The Sewing Room

PootleFlump_3

Zombiecazz, love your makes - also read your link and Im loving the idea of iron on vinyl. I never even knew it existed so thanks for that!! Must go and have a hunt to see where I can get some. (Edit: Hunt complete: Here is a link if anyone needs it - not many suppliers in UK and might be cheaper just buying oilcloth but here is a link anyway: http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=229&products_id=579 )

Dinah and Hart - I was going to be making a jersey dress but Im not sure I should even attempt it now. Ive been looking at video tutorials on making templates from existing dresses and their jersey stuff zips through their machine just like cotton (I fear mine will not!)

[Deleted User]

The thicker jersey or knit fabrics are easiest to use. Cutting out using more pins when you lay the pattern out often helps.

Unpicking is very difficult. Tack first (Remember the expression that lazy people take the most time! tacking is not a waste of time). Ball point needle and polyseter thread (you can buy polyester and cotton threads but it is best to use polyester for knits). If your machine does not have a stretch stitch use a small zigzag. Use tissue paper over the seam before stitching if the material is being "chewed up". The tissue paper trick works with other materials like chiffon and silk.

Don't be put off. With a bit of experimentation knits can be good - although not on my figure! they make such nice baby clothes it is worth persisting especially if you have children to make for.

hart44

PootleFlump wrote: »

Zombiecazz, love your makes - also read your link and Im loving the idea of iron on vinyl. I never even knew it existed so thanks for that!! Must go and have a hunt to see where I can get some. (Edit: Hunt complete: Here is a link if anyone needs it - not many suppliers in UK and might be cheaper just buying oilcloth but here is a link anyway: http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=229&products_id=579 )

Dinah and Hart - I was going to be making a jersey dress but Im not sure I should even attempt it now. Ive been looking at video tutorials on making templates from existing dresses and their jersey stuff zips through their machine just like cotton (I fear mine will not!)

Thank you for the link Pootle, great find :T

The jersey was sort of ok to sew but Im not keen on it and may or may not use it again :rotfl:

I just held it a bit as it sewed and not let it feed its self and just went slow and stopped sewing every few stitches so it took longer than usual but it worked

Try with scraps to start with to get the hang of the fabric

Bunny200

I've just ordered some jersey with the intention of making some clothes for my girls, I've always been a bit weary of jersery and you guys aren't making me feel better!! I was hoping its one of those things that seems worse than it is but now I'm not so sure!
Watch this space.......

hart44

Just go for the jersey :rotfl: if I can do it anyone can :rotfl:

Do test runs on scraps 1st so you can get the feel of it and as Onewom say's tack it before sewing, Im glad I did

Dinah93

Well its nearly done, but I have hated today. And I usually love my fridays because they're my sewing day. And the finished project is not going to be anywhere close to the standard I like, seams wobble, and the weight of the fabric is pulling it all down, and it looks nothing. Grrr.

[Deleted User]

Dinah I am sure that your project is much better than you think. As you stitch you are so close to the work that you are aware of every minor imperfection. These are things that are not at all obvious to other people when you are wearing the dress.
It may be too late now but taping the shoulder and waist seams helps keep stretch knits in shape.

What I came on to post was this link
http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/free_reference_charts_handsewing_stitches.html

It shows diagonal basting. It is a very fast way of tacking two larger pieces together particularyly if you use a thimble when you stitch. I find it quite useful but it is not a very well known stitch.

genieuk

I am happy oh so happy.

My new sewing machine has finally arrived ordered it the end of March. It came with all the freebies the cotton threads look fab and much bigger than I thought. I can't believe how light the machine is as well, I bought this one:

http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/brother2020_info.htm

shirlgirl2004

genieuk wrote: »

I am happy oh so happy.

My new sewing machine has finally arrived ordered it the end of March. It came with all the freebies the cotton threads look fab and much bigger than I thought. I can't believe how light the machine is as well, I bought this one:

http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/brother2020_info.htm

Looks like a great machine Genie. I think the thread is fantastic. I've had the right colour thread for all my projects so far.:T

Hardup_Hester

Well I must be mad, I've decided to make a corset, I have the fabric, pattern & all the notions, all I need now is some time!