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!

Today's dress I made ages ago.

How satisfying to wear things you have made. Looks great!

Today's tunic, a bit more baggy and less flattering but comfy.

Looks cosy

Both look lovely.

I’m throwing together some massive pj trousers for FIL who’s in hospital with very swollen legs. I’ve French seamed the legs. Debating whether to try the crotch seam. Maybe a ponder for a less urgent time.

The joy of realising that it’s quicker to sew something than to trawl all the local supermarkets is immense

You may get a picture of me in my Magic Roundabout PJs next...

Looking forward to it Spouse!

So, I've received and replaced the needle and have re threaded my overlocker (still only with 3 threads). The tension looks a lot better to me, oddly though there are a couple of occasions where the upper looper appears not to have been secured by the needle. The pic is of the worst bit, the rest seems fine.

Hi more questions from me.

I have under-stitched the lining to the neckline of the main bodice. The instructions don't mention what to do with the raw edges. Should I overlock the lining and main fabric raw edges together and press to one side? Would there be concerns about making the neckline bulky?

They look great @drspouse. Lovely colurs - I have a wardrobe full of blues! (And we have that sanderson dandelions in the background on a blind on our landing!)

Sorry Nutella - no help at all with overlockers!

Finally found somewhere selling decent looking herringbone tape, the right size, at a decent price, for the joggers I made the other week. in desperation, I tagged a roll of threadline stuff onto an order and it's absolutely terrible - really thin and scruffy. I didn't bother threading it through the wasteband but after my joggers started to fall down while I was gardening, at the weekend, I decided I'd best take another look!

I do miss our indoor market.

No sewing to report, mind. I wasn't feeling great, last week - a bit migrainey after eating some chocolates (serves me right, though I blame DH for buying them for Valentine's day, knowing they're a bit russian roulette for me) - only felt properly clear headed again, yesterday. DS2 is back at school, next week, so i shall get some cutting done, this weekend.

Someone posted a great YouTube video about how to check tour tension on your overlocker systematically. I will see if I can find it Nutella. It really helped me get to grips with mine.

Hey Nutella, if it's a lined bodice you aren't going to see any of the innards are you so I'd probably just trim it down, which you might have done anyway if you are under stitching.

The fabric you are using seems fairly lightweight and as long as it's pressed will stay flat and not bulky, but I may have that wrong and feel free to post a photo for others to input.

Im working on a Linden sweater. I thought id size up but it's too daffy. unfortunately DD has cut my paper copy so I'm having to use a bigger seam allowance but it means my careful stripe matching has gone to pot.

I am really pleased with my walking foot though. It really seems have made a difference with the stretchy fabric I bought.

I'd like to see that video @FreeButtonBee on overlocking tension. I haven't quite sussed mine. It's interesting you are only using 3 threads for trimming fabric. I keep mine threaded for 4 but notice that when I am finishing with only one layer of fabric the tension seems a bit off. Not too much but Ive kind of got to stretch the fabric into the threads if that makes sense to make it smooth out.

I am also going to finish off some baby clothes this weekend. I really dislike sewing for others! Never sure if something from the shops would go down better for the effort made.

Linden sweater is too baggy not daffy !

The three thread comment was about you Nutella - I really should use the previous post option!

@Ulysses

The three thread comment was about you Nutella - I really should use the previous post option!

See what I mean!

It want this one but theory is the same!

Yeah I thought it was! Thank you that's really helpful. I plan on attaching the bodice to the skirt today and maybe tomorrow have a go at the invisible zip! After that I may alter the skirt length but I'll pretty much have finished it! My first ever dress!

In actual fact my material is so light that I think I will need a slip. The instructions only line the bodice, has anyone made lining for the skirt of a dress? I'm wondering how to do that. Might look for a tutorial.

You can interline (just duplicate the fabric and stitch as one) or just line (same size, bit shorter for a skirt, just attach at the waist).

Ok might do the latter as I don't know what length the final piece will end up as.

Thank you so much for answering my million and one questions. I'm hoping one day to reciprocate!

Finally finished! I'm surprised nobody heard the impotent scream of rage when I realised I'd sewn in the lining sleeves inside out - after I'd attached the lining. Taking them out and reattaching with the whole weight of the coat attached was an interesting challenge.

Still needs a good steam, but I need to find the steamer first!

Also, it fits me better than the dummy - the slight creases around the bust seams are just because the bust isn't quite the same shape on the dummy.

That's a fabulous coat. Of course, spring will start early, now.

@PickAChew

That's a fabulous coat. Of course, spring will start early, now.

Guaranteed! It's a proper heavy wool too, wearing it will be a workout 💪

Wow! That is gorgeous.
I've got my next lot of interfacing but I'm going to have to put a purple zip on DS green hoody (I have so many zips but no others the right length and DH and I decided no, the tutorial to shorten a metal zip is, in fact, lying).

Stunning coat. Those princess seams are amazing.

I’ve done nothing today.