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.

Still don’t understand the neckband instructions on the pattern I’m using. It’s a threadcounts one and it’s put me off using another one.

So I’ve changed direction and decided to do a different neckband. Quick trial fit again and it still fits really nicely apart from around the v neck which is baggy and bulky.

I just don’t think I can be bothered any more. It was a nice piece of fabric but it was left over from a successful project. I’ve filed it with the other incomplete projects of doom, tidied my workspace and moved on.

I really need a success story soon or I’ll start to think my summer projects were down to luck

I offered this on the S&B sewing thread, but didn't get any takers. Would anyone like a paper copy of this pattern? sewliberated.com/products/aurelia-cardigan-sewing-pattern

I've made it once and didn't really like it, and think it would be better cluttering up someone else's house ;) I traced it off for my attempt so it hasn't been cut.

There's another sewing thread?! I didn't realise. Didn't mean to create competition

So i cut out the pattern for a nightie from my lovely new silk this eucalypt pattern but in my haste to use my lovely rotary cutter (which is fab but I now need a bigger cutting mat! - sewing is a constant round of 'ooh, shiny new tools!'), I put the fold line on the wrong side! so the curved hem was going the wrong direction. Luckily I spotted it half way up so managed to flip it so the top section was right. Had to do a bit of jigging about to get the shape right but with a long split hem it actually looks okay (with french seams no less).

Need to finish it but not looking forward to making all the bias binding for the neck and arm holes and then hemming but might have a go tonight. It is very swishy though. Would cotton bias binding be awful on silk? I think it would and I only have baby blue and the silk is walnut

This is a nice pattern for a woven nightie though. Very simple and customisable. I have done one in liberty print which is my absolute favourite nightie. Am sure most of you could knock something up without a pattern but it has been totally worth it for me. I do need to transfer the base pattern onto something other than A4 paper though as it is really annoying to unfold and tweak. Is cheap interfacing the best bet for 'permanent' patterns?

I’ve filed it with the other incomplete projects of doom, tidied my workspace and moved on

I really need a success story soon or I’ll start to think my summer projects were down to luck

I went through a bit of a run like this over summer and got really disheartened. What brought me back was taking on a really challenging project and taking my time over it and really learning each new skill and getting a sense of accomplishment that way. I think I realised that I had got into bit of a rut of making stuff just for the sake of it.

Now I really plan what it is I want to do and for what reason rather than randomly buying fabric and trying to find a pattern in my collection to do something with it.

My next two projects are going to be a properly fitted but also casual-ish plain black dress for work, and a pair of red wide leg 'sailor' trousers. I know that's what I want in my wardrobe so am now carefully looking at patterns and fabric before proceeding...

I always think I know what I'm going to do with the fabric I buy, but then I change my mind. I just resign myself to buying more ...

@jins sorry i just saw your message, managed to lose the thread somehow. I am going to persevere with the viscose blouse but i am doin some serious swearing :)

@forgetthehousework i have developed a pretty serious fabric habit too, I keep getting overexcited and buying more, but i have so much already. I am going to focus on spring clothes and hope that hastens the end of winter!

I have made a short sleeved top out of the duvet cover I used to back my quilt (still loads left) using the Hinterland dress pattern. I got 3 metres of cotton voile print half price from Seasalt but I think I might leave that for a while. I intend to use a NewLook pattern I've used loads of times before because I know it's a lovely fit. Next up, I think I'll start another quilt using some Aldi fat quarters.

I worked out the neckline -yay. I just don’t like it much.

It also turns out that I’m hopeless at gathering. I’ll be making this pattern again for sure but I’ll have to tweak it to remove the gathering completely or replace it with pleats which I am good at. I’ll also look at making the v lower.

Overall it’s been a learning curve and as I used a remnant it’s been a cheap learning curve.

Aw Jins It's such a shame when you don't like what you've made.

I'm also hopeless at gathering - there's always a flat spot and a really gathered bit. I can see it on the ruffles I did last weekend. GRRRRRR. At least I didn't snap the threads I guess?

Gathering can be a pain. I often end up unpicking a bit and evening it out before I commit to finishing a seam, whether it's gathers or easing in a sleeve.

I’m not too bad at easing sleeves etc. Unfortunately the gathering is a feature on this top and although they are pretty evenly splayed from the v of the neck they just look rubbish. Having said that the one in the photo in the magazine that the pattern came from doesn’t look great either. As a basic sleeveless top pattern it’s a winner though and once I’ve tweaked it I’ll be making a few for summer

My next project is the TATB Billie dress or top. I have some lovely French Terry fabric. Am a bit scared, as I have never sewn with knit or jersey or anything like that..... Oh well worth a try. Has anyone else used French Terry on a standard sewing machine or attempted the Billie.

