The Sewing Room

pamperedprincess

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

I have this machine! It is great, you won't regret your choice. Enjoy.:)

Dinah93

To cheer myself up last night I subscribed to Sew Today. The main reason I did this is subscribers get 50% off patterns at SewDirect, it's £7 a quarter so I'd break even (and be up 3 magazines) if I only bought 4 patterns a year, realistically I buy a LOT more than that!

Just got the skirt to attach to my jersey dress today, then I'll post pictures. I'm a little more philosophical now. I might work with jersey again. But I'm never doing an entire dress pattern free again! I find written instructions so hard to follow, I need pictures!

Kandipandi

I think you are so brave ~ I have altered clothing but not yet taken the plunge and made anything. I have been looking at dressmaking courses this last week, and if I can find one close that fits in with work I might just go for it!

PootleFlump_3

Kandipandi wrote: »

I think you are so brave ~ I have altered clothing but not yet taken the plunge and made anything. I have been looking at dressmaking courses this last week, and if I can find one close that fits in with work I might just go for it!

You should Kandi. Its good fun. Ive becoming alot more confident since going to mine. There are quite a few in my class so I would say the smaller the class you can find, the better as I sometimes find myself sitting around for ages as the teacher is busy and "Im stuck!".

flossie217

Kandipandi wrote: »

I think you are so brave ~ I have altered clothing but not yet taken the plunge and made anything. I have been looking at dressmaking courses this last week, and if I can find one close that fits in with work I might just go for it!

I haven't had the courage to alter anything yet but last summer, completely new to sewing, I made a couple of these tops. http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8633
If I can make them then you certainly will be able to. Your sewing skills are more advanced than mine. If you start with a pattern with 'easy' on it then I'm sure you will get along fine. Most of it is sewing in straight lines anyway just like all the bags and purses you make.

I know I keep banging on about thesewingforum but for anyone wanting to make a garment and doesn't know where to start they recommend starting with a pair of pyjama trousers.

Sarahjovi

Hi Guys,

Sorry I don't post here much, but I follow this thread.

I taught myself to sew years ago. I bought a bi-weekly magazine series back in the 80's called Make It Easy, which came with patterns and clear instructions.

I used to find looking at patterns and instructions complicated, but once you'd cut out the pattern pieces and started to make the item, it all seemed to fall into place. I progressed on to 'Easy' patterns particularly 'New Look' and Simplicity, and eventually made my own Wedding Dress and last year I made a prom dress for my neighbours daughter.

If your not sure about starting to make clothing, buy an easy pattern and some cheap material and just try it, I think you'll find it easier than you'd think.

Cheers

Sarah:D

Bunny200

I've been looking at dressmaking courses this week as well! Local college hasn't issued its prospectus yet but I'm really interested in doing it. I have a real scattergun knowledge of dresmaking and although I have made quite a few things and some of them relatively well I have holes in my knowledge and definatly in my confidence so I thought a course would help fill in those holes. I might consider soft furnishing/curtains as well!

dizzytina

Hi guys,

Just going out the door but i have uploaded pics of a bag i made last night on my blog. I'll try and load piccies here later but if you want to see it before then have a look at my home page :-)

Back later x

Dinah93

I was hoping to do the level 2 NCFE in dressmaking this September, but my college has just found out they have to cut 22% of places, so some courses won't run, and the level 2 had very few people doing it compared to the level 1. Will be dissapointed if it doesn't run this year as I really enjoyed the level 1.

Some of the lace has arrived for my veil, but not the tulle or the comb yet. I'm torn between using vintage gold lace, and vintage ivory lace. Not sure if the gold is too in your face. I might end up making two here, then when my dress arrives seeing which one I like best!

Kandipandi

Thanks ladies it is something I am seriously considering, my problem is that I work full time and have 4 kids and would feel guilty leaving them for a big chunk of Saturday, even though their dad would be there. It's something I want to do for me and it feels a little self indulgent. Perhaps I can follow some easy patterns and teach myself to do this? Not sure yet.
Anyhooo, today made more union jack purses lots of pics on my blog but this is what transpired from an old skirt: