Stitch and bitch #7. Hanging by a thread

Oh that’s disappointing @CrimsonAlligator It’s for that sort of disappointment I tend to order swatches first. CroftMill allows 5 free samples with each order and it’s a good system. If I’m ordering something from them that’s pretty standard, I add in 5 swatches of stuff where colour, texture, or weight might be important.

I missed Sewing Bee this evening but did manage to spoiler myself and see my favourite person has gone, sad times and slightly criminal if whatserface is still there who has been begging to go for weeks.

I've just caught up & I think the right person went last night.

I’m not watching sewing bee. 😳 I stopped when Sara Pascoe took over.

Made a TATB cleo in the needlecord in the end. This photo doesn't show up the lovely colours of the fabric as well but it was a ridiculously easy make.

It's beautifully sewn - I'm very proud of how nicely it's turned out. Sadly it's not hugely flattering in the end so may not get worn as often as I thought it might - I'm all boobs and bum and it doesn't show that I have actually got a waist in the middle somewhere!

I was hoping to see the person who left GBSB last night in the final so I was a bit disappointed but it was right they went.

@pastabest could you detach the bib and put a couple of narrow vertical darts under the bust to bring the bib sides in and echo your waist to accentuate it?

Its all one continous piece, the bib isnt a separate pattern piece. I think it would be too difficult to do even if it was due to the facings (which I have also bias bound and they are too beautiful to undo )

could you grade the seam smaller into the waist ( or would that mean you couldn't get them on ? ) Or unpick the seam at the waist and add a button opening on each side to nip in the waist ?

Lovely fabric @pastabest and beautiful sewing, I'm not surprised you are loathe to unpick it.

I've ordered some more fabric for another shirt but chickened out of the tapestry fabric. While I would love to make a coat in it I can't think of an occasion when I would wear it.

@pastabest you could sew a short channel of that bias flat on the inside of both hips with some elastic to draw it in a bit on the waist without restricting movement. Sort of like the button elastic does on school trousers.

Broke a needle today, sewed through my finger nail. It hurts!

Could I join you please?

Ouch, that sounds like something to avoid.

two questions from me:
I am finally back on my Atellier Scammit Declic top (freebie) and have cut it out of an old duvet cover to make sure I understand the pattern and actually want to make it before I spend ££ on fabric. It asks you to apply form tape interfacing to some edges. Is there an alternative to doing this or do I need to go and buy some?

Secondly I am doing another (4 week) course in a couple of weeks and want to choose a new pattern so wondered about your favourites. Something easy but perhaps something that teaches me a new skill, I am very much a beginner having completed 3 items. I am v short and quite round. Dresses don’t suit me, accentuating my middle so I like to break that area up. Trousers are hard to fit. A nice shaped neckline is always flattering on me - v / scoop / shaped. Any inspiration welcomed! Thanks.

Thanks @NutellaEllaElla , it looks tiny and hurts hugely! But it doesn’t need medical attention, just tea and sympathy, or maybe alcohol and chocolate!

Welcome @CarolynKnappShappy - of course! What do you like to sew?

@Chewbecca how about the York Pinafore by Helen’s Closet, with bound edges, it’s a personal favourite of mine.

Lots of lovely new people joining us - welcome!

Bob pants part 2 tomorrow. Then I might attempt to toile a jumpsuit.

Hello @CarolynKnappShappy!

I'm going to try and finish my toile of the Style Arc Richmond skirt.

Then I want to look at tops.

I'd suggest having a look at the Closet Core Nicks blouse, @Chewbecca but I am long in the body and low of boob (at 5'4) and have had to raise the neckline for it to not be indecent on me. It's a simple adjustment, though and a lesson in how a toile can work for you.

Thanks for the ideas.
I love the style of the pinafore and would love to wear it but suspect it would still show my expanse of midriff that I want to break up. I've already made dresses that I can't/ won't wear so no more!
I really love the Nick's blouse and the tunic version which have gathers and elastic - new to me. Perhaps I will buy the pdf and get it printed twice. Tracing off seems to take hours and comes with risks of errors!

has anyone made a dress by cutting a T-shirt shorter and attaching fabric to make a skirt? (my daughter has asked me to make her one)
I have fabric (gingham check) and a t-shirt - but would be grateful for tips

@Chewbecca I enjoyed making the Ballad blouse and there were a few new features I could have tried. I’ve made two of the gathered yoke versions now, one sleeveless in cotton lawn and one in viscose with flutter sleeves. It’s a useful wardrobe filler and I think it disguises my midriff fairly well.

It’s on my long list as a pattern to hack into a dress

Buttons 😱

Definitely very wearable. I really like the number and variety of models they show the blouse on, really gives you a good idea how it fits on different shapes.

Yes there are buttons but when I realised I could put it on over my head the second one (the one with flutter sleeves) has a fake button band 🤣