Stitch and bitch thread #10. There’s a pattern here

[NutellaEllaElla]

Time for a new thread as the weather starts to turn.
Welcome back oldies and come on in newbies!

@Brefugee
@PickAChew
@BlackAmericanoNoSugar
@Bookbook
@Allthegoodnamestakken
@SewingBees
@Twobluechickens
@kittykarate
@Jins
@Chewbecca
@CrimsonAlligator
@InMySpareTime
@MeAgainAndAgain
@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie
@Rosenspants
@OperationalSupport
@Twobluechickens
@Frumpyunicorn
@Hiddendoor
@PrincessofWells
@Isabelle70
@Daffyyellow
@Sewliketosew
@Lifesingflowers
@123ZYX
@Faffadoodledo
@MorriganManor
@GnomeDePlume
@Isabelle70
@DiggoryVenn
@Wilma55
@ZebraD
@Frankincenseandoranges
@Catnipcupcakes
@Tinuviel
@Karatema
@Nameohnameohname
@Outandabout43
@Thesugarbumfairy
@DuchessNope
@ShoAndSew
@Notthatcatagain
@Spaceman101
@Karatema
@Twwodoorsaway

And yes those trousers look great - fab fabric!

@YellowAsteroid I did an online tailoring course earlier this year and have been upping my ironing game since then. I can definitely recommend a tailor’s ham. I use it for pressing any seam that isn’t straight, so it’s used for pretty much all my sewing projects. I’m planning to make a tailor’s sausage next. Not quite as versatile as a ham, but good for pressing trouser seams.

I was a little bit sceptical about the clapper, but now that I have one I’m totally convinced of its usefulness for wool fabrics and reducing bulky seams. I haven’t tried it on anything else yet, but I’m sure it will have other uses. Mine is a Milward one, which I got from Minerva.

Sewing wise, I really like the wonder clips that are popular with quilters. Fabric just doesn’t seem to shift at all.

I’m also still looking for that perfect marking tool….

My tailor’s ham and sleeve ham get a lot of use, partly because my ironing board is crap. I don’t have a clapper but would invest in one if I sewed with wool more.

I have a ham but rarely use it. I'd get a sleeve board if I ever get back into making clothes though.

I got a clapper to help with bulky quilting seams - absolute game-changer

I have a ham, and do find it useful (also good for ironing completed clothing sometimes too).

In terms of marking I like the purple invisible quilting pens ( https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/sew-easy-vanishing-fine-line-fabric-marker/5928231000.html this type of thing), though if you mark it then leave it too long your marks will have vanished. For dark fabrics I use tailors chalk - I’m interested to hear if anyone recommends the fine line chalk markers?

I tried clips but prefer pins for seams, though I find clips are handy for keeping things together after cutting before sewing.

Oh, and not much sewing has happened recently with family birthdays and events, but I have managed to make 6 matching tops for my kids and their cousins (only 5 in the photo).

I'm still looking for the perfect solution to mark black material. Really happy with crayola washable pens for marking on colours as I haven't had a washout fail yet (though I haven't tried other brands - stuck to the biggest name).

On one of the sewing groups I've been on they rave about the Clover Chaco Pencil that has the chalk dust in the handle and a rollerball. I haven't tried it myself, as it is, I'm still just licking the corner of my tailors chalk to get a good line.

@YellowAsteroid I'm interested to know which trouser fitting course you did. I'm looking for one which doesn't disregard plus size patterns.

@twobluechickens thank you x

Haven’t left the house today (in amber warning for storm Darragh) and have a cold so decided to dedicate the day to cutting out both patterns and fabric so I have plenty to keep me occupied during the Christmas break.

What patterns are you working on @twobluechickens ?

After my success with the Mitchell trousers, I thought I’d revisit the Morgan jeans. I made it to 5 toiles last time, all with the same fit issues in the back. Today’s efforts got me no further. I’m starting to run out of things to try!

I cut out the I Am Sunshine jeans (and adjusted the fly for a longer zip, probably 7”) and also the pattern for the Heidi pants jeans - going to toile those first although I think they should be easier to fit as they have patch pockets. Going to swap the button fly for a zip fly (lord knows I don’t need any extra bulk).

I didn’t get on with the Morgans and have since given both pairs away. I think I just prefer stretch jeans!

The Morgans are definitely challenging to fit, or at least they are for me.

I’ve ordered a book on fitting. I refuse to be defeated, but may start a different pattern while I wait for the book to arrive 😂

One issue I've had with jeans is that the legs seem to be angled all wrong, by the time I've made the adjustments I need. I definitely need to start from scratch and make sure the outer hip curve is straight enough, first. I think I need to re-visit the ginger jeans because they would have been OK if I hadn't made them too small!

I'm wary of chalk on dark fabrics because it doesn't always come out. Some people swear by a slither of soap. IME it doesn't leave the strongest mark but at least it does wash out.

I use a Prym version of that. Handy in Germany because you usually have to add seam allowance and they come with a spacer too.

Just lost my job so pretty depressed about that. OTOH I have more time for Christmas sewing. Bought my first jelly roll (then halved the width so I could play with Log Cabin blocks) and made a cushion cover 😁

That's a very festive looking cushion. I'm sorry about your job, @ShoAndSew

That's a great cushion cover @ShoAndSew , I'm really sorry to hear about your job.

Sorry to hear your job woes @ShoAndSew but that is a beautiful cushion!

I’m off out to the last sewing social of the year tonight. Cut out some viscose jersey for a pyjama top to run up on the overlocker. Slippery stuff!

Oh, that is shit about your job@ShoAndSew. I’m glad the thought of having some extra sewing time is lifting your spirits a bit, but it’s still rubbish 😔

I think you’re on to something @PickAChew re. the balance of the pattern. I’ve made so many changes that I don’t see how it could possibly still be balanced.

I’ll get back to the Morgans sometime soon, but for now I’ve moved on to the Grainline Farrow. I’m planning to make it out of denim - if I can’t make jeans, I’ll just make myself a denim dress!

Sorry about your job @ShoAndSew. Rottten news 😢

I’m making DH an undershirt for his cut down wetsuit. I’m using a viscose lycra that claims to be good at wicking. It’s slippery stuff and the coverstitch doesn’t like it at all. I’ve had to repair a couple of holes already where it’s been chewed.

Hello all, I disappeared for a long while as sadly I lost my machine but I have been given a very very old one that is somewhat working so have been trying to get into the sewing mojo again until I can replace my lost one. Have been finishing quilts off as christmas gifts and ordered myself some pretty fabric to make myself a couple of tops.

Glad you have managed to get a machine to tide you over @sewsewsewyourboat (great user name!)

Thanks all for the commiserations, trying to stay upbeat but it's hard at 61....

I’m so sorry to hear about your job @ShoAndSew

No dressmaking here. I’ve made a few small Christmas gifts but nothing worth posting photos of.

Ah @ShoAndSew that’s tough, hope you get sorted soon.

Last night I sewed up the Juno PJ bottoms, having added an inch at the top to make them natural waist, after watching a couple of adjustment videos recommended on here. Thanks people!

Then I only had wider elastic than required so panicked they may once again sit too low but they are fine. Very chuffed.

DH laughed at my excellent end of line fabric (it’s quite 70s) but I don’t care.
Will probably post a pic when I get round to making the top.

I’ve made a pair of Style Arc Albie trousers but I should have done a toile! I need about 1.5 cm off the back rise.
Is there any solution now they are made which doesn’t involve unpicking?!