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.

I'm a terror for not trying out a pattern before I make it, so I'm really happy with how it fits.

I know I really should make a Toile/Tissu/Muslin* whenever I get a new pattern but it just feels like so much effort to make something up that I won't use. Plus what are the odds of me having 2 lots of appropriate fabric in my stash? I have done some 'wearable toiles' when I've had some cheap stash fabric and I've been hacking around patterns.

(* Select your favourite fancy name for a test garment)

I know what you mean, it[s basically making it twice. But as this will be my first proper piece of dressmaking, I guess I really should.

Thanks for the tips. This is a 4-thread overlocker so will do seams and trim at the same time. And my pants I did mean underwear - I made some on my sewing machine which were ok but I’m looking for a better pattern and better results.

@IDontMindMarmite you could make a muslin out of just the bodice section?

I’ve done that a few times and it uses very little fabric.

I've found that now I have a few things which fit I can often use an existing edited pattern to adjust a new one - so I used my favourite hoodie to get the bust/waist right on a different sweater, I have a stretch bodice which fits well so use that to compare against too.

I don't make trial garments partly because it seems a waste of fabric and it's unlikely to be the same type. Also some very clever sewists say that you need to wear your trial garment all day to see if it's walkable in etc. I wouldn't be wearing a pair of trousers made out of an old duvet cover.

Making up a pattern for the first time is always a bit hit or miss, including the instructions sometimes, (I remember one pattern for a Star Trek uniform which I swear had been written by the Klingons to bring the Federation to its knees so they could attack while Star Fleet was trying to make the damn thing), it's definitely easier to do the second time @IDontMindMarmite and generally goes quicker too.
At the moment @drspouse I'm willing to wear almost anything while I'm at home - my daily attire has ranged from pyjamas to Victorian steampunk, so duvet trousers would fit right in, as long as the duvet was clean.

(Yes, very weird, although I prefer 'eccentric' )

I only make a toile of the part of the garment that might be a problem e.g. for trousers I'll just make shorts. I use old sheets, curtains anything.

Thanks ladies, great points. It's gonna be an old bed sheet that got relegated to being a dust sheet for decorating that i'll re-re-purpose for practicing the bodice . Sexy and environmentally considerate.

Same here re the fitting part, I made some utterly unfetching shorts the other day, and a crop top (dress bodice) as I knew they were the problem bits

@moonlightinvermont if it's stretch stuff you're after, you can't go wrong with the Tilly and the buttons book - nice clear patterns to trace off (I use the burda tissue paper which is about £2.50 for 6 massive sheets) and a few hints about overlocking in the book and on her blog.

@kittykarate you should be pleased with it. Your lining up is more accurate than the sample on the pattern cover!

And I can't do. Pdfs, either. Our printer will no longer talk to the wireless. My laptop refuses to have anything to do with it and I don't fancy my chances with sending stuff to dh to print!

If anyone would enjoy pattern hunting for me I’d be grateful.

I’m looking for a dress pattern for my mum. It needs to be in woven fabric and must have no zips or buttons. Variations on a wrap dress would be ideal. She has mobility problems and needs something fairly loose around the armholes as her shoulder movements are limited. She isn’t bothered about style or fashion too much but is desperate to look tidy. She really doesn’t like jersey which is a shame as that extra bit of stretch would be useful

PDF or paper are fine, pdf slightly better as I’ll have to make loads of adjustments. Free would be lovely.

@Jins would this be suitable? www.sewmag.co.uk/downloads/files/201309/WrapDress52.pdf
If not then peppermint mag have a number of free downloads and the everyday dress might be suitable? peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/everyday-dress/

Thanks SBAM. That sewmag one certainly shows grain lines but the one I’d found said it was jersey.
The everyday dress could well do for me but it would swamp her. She’s a tiny person nowadays. I’m going to download it anyway and see what it looks like on paper

@SBAM you’ve inadvertently found me the pattern I’ve been hoping to find for my summer wardrobe. Thank you so much.

peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/button-up-dress/

Very cute, any plans for colour of the fabric?

I’ve got a length of dark blue cotton with tiny white polka dots in my stash that’s going to be perfect.

I can see me making a few of them though

I am now thinking of this
www.stylearc.com/shop/pdf-sewing-patterns/kristin-dress-multi-size-pdf/

in ponte maybe, having seen it on the GBSB FB group.

Lovely pattern

And I'm thinking this ponte www.fabworks.co.uk/products/retro-60s-daisy-funky-lilac-black-1?variant=29389002342423 though I'd rather have a viscose than polyester, I do like the print.

I've actually made a dress from that fabric @drspouse and I'm normally a no poly girl. It's nice, quite a firm recovery, good weight. Think it would work for that pattern.

Good to know!

I've ordered some, plus some mid-lightweight stretch denim. I'm actually looking at my Ottobre magazines for a pattern as I already have them (and if I don't have an issue, they are about the same price for umpteen patterns as one pattern is from other companies).

I'm so pleased with the extension table I have for my machine. No longer feel like I need a third hand when stitching large pieces of stretch.