The Sewing Room

rufusdog52

Thats a result about the nets Mooloo. The tops I made were really easy to make. I had a top that I used as a pattern to aprrox cut out the shapes. The two sleeves are just rectangles. They are about 9 inches wide by about 20 inches long. The top itself is a bit like a rectangle that would fit from approx where you bra strap joins to your bra at the front down to the length you want. Then cut the corners off in a sort of slant so that they measure 9 inches as well and then curve the middle bit slightly for the neck. Both back and front are the same shape. The width has to be a bit wider than your hip measurement or more fuller if you want. Then join the 9 inch bits all round (raglan style) and sew up the side seams. Then finish off the rough edges round neck and sleeves ( I just zizagged over the edges in matching colour) and sew a small hem. Then sew some elastic to the back of the neck and sleeves pulling it as you go. The elastic has to fit round your arms at the top and the big bit for the neck has to fit around your neck and down a bit front and back. I sewed elastic on using a stitch on my sewing machine that looked like a ladder. Dont know what it was called but it sort of encased the elastic both sides.

cptkwoman

flossie217 wrote: »

I didn't know that the machine is a discontinued model but I suppose that might explain why SMD sell it under their own name. That makes sense now you've pointed that out. I would have thought that spares would still be available but don't really know to be honest. I just assumed that the same basic bits and bobs would be used in several models with additional parts for higher spec machines.
As to the price, I am sure that all the machines are more expensive now. Price negotiation? Well you could ask, you might be in a better position seeing as it a model exclusive to them. The free gift they give is fantastic though. Don't forget to buy some extra bobbins as you never have enough.

Hi Flossie, I just wanted to say thank you again for your guidance - I have finally bit the bullet and my Janome 5124 arrived yesterday!! Really pleased with it - it's much heftier than I expected, but am actually really glad about that, as it gives me confidence that I can throw anything at it and it won't jump around the table. Now I need to spend a good wadge of time learning how to use it properly.... oh, what a hard life

SMD said it is still a current model - it's just that their exclusive deal means it isn't really on the radar elsewhere, so spare parts etc all still available. No extra deals available, but the free gift is great!

Thanks again for your help. Happy sewing!

Savvy_sewing

I will have a go Rugusdog. I have so many bits of fabrics that are more suited to clothes then my bags for a start.!

My creative juices are rushing around, its now finding the energy/time to get there and create!.

Have decided that I will sabotage my wardrobe canvas cover and extend the fabric for the curtains for DGD. Will start on Thursday.
So close to getting her into her room, frustrated that i have to pace myself. Oh well.

Savvy_sewing

p.s. Not only was I given the nets this afternoon, she also gave me the rods. So all I need now are the sticky on hooks for the window frames and I am up and running. Yipee.

rufusdog52

Thats good then Mooloo about the rods.

We have been given one of those canvas wardrobes. OH put it up in the loft still in the box as we dont really need it in any of the rooms. Its never been used so I might ask him to salvage the canvas out of it and see if I can use it for making things.

sammyw

Hi

I'm looking for some advice about making a quilt or quillow. I've not had any experience of this, but would like to make one for my daughter for her to take to uni - that's the theory anyway lol!
I was given some hexagons of material (already on a template) and stitched them together ok but I'm not sure where to start on a quilt lol.
I've looked about online but can't really find clear guidance. Any suggestions or websites or books to start me off?

Justamum

sammyw wrote: »

Hi

I'm looking for some advice about making a quilt or quillow. I've not had any experience of this, but would like to make one for my daughter for her to take to uni - that's the theory anyway lol!
I was given some hexagons of material (already on a template) and stitched them together ok but I'm not sure where to start on a quilt lol.
I've looked about online but can't really find clear guidance. Any suggestions or websites or books to start me off?

Have you tried on youtube? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVxgcJsOL-Y

Savvy_sewing

Rufusdog, there is a lot of fabric in those covers. I had the covers from one of BF's daughters wardrobe. I have made bags to hold DGD's toys in. Duffle bag style, and used the fabric in my purses, handbags etc. alas there is not enough left for the curtains or I would have used it. (Its a pink one), but mine are cream, and the background fabric for DGD's curtains is cream, with cupcakes. Harlequin - what a hoot- cupcakes. But at £45 ish a metre I cannot afford to buy more, when I can make the canvas wardrobe curtain bits do!. Too frugal to spend that money anymore. It was a moment of madness when I bought the curtain fabric originally.

I just made a deal with Biggest of Mooloo's Motherinlaw(tobe) to do some embroidery on fabrics for me, before I make them up into clothes for DGD etc. and I will turn up her Jeans etc on my Jeans machine! inspiration came to me this afternoon, when my daughter mentioned that she had a machine and didnt use it much. So I chatted to her on facebook. This will help me, if I can commission her to do some of the embroidery before I make something, it will make my ability to meet the demanding market if I choose to work at turning my hobby into a proper paying business when dGD goes to school in september.

rufusdog52

Good idea Mooloo. I would love one of those machines that does embroidery especially like the kind Child has been doing on her cushions

kirstysmudge88

As a beginner wanting to start the 'sewing' craze, what would be the best sewing machine to start off with?

TIA
Kirsty