The Sewing Room

geekgirl

belowtheline2013 wrote: »

Oh no, had an accident :-( Managed to snap off the little holder for the spool on top of the sewing machine. Can't find a spare part. It's just the pole that sits inside the spool. Any ideas where I can find a spare part? It's my mother-in-laws sewing machine. It's a Toyota Classic.

You could try something else, for instance I got some twister type lollies for the grandchildren from sainsbury's. They had round dowel type lolly sticks. or take it to somewhere local that sells dowel and see if they have some a similar size.

homealone_2

I own a sewing machine and on a good day can figure out what goes where, have only made a skirt so far but that was under close supervision. what I need to know is how easy or should I say difficult would it be to turn, my at least 8 pairs of brand new of trousers from a size 22 to a size 18. most of them are the 3/4 length linen wide leg flat front (best description I can give) I did pop in to a shop with a sign in window offering clothes alteration and popped in to find out they would charge £10 per pair. now although the majority of them have a £25 tag hanging off them, it is doubtful I would have paid more than £10 myself for them. I live in central London so not the sort of place where you find dinky little cards in sweet shops offering these kind of services. so back to original question, am I going to be able to alter these trousers or not?

ukmaggie45

homealone wrote: »

I own a sewing machine and on a good day can figure out what goes where, have only made a skirt so far but that was under close supervision. what I need to know is how easy or should I say difficult would it be to turn, my at least 8 pairs of brand new of trousers from a size 22 to a size 18. most of them are the 3/4 length linen wide leg flat front (best description I can give)

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to alter them, what kind of waist band do they have? You might need to take the waistband off to alter them. Is the zip at the side if they're flat fronted? If so you'll prob need to take it out and replace in the smaller size. Any darts, where? Or maybe you could post a photo so we can see how they're constructed better. That way we might be able to offer more suitable ideas!

Good luck anyway, if you've got 8 pairs you could always experiment with your least favourite and see how you go! :cool:

rufusdog52

homealone wrote: »

I own a sewing machine and on a good day can figure out what goes where, have only made a skirt so far but that was under close supervision. what I need to know is how easy or should I say difficult would it be to turn, my at least 8 pairs of brand new of trousers from a size 22 to a size 18. most of them are the 3/4 length linen wide leg flat front (best description I can give) I did pop in to a shop with a sign in window offering clothes alteration and popped in to find out they would charge £10 per pair. now although the majority of them have a £25 tag hanging off them, it is doubtful I would have paid more than £10 myself for them. I live in central London so not the sort of place where you find dinky little cards in sweet shops offering these kind of services. so back to original question, am I going to be able to alter these trousers or not?

I have just done this, my sister gave me some size 24 which I used to be but I have been dieting for over a year and now a 16 so had quite a bit to take off. My ones didnt have a zip, they had elastic back and I just turned them all inside out, got a pair of trousers that fit me (jeans) and laid them over one side. You will see that you need to take in quite a bit down the sides and also a bit from the crutch (so it dont end up hanging down your legs lol). Make sure the side seams are nice and straight. Dont go too small first time, you can always take the sides in a tiny bit more but you cant put it back on again. If you have a large stitch on your machine then you could do it with this stitch first and then try them on. Then sew over the with a smaller stitch if ok.

rufusdog52

Havent been around on here for a while as the email notifications have not been coming so I have missed a load of posts. Been so busy that I didnt notice them missing till one came yesterday in my inbox. I will try to catch up over the next few days but got so much to do. Have two craft fairs coming up next month, one is a big one where I am out in a field with a gazebo and been told I can have three tables in a U shape so have been trying to make some new cushions to fill up the tables a bit. Also my youngest is 18 next month and having a Hollywood style party. Didnt know what to wear but OH has a tux so thought if I can get a long dress would be fine. Found one in the charity shop the other day but it was a size 24 but it was so lovely, like a proper ball gown, dark red taffeta, fully lined. Just had to buy it, undid the side seams yesterday and have managed to alter it to my size (according to my dress making dummy) but havent tried trying it on yet as frightened I wont be able to undo the zip and get stuck in it and need to go out later on. Dont fancy going down the drs in a ball gown lol.

homealone_2

thanks for giving me some valuable tips. I also jest remembered that will probably get to seeing how it is done by checking out youtube. will have to do something as I have found another 2 new pairs from m & s same size 22. don't know what I was thinking at the time, but I was really ill at the time and not firing on all cylinders. to add to the confusion I was almost house bound at the time so was also buying nighties, pjs. dressing gown, robes etc with the same gusto but luckily with them a nip in at the sides causing a little ripple at the sides hand stitched can be done without too much knowledge. I have tried posting a link showing you the exact type of trouser I mean. in fact 5 of what I have are these trousers but the rest are either longer in the leg or a different retailer being very anyhow will try this link


http://outlet.marksandspencer.com/Linen-Front-Cropped-Trousers-T54-4252-S/dp/B006TSUC78

pennib

Yes, youtube is your friend. Some lovely, detailed explanations on there which will help you.

Rufus; Hope you managed to finish your lovely sounding dress and that you weren't sewn into it are we going to see a photo?

Just finished this redwork embroidery cushion. Mavis and Nikki going for a walk. Need to get some red stripey tights!

More photos on h*mepage.

rufusdog52

Pennib, glad you are around, you remember those birds you made before? I made some similar for my craft fair, but not sure how to stick them on a stick to hang them up? Thinking they would just turn upside down if hung.

The dress fits lovely now here is a pic, excuse the trainers lol

ukmaggie45

Lovely dress rufusdog! Very glam! Love the colour! :j

rufusdog52

Thanks, it is very glam, just right for her Hollywood party lol.