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

That is beautifully neat stripe matching, bookbook!

Beautiful stripe matching @bookbook. It feels so good when you do it doesn’t it?

I’ve challenged myself with my Ogden dress but it’s going ok so far. It’s actually an Ogden/Laundry Day Tee pattern mash now and I’ve cut out the main pieces I was a bit worried about the shoulder straps so I’ve threaded 12mm elastic through them which makes them more stable. I was going to crack on but I think it might be possible to make a shelf bra out of the facing so I’m leaving it for today and will search out my dark blue powermesh tomorrow.

I don’t know if anyone else has found the same but after taking copious measurements for swimwear fitting I suspected I may be in the wrong bra size and I definitely am 🤣. I thought I was 36C but I’m measuring as a 34E!!!! I’m not even especially busty. Still an A or B sewing cup size based on over bust to full bust measurements but I think I might look at sizing down and doing FBA more often

Yeah I went from a 34B to a 34E/F depending on brands. My cups did runneth over somewhat so it wasn't that surprising, but I wasn't expecting that much of a difference. I'm not that booby but like you I think a smaller size with FBA might be the way to go as I have narrow shoulders too.

I have a sewing social tomorrow so have dug out various patterns to cut out and lengthen/adjust.

The front of the Ogden mash up is finished and I love the drape. I think I’ll leave it un-hemmed

That's hanging really nicely. I quite like my Ogden cami but find the shoulders slip off me. I think it needs a chunk out of the middle or something and can't figure it out.

@Chewbecca get some elastic cord (like mask elastic) and thread it through the strap. It’s quite easy on the Ogden as you can make a tiny hole in the strap at the bottom between the outer and facing. Fix it at one end first 🤣. You can then adjust the length of the elastic to suit. I usually go for 90% or thereabouts. You can’t see it when wearing the cami but it keeps the straps on your shoulders.

For the future try shortening the straps. If you take anything out of the centre you’ll lose the Ogden drape.

Thanks so much for the tip, I wouldn't have thought of that. Will get some (assuming thicker elastic which I already have is no good) and give it a whirl.

I pre-wash too - but not as in a proper wash. I just do a quick wash and dry with it.

Love the stripe match @bookbook

Had a nice time at my sewing social - just a couple of us there but plenty of room to get my patterns cut out. Then spent the evening on yet another pair of Megan Nielsen Ash jeans. Am starting to think about spring and summer clothes; I don’t need much but I would like a few more strappy tops so have cut out the Tessuti Romy top pattern and we’ll see how that looks. Can’t wear a bra with it so might think about some sort of secret support.

@Chewbecca wider elastic works well in Ogden straps but it’s harder to retrofit.

My Ogden/LDT is finished and will be a gardening dress. The viscose jersey is just a bit too heavy and it’s a bit shapeless.

So I’m finally round to my linen trousers with 35 days to go before we fly. I’m doing much better than normal

The sewing social sounds lovely @twobluechickens

I bought some lovely soft cotton lawn on the rag market yesterday and have spent a happy few hours making a blouse (hacked Tilly Indigo) and some PJ trousers (Tilly Jaimie). I'm pleased with both of them but had a stressful half an hour when I realised I'd sewn one of the blouse sleeves on upside down and had to unpick it and re-do!😜

Hello all, successfully made some little quilted zipper pouches and am actually really enjoying the quilting the repetitiveness of it is quite therapeutic. I have ordered some gorgeous fat quarters and am planning a baby quilt for a friend due in November so plenty of time at least!
I am also planning some pillow cases and cushion covers, and still plan to learn clothes but I was finding stopping and starting in 30 minute chunks around work and life difficult with clothes much easier with quilting. So my next clothing attempt will be when I have a full Sunday to myself.

I think it’s important to just keep sewing. It’s all skill building and you get quicker and more accurate each time you sew something.

