Stitch and bitch thread #8. It’s all starting to unravel

[NutellaEllaElla]

Welcome back and welcome for the first time to any newbies. As we go back into autumn/winter mode, sewing days are more and more appealing as the wind gales outside. I enjoyed looking back over the last thread, there were so many beautiful patterns (so little time), such beautiful makes, that thread is an absolute goldmine for inspiration. Also such wisdom from you lovely lot! Thank you. I couldn't do it without you actually as no one around me sews and you have imparted such great advice, hints and tips.

@PickAChew
@kittykarate
@TragicMuse
@SBAM
@pastabest
@Jins
@Blackamericanonosugar
@CrimsonAlligator
@SleepingisanArt
@dubyalass
@Brefugee
@InMySpareTime
@Rosenspants
@rivercobbler
@Karatema
@bookbook
@Sewingdufus
@FletchingStraight
@SideWonder
@CarolynKnappShappy
@Chewbecca
@eldorado02
@PrincessofWellies
@123ZYX
@Storynanny1
@Tinuviel
@Wildernesstips
@Dellabob123
@florentini
@longpathtohappiness
@twobluechickens

@NutellaEllaElla - I find it therapeutic! Just the act of getting the button lined up and then hand stitching in place. I don't cross the thread on the top of the button because I find the buttons fall off easier if a thread breaks - probably something I was taught at school (or by my Mum who was a military wife!)

Weeding I hate! Mostly because our patio needs replacing and the weeds grow between every slab! I can spend a whole day painstakingly hand weeding them out (don't tell my knee consultant as kneeling is something I'm not supposed to do) only to find they are already growing back the next day 😭

I listen to music and sit on the floor while weeding. I could do anything as long as I have good music though.

Well, it will be therapeutic/ satisfying to complete the dress. It is the absolute last thing to do.

All this talk of machine stitching buttons has inspired me to try. I’m making a cushion cover for DS1 and wanted button fastening.

Quite an experience - not helped by setting the machine to stitch 25 instead of 28. By the time you’ve dropped the feed dogs, found the presser foot, lined everything up etc you could have hand sewed them.

Typically the last buttonhole misbehaved and started to do the cross bar halfway down the length. By a miracle I sorted it out which is a first. Had to find different buttons as the buttons I put in the presser foot wouldn’t go through when finished. Something to remember for thick fabrics

Well, I made a bit of a mess of it but hand stitched the bought binding to the armholes and then felt I should zigzag finish them due to the fraying .. which I did manage on the machine. Argh… it’s been a journey. I wouldn’t blame DS and DSIL if they didn’t dress DGD in it … 😳

Sounds like you wouldn't bother doing buttons on the machine again Jins?
I feel for you @Rosenspants , binding is my nemasis. It is a very cute garment though.

That is super cute @Rosenspants !

Please can I jump in for some advice? I used to sew a lot, and I've come back to it after a long gap. I am relearning skills, so started with pull on trousers and have just made a couple of collared men's shirts. Next is a dress for me.

I have made some blocks, and I'm going to have a go at a tunic top to go over leggings (I know, I know, I mustn't tell anyone on S&B). This means a zip because I've not yet ventured on to stretch fabrics. So, my questions:

• I want to try a concealed zip, but haven't got a special foot. Since it's not going to be one I'll use very often, can I get away with a cheap one, or should I buy a branded one? My machine is a Janome.
• My instinct is to pay more more for a YKK zip rather than a pack of 30. Right, yes?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I use my ordinary zipper foot for invisible zips. I go slowly and open out the zipper teeth as I go

I haven't bought a non branded invisible zip foot so I can't comment on how good they are. I do love my invisible zip foot though, it is amazing. I started off using the standard zip foot which was fine, just had to be more careful. Same with the zips, I always buy mine from the rag market and have no idea of the brand, probably non branded, never had a problem.

So sweet @Rosenspants - I’d be tempted to make a facing (or line it) next time I made a dress that small. Or do as I do and procrastinate until the child is bigger!

