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.

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Hello all, I have spent days reading through this thread and would love to join you. I did a one day sewing class over 12 months ago and loved it but haven't been able to justify the cost of a machine. I have however decided to take the plunge and am going machine shopping at the weekend.
Would love it if you could point me in the direction of some very very easy beginner projects! as much as I'd love to jump straight in and make myself clothes that's probably a bit ambitious although definitely the end goal.
Machine wise I live in the 'developing' world so not a huge selection, I have settled on a Bernia as they are easily available and the store also does repairs.
I am going with the entry level cheap one to start with to first prove to DH I will actually use it as he isn't sold on the idea of me buying one.

Welcome @Allthegoodnamestakken

Tilly and the buttons patterns are regularly recommended for being straight forward for beginners. I find the shapes a bit boxy for me, but they're a good way to get your head round how patterns and instructions work.

If you look on thefoldline.com has patterns from lots of designers and you can filter by ability (look for "beginner" patterns).

I'd always say it's worth making something you would want to wear/ use over something easy, if possible, otherwise you won't get the enjoyment of the effort. There's plenty of YouTube videos to help with techniques and watching some of the older Sewing Bee episodes can help as well

Welcome @Allthegoodnamestakken

If the goal is making clothes then I’d start by making clothes. A shift dress is a good place to start. This one doesn’t have a zip and you could make it out of an old duvet cover.

I’d spend time getting used to your machine. Practice stitch lengths and styles, try stitching curves or corners, draw wiggly lines on scrap fabric and try to follow them. Confidence with your machine and handling fabric is key. YouTube is full of tutorials for various techniques and there are often sewalongs for patterns.

Tell your DH to keep his nose out. We’re all entitled to try something new and we’re equally entitled to leave it and come back to it if we choose. My sewing machine spent the best part of two decades in the bottom of my wardrobe but it had plenty of use before and after

@Allthegoodnamestakken good for you! I’ve only been sewing for a year or so from a background of never having used a sewing machine and had only ever sewn on a button or my DCs name tapes. I would second Tilly and The Buttons although she can be a bit marmite on here. I started with her book Love at First Stitch and did her online workshop ‘Make Friends with a Sewing Machine’. I made a hair band and a scarf … then PJ bottoms and carried on with the projects from the book, dresses skirts and tops. Each project adds a new skill and builds on the previous. That and the plethora of YouTube videos really got me started.

@Allthegoodnamestakken welcome!
I recommend PJ bottoms as a good starter project - they use woven cotton, tend to have a forgiving fit, and lots of long pretty straight seams to practice using your machine. These ones are a free printable pattern.

@Allthegoodnamestakken I'm 50% thinking your DH should but out of your buying decision, and the other 50% wants to reassure you that a basic machine can do pretty much everything you need. I have a basic Husquvarna and I've made lots of stuff using that alone. Worst case, if you don't take to sewing big garments, you can still use the sewing machine for hemming stuff, so you'll never have the wrong trousers again!

I started on Tilly and the Buttons - the instructions are detailed, and they don't have much scope for adjusting the fit as are quite boxy. So the books (Love at First Stitch) are a pretty good way of building up your skills, but maybe the individual patterns (unless you really like one) might be worth a swerve, especially the most recent ones... sheeesh.

Other patterns that have clear instructions - Friday Pattern Company, Sew Over It, Ellie and Mac. To be honest most indie pattern companies have decent instructions with added value like blogs and sewalong videos.

The only indie company that has really terse instructions is Style Arc and some of the older Jalie patterns. Avoid the big company patterns initially as they are generally terse and assume a lot of background knowledge.

Oh and of course, any money saved buying a basic sewing machine can be put towards an overlocker in your future when you're hooked on sewing.

Oh, and pattern companies - I like waves and wild for super thorough instructions. Closet core, Helen’s closet, deer and doe are also good for a generally clean, not too frilly aesthetic.

I made some dungarees from the stitch sisters free pattern:

https://www.thestitchsisters.co.uk/blog/diy-dungaree-overalls/

It was a good simple pattern but as I'm much shorter and fatter than the model I had to add a couple of modesty panels at the side and add contrast cuffs to lengthen the legs (as the groin seam is a set distance from the top and made my dungarees calf-swingers).
Used up some fabric stash and I've learned lessons to try another with better adjustments next time.

Well my sewing friends I need your suggestions. I’ve found a piece of very bright tropical print jersey in the drawer and it’s crying out to become holiday wear. There’s about 2.7m of 150 width so plenty for most things.

It was described as slinky, drapey jersey according to the packing slip. It’s not got massive amounts of stretch, maybe 30% horizontal and a bit less vertically. It’s got a white reverse side so fades dramatically at full stretch but it’s got very good recovery. Drapes well.

