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!

@NutellaEllaElla this is a Mary Poppins bag I ended up making 4 of and I now store my sewing stuff like scissors etc in. The basis of the bag is a youtube video I'll link to in the next post. I then added handles, tabs and pockets. Some I used a firm interfacing to make it stand up with as well

Wow that's amazing! Thank you for the link, I don't know why I didn't think to look on Youtube before, I used it for every other sewing question . It's another whole new world!

I’m on a mission to use up some rather too lightweight black ponte so I’ve run up a v neck tank from a free pattern. The neckband went better than my previous attempts although still not perfect but it’s so thick that I’ve decided to twin needle hem the armholes instead of putting a band on them.

It’s all tacked up pending a final decision

I'm back from fabric shopping! I got loads of fabric for toiles, some denim and a beautiful white chevron knit for the Audrey pattern I downloaded for free on mother's Day. I didn't find a broderie anglaise that I liked so I might buy online.

Ooh, I shall have to shoehorn some in person fabric shopping in, sometime. The shops local to me are all mostly quilting shops, which is a bit useless.

I AM BEGINNING TO HATE THIS FABRIC!

I have just mended 5 pairs of trousers and a top belonging to the DCs.

More productive than my day, then!

I've altered a fleece gilet down from a size 20 to a 14-16 (basically just took in the side seams) and cut out a couple of things to whittle my fabric mountain. Nothing too interesting, just a lycra long sleeve raglan tshirt for summer exercise and a new nightie.

@PickAChew

More productive than my day, then!

But probably less exciting. I did also have my second COVID jab.

@PickAChew

I AM BEGINNING TO HATE THIS FABRIC!

Oh no! Why? It looks so innocent

Do you feel invincible now @drspouse?

I do. I think I'll try leaping a few tall buildings, or maybe booking a meal out for our anniversary, though that might be harder.

I have vanquished the stripes/dashes that won't line up. Decided it was easier (and would probably look better) to have then vertical instead of horizontal. It's a very roomy top, so very large pieces and lots of opportunity to go wonky.

Of course, I cut it all out then realised I didn't have any suitable thread. So much for motivation.

This is the shirt I'm making, anyhow. I don't thing this is the last time I'll swear at it. coracoomasaru.wixsite.com/rosebaywillowherb/post/nani-iro-s-the-work-shirt - interesting that this logger used the exact same linen I used for my Dress Shirt. I originally bought that for this Work Shirt but decided it was too bulky for it.

If I have a long wait for my thread, I'll crack on with cutting out the Opal Pants I'm planning on making. Looks like it's the pattern for the first round of next week's sewing bee. If they're doing the version with inseam pockets, they'll come unstuck with the instructions as written.

Actually, might be wrong about the pattern. Theirs has turn ups. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vclx

Nice shirt.

I've been worrying in my sleep (!!) that I only bought the amount of fabric required per the pattern and not extra. What if it shrinks in the wash? What if it doesn't include pockets? I need pockets.

Contrast pockets could be the answer @NutellaEllaElla. Double win as 1) uses up stuff from your stash and 2) cuts down on pattern matching stress if they are patch pockets

Also you have to remember the yardage on the pattern usually reflects what is needed for the largest size (some patterns are more precise but most are like 1.7m will fit all of them) so it will be generous for your size. Also you can jiggle the lay plan a bit as again, they are designed for the largest size on the pattern.

Oh yes I hadn't thought of that! I'm not (yet) a fabric hoarder so don't have a stash.

I keep decent sized off cuts for things like pockets, bindings etc. I’ve also got a stash of old shirts and faded pillowcases. I remember my mum used to use lining fabric for pockets but I generally use polycotton.

I made some very thick joggers, recently, and used one of ds1's outgrown, holey vests to make the pocket facings, to reduce bulk!

Purple dress. Not sure I'm standing in the most flattering way...

Very cute, I love a long sleeved dress. Is the under-bust band supposed to pull in and sit close to the body (not that yours doesn't it's just hard to see in the picture)? I love clothes that do that because they're so flattering. What pattern did you use?

I laid out the material and the pattern I was worried about and I have more than enough to make 2 dresses AND pockets...not sure how that happened! Unless the post wash shrinkage is 50%, i'll have to think of something else to make with it!

I cut out material for 2 toiles today.

The purple dress looks good. I'm rubbish at clothes pics. I always look awkward in photos taken from other people and the clothes aren't draping the way I want them to, but the angle/ distance on selfies is never right. Busy trying to get the pockets right in my silk dress

That’s dress is lovely @drspouse. Is it ponte? I’ve got a few ponte pieces made for work as I think it works really well for tailored clothes that are really comfortable. I miss my work wardrobe.

My 2nd Norma blouse is nearly done. I need to work out how to place the buttons. It’s much more enjoyable sewing it this time and learning from my earlier mistakes and putting in those alterations.

That’s great that you got fabric shopping @NutellaEllaElla. Our non essential shops are open in Scotland aren’t open for another week but home stores are able to and there’s a department store with a fabric dept that I got to on Friday. They had a lovely selection of broiderie anglais and I’m tempted to get some myself.

My next project will be Winslow Culottes in light blue lightweight denim. I’ve made two pairs already and I find them really practical.