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

Thanks everyone.

after a 15 hour drive yesterday I’m chilling today and managed to finish up this t-shirt that I started knitting at Easter 🐣 it needs blocking but I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out.

No sewing happening here but I did do a massive fabric shop yesterday. Got denim for my usual MN Ash jeans and corduroy (having said it doesn't suit me on the previous thread) for a pair of Anna Allen Philippa trousers. Then two lots of cotton for some blouses, although I don't know which ones yet. I'm on holiday for a fortnight from next week and also taking my sewing machine with me!

I sewed a quick, simple laptop sleeve today, Except i did a normal zippered flat pouch and the laptop doesn't fit. Boooo

So now i need to sew one where the zip goes round the two top corners. Is it possible to sew that as a zippered pouch with lining, that you pull through itself so there are no raw edges? or do i have to sew one where there is a gusset the width of the zip all round the edge between back and front, and therefore raw edges inside? (to be covered with bias tape, which i really don't want to do as it's a) time consuming 2) fiddly and iii) ugly

@Brefugee thinking about the logistics of that is making my brain hurt. I’m sure there will be a way though!

Can you sew the zip end inside out and then turn it right side out and add a half pocket at the non-zip end to hide the raw edges in (sew pocket and end seam then flip pocket over to the other side to hide the edges)?

that's making my brain hurt @InMySpareTime
I think i need to make a mock up first

Eg make the zip end first, lined, with neat hidden edges and stitch the sides halfway, then turn it right side out and put a hemmed pocket on the outside (bad side out).
Stitch all 5 layers of rough edges (outer, lining, lining, outer, pocket) then flip the pocket to the other side so it contains all the rough edges.

Higgs & Higgs - is anyone a craft club member? Please could you tell me roughly when their craft club (extra discount) days fall?

Hi all. Back from hols and ready to go. Except..,
I bought this pattern a while back because of the shaping and princess seams etc. Didn’t notice the need for a zip. So if I make it I won’t wear it because I hate zips on clothes.

It’s a long zip so I doubt my usual workaround of open seam and button loop will work.

So do you think it’s worth me trying it in stretch fabric or should I just move it on with all the other zipped patterns?

Forgot photo🤦‍♀️

I assume the zip is in the centre of the back.
You could add an extra panel in there instead and thin ties from the seam where the bust and side pieces join, then you could manage even without stretch fabric

@InMySpareTime Genius!!!!

Will toile it this week

@Jins, HOW long is the zip in that top?! That looks like complete overkill to me!

I have a few tops like that in my wardrobe, but none with zips. Photo shows how most of them close at the back. If the neckline is wide enough, I don’t have to undo the button, but just pull over my head. Could something like that work for you?

@CrimsonAlligator that’s what I normally do! Most work perfectly well

It’s a 20” zip and it’s quite a fitted top so I think the long zip is probably needed. I have had another idea based on my favourite maternity dress. Extra panel as per @InMySpareTime suggestion but turn it into an open box pleat. Rouleau loops at each side of the pleat and lacing (probably rouleau strips) to tighten it. Interfacing probably needed along the edge. Might be a bit faffy but could look ok

still confused.
I don't really want a pocket (and don't quite understand your instruction)
What i want is one of these - but where the zip goes around the top corner and about 1/4 - 1/3 of the way down each side. Making the regular pouch is something i can do in my sleep, but can i do it with the zip round two corners?

@Brefugee I can't immediately see a way of getting the zip round the corners without a gusset, but if the issue is just getting the laptop in, could you use the kind of zip-off-the-end thing you sometimes see in handbags? Like this https://blog.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html

@Brefugee
i pinched this from a quilting message board

If possible, I use a good ribbon/trim to stitch down on both side of the zipper before it goes into the case. It is then simple to stitch the other side of the ribbon/trim to the case. It has the added feature of the ribbon/trim edge being finished, so it can be stitched on top of the case edge with no raw edge showing

I think I’d be working along those lines

That is an EXCELLENT idea - thank you!! (I would have to do it at both ends because of symmetry. But that looks excellent. Thank you

Zipper Tabs? i tried a practice version - it meant that i had to make the actual pouch a couple of cms wider than the laptop, which made it floppy round the edges.

I'm going to try the thing with the zip overhanging the edges (with press studs on the zipper tabs to keep them neat when closed)

I'll report back in a couple of weeks.
Thanks all.

Can I join please? Have just made some cushions for new granddaughters nursery rocking chair and a lampshade to match! Have recently retired so now have a dedicated sewing room so hoping to get on and make lots of items for her. I don’t really need any clothes for me as live in jeans and t shirts and have a wardrobe full of clothes from my working days!

@rivercobbler I'm glad I've come across this thread as I've got some old T shirts waiting for a project. I'm off to Google for a tutorial on how to turn them into headbands - thanks! (I hope I'm not ridiculously late messaging here?)

Can I join please?

I’m just making a blanket with wadding and 2 cushions from grey tiny star print fabric (sort of waffle touch) and with a white daisy with yellow middle lace trim for the edges for DB and SIL’s new baby due later this month. Will put initials on when baby born and name known.

I m just waiting on a fabric delivery - so excited.

but, I have a question for jersey sewers.

im draping a dress, for my sins and wondered how to finish the neckline seam. I’ll overlock the edges but should I just press a good inch over to help it lie flat?
my plan, if I can pull it off will be a sort of v neck neck finish, but in Two pieces joined at the bust with a couple of tiny buttons.

any tips?

Hey, welcome all newcomers! Happy to have you 😊looking forward to hearing about your projects.

@Dellabob123 I am NO expert, but my fear would be having to do a neck band on stretch right? If there's ways of avoiding them I would sew stretch more often. I need to do a class or something and just overcome this stumbling block of mine.

I know what you mean @NutellaEllaElla
I am embracing the fear….have bought some stay tape too for that very reason 😊