Stitch and bitch thread #4 I needle the help I can get.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Continuing our supportive little group until we run out of material

Yeah i'm kicking myself that I didn't use spray starch. I thought i'd used lots of pins 😭

We’ve all done it @NutellaEllaElla. I did it recently when I thought I’d stitched the wrong part of my shorts legs together. I ended up cutting the overlocked seam away then discovered it had been right all along. I stitched it back up with the smallest seam allowance I could manage and zigzagged it as I didn’t have the width to overlock.

Slippery fabrics can be maddening but I’ve got used to them as I sew with viscose 90% of the time. Making my denim shorts was strange as the fabric stayed where it was put, it felt so much easier than my usual projects.

I don’t use spray starch for seams although I do when making bias binding. I don’t use pins when stitching either as the weight of the pins can distort the fabric. I pin the seam together then hand baste close to the seam allowance. It doesn’t take long and it gives you a chance to look at how the seam hangs before stitching it

Loving all of the makes!

@kittykarate gorgeous jumpsuit. Looks very elegant (and comfy). A winner!

@dubyalass love those shorts! So neat.

@Jins cute dress. Pretty fabric.

I'm just putting finishing touches to a longer version of the Closet Core Kalle shirt - I've made it knee length as a wearable toile. Fabric a bit sheer but I've visions of it being worn on holiday later in the year rather than out and about in general. Plan to make a warm version to wear in autumn winter - perhaps in brushed cotton. It's a really lovely sew, lots of top stitching which I've really enjoyed and I've also learned how to do flat fell seams and also a yoke using the burrito method so it's been a good skills builder for me.

Treated myself to a visit to Guthrie Ghani today, which is pretty local to me, and bought a pattern and some fabric. Shop was filled with gorgeous fabrics. Could've stayed a long time and spent a lot! Will go back once I've used more of my existing stash.

Treated myself to a visit to Guthrie Ghani today, which is pretty local to me, and bought a pattern and some fabric. Shop was filled with gorgeous fabrics. Could've stayed a long time and spent a lot! Will go back once I've used more of my existing stash

I'm so jealous! I'm really missing Lauren's Sunday night lives on Instagram over the summer. I'd love to go and visit but I'm nowhere near and can't think of any reason why I ever would be.

It's been raining where I am all day today and I'm feeling pretty chilly. Can't believe it's the end of a July and the niggly little sewing worm in my head has entirely stopped thinking about Zadie jumpsuits and Deer and Doe dresses and is telling me my next make has to be the DIBY Billie oodie.

must resist a little longer!

it's difficult though as Minerva has caught my eye with this weekends 20% off sale...

not helping the fabric buying ban I'm supposed to be on too.

I’ve been on a fabric buying ban since New Year and I’ve done pretty well. I have bought fabric but not much and it’s been for specific projects like the dress I’ve just made as the stash didn’t have what I was after.

The trouble is that I’ve now got a drawer full of usable offcuts so my plan is to.try to work through that in the next couple of weeks.

I've just about resolved the overlocked in seam fold. The inside doesn't look pretty.

Hand basting is saving my skin now. I'm supposed to sew the waistband in half lengthways to create 2 channels for the elastic but it just doesn't seem wide enough for 2 to fit.

I've ordered a different width elastic so I don't have to bother with the 2 channels thing. Not long 'til these trousers are done! I'm not looking forward to doing the top, this fabric is a massive PITA but i've learned a lot and hopefully it'll be easier now I know just to baste most seams tbh.

I love how we're all technically on a fabric buying ban but you know, needs must....

@Ulysses may I ask what pattern you're using for your waffle robe?

@tentative3 It's this free one from Mood Fabrics - Fleur Robe. It's pretty much like many of the other patterns I've seen though the instructions are really basic.

I've done French seams like they say so it does look nice inside. I've got the pockets sewn up but need to place them and add on belt loops - which aren't included on the pattern.

It's coming up fairly big but I guess that's what robes are like generally. This is coming up to just above my ankles.

The pattern said it would take 3m but this is 2.5m and I've got some left over. I might redo the belt as my cutting and sewing was a bit wonky and also the pockets seem a bit smalll.

Thank you, @Ulysses that looks gorgeous. Fab colour. It may be a bit beyond my complete beginner skills but I will keep it in mind for the future, it's lovely.

That robe looks brilliant @Ulysses ! That's great for a free pattern. I'd also be happier with a roomier robe rather than a skimpy one, I don't want to accidentally flash the post man when I answer the door.

My sewing club box this month has a Liberty pattern in - looking forwards to what that's like to sew. www.libertylondon.com/uk/Natasha-Tiered-Dress-Sewing-Pattern-Size-6-14-R458342006.html I don't think I'll go for the full cottage-core of the cover model!

Fabulous robe, @Ulysses ! I'm currently using my mum's old one but might try that pattern.

Thanks, its nearly the same as a Named Clothing one which is 14 euros for the PDF, so a good find.

I think a beginner would manage it okay as well especially in waffle cotton which is very stable, though quite thick. The trickiest part was turning the belt inside out as it's so long. If I do make it again I'll sew it wrong sides together with the seams folded in and top stitch it down. Not sure if that makes sense but it does in my head!

That’s lovely @Ulysses. The colour is fantastic and it looks great in waffle cotton.

Beautiful robe @Ulysses , looks like a super make. I also love your world map on the wall! Do you map out travel plans on this?

No, sadly especially since kids came along! My sewing room/home office was previously the kids playroom hence the wallpaper and the coloured labels are a game to help with their geography. Now that they are older they hang out in their own bedroom and I've got my own sewing space.

Saying that, the cotton waffle fabric was bought on holiday in France a few weeks ago. It's a real bonus going away somewhere and finding a fabric shop. I also got a beautiful lawn cotton there in a floral print that I'm going to make PJs with.

My new fabric delivery arrived yesterday from poundfabrics. All have a defined project in mind with the exception of a children's animal print. I think I will have a go at making dungarees for 1 year old great niece. Just got to find a suitable pattern for that.

Sewing jobs are stacking up!

The only sewing I've done lately is making a lining for my tea cosy.
The original lining was not heat proof, bits of it melted onto my teapot. What a stupid fabric choice!
I've lined it with cotton now, but I shouldn't have needed to.

@GnomeDePlume Sew magazine had a dungaree pattern this month.
Here

I’m going to be ruthless with offcuts today. Wish me luck 😂

@jins those are perfect thank you so much!

That is a stupid fabric choice! When I was 11, we made oven gloves at school but the wadding wasn’t remotely heatproof. I was so mad about that, I didn’t sew anything for the next ten years. Still makes me feel grumpy.

@GnomeDePlume I’ve got the magazine with the instructions so I’ll get it scanned and message you

Thank you very much @Jins I am thinking of making the dungarees with a front pocket and knee patches.

School sewing was designed to put people off. We spent what seemed like a decade making an underskirt. Excessive tacking which I have never done since.