The Sewing Annexe

dumpy

Hello Folks

Hope you don't mind me popping in :wave:

In the past I did quite a lot of dress making and I'm thinking of getting going again. I think the last thing was a fully lined ballgown which I still have although it appears to have shrunk (does shot taffetta shrink or is there something else going on here :rotfl:)

But I live on my own, so fitting and doing hems is something of a challenge.

I have a Birthday coming up and relatives who have no idea of what to get me.

Soooo (finally she gets to the point:j) I'm thinking of asking them to get me a tailors dummy form thingy.

Do any of you have one of these?
Do you find them useful?
Whats the best type?

Many thanks

Dumpy

vl2588

Sorry bit clueless cannot answer either of the above questions!

Good to see this thread is doing well with tips and stories

Last night I got all keen and made a little drawstring bag for my mum's fan (it breaks in her handbag otherwise). It isn't by any means perfect but I am just glad I finally remembered how to double stitch things (I mean stitch right way out then wrong way out so it's tougher IYSWIM?) as I have been trying for a while! Not sure what my sewing plans will be for Feb?

Diflower

Oh yes, I learnt how to do those 'invisible seams' from one of the bag patterns I used, I kept looking at it thinking how clever it was:)

Sorry no idea about dog collars or tailors dummies.

LadyDee

Hi,
I've posted a 'Wanna' over on the bargain buys forum, but had no replies over there and, having found this thread, think perhaps there might be somebody here who might be able to help.

I am making a felt card table cloth which I want to edge with ribbon or braid depicting card suits.

Has anybody seen anything like this anywhere? I've spent hours Googling but have come up with only result which is not quite want I want as the symbols are black & white, and I'd really like them to be red & black.

Thanks

jpscloud

lil_me wrote: »

Could anyone tell me what type of thread would be best to hand stitch a dog collar back together

Thanks

Hi lil_me, I did a little saddlery years ago and made lots of dog collars etc. - you want something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leather-Factory-Waxed-Thread-Yards-Black/dp/B004BPQOTQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1327150876&sr=8-5

and two leathercraft needles.

Assuming the holes are still there in the leather and it's just the thread that has perished, you'd be best using saddle stitch. Pass the needles through each hole from opposite sides so you get a double stitch if you see what I mean.

Before you sew, pull the thread through some wax, beeswax if you can get it. When you start sewing you might want a pair of pliers to pull the needles through, or use a pad of hard leather/wood to push against in your other hand.

This tutorial explains it quite well:


*************************

from: http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/how/historic-crafts-and-skills/truth-and-fiction-frontier-clothing/leatherworking
Saddle Stitch

The saddle stitch requires a single thickness of thread with harness or round needles at both ends. It is recommended for pre-punched stitches since both needles pass through the same holes.
Begin saddle stitch by passing one needle through the aligned holes at one end of the seam. Pull through until there are equal amounts of thread on both sides of the leather.

Take one needle and start it through the next stitch hole from the same side of the leather. Start the other needle through the same hole from the opposite side.

Grasp both needles and pull through until the stitch is taut. Put equal tension on both needles. Repeat the procedure at the next stitch hole and so on until the end of the seam.

************************

Edit: if the holes are ripped open so you can't sew as above, you can make new holes with an awl (fairly cheap from craft shops).

confused76

hello there, please could i join in?

My sewing machine has been stashed away in the cupboard for 5 years but I have recently re-discovered my love of sewing. I used to make curtains and cushions.

I made a cushion last month and have the material to make a second one. I'm in the process of making a pin cushion as well.

I found a beautiful sewing basket at a vintage fair last month which is my pride and joy

I also plan to make a little bag for buttons when I get a chance.

stitching_witch

dumpy wrote: »

Soooo (finally she gets to the point:j) I'm thinking of asking them to get me a tailors dummy form thingy.

Do any of you have one of these?
Do you find them useful?
Whats the best type?

I use a dressmaker's dummy as I find it essential when making corsets and matching skirts and trains for customers. I can then get away with a full measuring and a maximum of one fitting.

I bought a 'Lady Valet' as I wanted something that also looks good from a customer's point of view and will be getting a second one in the other size when funds allow. I think any of the modern ones are suitable as long as they are fully adjustable and fairly sturdy.

Mine is known as headless Heidi in our house

meames_2

how many 10cm squares would make either a single or double quilt? thanks

miffy257

meames wrote: »

how many 10cm squares would make either a single or double quilt? thanks

When I was working out how many squares I needed for my daughter's quilt, I measured her bed and then worked it out on squared paper. You can always add borders of straight bits of fabric known as sashing if you don't have enough squares. Hope this helps . Happy sewing.

prudent_princess

meames wrote: »

how many 10cm squares would make either a single or double quilt? thanks

Do you mean quilt cover?
I just measured the cover, then worked it out from there, so if you have 100cm width x 200cm length, you will need 10 x 10cm squares for the width, 20 x 10cm for the length, so just times 10 x 20 = 200 squares, but you will need to allow for the seam, of course.

God I hope that makes sense!