Stitch and bitch thread #9. I have pressing concerns

[NutellaEllaElla]

Welcome welcome!

I've not made anything for ages after I screwed up the same thing twice. I'm gonna have another blimmin crack at it though! I've reconnected with another hobby and work is seriously getting in the way of everything I want to do, darn it.

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Yes, if every block that you're joining is the same size then you'll be fine with an approximate quarter inch seam.

Fancy dress party this weekend so I am making a poodle skirt and recycling an old prima pattern to draw the pattern out on. Fingers crossed it comes out ok in the poly cotton I purchased.

If you can't move your foot incrementally @Allthegoodnamestakken then you can visualise where your edges need to be for the best 1/4"

I have made a liesl and Co classic Shirt @Chewbecca and it was very well drafted, even though her method for constructing the collar sent me into a bit of a rage!

You can get a quarter inch quilters foot.

Just finished shirred dress for granddaughter. All the tutorials used steam to tighten the shirring but mine is too tight if anything!

Tested out the new foot and it seems to be pretty accurate so I’m happy with that. Now I need to get cutting so I have something to quilt

So much for getting everything done at sewing club! Took me most of the time to attach the binding to one top and I only managed to fully do one bit of binding. Still, I’m glad I took my time because it’s looking lovely. I also quite fancy making another with ruffle sleeves.

It feels like ages since I’ve sewn but I finally made something!
I made the TATB Safiya dungarees in a ditsy floral viscose print. Does look a bit like I’m wearing a nannas curtains but I think they’ll be comfy and practical for warm days.
I don’t think I’d make the dungaree version again (I am the wrong shape for Tilly’s patterns) but I’m already considering making more trousers.

I have managed some sewing too. I am making the sew liberated estuary skirt with in seam pockets, and have just successfully followed a tutorial to sew a seam with pockets as a French seam so the inside will also look beautiful. The linen I am sewing with is lovely and soft and swishy I just need to finish it off before I go on holiday.

Well I’ve managed to get rid of a bit of stretch fabric but sadly not too successfully. I’m constantly bemused by how much the finished result with stretch garments varies by fabric. I check stretch and recovery in both directions before starting and still end up with widely differing results. On the plus side I’ve had a lot of practice with my coverstitch and am getting much better with it. I’ve made some PJ shorts in a lovely cotton check to cheer myself up.

Some lovely projects being posted again! I find that I’m using the same patterns time and time again and I’m quite tempted by a few of the tops mentioned.

As for the 1/4” foot…..invaluable!

I use old favourite patterns when I am making what I call 'fun tops'. They are fun because they are quick to make using fabric from my stash so they are free!

Been on a bit of a quantity over quality drive. Fun tops, tote bags and sashes for DDs hen party. Hen party is now done, bags and sashes appreciated. It was nice to have something truly personalised for her.

Now onto wedding prep (November wedding). I am planning to wear a longline jacket over trousers (my ankles don't suit a dress). I have made a toile. I'm happy with it though will need to revisit the collar fitting for the real thing.

Now I need to find a fabric! I would like something plum/burgundy coloured. I have had enough silk samples to make a patchwork bed spread but I worry it will be too plain.

Just realised the fabric of the toile makes it look like a lab coat!

Still, DD is a biochemist so perhaps not totally inappropriate!

Got many squares cut out last night and pre-washed the remaining quilting cotton for the two quilts I'm making. Cutting both out at once as I am using the same size squares for both.

@GnomeDePlume it is a bit lab coat esq isn't it, but it will be lovely in a nice fabric!

On the note of weddings has anybody bought lace online before, I am in need of a wedding dress and want some lovely lace. Won't be making it myself but a lovely very talented seamstress is making it for me, sadly no suitable lace to be found nearby.

@GnomeDePlume sounds like the perfect project for a two-tone silk dupion (it is also called shot silk?). They’re always so pretty but I can never justify buying some for no reason.

How about a plum velvet for the wedding suit?

I was thinking slubbed silk , if you can buy it still , and not have to sell a kidney!

@OperationalSupport and @bookbook Dalston Mills do have a good range of silks at just about manageable prices. I do like slubbed silk but the slub goes horizontally which makes it difficult.

Beckford Silk have a lovely blackberry paisley jacquard. Thankfully it was too light and was only suitable for a lining. At £43/m I would have been too terrified to cut it out.

@chewbecca I hadn't thought about velvet, good shout!

@Allthegoodnamestakken my 'go to' is Dalston Mills. They have a good range and an invaluable sample service.

That will look fabulous in silk @GnomeDePlume. I’ve only sewn with silk once - ivory shantung for my wedding dress! I might just have to have a look at Dalston Mills website as I’d love a silk cami.

No sewing to report. Tesco’s sale rail has sorted the top two projects on my must sew list as I’ve added a crinkle lyocell long sleeve blouse to the viscose shirt dress I bought the other day. It will be perfect as a lightweight jacket.

I’ve taken the fabrics earmarked for PJs and undies and compression bagged them. I have been really tough with my useful remnants box and I’ve given away pieces that I’m unlikely to use. Next up is the pile of patterns that have come with magazines. I need to be realistic - however lovely that dress seems it has a zip so I won’t make it.

I’ve not exactly lost my sewjo as I really want to get stuck into a new project but recent releases from the indie companies haven’t inspired me.

I agree that’s going to look lovely in silk @GnomeDePlume. I wouldn’t be able to resist velvet myself (a lifelong obsession!) but I’ve heard it’s not the easiest fabric to press which may be a challenge for that type of garment.

Speaking of Dalston Mill has anyone here used their lucky dip bundles? I have my eye on an 8 meter lucky dip denim bundle. I’m not too fussy about weights or shades. Just wondering what the quality of their fabrics is like (generally!)

I'm picturing that in a madras check silk @GnomeDePlume , although pattern matching might be a bit of a pain. Or even a second hand sari in heavy-ish silk, you could use the sari border for the bottom of the coat and the bottom of the sleeves and save a lot of hemming. It's going to look stunning and striking.

@CrimsonAlligator I use Dalston Mills a lot. I have always been very happy both with their fabrics and service.

@BlackAmericanoNoSugar I can imagine a check might be a bit too much of a shock for DD (the bride) but I do like the idea of a border.

Thank you. I am gaining confidence with the suggestions.

@GnomeDePlume that will look stunning. I love the idea of velvet but would go for silk as I always manage to get hot and sweaty at events.

I have actually been pondering using the silk from my wedding dress. I never got round to having it dry cleaned so to my shame it has been sat in the wardrobe for 15 years and is far too dated for anyone to want it.

I usually use pound fabrics but might have a look at Dalston Mill too. I am after some cotton lawn to make a top.

So today , my DH wanted to have a bit of a tidy in the loft……I said to bring down any boxes of material/yarn that may have got left up there by accident from the last tidy up . Um …, down came a box of paper patterns. Most are useless for me now - I am a much bigger person . But I have salvaged a few that I can use for me , and my granddaughters, and I really cannot get rid of the wedding dress pattern that my DM made for me , and a couple of others . Just the odd box of material too . I cannot remember who up thread wanting a nightgown pattern , and they are probably not what is being looked for but if any of these are of use , I am happy to send- sizes 14and medium

Pics would help !

Um ….

Thanks for the info Gnome. 8 metres of mystery denim is now on its way to me! 😀