The Sewing Room

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Mooloo wrote: »

I am going to TRY to
Make at least one thing Everyday of 2013.

Wow Mooloo, this is quite a commitment to attempt! I can highly recommend a lanyard or keyring tab for days when you're short on time! (I'm sure it's not cheating!)

Mamjak

blossomhill wrote: »

Hello
I am new to the sewing thread, have a question for you (have tried searching but no hits) - is it possible to machine sew a cushion cover with one side fleece and one side cotton? I was wondering because the fleece is quite stretchy
Thanks in anticipation
BH

You can do it and as other poster said make sure you pin well and dont drag it through machine. Also I would put cotton on bottom and fleece on top so the teeth dont grab the more stretchy fleece.

blossomhill_2

Another question - I have a book of fabric samples - anyone got a tip for getting the backing paper off? - I have tried soaking in plain water and the paper comes off but leaves the glue

amy1511

Hi

Although not new to crafting I'm new to the World of sewing machines, I want to try with making a patchwork quilt and a few bits like peter bags etc but I don't know where to start with sewing machine. Ideally don't want to spend over £100. Saw a janome de1800 in Dunham for £95 that had 43 stitches and think it said it could do various different other bits but can't find info on it online anywhere.

If anyone could help that would be great thanks

Keiss_21

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice wrote: »

Hi Everyone... I got some lovely sewing-related Christmas presents which has renewed my enthusiasm and made me more determined to make time of this hobby.

Attempting to follow my resolution to use up some fabric scraps here's what I made during some indulgent sewing time yesterday:
....
A new key ring tab and loyalty card holder. For years I've kept my needles on a scrap of fabric in my sewing box - now I have a needle book. I immediately regretted not making extra 'pages' for it though!

Today's list includes a belt to replace the one on my coat (it's a bit cheap looking so hoping to rectify that with a home made one), a lanyard or two for work, repair the hole in the fitted sheet for the guest bed and take a skirt up. On the subject of the skirt, it's stretch jersey - not a fabric I've worked with before so I'll be doing some trial and error sewing with the strip I cut off. I have a round needle for my machine or pointy twin needle - which is best for hemming? Would a walking foot help? Any other tips? I have the widely reported jersey fear!

With stretchy material, use the ball-point needle, it pushes the fabric threads apart rather than piercing them as they will tear easily and create ladders (like in tights). Well done on all your lovely makes already!!! Best to try out how the walking foot will work...it may be fine...or not, it just depends on the material

Savvy_sewing

Well the Kindle cover was made yesterday, and then I made the iphone a cover, that has a pocket on the back, (got a loyalty card thingy in it at the moment), with a swivel clip too.
I have posted the pictures on my blog. See my homepage.

Something else that I should be doing more regularly is the blog!. I had neglected it since August for heaven sake!.
Which also reminds me that the website needs sorting out next. eek. more commitment needed.
I followed the pattern from the Craftseller today, but I didnt really have wide enough bias binding, but as its only for me, and not for sale it will do until I have time to do anything else.
I do have another one, that I was sewing alongside, so if time is a limit tomorrow then I can always finish that one.

Mamjak

amy1511 wrote: »

Hi

Although not new to crafting I'm new to the World of sewing machines, I want to try with making a patchwork quilt and a few bits like peter bags etc but I don't know where to start with sewing machine. Ideally don't want to spend over £100. Saw a janome de1800 in Dunham for £95 that had 43 stitches and think it said it could do various different other bits but can't find info on it online anywhere.

If anyone could help that would be great thanks

Janome are a good make. As you are new to it you'll be fine to go for something like this as to begin with you will probably only use few stitches and you dont want anything too complicated with a massive instruction book to wade through. Remember our grans made lovely clothes on a push pedal machine with one stitch!!

I have been sewing for donkey's years but only just going to attempt a patchwork quilt so I wouldn't make that my first project :eek: Very fiddly making sure the edges meet neatly.

The obvious things like cushion covers etc are best, that's what I've started my children on, and then progress to simple dressmaking patterns - there are loads on line and they will say 'easy' or 'simple' on them. Something small will give you a wonderful sense of satisfaction and a buzz to carry on.
Good luck

Keiss_21

amy1511 wrote: »

Hi

Although not new to crafting I'm new to the World of sewing machines, I want to try with making a patchwork quilt and a few bits like peter bags etc but I don't know where to start with sewing machine. Ideally don't want to spend over £100. Saw a janome de1800 in Dunham for £95 that had 43 stitches and think it said it could do various different other bits but can't find info on it online anywhere.

If anyone could help that would be great thanks

I work in a sewing machine shop, where we are dealers for both Janome and Bernina. It has been a pretty busy few months, with us selling out of many models, and even the UK suppliers running short!!

Janome are a good make with a wide range of prices. I've not come across the DE1800 before (only been at the shop 8 months) but there is a Janome 2050 at £99, with 14 different stitches and a four step button-hole feature. If you want a variable stitch-width as well as length, you'll be looking at the J3-24 (24 stitches) at £189 (was £20 less in sale Sept-Dec). There are a couple of others in the J3 series: the J3-18 at £139 (18 stitches) and the J3-20 at £169 (20 stitches), but these don't have a variable stitch-width. We have managed to sell out of all of these models over December, here's hoping for a new delivery soon!!!
Have a look here and here for piccies and further info on the Janomes. I would recommend visiting a shop where you can see the machines for yourself and actually have a go at sewing with a few of them...it's the best way to decide!!

Good luck in your sewing machine search.

mrsmumbles

blossomhill wrote: »

Another question - I have a book of fabric samples - anyone got a tip for getting the backing paper off? - I have tried soaking in plain water and the paper comes off but leaves the glue

Hi there
I can help with this - I had a great day three months ago where I got loads of fabric samples with that backing paper. If you iron the masking tape backing, it lifts off. problem is it leaves a gummy mark, so then you need to wash it. I ended up making some funky tote bags and cushions with mine - I did have to cut into the pattern a little, but it looked quite edgy! Also, if you go for the 'cannot be faffed to wash the fabric so i'm just going to trim it down' route, you can cut the tape off with pinking shears and..hey presto - you have a lovely fabric covered bookmark! I fabric backed mine and gave some away as extra pressie in books this xmas..:D

mrsmumbles

Mooloo wrote: »

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

I have made a kindle cover today, as I was lucky enough to be given one for Christmas.
I will post a picture when I learn how to get it off the phone onto the computer.
I am going to TRY to
Make at least one thing Everyday of 2013.
Today making the kindle cover is the first.

My golly! I have nothing but admiration - how do you manage to work so fast?! I spent three hours today on a single solitary tote bag. And I stuffed the last bit up with a wonky seam!