aficionado here signing in!

Iggly · 01/01/2021 17:05

@StatisticallyChallenged

I'm contemplating my 2021 challenge - I might go for "no new clothes I don't make". With exceptions for socks, tights, bras and possibly fine knitwear (I could do with a new fine cashmere jumper to wear with wool skirts)
I’ve thought of similar - and wondered if I might spend a small fortune on fabric as a result 😂
Dizzybintess · 01/01/2021 17:06

@drspouse have you been sewing fabric that has glued on sequins eg Dance fabric? That will gum the shit out of your needle!

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2021 17:14

Undoubtedly Iggly! But it'll keep me out of mischief.

PickAChew · 01/01/2021 17:31

Thread that's too thick for the needle can break it, as can cheap, slubby thread . Of course, there is no point researching thread thickness because there are so many different standards!

PickAChew · 01/01/2021 17:43

^bitter experience, BTW.

Iggly · 01/01/2021 17:45

I stay well away from cheap thread after bad experiences with “bargains” 😬

PickAChew · 01/01/2021 19:03

I miss sylko thread. I still have a, small collection but it's never enough for a full garment. The mercerized cotton behaves so well.

singsingbluesilver · 01/01/2021 19:05

Cheap thread has led to two of my needles breaking in quick succession. My new year's resolution is to invest in some decent thread.

drspouse · 01/01/2021 20:04

No, it was two identical reels of Sylko and one was fine and the other kept refusing to go round. I was sewing down a knit hem but cotton lycra, though I use Steam A Seam to hold it while I sew but I don't get why one reel was fine!

onedream · 01/01/2021 20:34

Happy New year everyone!
I have started sewing at the beginning of first lockdown to originally make some face masks but quickly discovered that I can make some cute clothes for my little ones.
I now have a small Etsy shop selling baby & toddler clothes and I absolutely love it Smile
This year I want to do more sewing for myself and carry on with my little shop.

forgetthehousework · 02/01/2021 15:22

No sewing today, instead I have sorted my stash into various crates and bags to put into a cupboard. The theory is that I will know what I've got,where it is and be able to get it out fairly easily.
I have a feeling that, once again, theory and practice will not be the same Grin.

StatisticallyChallenged · 02/01/2021 16:06

Mine is on shelves so I can see it. Figured seeing it would help with inspiration. Except it no longer fits Blush

forgetthehousework · 02/01/2021 16:28

Mine used to be on shelves for that very reason, and then I not only ran out of shelf, I ran out of wall to put shelves on Grin.

Iggly · 02/01/2021 17:44

How do people arrange their sewing spaces? I’m squeezed in the study on a flimsy desk and I’m thinking of sorting the room properly. It’s such a mess!

StatisticallyChallenged · 02/01/2021 18:30

My sewing space is also my office.

We have two sit stand desks which are back to back (basically making a big almost square table. This has my 90 x 120cm cutting mat on it, and my projector. The monitors for work are on swivel arms attached to the wall side of the desks so they just swivel out the way.

All (well, apart from the floor pile...shhh) of my fabric is folded on billy bookcases.

There's a built in cupboard in the room which is my actual sewing space - I take the machines out if I'm doing something big like curtains but for day to day sewing it works really well. I have IKEA pinboard on the walls and doors which holds all the odds and ends.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
PickAChew · 02/01/2021 18:49

Most of my stuff is stored on a leksvik bookcase in various boxes from whs. It's in the room where dh works, though, so. I have to transfer what I want to use to the dining room before dh starts his morning meetings. This is why I resisted the temptation to invest in a bigger machine!

I like working in the dining room, mind, as it's south facing with massive windows and good lighting. I just need to clear everything off the table for mealtimes (then scrub the table before using it again, as Ds2 is such a messy eater!)

It also forces me to keep myself organised

PickAChew · 02/01/2021 18:53

Yarn, otoh, is in boxes under the bed and my really nice sock yarn in pax wardrobes in ds1's room!

I finished that sweater, top left, in April, after an 8 year hiatus and still haven't got around to washing and blocking it, mind!

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...