I’ve got a play suit pattern I may use but I don’t love it. Ideally want a dress with loads of drape and no waist. Any ideas?

Welcome @Allthegoodnamestakken . I was very similar. I did start with a whole dress but I googled everything, watched youtube videos, started this thread pleading for help and went really slowly. I've not looked back, i do recommend it!

Welcome @Allthegoodnamestakken ! It's a long time since I started sewing but there are lots of great resources for beginners. I would recommend Lucy from Sew Essential on YouTube for help with techniques but as @Jins says, just get practising! I am still crap at sewing around curves even after 30+ years. Zips do my head in.

I haven't got any additional suggestions for beginners' pattern companies, though my favourites are The Assembly Line, Tessuti, Megan Nielsen, Atelier Jupe and Atelier Scammit. I'd start with simple tops and work your way up from there.

Oh yeah, Made to Sew on Youtube, she is a great teacher.

My first clothing sew was Waves & Wild Beachcomber - it got me hooked!

Welcome @Allthegoodnamestakken I am a beginner too. I started with easy tote bags, pj bottoms for my husband, then a couple of dresses /tops for my daughters before starting with me. So far I have done the york pinafore by Helen's Closet, which had really simple instructions and people had also helpfully posted you tube videos. I have also made a top. I started by using an old bedsheet to practice before cutting into my good material.

I have finished my remy raglan toile, it is not perfect but wearable. I am waiting until I have a bigger cutting mat before attempting to sew with viscose again. I haven't had much time for sewing, but have cut out a dress to make for my daughter and also tried out a bit of English paper piecing last night just for something to do in front of the TV (because crochet and embroidery isn't enough...)

Thankyou all for the warm welcome! very excited to get started, am heading to the sewing shop tomorrow to choose a machine. DH has become much more keen on the idea since I mentioned he could learn how to oil and service it 😂he loves an engine and is an engineer stuck in a management desk job when really he'd enjoy being on the shop floor way more.
I spent yesterday reading all the literature and am settled on either bernette 35 or one of the two 05 range crafter/academy, going to go have a look at them tomorrow and choose. The class I attended used Bernette 37s which where computerised it was a lovely machine but the jump in price is a bit much to justify.
I will practice sewing lines and curves etc. on scrap fabric before starting and also found a very simple looking napkin project which I may try before anything more wild as we need some napkins and if I use cross stitch linen I could cross stitch patterns on them.

Enjoy shopping @Allthegoodnamestakken! So exciting.

I think I’ve spent the best part of two days looking for a pattern for this drapey jersey without much luck. I don’t want a wrap dress and I don’t want anything too fitted. It’s earmarked for one of those useful holiday garments that you could wear on the beach or out to dinner. What I’m looking for is a knit fabric Sauvie I think.

I haven’t found any examples of Sauvie in a knit but I have found a few Ogdens. So I’m going to try drafting a dress length Ogden and adjust it as I go along. I think I’ve got enough to test it as a cami first.

So currently my list is rashguard, swim shorts and tankini top then dress experiments with a target date of 1st May

Hello everyone. I feel as if I know a little bit about sewing now, so am venturing onto here with the experts.

I've just managed to make my first elasticated waist bias cut skirt, out of cheap market viscose. Could anybody please advise me of a website where I might be able to get some nice fabric that isn't crazy prices please, suitable for this sort of skirt?

My first pattern was the Tilly and the Buttons PJs - the instructions are brilliant, and they are very easy - but the sizing is bonkers.

This is the skirt pattern I've just used. The sewing was easy, but I found the cutting a bit tricky.

I tend to get my fabric from places like poundametre.com and Pound fabrics. You can pick up some reasonable deals (3m for less than £10) but you have to be willing to wait for something nice to show up.

I mostly buy from my local fabric shop but Simple Life Fabrics has a great bargain fabrics section - not as cheap as Pound Fabrics etc but decent quality stuff for £5-8 a metre.

I like Dalston Mill and Northern Monkey Makes for online ordering, I’ve always been happy with the quality. Cut Price Fabrics, Pound Fabrics and Pound A Metre can have some good deals, but some stuff isn’t such a good deal. Pound A Metre currently have some viscose on 3m for £10 (listed under rayon).

The most economical options I’ve found are the shops/stalls in Walthamstow market and Birmingham rag market (but they obviously depend on you being able to get to east London/Birmingham). They tend to have woven fabrics around £2-3/m.

Welcome @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie ! But please know, I started these threads because I know nothing and need a hand hold at all times when sewing . Thankful for the experienced sewists on here but I ain't one of them and no one needs to be to join in.

I bought fabric online in lockdown when I had to, but tend to go to Birmingham now. Dalston Mill and Merchant Mills do great quality but more expensive.

Thanks all. Today’s skirt was made from £2 a metre viscose from the Rag market. I’m in Brum.