The Sewing Annexe

jackyann

I was searching for this thread & couldn't find it! I am a keen sewer and wanted to join in.
I find that one of the problems about covering anything is getting measurements just right - very easy to make them too big.
Aprons are useful, easy to make and to customise. Very MSE & OS to make them out of old clothes ( my maternity dresses ended up as aprons!)_
I also use scraps to make pot holders - I use old towels as the padding, and again, they can be made to look very pretty.
I also cut down bath towels that are wearing through. I sometimes hem them, or if I have fabric to make home-made bias binding, put that round, use pretty fabric to make a hanging tape; there are hand towels for kitchen or loo.
I'm also a fan of these: http://www.morsbags.com

But I do suggest that you graduate to making clothes. I use old sheets (charity shops if you haven't got enough) to make up a "toile" to practice.

Diflower

mmmsnow wrote: »

Hi, all. I've just convinced my dad to give me our family sewing machine. It's not much of an heirloom, really, as it's only 15-20 years old. Anyway, no-one remembers how to thread the needle so this should be fun

Youtube to the rescue, I think!

As a beginner, what's the easiest project to start with? I want to try to make some book covers and cushion covers - are these both doable with no experience?

Cushion covers definitely, google and find ones that say 'envelope style' or when you read the instructions have no zip or buttons. You cut out one piece for the front and two that will overlap for the back, and sew them together.
It's ridiculously easy, and lots of curtain material shops have lovely remnants that are ever so cheap. Or look in charity shops for pretty curtains or duvet covers to cut up.
One little beginner tip - as soon as it says 'cut a piece of material 45 cm x 45 cm' then find apiece of paper and cut to that measurement, write on it what it measures, then you can use it as a pattern over and over again:)

sb88_2

If anyone is interested, I've just posted a photo of the blue velvet dress I altered.

I raised the hem, and created an off the shoulder look. I'm SO pleased with the results, it might not be "perfect" but I'm gaining confidence in my skills and its really helping my self-esteem

http://fashionwithethics.wordpress.com/

If you aren't interested in reading up on it, or seeing the before photos, here's a photo! unfort I didn't realise the shoulder had slipped off before the photo was uploaded on to the computer, and I couldn't be bothered to take another photo!

Diflower

sb88 that looks lovely! I do so agree about not worrying it's not perfect. I now have 3 or 4 things I've made, all from very very cheap material; none is quite perfect but each is better than the last:) I've accepted it's silly to expect couture level at the start, but we'll get there.
You start to look at things differently don't you, rather than 'oh I couldn't do that', it's ooh, how could I do that?'.

And the bags I've made, I'm really pleased with, maybe it was a good thing to start with clothes and then go on to something supposedly simple:) They're very simple bags, but blimey I'm chuffed with them, 2 even have linings and pockets inside:D I honestly wouldn't have believed I could have done anything like it, but guess what, take your time and hey presto:T

rowsew

mmmsnow wrote: »

Hi, all. I've just convinced my dad to give me our family sewing machine. It's not much of an heirloom, really, as it's only 15-20 years old. Anyway, no-one remembers how to thread the needle so this should be fun

Youtube to the rescue, I think!

As a beginner, what's the easiest project to start with? I want to try to make some book covers and cushion covers - are these both doable with no experience?

Depends on what you need, also. I think napkins are nice and easy - just a hemmed square, easy to cut and easy to sew. Making your own re-useable grocery bags is also quite easy, and very useful. Look on the Burda website for ideas and patterns, they also have lots of tips for all levels of sewers. Good luck! HTH

mmmsnow

Just spent an hour trying to thread the sewing machine. It's a Jones VX 760 (I assume it was made just before Brother took over the company) and the threading instructions I've found for it are pretty much jibberish to me

Here's the threading instructions: http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Brother_Sewing_Machine_Threading/brother_vx_757_threading_diagram.htm

I thought I had it right and then after a run of stitches, the needle just became stuck in the material and I had to cut the threads.

Any suggestions? It seems awfully complicated :eek:

jackyann

sb88 - it looks lovely, and "off the shoulder" look is great!

Threading the machine: it is possible that the problem was nothing to do with your threading, and is a separate issue; most (not all) threading problems are immediately apparent. Have you checked the bobbin winding & threading?
Also, I can't remember if you had the machine serviced before you used it. Machines that have sat around a long time do need servicing before using. When you are used to the machine you can service it yourself, but as you are new at this game, I would find a local specialist shop. They will service it, and most will take great delight in showing you how to thread it etc. so worth the investment.

jpscloud

Hello all can I join you? I'm a total beginner and have just bought a sewing machine for my Christmas present - I am allowing myself to use it before Christmas (naughty!) as I want to take advantage of all the holidays to get to know it, but it's still in its box for the moment as I'm out tonight.

I have tons of old clothes, linen and curtains etc. hoarded over the years that are crying out to be used up. I would like to make some nice cushion covers to start with, but would love to do a denim patchwork - I've seen one with the patch edges left raw so that they go fluffy and it looks amazing. I've got quite a bit of old denim to use up. Is quilting an option? I don't know which machines do it.

I agonised over different machines but plumped for this one, as I guessed it would be best value for money, being half price. Does anyone know if it's a good one? I used some of my nectar points and an old gift card I had so it only cost me £60.

Do I need to buy special thread bobbins for it or will the different sized (lots of small) ones I have work on it?

Sorry for lots of questions, I know I should read the manual first, but I'm so excited I wanted to post on here!

jackyann

You have to use whatever bobbins the machine specifies. Quite a few are interchangeable, but some aren't, so have a look.
As for the manual, I suggest you get a piece of medium weight cotton fabric, and work your way through the manual, using the cotton to practice stitches. Thread the needle & bobbin with different colour threads (and different from your cotton) so you can see which is which on your fabric.
You will need different needles for different weights of fabric.
I don't know the machine, so can't comment, but think the overlock useful.
I do wish you luck! I learned to sew over 50 years ago on an old treadle, now have 3 different machines and love my hobby!

MandM90

Seven days until I get my sewing machine :j I will have to fight the urge not to abandon my family, and Christmas dinner, to lock myself away with some scraps to practice on!! :rotfl: