The Sewing Annexe

miffy257

Hi there sewing people. This thread has been quiet for a while so I thought I'd post to bump it. Am still tacking my quilt together, seems to be taking forever. Had a try at machine quilting on a spare bit of fabric and it went Ok the problem will be getting the quilt top in position, it's a lot of material. Hope you are all busy sewing. Happy sewing.:)

newleaf

Hi All! If anyone is still reading this thread, I would like to know where is a good place to buy nice, and maybe unusual fabrics?
My interests are in craft projects (such as bags, not quilting), and simple clothing patterns for myself.
Also, I have my eye on this machine and would welcome any comments as to the suitability and ease of use. I have not done any proper sewing for about 30 years.

gibson123

have you checked out Azkahban fabrics, you can order on-line, you can also order a remnant bundle of 20 metres of fabric for £15. I have now had two bundles from them the first was a bit too much fleece fabric for me, but the second had lovely stains, cottons, net and some nice furnishing fabrics (a lovely finch print I have earmarked for a bag). The machine looks lovely but it is quite a lot of money, have you tried gumtree for a second hand machine?

Cheapskate

Afternoon all - please may I join you? I keep seeing the thread bumped up, so am taking the plunge now!

I've not done much sewing except simple things like curtains, and made my sister's Christmas present, which was mainly sewn. I'd like to do more this year, esp customising things to pretty up our home, give as presents, and maybe sell a few to friends.

I'm going to read through the thread, bet there's loads of inspiration here - MSE'ers are such a clever, creative bunch!

A xo

Justamum

gibson123 wrote: »

have you checked out Azkahban fabrics,

Just in case you do try and google it here is the link http://www.abakhan.co.uk/

When you click on one of the side headings you have to scroll right down the page to see what's on it.

newleaf

Thankyou! Some good stuff there and patterns too, I've bookmarked it.
Re the sewing machine, I have a budget of £300 set aside. I thought I'd treat myself to a new one, since I plan to do much more sewing in my retirement. I also thought I'd like a computerised one this time, with one step buttonholes and a few fancy stitches. I have a 30 yr old basic Singer machine, which I will probably Freecycle once I'm happy with a new one.

miffy257

Hi there sewing people. welcome New leaf. Janome machines are excellent. my friend who is an accomplished quilter rates them very highly. I am just treating myself to a Janome quilting machine from this site
http://www.janomesewingmachines.gur.co.uk/janome-sewing-machines
the machine you want is £20 cheaper on there.. If you are going to do a lot of sewing it's worth getting the best. I have just taken up quilting and due to an unexpected windfall(thanks to MSE) I'm treating myself to a computerised one.
Happy Sewing.

gibson123

Bumping this thread as there are a few new sewers who may not have seen it yet.

RosyRed

Hi,I usually have some sewing on the go.Recently finished a dress from one of the free Prima patterns.It seemed to work out a bit big so I went up the side seams again with the overlocker.It was in a small cream & black print jersey that I got from Abakhan.I am lucky in that we have had a store open in the town a while back,and I got a few pieces of fabric and got a good opening offer discount.

Last week I made a big pincushion and some heart shaped lavender bags for my friends birthday(she sews too,and loved the pincushion-i know its not the ideal gift for a lot of people lol !)

Trying to decide what to do next......

Diflower

RosyRed wrote: »

Hi,I usually have some sewing on the go.Recently finished a dress from one of the free Prima patterns.It seemed to work out a bit big so I went up the side seams again with the overlocker.It was in a small cream & black print jersey that I got from Abakhan.I am lucky in that we have had a store open in the town a while back,and I got a few pieces of fabric and got a good opening offer discount.

Last week I made a big pincushion and some heart shaped lavender bags for my friends birthday(she sews too,and loved the pincushion-i know its not the ideal gift for a lot of people lol !)

Trying to decide what to do next......

I've had that problem with Prima patterns; they tell you what the finished size will be, but the actual garment doesn't match those measurements.
It's hard to know where the differences will be and how to adjust. As a beginner it's tricky enough just managing to sew the right bits together in the right order:o
The necks always seem way too big for me, but the armholes/sleeves are surprisingly tight...I'm getting there. I've really only used very cheap material so far (car boot/CS finds) so have thought of it as lessons, but I'd really like something to actually wear now:D