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.

They're made by jack's mum. Wonder Undies

Thanks.

Wow MissisBoote that coat is gorgeous.
Must feel amazing to wear knowing you made it yourself.

Can I join please. I have inhertmy MIL's machine. It's a 1974 singer so quite basic but still works. Apparently I can do zips, buttons, darning and applique on it.....I struggle to sew in a straight line 🤣. I have just hemmed two bits of material to make curtains for the home corner at my preschool but would love to learn more. I will be watching this thread with interest.

I'm also about to embark on a coat/ poncho/ cape but I'm flim flamming between patterns and can't decide on a lining.

The main fabric though is a lovely bottle green boiled wool.

I must bother making a toile for this and reminding myself how expensive the wool was...

I’m starting incredibly simply with a weighted eye pillow!

I have sewn so much this year! Lock down has been excellent for being a hermit and sewing!

I have made two dresses for my niece, a skirt and blouse for myself, a dress for a friends baby, two pairs of boys dungarees, a baby quilt, 3 double Christmas quilts and I'm half way through a memory quilt for my Nan! Since March! I think it's the most I have ever managed ❤️

And a reusable nappy, and some reusable kitchen towels and about 10 shopping bags! I keep remembering projects haha

Can I join!? I’ve been sewing for a few months after someone gave me a sewing machine. For years I wanted one and now I sew almost every day.
I’ve made a few clothes for my dd, the odd item for myself and currently making a quilt.

I love that coat @MissisBoote - a coat is on my list after I bought some cheap fabric online.

Spent nap time today putting mahoosive pockets on my new denim skirt. I will be able to smuggle wine in these babies, or babies... I want to make a coat and pants now too, you guys are so clever!

Gorgeous makes here- and a gorgeous bottom

I’d love to be in a sewing club!
I’ve been sewing about ten years, mostly self taught from blogs and the odd video call with my mum or grandma. I mostly make clothes, usually for my kids at the minute as I’ve still got some baby weight I want rid of. I’ve also made quilts, bunting, cushion covers and curtains (never again!).
Some useful resources for free patterns to download and print are:
For babies/children sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2017/09/free-sewing-patterns-update-and-plan.html?m=1
For ladies/adult patterns
sewstainability.blog/2018/02/19/top-freebie-patterns/
Sew magazine also has free patterns which you can download if you make an account www.sewmag.co.uk/
Ellie and Mac, Patterns for Pirates and Made for Mermaids all have free or very cheap printable patterns on their websites too.

Thank you for the links, SBAM.

Another question, if I may. I notice that nobody mentions using clothing patterns from the older companies (Vogue, Butterick, Burda et al). Are they now passé? Or is it because they don’t have much online presence?

Place marking. I've been sewing since march. Mainly kids clothes, tops and shorts.

@MoonlightInVermont I've been using more and more independent pattern makers and have generally been wowed by the better instructions etc. Makes the big companies seem cryptic almost in the instructions, many languages to confuse you etc etc. The Foldline is a brilliant site to explore loads of designers.

@MoonlightInVermont

Thank you for the links, SBAM.

Another question, if I may. I notice that nobody mentions using clothing patterns from the older companies (Vogue, Butterick, Burda et al). Are they now passé? Or is it because they don’t have much online presence?

I’ve used some and they’re ok in terms of design but the instructions do assume a certain level of knowledge which, as a self taught beginner, I lacked.

I did try a modern pattern recently and didn’t like it - shapeless boxy t shirt - although it looked good on the model!

Thank you, Iggly and Speminalium.

I’m interested in what you say about the better instructions, Speminalium. I taught myself to sew decades ago mostly using Very Easy Very Vogue patterns and so “speak” dresssmaking language fairly well, but clarity is always welcome! I’ve so far been deterred from trying any of the new pattern brands because one member of my sewing group tried one of them (can’t remember which) and thought the instructions were poor and she had to rely on her dressmaking knowledge to fathom it out.

Iggly - what I’ve noticed about the very few modern patterns I’ve looked at is that they all seem very boxy. I’m assuming that the lack of shaping and features (no darts, no zips etc) is to simplify the making and so make them attractive to beginners, which isn’t a bad thing in itself.

I found two more UFOs in my pile yesterday so am back on the quilt binding. Sigh.

Some of the grain line studio patterns I've looked at have subtle shaping and the sewalongs on the blog get quite technical about fit. Their stuff tends not to be my style, though.

The merchant and mills patterns I have are both very oversized and even though they're aimed at advanced beginners, I would find the instructions daunting, if I was fairly new to sewing. I've seen a few bloggers struggle with instructions for facings. The Japanese patterns are very minimalist. Small, sometimes miniscule seam allowances (which you have to add yourself, after you've found your pattern and size in the maze, a bit like burda patterns) and the edges tend to be finished before sewing together. The instructions are largely pictorial and sew this to this like this

Thanks for the pic of your pants @JohnLapsleyParlabane Is it bad that I zoomed in looking for the seams?

I'd love to try making some as I bought silk on a bit of an impulse and other than making a few masks it's just waiting to be used.

Poor arthritic hands never enjoy this job. And I never get a stretch neckband right, first time, partly on account of having to do a massive noggin adjustment. I also find it easier to ease everything into place, if I hand baste. And much, much quicker to take off again!

And yes, this pyjama top is for a middle aged woman but sod it, it's pyjamas!

That's great fabric, PickAChew. I tend to avoid knits, as I find them scary, although I have made some pants and, inspired by this thread, might make some more to use up the fabric and elastic.

Some of them do have a mind of their own, @moonlightinvermont but for all the curling up and springing out of place, they don't fray. I washed the linen and cotton sateen for my next projects, the other day, and the mess...!

I'm very slack and don't always wash fabric before I use it, unless it's been stored for a long time. I guess you've heard the tip that if you snip the corners off the piece, it won't unravel so much? It does seem to work - I tried it recently on a vintage fabric gift.