Stitch and bitch thread #11. Where the puns are only sew-sew

[NutellaEllaElla]

For sewists old and new. Join the fun, let us know what you're working on.
I apologise for not having been around at all. I've been away all footloose and fancy free but now i'm back and have NO NEED TO BUY NEW FABRIC. I must use what I have.

@PickAChew
@Hiddendoor
@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie
@OperationalSupport
@Daffyyellow
@ShoAndSew
@kittykarate
@RainbowWife
@GnomeDePlume
@Twobluechickens
@123ZYX
@BlackAmericanoNoSugar
@CrimsonAlligator
@Just4thisthreadtoday
@Frumpyunicorn
@Jins
@Lifesingflowers
@Yalz
@sewsewsewyourboat
@bookbook
@YellowAsteroid
@MarmiteWine
@Castlerigg
@IDareSay
@NotMeNoNo
@Toyotatallula
@Crispynoodle
@Hiddendoor
@Rosenspants
@TashaTudor
@InMySpareTime
@Isabelle70
@SpryCat
@Funnelfa
@OperationalSupport
@ChoccyJules
@Mygreyhair
@Marcipex
@DiggoryVenn
@ClearHoldBuild
@50IsTheNew21
@Heavybuthopeful
@HollyBerryz
@Chuchoter
@Placemats
@TorturedParentsDepartment
@PrincessDonut
@Shirtyllama

That’s really kind of you. I look a fright in most hats but I will measure my head tomorrow and get back to you, if you don’t mind. I like to think I could look like Keira Knightley in a baker boy ‘at, but the reality falls very far short.

Not sewing from scratch but I have a bias linen skirt that needs shortening. It has a rolled hem I think it’s called and I have the sewing foot to do that. But maybe I should shorten from the waist? Chop the top off and reattach the elastic? The hem of the skirt sits nicely and has a swish to it.
taking it off at the waist might make the waist too large?

@Isabelle70You would have a greater volume of fabric at the waist, so you’d have to reduce this in some way - either put in darts (presumably there already are some, but you’ll be cutting them off), or gather it. If you’re shortening it a lot, it might affect the swishiness because it’ll be more gathered.

@Castlerigg Love that hat!

So, my first real experience sewing with stretch/knits...thought it was about time to be brave and give it a go. Made a Thread Theory Sayward raglan tee for DH (who has pointedly commented that I have never made him anything...this is true...my excuse being that tailoring is beyond my current skill set..). Anyway I am glad to have done it. There's a small pucker in the front neck band seam which is irritating but I can't be bothered to unpick so I said to wear it as a PJ top instead. I used stretch bamboo and now realise that the pattern said to use 20% stretch and this was 50% so I'd like to try again with an easier fabric...the pattern suggests French terry... I had to use zig zag stitch as I don't have an overlocker but found it fine...lovely not to have frayed fibres all over the place and I feel I've broken through my knit fear now. Still prefer nice crisp cottons though...

@Castleriggno darts at all just on the bias. I do wonder if I get a smaller size, cut off the top so the wider point would be at my waist. That should work and least the waist area will be covered rather than me making a mess of the hem. I will see if I can get a smaller size before I get a scissors out!

I made a T-shirt for DS today. The orange was a sun-damaged remnant, and black trim is salvaged from a pair of DD’s leggings that had a hole in. I managed to avoid the faded patch of orange fabric, and I’ll use that to attempt to sew some knickers, just because I fancy making some and I’ve never done it. DS likes his shirt, and I’m pleased with it.

Should have said, the T-shirt pattern was the free “Anything but basic” children’s tee, from Do It Better Yourself club. Comes in multiple sizes, but they come up small. I did the largest (12 yo) for DS, who is only 11 and quite small for his age. I kept looking at the pieces doubtfully, but couldn’t cut it any bigger without using the discoloured parts of the fabric. It’s ok as it is, but I’d have liked it a bit bigger. Plus I think the neck is a bit small / high at the front. DS said it was comfortable though.

Sorry for the delay. Just measured and I was 21.3, so suspect it won't fit me any better than it does you. I wonder if it would be worth you wearing it for an hour around the house (whilst singing songs from 'Oliver' for full impact) and seeing if it stretches a bit to fit you more comfortably? It's such a beauty and such a shame if you can't get to enjoy the fruits of your labours.

You might be right @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie. We might be miniscule-head-twins. But not quite minuscule enough for the ‘at. Maybe I’ll try the Oliver songs and see if it makes a difference. I’ll report back. In all seriousness, perhaps a steam and a stretch might do the trick. Worth a go.

Good luck!

Tilly has a new skirt pattern out, which I’ve just ordered. It feels a bit extravagant because it’s just a simple tiered midi, but I’m interested to see the pattern pieces, which I think are shaped rather than just rectangles. I thought I’d try to rustle a couple up for my summer holidays.