@Cynderella i use zips from the market and a standard zip foot to sew invisible zips, but I can adjust the needle position on my machine to get it further left or right as needed.
My Janome came with a zip foot, have you checked that you haven’t already got one?
Stretch fabric isn’t scary though, and something like sweatshirt fabric might work with a pattern drafted for woven.

Ah, I have got a zipper foot, but not an invisible zip one ... I think I might give the copycat one a go!

I have multiple invisible zip foots , one came in a mega set of hooky feet on amazon, one from a known brand (prym or hemline) and one that came with my new machine. There isn't an appreciable difference between the 'known brand' and the one that came with my machine. They are a complete faff, but do work with patience. The hooky set from amazon, less good.

I never sew zips now because I hate wearing clothes with zips but when I did in the past I just used the standard zipper foot. I use the zipper foot quite often as it gets into tiny spaces.

I’ve done piping for the first time on DS1’s cushion. What a difference it makes! In stash busting stakes I’ve not done as well but I’ve cut out 2 pairs of pants and a bralette from my ‘hospital’ nightie which hasn’t been used since I had gall bladder surgery. It’s such soft viscose jersey that I really wanted to use it for something. Lined up for cutting out is some weird thick viscose jersey that’s black on one side and brown on the other. It has minimal stretch and it’s going to be turned into allegro trousers without a cuff. Finally is some striped cotton shirting which I think will become a remy raglan.

Loads more to destash but it’s summer weight or smaller remnants and I’m not feeling like making camis when I need sleeves

I'm the same, Jins - lots of lightweight fabrics but I'm all about the cosy factor at the moment. I even bought a top (I know, I know) last week because it was made of lovely brushed cotton and I thought it would keep me warm.

I do have some brushed flannel fabric which could become a blouse of some sort. Might give that a bash later. In fact a recce of my pattern stash would be a useful exercise full stop.

I need a good Big Knicker pattern. I like the 50s style ones with 3 panel fronts

I'm using the Tilly and the Buttons Iris knickers pattern, it's very simple. Though I haven't got much further than sewing the front to the back, a few miles of elastic to sew on yet.

Ive seen a couple of multi panel knicker patterns. One I've seen is designed as period pants, that's the Jalie Sarah. Or there's this https://thefoldline.com/product/willow-knicker/

I’ve finished my drape dress - I just need to tack the facing down in the seam lines to ensure it doesn’t budge. The pattern pieces are funny shapes, but it all comes together nicely.

That's lovely! What a gorgeous colour.

Ooh I like that dress @SBAM ! What pattern was it?

Thank you @twobluechickens - I’m making the most of not having an all-black work dress code. It’s some sweatshirt knit from eBay which has been in my stash for about 3 years I think. I assumed it was polyester but it’s pressed very nicely so I have no idea what the fabric content is.

@kittykarate thanks. Its this which was a magazine freebie I’ve made size E which is my hip size, the hip ease is minimal compared to the bust and waist ease.

That’s really impressive @SBAM . Gorgeous colour!

Thank you. Will check them out

Found you!

Love everything about that dress @SBAM and I don't wear dresses.

I've not done anything interesting on the sewing front since this thread started, anyhow. I ended up needing a cataract removal and it was making complex sewing difficult so I went on a stretch binge with assorted joggers, pyjamas and tops. I set aside the tops for after the surgery, which was just over a week ago as my Pfaff hates single jersey (beeps constantly and makes a dog's dinner of it) and my janome is smaller and lighter and a little bit simpler. After a week off sewing because of the dust it generates, I've now got something straightforward to occupy myself for a week or so until I feel confident with cutting out again.

That purple fabric would have been a no go with my cataract but everything is so much brighter with it gone, even though I won't have new glasses until the end of the year.

Wow, i'm glad to hear your surgery has been successful @PickAChew. That's a lil Christmas miracle

I had to pack away all my sewing gear because we had people over for dinner, and now I think most weekends up until Christmas are too busy for much sewing sadly. I have a train journey that I really should take my dress along to sew the buttons on. 3 weeks until my 5 day draping on the stand course!