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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:
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Iggly · 18/01/2021 08:29

Just checking in as I’d lost the thread as it had been a while!
Currently in the middle of sewing up a jumpsuit with cheap jersey. Ordered some fabric from a small company online and it turned up smelly 😬 that’ll teach me. It’s fine after washing though.

IDontMindMarmite · 18/01/2021 08:39

gross!

OP posts:
CaptainMyCaptain · 18/01/2021 08:55

@Iggly

Just checking in as I’d lost the thread as it had been a while! Currently in the middle of sewing up a jumpsuit with cheap jersey. Ordered some fabric from a small company online and it turned up smelly 😬 that’ll teach me. It’s fine after washing though.
Another reason (in addition to pre-shrinking) why I always wash fabric bought off the market or a bargain shop.
TheQueensCousin · 18/01/2021 10:55

Ooh can I join in too? Being in lockdown has given me the opportunity to get the old sewing machine out. I'm not really that good with clothes but I can make curtains. I've just made a pair for my bedroom. They're all interlined and feel quite luxurious but I didn't use blackout lining this time so I might have to remake them. I'd love some advice on making simple clothes especially a top made in two pieces and using an existing top as a pattern. Maybe I'm asking too much🤔

IDontMindMarmite · 18/01/2021 10:58

Welcome @TheQueensCousin, well done on making lined curtains! There are some very talented ladies on here so i'm sure any questions you have will be answered! Not by me though unfortunately, i'm here to leech learn from the more experienced and skilled Grin

OP posts:
Iggly · 18/01/2021 11:40

Absolutely @CaptainMyCaptain
It’s put me off shopping there again though.

Iggly · 18/01/2021 11:45

@TheQueensCousin

Ooh can I join in too? Being in lockdown has given me the opportunity to get the old sewing machine out. I'm not really that good with clothes but I can make curtains. I've just made a pair for my bedroom. They're all interlined and feel quite luxurious but I didn't use blackout lining this time so I might have to remake them. I'd love some advice on making simple clothes especially a top made in two pieces and using an existing top as a pattern. Maybe I'm asking too much🤔
I’d recommend buying a cheap pattern or find a free one online that you print and assemble? (E.g. mood sewceity have loads but instructions are minimal so you need experience really).

The first pattern I made was a New Look pattern.

But you can trace round existing clothes - YouTube is your best bet. Then add a seam allowance. The usual construction method is sew the shoulders, then the sides, then sleeves then neckline and hem. I’d do a sleeveless top as a starter and bind the arm and neck holes with ready made binding tape just for the practice.

first pattern I ever made using an old bed sheet 😂

PickAChew · 18/01/2021 12:52

@TheQueensCousin

Ooh can I join in too? Being in lockdown has given me the opportunity to get the old sewing machine out. I'm not really that good with clothes but I can make curtains. I've just made a pair for my bedroom. They're all interlined and feel quite luxurious but I didn't use blackout lining this time so I might have to remake them. I'd love some advice on making simple clothes especially a top made in two pieces and using an existing top as a pattern. Maybe I'm asking too much🤔
This is a nice one blog.colettehq.com/studio/introducing-the-new-sorbetto If you can make curtains, you can do that pleat. The new thing to learn is finishing the neck and armholes with bias tape but that's quite straightforward and satisfying.
PickAChew · 18/01/2021 12:56

Damn - it's hidden behind a seam work subscription, now!

TheQueensCousin · 18/01/2021 14:54

@PickAChew

Damn - it's hidden behind a seam work subscription, now!
Ahh thank you x
TheQueensCousin · 18/01/2021 14:56

Thank you everyone x

Jins · 18/01/2021 15:11

@PickAChew - thanks for linking to the sorbetto. I’d forgotten I’d downloaded it as I’m into V necks at the moment but that centre pleat is tempting me

forgetthehousework · 18/01/2021 18:52

I think I'm going to make a quilted bag to put the coolbag in for summer picnics. I really dislike the nylon/plastic look but do like its insulating qualities - and the fact it folds flat when not in use, unlike the wicker one!

StatisticallyChallenged · 19/01/2021 22:07

@StatisticallyChallenged

I have the Bunzies - I think the same company as scrundies? I haven't made them yet but I'm sure they had a high rise option
Coming back to an old conversation - I made my first pair of these earlier. I went for my hip size, full coverage high rise and they're proper big pants. Right up to the waist.

I might actually size down a tad next time, at least in the waistband, as it's bagging slightly at the centre back - I didn't expect them to be quite so high so I didn't adjust for my waist being a couple of sizes smaller than my hips. I made the version with bands and I might also try a narrower leg band, or narrowing the gusset. But overall, very wearable and not bad for a first go at something which is a real pain to buy these days as they never fit right or they always have diggy trims/itchy trims on the legs

PickAChew · 19/01/2021 22:25

I've thrown away so many knickers because the elastic has been like razor wire. (can't do with scratchy bras, either)

Finally started on my plaid shirt, this afternoon. There's so many pieces and each one needs cutting individually so I don't get any nasty wonky bits with the pattern. Stuff like this (fatface pyjamas - yet I have loads of their shirts that are beautifully made) drives me nuts.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
drspouse · 19/01/2021 22:54

My eyes!

PickAChew · 19/01/2021 23:05

Thankfully, I'm mostly asleep when I'm wearing them.

This is the plaid. The red isn't as bright as it looks on my phone. Top piece is a cuff facing so put it where it fit on a scrap piece. Might re-cut it, tbh. Have loads more than I need. Aiming for a red stripe centre back and front. Matching level at side notch. Hoping sleeve reflects back at armhole - front has dart so no chance there.

If it's not offensive, I'll take pictures when complete. This one is definitely a marathon, not a sprint :o

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
StatisticallyChallenged · 19/01/2021 23:16

That drives me nuts too. I made us pjs fir Xmas, tartan bottoms. Mil was here too and by fluke was wearing tartan pjs and they (probably m&s) hadn't even attempted to match anywhere. It was infuriating

PickAChew · 20/01/2021 00:20

It's because it's cheap. Minimal fabric and minimal labour when no one is expected to pick pieces that work together, rather than just from the top. It really annoys me when it's on expensive garments or soft furnishings.

StatisticallyChallenged · 20/01/2021 09:52

It looks cheap too though, it really does. I made a striped top yesterday and spent ages clipping the stripes at the edges so that when I cut it on the fold it was straight, and making sure the bottom fell in exactly the same place so it all lined up. Wasted a few stripes but totally worth it

StatisticallyChallenged · 20/01/2021 11:07

Oh that's grim.

I've got an unfinished tartan dress which has princess cut bodice. Completely impossible to match, so I cut the side panels deliberately on the bias as a feature instead

drspouse · 20/01/2021 12:21

Captain please do share how you can get Seasalt fabric!

CaptainMyCaptain · 20/01/2021 12:38

@drspouse

Captain please do share how you can get Seasalt fabric!
I subscribe to their emails. When there's a sale I look under Household and gifts (or similar) for the fabric. They used to do 40% off quite often but it's usually buy one get on half price now. It tends to be in bundles of 3metres, you can't buy by the metre. I bought some just after Christmas - a printed cotton voile. I made a tunic and a skirt out of 3m of their needlecord a while ago and a have a few dresses in their cotton prints. I would like some of the plain colours they use for trousers but they don't seem to sell that.
CaptainMyCaptain · 20/01/2021 12:39

I should have said its online not in a shop.