The Sewing Room

winniepooh

What can I make that's small and quilted for me to practice quilting by hand. I will do the top layer by machine

ScarlettOHara_2

winniepooh wrote: »

What can I make that's small and quilted for me to practice quilting by hand. I will do the top layer by machine

cushion cover?

ScarlettOHara_2

Born2save wrote: »

Hate to moan folks, but is it ureasonable to expect a "generous" cut from the roll when purchasing fabric? I've always been accustomed to receiving an extra allowance of 5-10cms to allow for crooked cutting or loose/fraying threads. A recent purchase from Dunelm Mill had been measured by the assistant and cut exactly to the metre line. On returning home it was apparent that the fabric had been cut slightly off at an angle and after "squaring" it up to get my pattern straight it became obvious that I would be short of 8cm. A complaint to Customer Service resulted in an apology and a gift voucher for £10 as well as reassurance that this would have been an error on the part of the assistant, as the staff are told to cut all fabrics generously. Armed with my voucher, on a second visit to the store with the intention of purchasing more of the same fabric it was surprising to hear the assistant explain that the staff are specifically directed to cut exactly to the metre or half metre so that they can easily calculate the length remaining on the roll :j
I don't want something for nothing but just a small allowance for human error in cutting. It's not certain whether this is just local management direction or the policy of Dunelm Mill. However, my intention is to avoid making any future purchases of fabrics in this store.

I'd be taking it back, it is stingy on their part unless they are very good at cutting!

ScarlettOHara_2

Born2save wrote: »

Hi there Sarah, just buy the best you can afford. Even the basic starter machines now offer a range of stitches and techniques for you to try when you become more adventurous :-) The modern machines have a threader attached. Have a look online at jaycotts.co.uk from Chester. Their prices are always very competitive and they frequently have special offers. Their recent innovation is a range of "Watch and Learn" sewing DVDs. Half price patterns are frequently available and their zips cost just a quarter of shop prices.They also sell threaders in case you have chosen a machine without one:-)
Good luck and have fun :-)

I love Jaycotts for zips - so much cheaper than in a standard store. I always stock up when I order something from them!

winniepooh

Just a quick question what brand of needles does everyone use?

Justamum

winniepooh wrote: »

Just a quick question what brand of needles does everyone use?

For hand sewing I use Milward. I've had them for years. I don't know if you can still get them. I bought some Pony ones a couple of years ago and they bent really easily, so I won't buy them again.

blossomhill_2

Born2save wrote: »

Hate to moan folks, but is it ureasonable to expect a "generous" cut from the roll when purchasing fabric? I've always been accustomed to receiving an extra allowance of 5-10cms to allow for crooked cutting or loose/fraying threads. A recent purchase from Dunelm Mill had been measured by the assistant and cut exactly to the metre line. On returning home it was apparent that the fabric had been cut slightly off at an angle and after "squaring" it up to get my pattern straight it became obvious that I would be short of 8cm. A complaint to Customer Service resulted in an apology and a gift voucher for £10 as well as reassurance that this would have been an error on the part of the assistant, as the staff are told to cut all fabrics generously. Armed with my voucher, on a second visit to the store with the intention of purchasing more of the same fabric it was surprising to hear the assistant explain that the staff are specifically directed to cut exactly to the metre or half metre so that they can easily calculate the length remaining on the roll :j
I don't want something for nothing but just a small allowance for human error in cutting. It's not certain whether this is just local management direction or the policy of Dunelm Mill. However, my intention is to avoid making any future purchases of fabrics in this store.

If you have paid for a metre and haven't received a metre then you have cause for complaint - as with any short measure of any product

There is a known risk (to the company) that their staff may not cut straight, so they may avoid this risk by telling staff to cut a little extra (baker's dozen principle) - especially with fabrics which fray etc - they could be reported for short measure (guessing it would be a Trading Standards issue)

Repeated short measure would indicate a poor practice, and a disregard for customers, who have the inconvenience of returning to the shop - a disgruntled customer could report them rather than return (I would for a "second offence")

You can't really ask them to cut extra but you can make sure they are aware that you will not take lightly being given less than you have paid for

A quick ask around on social media to check if other customers have had problems with short measure from this company may cause them to hastily retain their staff

Born2save_2

Many thanks Blossomhill for your very helpful reply. :T
Life is becoming pretty strange when the purchase of fabric for a hobby should have to invite confrontation with the retailer :eek:
The 4 metres of fabric at £15.99 per metre were purchased to make a couple of lamp shades and six large cushion covers; therefore it was crucial for the patterns to be kept straight.
Over many years of sewing I have never deemed it necessary to stand over the assistant whilst cutting my fabric, as this episode was a first for me but I will be more aware in the future;)
Dunelm Mill customers are obviously subsidising this company:mad:

kazd

Ok, really don't laugh.

I can sew on buttons but my son has just presented me with a coat which is lined. The buttons have been sewn on in what I call a toggle way. They have four holes and the stitching only goes through the top of the coat not the lining, the thread seems to be wrapped around the shank of the thread. Hope I am making myself clear here.

The problem I have is getting it tight enough to the coat so its not flapping all over the place. Help please.

rufusdog52

Kazd, usually with a coat the button are not pulled tight to the coat as the thickness of the coat would have to fit between the button and the fabric once the button has gone through the buttohole if you get me, therefore if its quite a thick fabric for the coat you leave the button with as much give as the thickness of the coat and then the thread is wrapped around the shank like you said to make it stronger.