The Sewing Annexe

VJsmum

Hello lovely people (yes, I do want something!)

I am about to embark on my first clothing sewing project for some years. Having been frightened off by the prices of skirts in one of my favourite shops (white stuff - £40 odd for an A line skirt). I have purchased "white stuff" - y material and a pattern (yes, I know there are lots of "you don't need a pattern" websites but I think I do!) I am about to begin.

My question is - I should like to line it. Is it best to use the construction method or the slip method? I lined a skirt once, many years ago but no idea how. My inclination is that the slip method will be easier.

Ta awfully.

jpscloud

Hi VJsmum, I wish I could help but I'm a beginner myself - hopefully the more experienced folks will be along soon and have some tips for you.

Right on miffy, I pretended it wasn't dry outside today so that I wouldn't have try to mow the lawn, and instead laid plans for a sewing long weekend :cool:

I'm just now finishing the binding on my "Easter" quilt! You were right again miffy, it was unbelievably easy to machine stitch it on, I thought it would be a nightmare but it was fine!

Blind stitching by hand whilst watching telly/dvds to finish the binding off now, and that too is way easier than I thought. It looks like I might just get this quilt finished. I'm so absorbed in it I forgot to feed the cat, and she had to resort to jumping up on my quilt several times before I got the hint

I'd also just like to pay homage to the humble ironing board, which apart from doing the obvious like pressing bits of fabric for me, also holds my quilt at just the right height and position for me to hand sew (and keeps it level with the sewing machine so it doesn't drag when machine stitching too). What an amazing bit of kit!

Happy bank holiday weekend everyone, hope you all have a lovely sewing time if you're not busy doing other stuff.

gibson123

VJS Mum I use the slip method, and as my brain forgets how to start at times, I like this website

http://www.isew.co.uk/sewing_techniques/add_lining_to_skirt-c-00209.htm

jpscloud

Hi all, I can't ignore the second dry day in a row (with the sun even peeking out occasionally!) so I am doing the garden and just picking up the quilt when I come in for a rest today.

I think we're due rain tomorrow so hopefully I will have a day's patchworking/quilting then.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the weekend.

VJsmum

Thanks very much - slip method it is. i'll let you know how I get on.

miffy257

Hi there, finished 2 of the cat quilts I am making for my sister's Maine Coon cats. Here is the link if you'd like a look. Happy sewing all.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miffy257/7003981602/in/photostream/

jpscloud

Gorgeous miffy! I LOVE those fabrics, especially the one with really bright colours. Those are very lucky cats!

I've just finished my Easter quilt! Here's the link to mine if anyone's interested... as you can see I don't yet have a quilting foot for my machine so it's been hand quilted, and only along the main stitching. Next splurge will be on a walking foot!

I also need to work on the corners, they were a bit rubbish but it is my first attempt so hopefully I'll get better at it. I was really happy when I found a duvet cover that was perfect for a backing - that cost £5, the curtains were £5, and I used about £10 worth of other fabric.

Since I can use the other half of the duvet cover for another backing and the other curtain for another project, the overall cost was about £15.

Amazingly the bit I enjoyed most was the binding!

Edit: oops... forgot the link! http://www.flickr.com/photos/72244775@N06/7152265677/in/photostream/

jpscloud

I found this free pattern for a tub chair, if anyone is still looking - it looks like it might fit the Tullsta:

http://www.coatscrafts.co.uk/Sewing/Projects/armchair_cover.htm

miffy257

Jpscloud that is gorgeous and amazing that it was so thrifty. I must admit that I spend a lot on fabric,it's my only vice and I'm trying to build up a stash for when I retire in a few years. Took the 2 quilts to my sisters and she loved them, so did the cats. I've got to make one for her other cat and now she informs me she is getting a silver-red Siberian so I have another to make. Luckily they are quite quick but I have a busy time coming up at school so may not get done for a while. also they informed me they are not getting Tullsta chairs now so no need to make covers-was not looking forward to that.
Happy sewing all.:)

corrag

Hi all, I'm hoping for a bit of advice please. I'm a complete sewing machine novice and not sure what to look for in a machine. I've seen a Toyota Black sewing machine reduced from £299 to £149.

It has:
Automatic needle threader, Single dial selection incorporating 24 stitches (including embroidery), Extra length stitch (5mm), Buttonhole balance compensation control - can use on most fabrics from fine to heavy inlcuding quilting, denim, leather suede, curtains and soft furnishings.

Does this sound ok for a complete beginner? I want to do things like make tote bags, bunting, lavender pouches, cushion covers and the odd repair?

Many thanks for any help.