Ive pushed on with my holiday trousers today and they are at the stage where the waistband gets attached. I’ve given up for today as I’ve stopped enjoying it

Midnight blue viscose linen trousers complete and hanging ready for hemming tomorrow. This is lovely soft, drapey fabric. I’m planning a remy raglan with the leftovers but if I can get more of it I will.

Lovely colour and they look really comfortable.
I'm sewing with linen viscose at the moment too, a batwing top from Sew Different. I'm very much enjoying the material.

@Jins they look lovely perfect for holidays!

I had an unplanned day off today waiting for an emergency plumber. So put it to good use and got on with the top I’ve been avoiding. It’s the made by rae ruby. 90% done and I’m really pleased. The fit is lovely despite the yoke looking tiny when cutting. I struggled a bit with the gathers, but I managed to get the bias binding pretty neat which I’m pleased with.
If anyone knows a pattern with a similar narrow shoulder, boxy body vest top shape but without gathers please share they’re my go to day to day wear.

I just made this is a cheap cotton to get practicing but I think it’s probably wearable for popping to the shops etc. where nobody will be to close to me. So I’d say that’s a success for my second clothing attempt.

@Allthegoodnamestakken I like the Ruby top, I think the By Hand London Polly is a similar shape but no gathers, or this Peppermint Mag Peplum top is cute.

Ive not made the peplum one, I made the Polly top when I was quite new to sewing, and found it wide on the shoulders but that was before I understood not to choose via chest size because I’m a FF/G cup, so hopefully you’ll have better red if you try it.

Despite having no time to sew I’ve been tempted by more fabric again. This ‘embroidered lace’ arrived today (I’d say it’s embroidered tulle but I still think it’s pretty)

That’s really pretty @SBAM, how will you use it?

I made a waves and wild superstar bra in black Lycra yesterday. I’d made a bikini top in that pattern and was really pleased with the fit so decided to try it in ordinary Lycra rather than swim fabric and powermesh. It’s so comfortable! If anyone is thinking about sewing lingerie then this is one to try although it is sports bra style and uses more fabric than something like the Barrett bralette which is an amazing scrap buster.

I’ve finished my holiday sewing list 😀so I’m having a critical look at my wardrobe for obvious gaps

I had thought about using it for a swingy hip length tank top, left free of the lining layer, but I’d assumed it would have a scalloped edge and it doesn’t, so perhaps it would be better in something more structured.
Saying that, 6yo DD spotted it and fancies it for herself so we will see 😄

@sbam once upon a time I decided to scallop the edge of some satin for a wedding anniversary decoration. It took ages - never again! Although to be fair my sewing machine only does tiny scallops

I made my Remy Raglan! Pound a Metre viscose so likely to be a bit suicidal, so not expecting longevity. I see what everyone means on the length, I'm not exactly tall and I could fancy another inch on it.

Also made some work at home joggers for Mr Kitty using the free woven pyjama pattern from Ellie and Mac. Worked OK, but I need to shorten them.

I really like that @kittykarate The length looks good.

I haven't made any clothes for myself since the early 00's but I would like some kaftan dresses for a holiday that are not see through or polyester. I have looked in my stash of Prima magazine patterns and like the waist idea of the blue kaftan and the neckline of the paper pattern.
I do want a waist so I don't look like I am wearing a nightie.
Would you have any suggestions of good shops to pick up some fabric? I am in London in 2 weeks so if anything is around Oxford Street or Westfield Stafford that would be perfect.
I don't live in the uk and we only have one fabric shop that mainly has craft fabric.

@Isabelle70 Dalston Mill fabrics is in East London, has nice quality for reasonable prices in my experience.
Down Walthamstow high street there are a number of fabric and haberdashery shops, fabric from £2/m. Lots of viscose prints usually, but I’ve had some nice cottons too. Swedes is one of the more expensive shops, but sells some good quality and tends to have plains in stock.
Liberty is near Oxford Street (beautiful fabric but very expensive). I’d recommend a wander in there even if you’re not buying.