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 bought the wrong walking foot so it's getting sent back and ive now ordered a dynamic walking one which offers a quieter experience and might be a bit easier to take on and off. Here's hoping.

I'm still making baby clothes and DDs friend has requested I take up trousers for her that in stretch jersey so I'm hoping that will help with top stitching. I'm very much a selfish sewer though and I'm looking forward to finishing these and getting on with my own stuff.

Yes, I made that in really stretchy striped viscose jersey that was a devil to work with. Think DD wore it once as well

Does the walking foot help with jersey then (or should when you get the right one)?
Yes, I can imagine me making something and her then not really wearing it. Think I'll also get back to stuff for me afterwards!

Yes walking feet or knit feet help with jersey- admittedly I abandoned my walking foot, never got on with it.

Just won a game of race the bobbin with nothing to spare!

Such a score!

Ah, that nine hours would be the source of my headache today then. As I have to colonise the dining table when I sew, I tend to have a whole day’s run at it.

I have looked up how to sort out the top and it doesn’t look possible unless I remove the neckband first. DH says gift it to someone else. Poor DD will not be happy! Also I am not sure who else has her taste in fabric..!

Oh and @IDontMindMarmite I watched a couple of videos from here and found them very useful, all about tension etc on the overlocker:

Thanks! I'll have a look

I've been using up. All my oddments of black thread and beat the bobbin, just like that, twice in a row! Then on the next one, got caught out by an empty reel while there was still thread on the bobbin. I'm safe for a while, I think, as I bought a 1km reel of black gutermann to see me though these next few items.

Hello all. I posted at the beginning of the thread and have name changed since. I've been staying sane doing a bit of sewing each evening to regain some composure after a day of juggling toddlers and homeschooling etc etc etc. I've just finished this Sew Liberated Hinterland dress. I hated it for about 48 hours as it is a lot looser than my normal style, but once I dealt with that I ruddy love it! Needlecord is buttery soft and so cosy. My mum pointed out wooden buttons should be removed before washing, seriously?! I'll see how long they last I think.

My next project is a romper for my toddler. I've made lovely babycord bias binding for the leg seams and need to put poppers in. But they're quite bulky and I think my normal Prym snaps will just go mush. Does anyone wise know if you can get super sharp/strong snaps for chunky seams? Google is just confusing...

People with overlockers, can I ask a question? I am pretty dim and spend a fair amount of time unpicking. I'd be terrified of making fatal errors with an overlocker, and not being able to rectify things. Any views?

I just stitched a raglan sleeve on rotated - neck of sleeve to arm of bodice. Doh. But it didn't take long to unpick, there's one thread which if you cut it the whole lot pretty much unravels

Tbh if you are sewing with stretch it's easier than unpicking the sewing machine (I mostly use a triple straight stretch stitch which is a pig to unpick.

It also depends what you are sewing and therefore what precision is required. I mucked up when I was making a pair of joggers and just sliced the overlocked seam off and redid it, which only cost me 1cm.

for all the over lockers.

I have just finished a pair of true bias Hudson pants. I like the pattern and the instructions were really clear. I think I need another inch or two in the rise as I like to tuck my tummy in. Also didn’t quite get the tension right in the waist elastic. it could be a bit tighter. But they are comfy and I will be making lots more pairs. Perfect for PJ/lounge pants. Not sure if wear them as trousers though. Now I get to indulge some fabric shopping to order more jersey fabric as I am all out for grown up stuff.

Do you ever find jersey fabric which doesn’t roll at the edges or is that a thing? I had a nightmare making my T shirt.

11 hours in, the top for DD is now a lovely cushion cover I hate admitting defeat but there was no way out of this one....

Single Jersey always rolls, just like stocking stitch when you knit. Jacquard and ponte don't roll and neither does rib knit but they tend to be much less drapey and stretchy.

A regular appointment with a steamy iron helps to keep it behaving predictably.

And if it's a dense Jersey that pings pins out of the way, wonder clips and wonder tape help loads.

New thread everyone! This one is filling up, hope to see you all over there. I'd hate to lose anyone in the move