Not so sure that's shaped pieces. More likely to be wonky printing. So many prints with an obvious horizontal are printed off grain, simply due to the way the fabric pulls through as it's printed.

This was the worst ever for me. I never did finish making it up, despite my best efforts at cutting it so it looked reasonably symmetrical. I have plans to turn it into a lining. The strip down the middle of the yoke was an attempt to disguise the wonkiness but I just knew and couldn't carry on.

Hello, I recently dug my sewing machine out of the cupboard and am trying to learn to actually use it and not be scared of it, lol. I've made a bunch of hair scrunchies, a zipped case for my sewing bits (scissors, etc), some quilted mats for the kitchen, and a drawstring PE bag for my son. Planning to make some PJs for myself from an old duvet cover soon.

I've been watching some of Evelyn Wood's YouTube videos and picked up some good tips. Any other YouTube channels you'd recommend?

Ooh other sewers :) I’ve been sewing an entire 50s summer wardrobe since Christmas (plus pieces for my husband and son). I have 15 days to go until our holiday and my living room looks like a sweat shop every evening 😂

Currently I have made:

1 x bra top and skirt (made out of an old dress)
1 x circle skirt
2 x blouse
1 x top and tiered skirt
1 x play suit and skirt
2 x linen shorts with button fly and pockets
1 x wrap top
1 x jersey top
2 x men’s polo shirts
2 x boy’s polo shirts
2 x boy’s shorts

In production:

1 x top and button skirt

There are also a few skirts from 2023 that need elongating and I think unfortunately I’ll run out of time to repair my favourite dress 😭

I made this for my FIL for getting things out of the oven. Yes, it’s pretty wonky but it’ll get the job done. He has nerve damage in his fingers so can’t get on with oven gloves.
The fabric is a vintage cotton from MILs fabric stash, she now has dementia so I hope the fabric triggers some memories for her.

Oh well. If it’s just rectangles, I’ve wasted my money, but I know a few people who want to try dressmaking for the first time, so I should be able to find a home for it.

Hi everyone, and thanks for the new thread @NutellaEllaElla

I have done quite a bit of sewing lately, I made 2 peppermint pocket skirts in some cheap linen, and some dungarees for my daughter. I also made a skirt similar to the new Tilly release for my eldest daughter. I am too tight to pay for a pattern for a tiered skirt so winged it a bit but it looks good on her.

I love the hat @Castlerigg I hope you manage to get it to fit!

I have just bought the Ashton top in the Helens Closet sale so as soon as that arrives I want to make some up using remnants from other projects as I really need some basics tops, and also trying to fit in making some pyjamas

love the (especially because it is a bit wonky, it was made with love) pot holder.

I paid a quick visit to my (closing down, boo hoo) fabric outlet place yesterday and bought 100 euros worth of fabric (but paid 49) and some overlocker spools (may go back for more of those now i seem to be able to thread it properly first time). Because i am clearly too old to employ (shame on all those employers trumpeting how inclusive and diverse they are) i have also bought some upholstery fabric and will make some tote bags, and get on with all the make up wipes, face washing cloths, drawstring rucksacks and gift bags, and when i have some stock will try to sell them. (anyone got any ideas the best way to do that?)

But good news for me: the fabric outlet is being taken over by someone else, so it will still sell fabric. Will check it out.

In the meantime: does anyone know a good pattern for wide-legged drawstring or elasticated waist trousers? i have some nice pinstripe viscose which would be perfect for those.

btw, anyone know when the Sewing Bee will start this year?

August 😕

https://bbc.originals.watch/media/32725/the-great-british-sewing-bee/season/11

The Sienna pants by closet Core have a wide leg option, @brefugeeor for a more budget friendly option, there is the Helen's Closet sale with a couple of possible options.

thanks, @PickAChew (i don't know why i didn't just look for myself). But sooooo late in the year. Boooo.

also thanks for the recs, I'll have a look

I was wondering about Sewing Bee myself, was trying to find out the other day. What’s Patrick playing at? I’m reading his book, FFS, the least he could do is put Sewing Bee on a bit sooner!

I spent the whole of last weekend shortening my niece's wedding dress and putting horsehair braid into the hem. This involved turning it inside out through a side seam about 15 times and putting it on and off the mannequin about 20 times, but we got there in the end. I now need to hack a bridesmaids dress out of several smaller ones, but I do have a pattern for that.

Now the weather has gone hot I feel I need linen trousers NOW so have downloaded the Closet Core Sepia pants, hoping they are not too clown -baggy. (Edit @Brefugee these are a drawstring pant with a barrel or wide leg option)

yes, i have been looking at those trousers too - i kind of like the paper-bag waistband.

The bee is coming back in August.