Stitch and bitch thread #5 This whole thing is fabricated.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Welcome back seamsters! It is soon to be September and Autumn is on its way.

@Tinuviel
what is this magic and how do I find it?!

Wow @LadyCampanulaTottington that's a great project to get started on!

@CalamityClam Ah gutted you hated the fit. I have an amazing independent tailor locally to me and she's been happy to give me the odd lesson when i've been stuck. Also some posters above have recommended some relevant books: Fit for real people or Complete guide to fitting by Palmer-Pletch
or
Ahead of the curve by Jenny Rushmore

@Tinuviel A reversible wrap around skirt sounds brilliant! Please share any patterns x

@NutellaEllaElla and @CalamityClam I initially used this tutorial but made the lining out of fat quarters as well as the outside. Then adapted it by using 2 buttons and buttonholes instead of the ribbons. You could also put a button a little way down to hold it closed. I think I made an instruction page when I ran a workshop for some home ed kids. I'm happy to send it to anyone interested.

I’ve lifted the shoulders and now the bust darts are wrong. I’ve unpicked them and opened the seams. This is the part where I’d normally throw it away but I’m going to keep pottering!!

Hi everyone! I’m just catching up with everyone’s sewing plans, I keep having to Google all the patterns, and my wish list is starting to get out of hand!

For the fitting books, the complete guide to fitting by palmer pleitsch (sp?) is the new version (edition) of real fit for real people.

Also, I pretty much chooses sizes based on my high bust only, then I will do a (huge) full bust adjustment and i normally get a good fit, before I was ending up with huge garments which where massive across my shoulders. Not a good look.

I’ve just finished my dress, it is entirely season inappropriate, it’s the shirred dress from the modern wardrobe (the sewing bee book), and I’m reasonably happy with it. I do keep flashing my bra straps in it, but planning on adding some little bra strap loop things in, so that should solve most of that problem. I’ll try and post a photo later.

@CalamityClam it helps not to have a time pressure! I think making toiles is my least favourite bit as I can't be arsed to fully make the garment and never know how much seam allowance to leave for zips etc.

I'm tired today after returning from holiday. I cut a bodice toile and have tacked it together but no lining and as said above, i don't know how tight it will be right now.

@SewBiased that sounds very involved but you find it works well for you? I have a small back and do sometimes find problems because of that, but i'm lazy and the idea of doing loads of work to a pattern seems a lot.

Whoop!! I’ve cut out some trousers.

Tried and tested poppy pants pattern in some inexpensive black striped suiting. They are semi workwear because I semi-work. In the old days I used to spend more on things I’d use for work because they’d get more wear. 🤣

Managed to finish my top today. Not convinced but it will do for work. This is the Montrose top from Cashmerette. It comes out as a bit 'Artist's Smock'.

I might revert to my tried and tested scrubs top.

Semi-workwear sounds like it could become a fashion category.

@NutellaEllaElla it is a bit involved, but since I’ve started making clothes this way I’m much happier with the results. Also, I try to reuse patterns, so then the fitting time becomes less onerous if I use it a couple of times.

It looks great gnomedeplume, sometimes it takes me a day or two to warm up to a new make, could that be why you’re unsure, or is it just not the style you were going for?

@SewBiased it hasn't come out quite the shape I was expecting but I suspect the problem is that I am fat without being busty. I made it according to my largest size so of course it doesn't hang well.

I found the neckline tricky. I made it following the pattern first time. This time I used the neck facing piece as an internal placket. It is cut on the bias but still doesn't shape to the neckline very well.

I'm sure I will get used to it!

@SewBiased i go with high bust measurement to choose pattern size and generally it’s been fine but I’ve grown to realise that I need a broad shoulder or broad back adjustment for a better fit. One day when I have time I’ll sort it out.

The inexpensive suiting fabric is proving to be lovely to sew with. I’m dreading putting it all together to see if the stripes line up. I have to keep reminding myself that matching stripes is a rare thing on a bought piece.

Not sure how much sewing I will get done this weekend as DD & DSIL are possibly coming to stay so I lose my sewing room.

But it will be lovely to see them!

I might use the time to get cutting out done for two more work tops. I can do that at the dining table. Then when I get my sewing room back I will be able to press on.

