The Sewing Annexe

Moobear

Beautiful dolls

arroli

Thanks for your comments for my raggy dolls.:)

I didnt realise how fiddly they would be but now I am hooked! Wanting to attempt a "bride" type next. The hardest parts are turning inside out arms and legs once stitched as they are so thin, then stuffing them, anyone any hints to make this easier? (I used a crochet hook after first attempt with a pencil went through the seam)

I also gave up on boots that were part of the pattern, couldnt reverse these either once stitched in leather type fabric, too thick, so resolved problem by using top ribbing of baby socks.

miffy257

Crochet hook is a good idea arroli I have used the blunt end of a knitting needle to do that sort of thing in the past. Look forward to seeing your bride doll

Blue_Elephant

Hello! I was wondering if I could ask some advice if you wonderful people wouldn't mind?

I'm thinking of putting together a "sewing box" so I have everything I would need to hand without having to hunt/go and buy new things because I can't find it or simply don't have the basics.

I'm not crafty really but this is a necessity as I am very short and need to alter some things and it's not MSE to pay someone :P I also would require it to mend clothing. I do have a sewing machine though it hasn't seen the light of day in some time.

Can I ask what basics I would need for the sewing box? Or would I be better off buying a preprepared one?

hakeber

hi i too am short
This is off the top of my head.

needles
thread
any spare buttons you find
pins you can use safety pins too
small scraps of fabric for patching
quick un pick ( about 50p)
really sharp scissors
biro for marking
tape measure

extras but useful
fabric glue ( you can buy fabric glue that can be washed)
zig zag scissors

bek

PipneyJane

Blue_Elephant wrote: »

Hello! I was wondering if I could ask some advice if you wonderful people wouldn't mind?

I'm thinking of putting together a "sewing box" so I have everything I would need to hand without having to hunt/go and buy new things because I can't find it or simply don't have the basics.

I'm not crafty really but this is a necessity as I am very short and need to alter some things and it's not MSE to pay someone :P I also would require it to mend clothing. I do have a sewing machine though it hasn't seen the light of day in some time.

Can I ask what basics I would need for the sewing box? Or would I be better off buying a preprepared one?

What Bek said. And I'd suggest a couple more things:

1. Sharp pointed embroidery scissors (like the swan neck style ones). This is so that you can a) cut your thread really close to the fabric, and b) get into those awkward corners.
2. A thimble. Very useful for pushing a fine needle through thick fabric.
3. Dressmaker's chalk. Useful for drawing a straight line, if you have to cut the bottoms of trousers to shorten them (necessary if there is a lot of fabric to go into the hem). And it doesn't leave a permanent mark (good for pale fabrics).
4. A straight edged ruler. Ditto, for point 3 above.
5. On the "maybe" list: Wonderweb or it's store-brand equivalent for putting up hems. I've never had much success with it long term but it works for a quick fix.

Florenceem

arroli wrote: »

Thanks for your comments for my raggy dolls.:)

I didnt realise how fiddly they would be but now I am hooked! Wanting to attempt a "bride" type next. The hardest parts are turning inside out arms and legs once stitched as they are so thin, then stuffing them, anyone any hints to make this easier? (I used a crochet hook after first attempt with a pencil went through the seam)

I also gave up on boots that were part of the pattern, couldnt reverse these either once stitched in leather type fabric, too thick, so resolved problem by using top ribbing of baby socks.

I use hermostats to turn small limbs of dolls. For stuffing I have a piece of dowel plus use chopsticks. Hth.

miffy257

Hi there sewers, haven't been doing any sewing lately but have just tidied up my sewing room(DD's bedroom-she's at Uni) and will make a start tomorrow. Need to get on with my quilt. Hope evryone is safe and warm.

arroli

Just finished my third raggy doll...Polly Pink.
Still waiting to have a go at a bride raggy doll, when Im shopping I'm scouring the shelves for suitable "accessories"

miffy257

She is gorgeous arroli I love pink. Have now finished all my patterned blocks and cut out all my plain blocks for my DD's quilt. Now have to start putting it together. Not sure all the blocks are entirely square so hope it all fits.:eek: Happy Sewing all.