The Sewing Room

PootleFlump_3

mollymunchkin wrote: »

How do I work out what size rotary cutter to get? And are there any recommendations? I'm dangerously browsing Ebay for things to buy

Please!

It was recommended to me that I get a 45mm one made by Olfa which Im told are the best ones. They said only to get a smaller one if I was making lots of clothes and needed to cut lots of intricate details. The one I got is great. It has a retractable blade and you just squeeze the handle when you are cutting which means you add a bit more pressure at the same time as cutting.

I have an A1 cutting mat too (again, by olfa) which has all the grid lines and angles printed on it which Ive found really useful for boxing corners. This was £40 although Im sure you can get cheaper ones on ebay etc. I have a metre stick but TBH I wouldnt recommend getting a wood one (like I have). Ive found it difficult to use and have hacked some of the wood at times!!

Im terrible at cutting straight lines but have found it so much easier now Im used to using my rotary cutter. I wouldnt be without it now.

Welcome to all new posters!

PootleFlump_3

Hart, that fabric is great. Looks amazing against the black background. I wouldnt be folding it up, Id definately be showing it off at every opportunity! :T

mollymunchkin

For anyone struggling with straight lines, today I bought a 24 inch ruler (60cm) from Wilkos for 55p. Not quite a metre rule but cheap as chips. :beer:

Mummy3Monkeys

mollymunchkin wrote: »

For anyone struggling with straight lines, today I bought a 24 inch ruler (60cm) from Wilkos for 55p. Not quite a metre rule but cheap as chips. :beer:

Don't have a Wikos here, any chance of picking me one up love next time your there (pretty please with a cherry on the top ) - I am only working with gingham at the moment since it's lines are there for me to follow :rotfl:

Georgiabay

You ladies are all so talented, I'm loving reading this thread. Going back to the beginning I thought I would just look at the photos but kept reading odd things and realised I was missing so much. I've now gone back again and I'm only up to page 45 so it's going to take a while!

The sock monkeys and angels are great and all the different bags. I've got to make a bag now (although I've got a knitted one unfinished).
In fact I've got a list of things I want to make.

Georgiabay

Here is a pic of the patchwork I started nearly 30 years ago




I don't know if I'll ever do any more to it even though I've got loads of material already cut up. It's roughly 36" x 27".
Any suggestions of how I could use it without adding a lot more to it?

milliemonster

Hi Georgia, how about making it into a slouchy bag??

I made some lovely cushion covers today (thats about the limit of my sewing talents at the moment lol!) I will try to post some piccies if someone could explain how I do it?

Can anyone tell me how to make yo yo's? I would love to have a go to ad them as embellishments, there are some fantastic makes on here

Georgiabay

That's a good idea Millie - I want to make a bag anyway.

I put my pics on photobucket and then copied and pasted them (after editing the size to medium).

flossie217

Dinah93 wrote: »

So does anyone know of an online tutorial for a project I can do to keep me occupied? An hours sewing or a few weeks worth, either is good - just show me your favourite things!

Or those pretty flower things so many people seem to make, anyone know somewhere I can learn to make those?

Also has anyone ever made a quilt? I really want to, but I only ever make clothes, so have no idea where to start!

Members on thesewingforum have been making their first quilts following step-by-step online instructions by another member. http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20527&page=2

I like ehow.com for video tutorials. You might find something that interests you on there. I have this one in my favourites but still haven't tried making a quilt yet. http://www.ehow.com/video_4419004_sewing-strips-quilted-table-runner.html?cp=1&pid=1

For something smaller, I bought one of these nativity panels to quilt. It is too big and I haven't anywhere to hang it in one piece, so I think I'll cut a few of the pictures and work them individually.http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Star-Wonder-Christmas-Quilting-Panel-Sewing-Fabric-/310183956584?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Crafts_Quilting_ET&hash=item4838679068 ( I didn't buy mine from ebay)

Hope your knee op isn't too far away and all goes well.

genieuk

milliemonster wrote: »

Hi Georgia, how about making it into a slouchy bag??

I made some lovely cushion covers today (thats about the limit of my sewing talents at the moment lol!) I will try to post some piccies if someone could explain how I do it?

Can anyone tell me how to make yo yo's? I would love to have a go to ad them as embellishments, there are some fantastic makes on here

I too like the idea of the yo-yo's and wondered how to make them.

Have a look at this, they look pretty straight forward but then again.

http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/hbyoyotutorial1.html