Instead of sewing it looks like this weekend I will be mostly cider making!

We’re likely to be cider making this weekend too! I spotted the home made press in the garden last night. It’s not always a success but DH enjoys it

@Jins I'm not a cider drinker either but the process is good fun since we replaced the hand crank scratter with a garden shredder (used for apple/pear pulping only). So far got about 40 pints brewing from windfalls but we are planning the big pick this weekend.

Do you make apple cider, pear cider or blend? We mix them as there isn't quite enough juice to make two separate brews worth it.

Apologies for the thread derailment!

We use a garden shredder too! The press is made from an old beer keg and the jack from my old car. We just make apple cider as we have a tree that always fruits heavily but they are neither eaters nor cookers so we tried cider. This year we’ll be picking from a friends tree as he’s fretting about the waste of apples 🤣 We normally do two rotakegs so about 80 litres but we’ll have to bottle this year

Apologies from me as well!

A little derailing is interesting! My apple tree has had a shocker of a year, not one edible fruit produced so I’m glad yours have had a better year. My neighbours seem to be having a more fruitful year 😜 but one told me although their pears look lovely they’re very hard - he’s blaming the lack of rain.

Sewing-wise Ive reprinted the plantain pattern one size smaller to give it another go because I loved the shape of the first one, ordered some new fabric just because I really want to have a play with some waffle knit, and started making myself a to-sew list, listing the fabric I want to make things in too in the hopes that I can reduce my fabric stash.

Morning all. I haven't done a lot of sewing recently but hoping to get a bit more stuck into it. I'm still slowly working on my PJs. I've recently bought the Nina Lee Park Lane pattern which was on sale in my local shop and would like to make one for autumn/winter. I've seen lovely versions of it. I've also had bottle green cord in my stash for a while and I'm eager to make a pinafore out of it. Haven't decided between Nina Lee Camden and Seamwork Dani.

In apple tree news, I moved my weedy little tree away from a shady spot and it's produce one apple this year. It seems to have survived the move at least but it's not particularly thriving. I've fond memories of the apple tree at my grandparents house which produced tiny little sour ones.

Still no sewing here - been away all week and have plans all weekend. Failed to do anything last weekend. Monday might see me getting the sewing machine out but I haven't got anything in mind that I want to make. Some tops for autumn would be useful so I might break out the overlocker for a few wardrobe builder scoop neck t-shirts.

What a coincidence to have two cider makers on one thread! I like cider but it had never crossed my mind as being something one could DIY. If you're not cider drinkers, what do you do with it all? You could send it to me

I'm in the middle of making a 3 tier celebration cake with my sister for our parents golden wedding anniversary party today. Sewing possible tomorrow and Monday, depending on garden discipline/progress!

I don't make cider but I have made mead. It's actually easier and far more alcoholic but takes ages.

Can I join? I’ll drink your cider!!

My sew-jo has been very fitful for months. But I managed to make a new dress in a day.

My favourite indie designer launched a new pattern on Thursday. Waves and Wild, stephanosis dress. I bought it by half six, printed in an hour, stuck together, graded (most ambitious I’ve been), traced and cut the pattern out by lunchtime, fabric cut early afternoon. (Then daughter had a wobble so had to leave early). Pinned and clipped dress together whilst waiting for the other daughter. Sewed it together after they went to bed!

It’s very different in style to my usual makes. I think I like it. One child didn’t approve. Wore it into work and my colleagues (who would tell me if it wasn’t OK) were much more positive. My work bestie thought it was shop bought as I put a label on the outside!

It’s a bit short to the waist so I need to tweak the pattern and that’s what stopping me making another version. I’ve now bought TABT Pearl cardigan to wear over it - but I can’t find any guidance on sizes, when falling between 2, another stumbling block.

Actually I think those of us who sew are far more likely to be the types who think 'I could make that myself' about a lot of things .

Since I started back sewing I have found myself noticing how things are made. Not just clothing but other things like bags.

Apple juice is now pressed, about 175 pints. I took a reading and it should brew out to 6.5 to 7% if we don't stop it.

DH & D sons in law are all cider drinkers. It's just me who doesn't.

Planning to get back to some sewing tomorrow.