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 treated myself to a new walking foot and tested it by making a t shirt for DS1 out of some jersey I had lying around. All went very smoothly indeed. In fact it went so well I’ve ordered a new set of twin needles to do the hem as I don’t want to spoil it right at the end.

I also picked up 30 massive reels of Sylko (I’ve missed it so much) for £14 on FB. I’ve now got a good range of colours again.

Tomorrow I’ll make a bodice section of that button up dress to check fit. I just can’t tell from pattern measurements which size to go for

@HalleLouja - your Billies look great! I've made 3 now (2 dresses and a top) and they're like my lockdown wardrobe.

@Jins - the dress in TATB Make it Simple book could work for your mum. I forget the name of it, but it meets all your criteria (no fastenings, loose armholes) and easy to make for someone else, as it wouldn't need fitting.

@ReviewingTheSituation do you mean the Suki dress?
www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2020/02/make-it-simple-suki-dress-sewing-pattern.html?m=1

If so I think you may have found a winner! I’ll see what she thinks but I expect that’s the one. Thank you

Yes - that's the one. I made it with a belt - the belt loops took as long as the dress to make! I think if I did it again, I'd just make it without and wear it with a normal belt.

I managed to get it out of a LOT less material than the pattern said, by offsetting the pieces and some clever folding, but I was making a small size.

You can't get the pattern on its own, but the book is the best sewing investment I've made - I've made everything in it apart from the trousers, and you get both paper patterns (to trace) and a pdf download.

Thanks again. I’ve been debating whether to buy the book so that’s decided me. It’s good to hear that you can be more economical with fabric as well. Mum is truly tiny nowadays so I’ll be using a small size and I’ll avoid patterns with repeats.

The belt loops do look a bit fearsome. I’ll probably stitch a channel onto it and use my trusty drawstring with elastic method.

Twin needles are here. I’ll be hemming tomorrow when I have decent light

You won't regret the book, I'm sure. I can't believe how much I've made from it.

Ive just bought a walking foot too @jins getting it delivered tomorrow. I'm going to make a Billie sweater from the striped French Terry I posted earlier and I've got red cuffing to go along with it. I'm hoping the walking foot will help me pattern match the stripes.

I've finished a pair of dungarees for my friends new baby and just waiting on poppers.

I really like the Suki dress with the drawstring. My Sis-in-law has just gotten a sewing machine so I am going to lend her my Love at First Stitch book for the PJ bottoms but I think the selection of garments in Make it Simple are more wearable so will suggest she gets that too.

Joining you as I got my late Christmas present (and probably Birthday!) yesterday, my first overlocker.

I have picked up sewing again in Lockdown and made a couple of T shirts. Trying to find patterns of things I will actually wear so I’m doing some casual trousers next.

Anyway, I guess I am marking my place so I can benefit from the collective wisdom here!

Welcome to the overlocker club ChoccyJules! It's a game changer for those awkward fabrics that the sewing machine likes to eat

Hey Choccy, I have my first overlocker that i've been slightly afraid of and haven't actually touched yet. If you find any good resources that help you through the learning curve do share!

Right, my fabric is in the washing machine and i've printed/assembled the paper pattern pieces. I'm quite nervous about the next steps! but one at a time...

I've been cutting today. My overflow has overflown and my craft room office is like a bomb site so it decided to just cut a load. I can often find time to stick something together during the week but doing something end to end is harder.

DD12 and I have been making her a top ALL DAY. Sadly it has so far only called for the overlocker once but I am hopeful there will be much seam finishing at the end! Shocked to find it actually calls for a couple of hand sewing moments too, didn’t expect that.

I’ve refashioned a dress into a skirt today. It was a dress I had to pull over my head and always had the fear that I wouldn’t get out of it again. It also had a 2 way stretch but always seemed like the wrong way round.

My zip insertion isn’t the best ever, but it’s good enough for WFH in lockdown.

An overlocker is a total game changer. I got one in Lidl in October and have whizzed up tonnes of things on it since.

I moved back to woven fabrics this week, so I'm using my normal machine - I'd forgotten what a faff it is trimming and pressing all the seams! None of that malarkey with the overlocker.

[quote ReviewingTheSituation]@HalleLouja - your Billies look great! I've made 3 now (2 dresses and a top) and they're like my lockdown wardrobe.

@Jins - the dress in TATB Make it Simple book could work for your mum. I forget the name of it, but it meets all your criteria (no fastenings, loose armholes) and easy to make for someone else, as it wouldn't need fitting.[/quote]
I am just finishing a standard Billie sweatshirt with the same ribbing as the last one but plain turquoise. I am thinking of getting a slogan printed on it but still trying to decide what to put.

Next project is the Stella hoodie. Dd wants a matching one she is 9 and only usually wants me to make her scrunchies and quilted cushions.

I have also bought some funky fabric to make baby harem pants and a hat, for a newborn baby.

The top has Gone Wrong and I am going to wait until daylight now. I have really messed up on a sleeve but hopefully better light will help.

Also, the neck and shoulders are too big for DD. I tried to lift it all by doing a couple of tucks (ahem) but I will have to research how to do it better so it looks nice enough to wear.

I think nine hours sewing, ironing, sewing, swearing etc is enough for one day...

I am also at an impasse with my trousers but I have NO INTERFACING, how is this possible. I have a full box but it's all very lightweight sew in, useless for a waistband. I did mend DH jeans, my jeans, DD dress and my towel so not a wasted day.

@ReviewingTheSituation

An overlocker is a total game changer. I got one in Lidl in October and have whizzed up tonnes of things on it since.

I moved back to woven fabrics this week, so I'm using my normal machine - I'd forgotten what a faff it is trimming and pressing all the seams! None of that malarkey with the overlocker.

@ReviewingTheSituation Please tell me more. You don't have to press the seams? Do you use your overlocker for more than simply finishing off the raw edges?

Gosh @ChoccyJules i'm surprised you can still see straight after so many hours concentrating like that!

@drspouse that sounds like a highly productive day!

Can anyone tell me about rolled hems - do you need a special foot? Are these best done on a sewing machine?

I use my overlocker for most assembly - if I'm making a t shirt in jersey then in most cases it doesn't touch the sewing machine until it needs hemmed.

I'm Mending mostly. Hems and replacement zips.

I did fabric wrapping for Christmas -furoshiki - so if you have a fabric stash you can use it for that too. Beautiful!

And what does an overlocker foot look like ?

Hi sewists! I got a sewing machine ages ago but only took the time to learn how to use it in November. Since then, I've made a skirt, PJ shorts and a cami top. Really loving being able to make clothes.
It's my DD's 8th birthday next month and she loves arctic foxes. I've bought 1m of really cute pink fabric with arctic foxes on but it's brushed cotton. Can anyone point me towards any good patterns for girls that would work for brushed cotton and are quite easy?

Any of these any use [[https://ikatee.com/collections/girls-dress-patterns] @MrsGannicus. I made a Corfou dress for DD a couple of years ago. They've got a few shirt style blouses/dresses which might go well with that kind of fabric.

Sorry did the link wrong ikatee.com/collections/girls-dress-patterns

Thanks! Lovely site! The Helsinki and Camelia look good and hopefully fairly easy. Also like the Corfu, but think that needs jersey.