The Sewing Room

Kandipandi

rufusd!!!2 wrote: »

I put some pics of my quilts I have just finished and a bag I made for myself on the Crafting for Xmas thread xx

Just been and had a nosey - they are beautiful. I would like to attempt one of these, but I am easily distracted and I don't think I would have your stamina to finish it. I would be delighted to receive one, you can see the work that has gone into them and they would be something to treasure. I bet they are gratefully received by your Family.

Tete_en_l'Air

Love your little coin purse Kandi - you could sell those on Etsy surely? Reminded me of Accessorize ones, but better

And your quilts are amazing Rufus, I love every single fabric you've used I think!

PepPop

pennypinchingmum wrote: »

I need a new top and was searching the web and came across this great little site that has really easy sewing ideas. I think my husband will be 'donating' his t-shirts to my search for a new top this afternoon!
http://ohmystars.net/craft/index-surgery.php

Wow what a great link :T:T

Kandi your purse is lovely - great button detail too :T

Hart so is yours :T

traceylou9

Wow loving all the piccies!

I've made a crayon roll :





And a busy book - I enjoyed making it until I had to stitch all the pages together. It looks a bit rubbish in places and I wondered if I should give it but decided the little boy wouldn't mind a bit of dodgy stitching!











I can't believe how much I enjoy sewing since I started just before Christmas - am now working on a hobby horse for my dds 3rd birthday!

Tracey
xx

Sunshine12

Nice makes Tracey. I think they are both really good! How did you get the wording onto the fabric for the book?

[Deleted User]

sunshine12

Cutting straight lines. Don't know if the following will help.

Large items too big for a table lay out flat on the kitchen floor. Use dressmakers chalk (or pencil) and a straight edge to make line. If you are measuring something that is large it is usually better to measure with a yardstick or steel tape rather than a tape measure

To cut a straight line you need the largest shears that you own. For a right handed person with the material flat hold it down with your left hand and use the full length of the scissors to make the cut (ie open the scissors as far as possible). don't lift the fabric off the surface.

If the item is something like a curtain or tablecloth or scarf (square or oblong) I would always pull a thread as it is then very easy to cut along the line which is left.

Sunshine12

Thanks Oneworm. Ive tried the pulling thread thing but think the material Ive used must not be any good for it as it just breaks. I think I need to get a yardstick as despite percevering my lines are still not straight. I also think I need a big cutting mat (currently cut on the carpeted floor:eek:) but would need something that I can roll up once finished as we live in a flat (although to OH's disgust Ive just turned my walk in wardrobe into a sewing room which makes things even more cluttered!!)

[Deleted User]

I've been dressmaking and sewing for over 40 years (I was rather shocked when I worked this out!). I don't bother with a cutting mat although I was offered one I thought where will Istore it. Husband too thinks that all this sewing stuff takes up too much space. (I don't say anything about his record and cd collection books etc. Anyway if your carpet is not too luxurious (ours is cheap and not got any pile) cutting on the carpet is fine. The plastic yardsticks are best because you can see the pattern piece through them.

With regards pulling a thread it is a slow process. You will not normally be able to pull the thread all the way as it will break. Just use a needle to loosen the end of the thread enough to pull it a bit further. Sometime you will find that even if it has broken it leaves enough of a ripple or mark for you to cut along anyway.

Sunshine12

Thanks again. I think Ill get a plastic yard stick then as I definately need something to help me out. Will let you know how I get on!!!

Nichelette

I've just been looking through this thread, you've all made some really nice things. I got a sewing machine a month or so ago and have just got around to trying it out. I'm waiting for some magnetic snaps to arrive from ebay so I can't finish what I'm working on, but it's turning out much better than I expected so hopefully I'll have something to share with you soon .