Stitch and bitch thread #2. Sewing aficionados gather here!

[IDontMindMarmite]

The previous thread is coming up to capacity and as ever your wisdom, screw ups and accomplishments are appreciated!

Just putting a chalk mark here.

Re rolling jersey - I prefer to clip it rather than pinning which helps a lot. I also overlock my raw edges before hemming. Sometimes i put clips on the edge when I'm frugally cutting as otherwise you seem to lose loads

Re rolling Jersey its a right pain isn't it? I used a double needle to hem a single Jersey dress recently and that has stabilisd it. I also used clips to hold it in place. It is a very pleasing process too!

Clips you say? Are there special sewing clips? I am the person who uses the kids’ rock collection as pattern weights.

www.amazon.co.uk/ATPWONZ-Wonder-Binding-Quilting-Crafting/dp/B01N5Q8NIJ?tag=mumsnetforu03-21 this kind of thing. I need to order more as my littlest keeps pinching them

I found some in Aldi, and they are surprisingly useful. Bit quicker than pins. They seem to be a bit better at sandwiching things together with less movement.

I use little bulldog clips instead of pins in my overlocker, as I once missed removing a pin, and it jammed in the blade, blunting it. That was an expensive mistake. Bulldog clips I can't miss.

A very MEH sewing day for me yesterday. I made the Simple Sew Hayley ballet top. All I can say is it has definitely been cut with a B cup in mind. The front didn't so much gape as nearly bisect my nipples. I'm a bit torn what to do about it as a pattern now - I might have a go at an adjustment (maybe increase the coverage in the front, and pleat the excess at the shoulder) or just go sod it? I only made it up in 3m for £5 cheap jersey so not a great loss, but it was a day of effort.

I also like to clip rather than pin so I don't overlock over pins. Been there, done that, got the expensive repair bill.
I use this stuff for knit hems - iron the hem up, sew with double needle, iron again with loads of steam.

@kittykarate the blogger belle citadel has a recent blog post on a similar experience with a wrap top and what she did to fix it - might be worth looking at for some ideas if you want another go at the pattern.

I clip when overlocking too - same reason as above. One pin = new blade.

I carefully pin the edges of rolling jersey when cutting it too - but then I can cut on carpet if I need to, so I can pin it to the carpet! You have to be very careful not to stretch it out though.

I've not managed to trash my blade with pins yet, but I've knocked out a few needles with them. If you hit one in the normal sewing machine it slips to one side mostly but the overlocker - something is gonna snap. Clips safer

Also preferable when you are overlooking/sewing in the round like attaching a cuff. No stabbing yourself with the pins

Thanks for the new thread @IDontMindMarmite.

I like the clips because you can use them either side up rather than realising you've pinned the fabric the other way round when you start sewing on the machine. I got a big pile of the clips from Amazon and can confirm they are just as good as the pricier ones from Prym. They have all sorts of uses around the house. No paper clips - no problem!

I've got some clips but, as a leftie, I find them a bit awkward to remove as I sew.

I love clips. I do still pin depending on the fabric/part of the pattern but use clips most of the time.

Jersey - it really depends on the quality/weight. A bit of spray starch also helps as you iron it and keeping it flat after cutting.

Well I’ve lost my sewing mojo at the moment. I’ve got three projects planned but having been through my stash I don’t really have fabric that I can picture them in. So I’ve just had to order some

The perfect black v neck sleeveless top is eluding me as well. I’ve tried a couple of patterns but they haven’t been slouchy enough or the neckline has turned out too high. Perfect for work but not what I’m after for slouching around on a campsite. I’m going to have to go down the jersey tank route but I’ve no black jersey (and I’m really fussy about the thickness and drape of stretch fabric) so I’m going to have to wait until the shops are open again.

I’ve also got three fabrics I’m itching to use, floral crepes which I want to make into summery dresses but the patterns I like won’t like me as I’m neither tall nor willowy and the Orla dress which I may get away with has a zip. Part of the reason I make my own clothes is that I hate zips. Hopefully something will turn up.

Stupid question alert but how can you tell from the pattern templates, which is the good side of the fabric? I don't want to cut it out back to front!

@forgetthehousework

I've got some clips but, as a leftie, I find them a bit awkward to remove as I sew.

Yes, I have this issue with them, too, as well as them catching on the table, side of the machine or even the presser foot because I took my foot off the pedal too late. I also find them harder to remove without moving the fabric. I tend to replace them with pins before stitching, if feasible.

@IDontMindMarmite

Stupid question alert but how can you tell from the pattern templates, which is the good side of the fabric? I don't want to cut it out back to front!

If you really can't tell, pick a wrong side and mark it with chalk or stick bits of masking tape to it. The latter can double up as labels for your pieces.

Ok thank you. Also, can you tell me why the legs of the dart on the side of the bodice here, don't go all the way to the edge of the fabric? (Pointed at by the pink pencil)

I think you're asking why there is a dotted line and a straight line?

No, it looks to me like the legs of the dart don't go to the very edge of the pattern but turn into a triangle?

Hmm I'm not quite sure what you're asking, but I think that's how it's flush with the edge when sewn?

Sure could be. I think I need to stop worrying and start doing..

Indeed!

Ooh I wish to join this thread (no pun intended).

I have rediscovered my sewing mojo and have been very content in lockdown recreating 1970's pieces. There is a fab website, Remnant House, where you can bag loads of Rose & Hubble at really reasonable prices. Such beautiful fabric to work with too.