Stitch and bitch thread #12. We’re in stitches!

[NutellaEllaElla]

Welcome and welcome back oldies and newbies!

Whatcha doin? What are your plans? I need some inspo. It's been a long time since i've approached my machine for various reasons.My favourite ever make has been a stretch dress, i'd wear it all the time if I could. I live in fear of the day I try to go to Barry's fabrics and it's gone. The Birmingham fabric scene is being decimated. What'll I do?!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie
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@PickAChew
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@Brefugee
@Twobluechickens
@Jins
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@Castlerigg
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@EricTheHalfASleeve
@Commontern

Yes, if you want to DM me your address I’ll post it to you. I can’t find the link for the instructions any more though so it’s just the pattern if that’s ok?

I hand sewed the binding on my Ayora jacket and really enjoyed the process, which surprised me as I too normally avoid any hand sewing unless absolutely necessary.

Third and final attempt at the Gaia tank with more success than I hoped for. It fits perfectly with no adjustments needed but the construction and sheer number of bindings make it doubtful that I’d rush to do it again. I made this version in a piece from my mystery box which has at least 60% stretch with good recovery but it’s still a bit puckered on the crossover bit. I think it would work well in athletic fabrics or maybe a sturdy cotton Lycra.

I’ve been sorting through patterns that I’ve had printed but haven’t made and there are some beauties that I really need to tackle. I’ve got the A0 sheets for the Madalena top that I had printed in the larger size (18-40) by mistake so if anyone wants them please let me know. I’ve put the LN patterns at the bottom of the pile for now as I’m not in the mood for the adjustments. Really need some semi smart trousers at this point so I guess I’ll be making some poppy pants as I’ve nailed the fit on them.

I used Savvy Sewist - they were the cheapest I could find for printing 2 A0 sheets. I have used plan printing, net printer and flamingo prints all mentioned above, they were more economical for printing a larger number of sheets. I also saw 1st for Fabrics print patterns too but they were a little bit more expensive for the 2 sheets, comparable with the others or even slightly cheaper when I put in more sheets (I ended up only wanting 1 pattern printed).

The green was lovely too! What pattern have you chosen for your sweatshirt?

My cardigan is a wave and wild one, never tried before but I have too many jumpers.

I am hoping to get 2, a cinnamon daisy fearne (it's a cardigan but she has a blog post with a sweatshirt tutorial) and possibly a tatb drew. However on my practice run yesterday I managed to get a pin stuck in my over locker which now needs a visit to the doctor! I'm so cross with myself! In the meantime I am pre washing fabric and going to work on some other projects. I like Waves and Wild patterns too.

On the woolly nylon topic, I’m still on alterations and have had a monster coverstitch session. I’ve used bulk 80S thread in the looper until now but I’ve just tried some Elastic Thread a friend got on AliExpress and it’s been amazing. No problems going over seams and no breakage. I’ve been looking for it elsewhere with no joy so may bite the bullet and get it from AliExpress as it has transformed my coverstitching. If anyone has seen it elsewhere can you let me know? I had very low expectations of it as it’s the weirdest stuff as it comes off the cone.

My alterations crate is overflowing. I’m going to try to get through it over the weekend and see what I’m left with before starting a new project.

edited to tidy link

I bought some Maraflex thread for hemming jersey t-shirts and it snapped after one wash. I wasn’t very impressed but it could be user error.

I have had a productive start to the weekend. I completed top B7002. First outing with pleats on a sleeve and it looks lovely. I also managed to tidy up my stash (yes I officially have a stash) and have planned out the next few projects.

I think I am almost at the stage where I can start to make clothes for myself, that look professionally made. I am chuffed. I really want to start looking into designing my own garments/drafting patterns. Can anyone recommend any good YouTube videos, there are so many and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the choice.

Hi, I'm looking for inspiration for this fabric. It is velvet (i think), but quite stiff rather than soft. I'm a relatively new sewer so nothing nothing too challenging!

That would probably work best as a cushion cover or a bag.

I’d go with @PickAChew’s suggestion. My imagination only extends as far as lightweight drapey fabrics.

My pattern and fabric purchasing ban is going well and I’ve even got plans for some of the more challenging fabrics from my mystery boxes so I’m feeling pretty good. I’m just trying to work through projects that need white thread at the moment to avoid rethreading the overlocker and coverstitch. I think I’m probably nearing the end. Today I’m planning on making a jumpsuit out of a top I made last year and the leftover fabric that’s hung around for too long. I’m just debating whether to put a short split at the back with a button fastener at the top or go the whole hog and split the front and put a buttonhole placket in. I’ll have to do a buttonhole test as it’s fairly flimsy stretch fabric.

Stiff fabrics are tricky to use in clothing - I'd try cushion covers, a tote bag or if I was feeling really keen - maybe a kind of jacket where I could exploit the strength of the fabric? Perhaps something like a short kimono style or a tailored chanel type shape.

@Jins - buttonholes, up the front, in a soft fabric? Sounds tit-flashing-dangerous to me!

I had some similar fabric. I made some cushion covers and a zippered box pouch (for cosmetics)

@kittykarate you are right!

The solution was so easy I’m ashamed of myself. I made a deeper scoop at the back and it all works as it should. I’m quite pleased with the end result.

Another remnant gone from the stash and another garment that is now wearable.

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions for the stiff fabric. I've been reading them all and appreciate every one. I think I will start with a bag, possibly a japanese knot bag, maybe a glasses case and a cosmetic bag as suggested. I'd love a jacket but that is WAY beyond my capabilities!

You need a fairly pliable fabric for a Japanese knot bag, particularly if you want it to be reversible.

Ah ok, I'll rethink the bag style thanks!

Here you are, I lost you all! Sorry cant remember my username on the last thread.
I'm working my way through my knighton mystery box, and trying not to order another one...just yet😁

So far I have made 3 sleeveless jumpsuits, one drop sleeve loose t-shirt, a hat and a vest top. All loungewear as I'm still working out designs for things. I hope to make some 'proper' clothes soon😁
I also want to make some floor length flowing gowns/dressing gowns for wafting around indoors.

I went into the craft shop for elastic. Accidentally bought 2.5m of something lightweight and drape-y, dark red with a small floral print, that will be nice for a summer skirt, and 1m of a patterned pink quilting fabric. Both were from the offcuts & end pieces sale section, so it’s allowed.

I concur @Castlerigg If it was on sale or deadstock I am helping the planet kinda, right.

😂

Meh - my attempted swimsuit didn't work, god knows what I did with it, but the arse was indecent!