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.

Can I join? I’ve been sewing for a while, I love fashion so enjoy making things for myself. I recently found sewers on YouTube, any good recommendations? I’d like to find someone who stylish, but not a young twenty something.

Welcome @WhoEatsPopTarts!

Well my rolled hem foot arrived today and what a game changer that is. Teeny tiny tidy hems in my lovely pure silk nightie- not perfect as I was a bit impatient to get started but really great. I took a gamble and used it on the arms holes and neck as well and it turned out great. It does wave a bit but in the silk abs for nightwear it’s a bit of a feature.

I will be re-hemming some cotton stuff to see what it makes of that. Woohoo. I even managed French seams with a side split hem so it is incredibly comfy and practical but still sexy and pretty. The neckline is the perfect depth and the straps are wide enough not to fall off.

That rolled hem foot sounds like a great investment. It's such a fiddly job.

@idontmindmarmite coming back to the dress, if you feel you need more hand holding, check out the TATB book Love at first stitch. It might just be a good investment for you (my stretch book has definitely paid for itself, already). The patterns are really good basic shapes and very hackable.

I'm really getting my teeth into a proper trousers fitting which I started a year ago - never really managed it before - of course it's a smart pair of wool trousers for work but slightly stretchy. I think I'll try and make one straight after in a very slightly stretchy light denim or light chino fabric. Any recommendations? Or light stretchy cord.

Thanks Pickachew.

I altered two of DH's tops today. Spent 90 mins unpicking one seam that I sewed the wrong way round which was a silly mistake. 3 more to go.

I've been cutting things out today. Thanks to a couple of big deliveries my overspill is overspilling and DH doesn't currently have a chair he can sit on in the office/sewing room.

I brought fat sally (my dummy) out of retirement too so I can do some more tailored stuff.

After having a meltdown and hurling my shirt across the room because I simply couldn't concentrate on the collar stand, which wasn't behaving itself at all, with ds2's loud tics in the background, I've been tracing off patterns for joggers and sweatshirt, today. Back to basics.

Only problem - it's all black so will be a daylight job!

Ohmygosh, i've just bought fabric, lining and thread for the dress. My first ever dress . The instructions on the free pattern seem brief but I do have a book or two, youtube and could be clogging up @PickAChew's inbox

That is gorgeous. 😍

I hope I do it justice!

Should I have bought more than one reel of matching thread? For overlocking?

You don't usually match the overlocker thread as it doesn't show. I just use the vaguely correct tone.

Noice, thank you. I know i've already been told this, on this very thread but I did get discombobulated by the owner of a local haberdashery shop who told me on the phone that I needed 3 matching threads for each project.

Unless you buy the tiny reels that come in mending kits? No. You can use generic (beige/grey) for seams that won't show, too.

I want to make a few changes to the tea dress pattern. I might want it shorter, definitely want the sleeves to be shorter and I might want to add pockets. Is there anything I should know about making such changes? Do you add pockets nearer the end? Is there a way to make the sleeve sort of wavy on the hem? Does that even make sense?

@IDontMindMarmite

I want to make a few changes to the tea dress pattern. I might want it shorter, definitely want the sleeves to be shorter and I might want to add pockets. Is there anything I should know about making such changes? Do you add pockets nearer the end? Is there a way to make the sleeve sort of wavy on the hem? Does that even make sense?

Waiting for the answer with interest too x

A quick google of 'wavy sleeve on a dress' reveals it's actually called a butterfly sleeve! And there are tutorials. Awesome.

If you want pockets in the seam, you add them just before sewing that particular seam. Also lots of tutorials!

PS I'm sure there are loads of links on here but I'm lazy. Favourite shops for lovely natural fibre fabric for adult clothes (i.e. not kids prints)?

In seam pockets are added before stitching the seam. Patch pockets go on afterwards. It's easier to manipulate if you put them on when it's smaller and lighter but if your fabric is very prone to fraying, safer to wait until there are no raw edges.

@drspouse

PS I'm sure there are loads of links on here but I'm lazy. Favourite shops for lovely natural fibre fabric for adult clothes (i.e. not kids prints)?

Of the top of my head, merchant and mills, the drapers daughter, dragonfly fabrics, cloth atelier (mostly light weight hand prints but lovely for summer clothes) fabric godmother, sew me sunshine, guthrie & ghani.

I got my dress fabric from Croft Mill which someone recommended, there are lots of beautiful fabrics on their website.

Thank you, i'll be wanting to add the pockets into the seam so will look that up.

I have a week off in a bit, I wonder if I can start and finish it then? If the fabric etc is delivered in time.

Add fabworks for wools, tfg for plain coloured stretch

Lovely! Will get browsing.