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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.

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PickAChew · 20/01/2021 13:37

Yeah, I have a Seasalt shirt that is really badly matched and the finish around the cuffs is really scruffy. Such a waste of good fabric

PickAChew · 20/01/2021 13:40

And I would normally have sent it back but I bought it in the next sale, last March, so saved myself the bother.

I'm wearing a sailor shirt, today (I have loads of them!) and that is much better finished.

CaptainMyCaptain · 20/01/2021 14:54

I keep getting adverts for that terrible dress now. It's not the first one I've seen like that either.

PickAChew · 20/01/2021 19:12

Yeah, it's everywhere! I need to browse some other websites to flush it out, I think!

Iggly · 21/01/2021 09:09

Just checking in briefly. Bought myself a secondhand sewing machine (a singer heavy duty) as I was given some thank you vouchers. It is so so much of a dream to use!

kittykarate · 21/01/2021 09:26

I made myself some new workout skort leggings. The pale lilac isn't the best choice, you can really see any sweat patches.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
ginghamtablecloths · 21/01/2021 09:42

I adore sewing with patchwork or dressmaking being my usual favourite hobbies. My sewing machine is about thirty years old and I'm used to its little ways. If I were to get a new machine (and I'm putting this off) I'd sew smallish squares of fabric with the fancy stitches which it offers in order to get used to it and then put them together to make a cushion.

During the first lockdown I made headbands for nurses and facemasks but sat at the machine for so long it gave me awful back and a pain in the neck.

ATM I've lost my sewing mojo which will come back eventually and am knitting instead.

PickAChew · 21/01/2021 14:15

My knitting mojo is bagged up on a shelf, at the moment! I only need so many hats and shawlettes and I get bad second sock syndrome and bored rigid on anything bigger!

I use a big cushion at my sewing chair. It's a wee it high for me and I'm more comfortable sat on the edge of it with lumbar support.

CaptainMyCaptain · 21/01/2021 15:06

I've been knitting mittens from wool and a pattern (loosely translated into English) bought in Latvia. One Mitten done and I'm nearly up to the thumb on the second.

Any sewing aficionados? I need a stitch and bitch...
Pollyputhekettleon · 21/01/2021 16:00

I have a stash of fabric and wool that I'm not going to use. I've just changed my mind about what colours suit me! Does anyone know where's the best place to sell stuff like that? Or even give some of the cheaper ones away to someone who'll use it. I need to declutter a bit. I'm based in Ireland.

Jins · 21/01/2021 17:16

I did well getting rid of surplus yarn on eBay. I’m not doing much knitting at the moment and I have more socks than I need (I only knit socks nowadays)

I’m much better at knitting than sewing so I’m trying to bring my skill level up. Which would be easier if the thread I’m using didn’t snap every five minutes. Angry. I usually use gutermann but this is moon and it’s much fluffier and not very even. I’m so tired of rethreading today. I’m getting a prime delivery tomorrow and this will be used up somehow.

Pollyputhekettleon · 21/01/2021 17:32

Thanks Jins. Unfortunately eBay permanently suspended my account for reasons they refuse to tell me. Unbelievably annoying.

TheQueensCousin · 22/01/2021 09:40

@CaptainMyCaptain Wow! They are going to look amazing! You must have so much patience?!

CaptainMyCaptain · 22/01/2021 12:05

[quote TheQueensCousin]@CaptainMyCaptain Wow! They are going to look amazing! You must have so much patience?![/quote]
Thanks. I'm working slowly, the yarn is very fine and the black stitches, in particular, are hard to unpick when you go wrong.

forgetthehousework · 23/01/2021 15:54

Love the gloves @CaptainMyCaptain.

I've had a useful afternoon redrafting a pattern for a very full skirt so that it now fits onto a much narrower fabric. The biggest chore was redrawing all the grain lines and making sure they were all running in the correct directions on each new pattern piece. I'm not an incredibly meticulous dressmaker but, for me, the grain lines have to right and I always take the time to measure properly. If they weren't right on my pattern I knew I'd end up throwing everything in the bin!

HalleLouja · 23/01/2021 22:28

So project Billie dress is going well so far. Seeing as I had never sewn with Jersey before I am actually enjoying it and even the neck looks flat.

Starts looking at overlockers.

IDontMindMarmite · 24/01/2021 06:43

I think buying an over locker has intimidated me a bit and life has bumbled on and my project has got pushed to one side. Must get back on it. Not sure when but hopefully soon.

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HalleLouja · 24/01/2021 07:10

@IDontMindMarmite

I think buying an over locker has intimidated me a bit and life has bumbled on and my project has got pushed to one side. Must get back on it. Not sure when but hopefully soon.
What is your project?
IDontMindMarmite · 24/01/2021 07:36

Clothes alterations (making clothes smaller) which i've been doing on my sewing machine but thought the overlocker would be good for the more professional and secure finish.

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HalleLouja · 24/01/2021 08:15

See I can make clothes from scratch but the thought of altering them scares me slightly. Or a lot....

IDontMindMarmite · 24/01/2021 08:20

That's funny, I have the reverse fear!

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CaptainMyCaptain · 24/01/2021 09:17

@HalleLouja

See I can make clothes from scratch but the thought of altering them scares me slightly. Or a lot....
I agree. I don't like alterations much. During lockdown when I haven't had any new fabric I have done some uncomplicated transformations e.g. making dresses into tops.
HalleLouja · 24/01/2021 10:12

@IDontMindMarmite

That's funny, I have the reverse fear!
Grin We are all different.

I just need to finish the hem. Its a bit baggy and think next time I will size down.

Jins · 24/01/2021 13:28

Has anyone any experience with peachskin?

I need some seriously drapey fabric and I’ve seen a few lovely prints.

HalleLouja · 24/01/2021 21:17

I thought I attached these earlier. Lotta and Billie from TATB. Both finished today.

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