Don't Buy It - Make It

groatie_queen

Three Dancing Dragons, when I lived in Edinburgh there were community education evening classes - won't be running till the Autumn - but keep an eye out for those.

wendym

Three_Dancing_Dragons wrote: »

I'd like to learn to sew but finding that 'basic dressmaking' class is almost impossible. I know that some of the larger John Lewis-es down south do classes through their habadashery departments, but in Edinburgh they not only don't do classes, they've only just reopened the habadashery department! (Obviously the news that EVERYBODY is doing it, hasn't got through.)

When the w/end is over (about to have 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 2 under 4 granddaughters arrive, and I'm not dressed yet) I'll happily jot down some thoughts about getting started with, say, a really simple skirt, and what to look for/avoid in patterns. Perhaps we could all contribute to a list of do's and dont's. If anyone else has a less manic 4 days in view, please feel free to get things started - perhaps we could contribute 1 guideline each. Mine would be never to give in to the temptation not to press as you go. Sewing machine and iron working together. Sounds like a workers' song from Communist Russia.

OK, I'll get dressed now.

newleaf

wendym wrote: »

I'll happily jot down some thoughts about getting started with, say, a really simple skirt, and what to look for/avoid in patterns. Perhaps we could all contribute to a list of do's and dont's. If anyone else has a less manic 4 days in view, please feel free to get things started - perhaps we could contribute 1 guideline each.

That would be great, thanks wendym!

wendym

Hi newleaf

You are particularly well-placed geographically (and not just because W Yorks is fab). The best and cheapest haberdashery shop in the world is in Farsley. It's called Bond's - not open every day - and will save you a fortune in 'getting started' stuff. Coach parties travel miles to it. Perhaps someone else will know the opening hours. Anyone who can should grab the chance, as I know that once the daughter of the original owners has cleared the (vast) stockroom, she won't keep the business going for ever.

1sttimer_2

Hi Wendym, where is Farsley? Not that I NEED any material you undeerstand, but I like to look at a bargain when possible! :rolleyes:

wendym

1sttimer wrote: »

Hi Wendym, where is Farsley? Not that I NEED any material you undeerstand, but I like to look at a bargain when possible! :rolleyes:

It's near Pudsey, near Leeds, and is the most amazing source for all haberdashery - buttons by the million, thread, tape, braid, bias binding....but not particularly material.