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

Ooh ooh someone was talking about a brilliant seam ripper recently. I'll try to remember who!

I have the Milward rubber grip one and use it loads.

I knew I;d get some enthusiasm here!!
@Daffyyellow yes that's what I think I'd like too

I made something! I made https://en.you-made-my-day.com/products/patron-couture-blouse-april . Nice enough pattern, but definitely not sized for the busty. I had to do a lot of FBA faffing, so made a wearable toile out of my scrap box (found a piece bug enough to make the bodice without sleeves), moved the placement of the tie belt slightly upwards and cracked on with my 'proper' broderie anglaise.

Oh those sleeves @kittykarate! Gorgeous

I’ve been away for a rainy week so no sewing but I’m itching to sew something.

Love those sleeves!

Really love that top @kittykarate

And on the subject of seam rippers, if anyone finds one with a hole so you can attach to a chain or thong to wear around your neck - I would love that.

@Wildernesstips are you planning to wear it out and about so you can get rid of the tailoring stitches that people leave in on their coat/jacket vents? 😂

I like my ‘unpicker’, it’s a prym ergonomic one and bright pink so usually easy to find in my mess, but it’s not got a hole for a string.

I mostly use my little stork scissors for unpicking.

Thank you @kittykarate for the twin needle tip. A bobbin full of maraflex made a world of difference

Next time I may buy a matching colour 🤣

that looks really good, i am encouraged to try out my twin needle.

As to seam rippers, I've recently been switched on to dermablades. Like a razor blade but less risky i think.

😂That would be amazing, wouldn't it! No, I am just forever losing it as soon as I put it down!

Argh! Bank holiday mishap - retraced my favourite top for double gauze. Lengthened the back 13cm, forgot to add the original bottom under the extended part on the front. 50cm of fabric left, new front needs cutting needs nearly 90cm! Thankfully Higgs and Higgs double discount extended for today and I discovered it I time to reorder a metre, so will have 2 tops, one short one and one tunic length!!

@kittykarate that top is gorgeous!
@Brefugee I fear the results if I let loose with a derma blade, think my glasses need an update as it is
@Daffyyellow Two tops, definitely consider it a happy accident

That stitching is amazing @Jins and I love the top @kittykarate

I have ordered my jersey from pound fabrics so will report back once it has arrived. In the meantime I am cutting out prices to make a jumpsuit for my daughter.

@FletchingStraight definitely a happy accident, even more so as the fabric is reversible - different sizes of gingham, so they can be a top and tunic opposite ways!

I’ve just finished a second top to go with my pj shorts for coffee on the balcony. It’s the Luna loungewear cami with shelf bra and it’s surprising how much difference there is in the fit. This one could have done with longer straps.

Also I found a twin needle button on my machine - see photo. Annoyingly it solves a lot of the problems but not all. Stretch thread like maraflex in the bobbin is the way to go.

Lovely looking stitching, @jins - I shall pick up some maraflex to try, the next time I'm in Boyes.

@PickAChew it still tunnels a bit on thinner stretchier fabrics but for this top I stitched 10mm elastic into the bindings and the twin needle worked like a dream. It looks so much better than the zig zag version I made last time.

Threads snipped and I’m ready for the next project. I found 3m of midnight blue viscose jersey in my stash. The type that has a slight sparkle. I’ve never felt inclined to use it but I want it gone so I’m trying a hacked Ogden cami in dress length with a front slit. I’ve seen a few jersey Ogdens but maybe not a stretchy as this. I’m planning on clear elastic in the vulnerable areas but if the rest comes out droopy and oversized I don’t mind too much as it can always be used as a beach coverup. Then I really must get on with my viscose linen trousers

@Jins your stitching is so neat. I can only dream of producing something so professional looking. I still haven’t ventured into knits and stretch except machining ribbon onto a t shirt for one of DDs cosplays. Managed ok with a stretch needle and zigzag but it wasn’t beautiful!
I must try to finish the Papercut Patterns Pinnacle top I started but had to clear away as we were having people round for a meal.

@Rosenspants magnetic seam guides and clear sole presser feet with markings are very helpful when topstitching but practice and not going too fast gets you a long way.

I always took a ‘that’ll do” approach but when I returned to sewing I decided to up my game and try to improve neatness. I’m getting there slowly but do have a tendency to rush

My cotton jersey has arrived! Should I prewash or just sew? It looks like some kind of fabric stiffener or glue has been used on the edges to stop it curling.

I also got some gorgeous navy cotton double gauze with tiny gold speckles, I was going to make another remy raglan but wandering about trying something a bit different. Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice easyish floaty top? I have 2m. Thanks

I'm a pre-washer! And sometimes a pre-tumbler if it's something I'd tumble dry once I'm wearing it. Nothing worse than something shrinking by 5% the first time you was it.

@Frumpyunicorn Ive just finished the Paper Cut Pinnacle top. It’s floaty. I didn’t make a great job of it though …. 😳

I am a prewasher - same temp as it will be washed in when it is in use . .
Just showing this from today - no one else in my house will appreciate the stripe matching 😂 ( sleeve seam on a beachcomber for my daughter )