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.

Bunting? Napkins? [Grin]

Bearing in mind that I am trying to declutter, just a little, so I have more workable space, I THREW SOME OF IT AWAY! (Not all of it, one the teeny, tiny bits - and the bin isn't emptied until next week .....

When the charity shops are open, some of them take rags, so I take trimmings (and old pants and holey socks) to them.

I'm saving the teeny, tiny unusable bits for this www.closetcorepatterns.com/fabric-floor-pouf-free-sewing-pattern/
I've got a basket of denim pieces to make the outer.

Small scraps are kept for quilting, bunting etc. I have separate baskets of small and very small.

Zero waste.

Also the old pants and holey socks go in the stuffing bag.

I have started on a top made out of viscose and it is slippery as all heck and fraying like a biatch. I’ve only made stretch jersey stuff up until now. I am glad I didn’t try this first as it’s a nightmare.

I did a seminar at work before Christmas about having a growth mindset, and instead of telling myself I can’t make this bloody top, I am telling myself that all the mistakes I am making will make me a better sewer (sigh and it’s dry January)

That pouf is lovely!

Looks like there's a nice bit of sevenberry fabric in that pouf. I had a delivery of some, yesterday, to make some Opal pants with and it's absolutely gorgeous.

I've almost finished my first project of the year, anyhow - a nice simple Camber Set top in some cut price cloth atelier fabric. I only just had enough of it and didn't manage to avoid a fold line that goes all the way across because I was more keen to avoid a massive slubby bit but it seems to add to the character, along with the randomness of the print. It's the sort of lightweight cotton that you can roll up to put in a suitcase (remember suitcases?) and it doesn't come out looking too scruffy. I have some more in an indigo print and I'm thinking this could be the way to go for some menopause friendly summer clothes!

@Stretchandsnap my last three projects have been slippery viscose that frays when you look at it the wrong way. It’s awful to work with at times but enormously rewarding when you’ve finished and you have a lovely drapey garment.

I was surprised to find that all my favourite clothes in recent years have been viscose. I had thought many of them were a cotton mix. It helped me focus on fabric choices for current projects.

I’ve found a lovely piece of floral fabric in my stash that’s crying out to become a top of some sort so I’m currently surrounded by patterns. I won’t have enough for sleeves so some creativity will be required

The pouf is lovely and has got me thinking that I might make crazy patchwork covers for the beanbags.
While I'm thinking I've cut out a blouse from one of the larger pieces, with contrasting fabric for all the facings as there wasn't quite enough for the sleeves I wanted to use.
(I like mixing pattern pieces to add variety to my wardrobe - it usually works!)

I have bravely started fitting a pair of trousers for me. Never really managed to get one to fit well!

I’ve raced on with a cobbled together top. Bound armholes came out well and it fits perfectly at this stage.

I’m struggling with the instructions for the neckline. I’m giving up for today and will have another look at it tomorrow. I’ve already cut the facing out wrongly. Twice. Some days are like that

Loving this thread, even though I'm chronically sick & can't yet join in.

Complete beginner really, after some advice. Do I really have to wash & iron all fabric before making anything?

I e. I have an old Clothkits panel I want to cut out & make, but I don't have the energy to wash & iron it all first

I usually wash fabric before use in case it shrinks and also because I usually buy on the market and it has been all over the place. I wouldn't bother with prewashing Clothkits though.

Yesterday I finished backing my crumb quilt and today I backed two blankets I knitted during the first lockdown with squares from Arne and Carlos.

Yes, do wash and iron. It saves so much heartache. I bought a lovely Jersey that shrunk 15% on its initial wash. I don't take the risk.

And you can realistically expect to spend as much time at your ironing board as your machine, if you are making garments :o

I love Arne & Carlos but I cannot do colourwork. I'm more of a lace person!

I wouldn't bother with prewashing Clothkits though. CaptainMyCaptain I could kiss you! Thank you This means I can crack on.

Love your crumb quilt! I've inherited two that I'm desperate to finish & back, but that is a L O N G way off sadly.

PickAChew Even Clothkits?

Agree not to bother with cloth kits, though. I'd worry about losing any markings.

And you can realistically expect to spend as much time at your ironing board as your machine, if you are making garments
Absolutely, never skip the pressing. Press after each seam to get a good finish.

I would wash Clothkits, because plain cotton is rubbish for shrinking.

@drspouse

I would wash Clothkits, because plain cotton is rubbish for shrinking.

I used to use Clothkits in the 80s but I never prewashed it.

I basically treat the fabric before I sew it, like I plan on treating it afterwards. So it gets a wash at normal temps, a tumble dry (if it's a fabric going to be made into something I'd tumble usually) and an iron (actually that never happens to my clothes normally, but it's so much easier to cut out when it's pressed).

It cuts out nasty surprises where something shrinks a load on first wash. I'm certain that's why cheap clothes often shrink, they probably don't pre-shrink the fabric at the factories.

And you can realistically expect to spend as much time at your ironing board as your machine, if you are making garments. I only start very basic projects, but this is why I rarely get to finish anything. The pressing is exhausting

I should probably just focus on cross stitch/embroidery stuff, but I'm bored of that & itching to make actual things!

I'll lie & look at the Clothkits a bit longer & live vicariously through all your projects