The Sewing Room

Savvy_sewing

mary-op wrote: »

Can I pick your brains please ?
I don't do a lot of sewing and it has to be done by hand as I don't have a machine. I'm thinking of getting one of those cheapy lightweight ones - it would be basic enough for what I'd want to do. Hand sewing does limit me and a little machine might make all the difference.
Has to be small and lightweight(very) as I have health problems that precent me lifting anything heavy.
I'd appreciate any suggestions as to where I might get one on-line (mobility problems prevent me going to the big shops that might sell them)
Thanks:)

The modern machines are now quite light.
I just bought my machine Super Jeans, Toyota Ergonomics, which is designed to sew through denim, (my bags I thought) and it does all the other bits and pieces. It came from the Craftsclub, on line.
It only weighs a few kgs. its so light that I can lift it with one hand, and I have trouble lifting a carton of milk at times.
It was £134 which is middle of the road, but I am really impressed with it.

There are loads of links to machines etc, but it seems that the small £50 John lewis ones etc, (similar shops sell them) seem to be a bit too basic, more for running repairs and small makes, and not robust enough to sew Quilts etc etc.

lauroar

Thanks Trixie and Tamster! I'll have a look at all your suggestions. I love burdastyle and I think my first attempt is going to be oonaballoon's 'double agent dress' that was the cover of the website last week...doesn't look tooooo difficult to start with.

I buy so many dresses from H&M/Topshop and think 'hmmmm this looks suspiciously like two dress-shaped pieces of fabric sewn together...' I'll let you know if I find it as simple of that!

Many thanks for the suggestions again.

ocemeer

Just bought a sewing machine, well one in SPain, it's got possibly too many functions to make me panic - its the one from lidl. Now just got to make two duvet covers and pillow cases and possibly a pair of curtains before the 22nd. A bit nervous as most of my sewing is a joint collaboration between me and my mum and she is not here.

Savvy_sewing

ocemeer wrote: »

Just bought a sewing machine, well one in SPain, it's got possibly too many functions to make me panic - its the one from lidl. Now just got to make two duvet covers and pillow cases and possibly a pair of curtains before the 22nd. A bit nervous as most of my sewing is a joint collaboration between me and my mum and she is not here.

You will be fine, just take it slowly. Work out what you want to do, and if in doubt tack it first. With lots of material Makesure that you are supporting the weight of the item either on the table beside you, or over your arm if necessary.
Remember if you are adding any fancy stitching etc to practise on a similar weight piece of fabric first and makesure that your bobin is full before you start so that you get continuous stitching.

It should not take long to do the curtains. If you have to join a seam through a pattern, it is easier to pin it together, right sides showing. Then lightly tack it in place before removing the pins and turning it over to sew. On adverage remember to allow for the amount of pattern repeat per pair of lengths plus approximately 7 to 10" more for each lenght for the hem and the header. Some curtaining fabrics will shrink when washed so its possible to wash on a wool or very similar wash before you start this will mean that any shrinkage is minimal and done before the curtains are made.

Hope that that will help you, and keep you calm.

trix-a-belle

lauroar wrote: »

Thanks Trixie and Tamster! I'll have a look at all your suggestions. I love burdastyle and I think my first attempt is going to be oonaballoon's 'double agent dress' that was the cover of the website last week...doesn't look tooooo difficult to start with.

I buy so many dresses from H&M/Topshop and think 'hmmmm this looks suspiciously like two dress-shaped pieces of fabric sewn together...' I'll let you know if I find it as simple of that!

Many thanks for the suggestions again.

Quite alright. I have a similar thought process with high street dresses at the moment ":eek: i'm not paying that I can do a better job myself for less!"
I also confess to ordering things from Asos because I like them but when they arrive & I find they have bits that just aren't nice in the overall scheme I take lots of pics & then plan to make a slightly altered one myself at a later stage
& there might be at least 1 top & skirt in my wardrobe that are due for deconstruction to be copied Jez I need some spare time to do all this lol

Good choice for a first project the double agent dress looks gorgeous, hmm might have to go hunt out some nice jersey for one like that at the weekend..

rufusdog52

Afternoon all

I have finished my chairs at last. There are some photos on my blog. I covered my footstool as well in the patterned fabric. I am having a well earned rest now for a few days.

Georgiabay

Wow rufusdog, there was a lot more work than I imagined, and you've done a great job. The footstool looks lovely against the rug.

Keiss_21

Fantastic work rufus, no wonder you need a rest!! Well done :T:T

pennib

Left a comment on your h'page. Well done on finishing and not giving up!

rufusdog52

Thank you ladies xx It was nice getting up this morning and seeing the dining room all tidy after the mess that's been in there for the last week or so.