@HalleLouja I’ve never made the Billie but I often sew stretch materials on a standard sewing machine. Don’t go too fast, and don’t stretch the fabric as it goes under the foot and you’ll be fine. I use stitch 6 or 10 on my machine (10 is overcast stitch to construct and finish in one go, 6 is stretch stitch, both are an utter pain to unpick).

I’ve just finished some leggings for my little boy. I’m not very happy with my weight at the moment so struggling for motivation to make anything for me.

Gorgeous! Where is the fabric from?

[quote SBAM]@HalleLouja I’ve never made the Billie but I often sew stretch materials on a standard sewing machine. Don’t go too fast, and don’t stretch the fabric as it goes under the foot and you’ll be fine. I use stitch 6 or 10 on my machine (10 is overcast stitch to construct and finish in one go, 6 is stretch stitch, both are an utter pain to unpick).[/quote]
That’s really useful. Do you think a walking foot might help?

Over lockdown I made a baby Harry Potter quilt for a friend and I got a text from her asking if I would make one for a friend of hers (for money) 😂 I declined and found someone who could help. Its nice when you make something that’s loved though. I actually love my quilted cushion covers which coordinate but don’t quite match. My daughter also loves the covers I made her.

I'm away to unpick my TATB Billie as the combination of fairly thick fleece back sweat shirting and puffed sleeves has proven to be not a great look so I am going to use the basic sleeve and keep my fingers crossed it turns out okay. I've made mine on the over locker @hallelouja so it's going to be a devil to unpick.

What version are you making? I've found it's quite a neat fit when made up and wish I had made a bigger size or two. Because I initially went with the balloon sleeve is was a pain to gather and my overlocker really didn't cope well as the fabric was so thick. I end up unpicking the sides to attach the cuffs to the sleeves with the fabric flat out and then stitching the side back up. I've seen lovely versions on line though so reckon it was the wrong choice of fabric - too thick and not enough stretch - rather than the pattern itself.

I made the Linden Sweatshirt about 4 sizes too big and it's my favourite jumper to wear so I think I prefer something a bit roomier.

@Ulysses I am going for the dress with pockets but no balloon sleeves. I have gone a size up and hoping for the best. Its a lovely green leopard print French Terry which seems quite stretchy. The balloon sleeves do look amazing but am starting simple ish. Apart from the pockets. I do love a pocket.

Will post a picture once I am done.

@drspouse

Gorgeous! Where is the fabric from?

If that was about my leggings, it’s a By Graziela fabric, they’re cute but on the expensive side so I only bought a half metre. As my kids are getting taller I’m having to get creative with how I use half-metres

I've been tempted by the Linden, or possibly the Fibre Mood Mika, but I'm put off forking out for the pattern by the fact that, with a bit of effort, I could draft it myself.

I love indie patterns but, as I've learnt with the megan nielsen Opal pants, you don't always get a great deal for the high price. I traced a few pieces then the rest were rectangles. The instructiions also didn't really pass muster for a supposed beginner pattern, either. I know they're not all the same, TATB instructions are detailed and the Liesl & Co classic shirt pattern and Closet Core Ginger Jeans pattern have instructions that are practically a thesis plus lots of online support such as sew alongs and pictorial blog posts, plus input from pattern testers.

I’ve just finished printing and sticking the Sadie dress pattern from sewmag.

Shirring is a first for me but I’m going to see if there’s any scope to change it to gathers and a partially elasticated waist at the back as I really don’t like things that cling around what I laughingly call my waist.

I’m going to use it as a coverup for heading to the showers on campsites so not too worried if I have to stick with the original

Fabric cutting plans completely thwarted, this afternoon. Flipping cutting board is warped. Normally keep it firmly wedged upright, behind a chair, but someone had obviously pushed it down, out of sight.🤨

Could you try warming it up somehow (hairdryer maybe?) and then sticking it under something heavy?

I keep warping mine by putting my laptop on it - I then have to remember to warm it up again and then hold it down while its warm so it reshapes. Very annoying though (especially when you project!)

Whipped up a couple of pairs of PJs for the kids today, and a pair of Halla Knotty Pants for myself yesterday which I'm quite liking. I have a coat cut, and some other bits. Lost my mojo a bit with lockdown restarting tbh

Yeah, that's the next plan of action, if the books I have on it don't work. I'll probably iron it through a damp towel.