The Sewing Room (part 2)

[Deleted User]

It is grey and wet so I have decided to have a cheerful sewing day, radio on and trying to keep the mess down and to do that I am going to sew familiar ie the same jalie top, which anyway has a flattering neckline. The cutting board is already on the table and notions are downstairs, so not much effort to get started
http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/nine-essential-home-decor-measuring-marking-tools
I have the one on there, got it in uk about 20 years ago. Fold to store
edit: Found it https://sewdirect.com/acatalog/Super-Board-46.html

That lovely orange flowery top can be finished later, just pre-washing a plain grey stretch for the sleeves. Will cut another complete top out this morning, in a grey pre-washed, it has a darker grey pattern on it. The whole top this time as I have just finished making a ravelry pattern in home spun, uneven corriedale, grey and looks charming if rustic http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/iced 3rd knit and so easy. Was thinking that this cardi/top combo will be good for warmth when a jumper is too hot

Got a great (big) package of knits from a new supplier. I like that she only does knits and puts down the % stretch each way, so was easy to mix and match. The fabrics have a lovely feel and mine range from 25% one way to 60 % + 60%. It was the % that swung it for me plus the good recommendations. I don`t have a shop anywhere near me so has to be via online and the more info the better. Got 10 different fabrics, some plains, for mixing matching. Won`t buy any more fabric now, need to reduce stash. Next step will be to make loose linen items for summer, even if just for around the house
http://www.girlcharlee.com/

I bought lots of patterns from america several years ago, was worth the extra postage
http://www.brownpaperpatterns.com/
used these many times

and for short mature figures
http://www.petitepluspatterns.com/
they always fit :cool:

Hard_Up_Hester

I like the Vogue patterns I find most of them fit me, though I'm 4'11 and fat, I'm short waisted so I know from years of experience how/where to alter a pattern that doesn't fit.
I dug out an old Butterick pattern for a pinafore dress this morning, I shall have a bash at that later.
I know pinafore dresses are not in fashion but they enable me to wear an extra layer.

MrsCD

Kittie, not sure if you figured out how to get to the thread you were looking for.
If you look at the top of the page in the green bar, click on thread tools, then subscribe to the thread.
To find it again, click on user cp, and all your subscriptions come up so you can click where you want to go.

Sorry if I'm teaching granny how to suck eggs ...... (if you see what I mean)

I'm enjoying reading about your sewing adventures.:)

MrsCD

Mooloo, how do you make thermal cooking bags?

Savvy_sewing

kittie wrote: »

HH what a wonderful idea

I needed to concentrate on something due to family stuff at the moment, so back to sewing. Managed to stick all 42 lekala sheets together, a bit at a time, long dress so was hard to be accurate by the time I got to the bottom. 4 strips x 10. Pattern pieces all cut out and looks very impressive. Cut out spare stash fabric as a muslin and will do a quick sew up later with fingers crossed. Only cut to knee length as torso is my problem

Doh, I missed the extra measurements tab ie bust, low, medium or high, upper arm etc. Princess seams so bust should be ok. Either that or I`ll by an upthrust bra :rotfl:Cost £2.25 and if this fits then I`ll be doing more. Tops and skirts will be very easy compared to this. Seam allowance option is very important as it gives two points of reference for sticking together

There are ways to alter the pattern to adjust to suit your bust height etc.
Measure from neck to tip of bust and down to your natural waist line.
If you need to alter the pattern this can be done above the bust in line with the armpit.
Lengthen or shorten here.
Most patterns are based on a b cup so it is possible to alter the pattern at the dart to accommodate cup variations

Savvy_sewing

kittie wrote: »

Don`t bother. The pattern does not give any ease. I trashed the pattern and fabric. Was worth a try though

Most patterns need you to add seam allowances other then the printed manufactured ones.
This is usually 1.5cm

Savvy_sewing

MrsCD wrote: »

Mooloo, how do you make thermal cooking bags?

They are made from circles of fabric stuffed with polystyrene balls.
Memory girl sells the tutorial on her website https://www.mortgagefreeinthree.com

[Deleted User]

Mooloo wrote: »

Most patterns need you to add seam allowances other then the printed manufactured ones.
This is usually 1.5cm

1.5 cm had been added but overall I was not happy with the pattern, it looked `dull` Bust was in the right place, which was good as I often have to do a FBA as well as shorten neck/waist length but overall did not get on with lekala.

HH I just received a new vogue pattern, a marcy tilton top. I also received and have cut out a merchant and mills pattern, used stash linen and whatever happens, it will be fine as a house dress if we have a raging hot summer. I wouldn`t wear this linen to go out anyway. Instructions and diagrams are extremely poor as are the illustrations, however the pattern is a simple one which anyone with any common sense could make

Not a good day yesterday, first anniversary of being a widow and a lovely younger sister in law also died in the evening yesterday. Had to be busy so have been cutting, now have 3 garments ready to sew, all easy and uncomplicated

PixieDust

I'm so sorry for your sadness, Kitty xxx

[Deleted User]

I am glad this week is over and am back to being me again

I am washing a new length of fabric a day as I like to have them ready for use. I started hanging them on hangers in a wardrobe, much better than a heap, even if a folded heap. Just want to say how much a fabric can change after its pre-wash. Did a 35% stretch yesterday and today it feels soft and floppy, like a 60% stretch. It is a cotton/rayon blend. Before washing I would have used it for something else. It is very important to do the pre-wash. I am doing all these fabrics on 30 degrees delicate as that is how I will wash them when made up

Watched a bit of the new Tilton craftsy class last night and yes they are saying that ponte is the easiest fabric to work with especially if new to stretchy. Will be back sewing tomorrow