The sewing thread

PollyWollyDoodle

Ahhh - the power of this thread! I'm really enjoying this thread too. Unfortunately I'm not getting enough sewing time (maybe I should spend a bit less time on here!).

Kittie my manual suggests oiling it somewhere around the loopers - I need to get a bright light on it and see exactly where. I've never taken the base off but then it's had minimal use so far!

Bumblebear

Ladies - sorry to jump in and start a new conversation, but I need your advice!
Does anyone know of companies/brands/retailers that still sell dress kits, like you got in the 70s? (NB, I was not there in the 70s, but I do know about them!) I ask not because I necessarily want one, but because I have accidently purchased some/most of the components of one. I was rummaging in fabric boxes in a charity shop* last weekend and dug out 4 good size "scraps" of a lovely printed cotton. I thought it would be perfect for my patchwork and snapped it up. Got home and laid it out to show thoroughly-disinterested-husband only to find that the good size "scraps" were parts of a dress, which had some instructions printed on as to which panel they are, where to dart, where the pocket should be fitted etc. It looks to be a modern print and new fabric so I'm guessing it was newly purchased and not completed - I'd love to try and find out if it's still sold as I've decided to have a go at finishing it, but any hints as to what I'm making would be grand. I didn't even realise these things are still made so if anyone's had a go at one and can remember the manufacturer/retailer/seller I'm all ears!


* Other finds included 3.5m of good wool suiting fabric for £3.50, a piece of good quality wadding big enough for 2 quilted cushion covers for 50p, two patterns (tea dress and PJs) for 50p each, and my turns-out-it's-a-dress-scraps were £1.50 - I'm pleased!

ivyleaf

DebrasSewingProject wrote: »

Is there anyone on this forum who is near to Bromley in Kent and wants to join a sewing club?

There is a very nice poster called maryb who lives near Bromley and enjoys sewing. I can't remember whether she has posted on this thread or not, but I don't suppose she would mind if you pm'd her to ask if she'd be interested. You can tell her it was my [STRIKE]fault[/STRIKE] idea, obviously

I'm in Bexleyheath, but I don't drive and my machine is quite heavy so I won't be thinking about any classes or clubs until I've been able to replace it with a more compact, lighter one.
Good luck with the project.

ivyleaf

Bumblebear The only one I know of is Clothkits - they were popular in the late 70's -80's, then went out of business but have been started up again a few years ago. I hope you can find what you're looking for

Artytarty That skirt sounds beautiful :T and a great contrast to my most recent effort, which was dismantling the elasticated waistband from some (bought) pyjama trousers, to replace the elastic with a drawstring. The wretched elastic was of course stitched in with an overlocker and took ages to undo!

kittie Brilliant job with the overlocker :T

Polly Glad you enjoyed your course

Artytarty

What have you all been sewing? Do tell.
I've made a charmeuse silk top in blues and greens, three quarter length sleeves with a sort of fake cuff, boat neck. It's to go with my gray cropped trousers which I plan on wearing to an exhibition alter this week with heels. I'm normally a flats girl but sometime she it's nice to dress up.
I don think have anyhting to wear on top,of the lovely silk skirt, might have to buy something.
I've got a lovely bit of woven will in a russet colour, only enough for another pair cropped trews but I quite fancy that.
Once you get a trouser pattern tweaked to your own shape it's quite quick and easy to run up a pair and it's lovely to be able to add that extra bit at back centre somthey don't dip when you bend over!

PollyWollyDoodle

Not getting much done at the moment. I offered to make a duvet cover for a friend, or rather to appliqu! a patchwork to a duvet cover - long story, it's turned into a bit of a nightmare as its so big, it's been hard to get straight. I feel if I put it away and start anything else it'll never get finished, but I'm not moving it on because it's not right ... I need to bite the bullet, undo it and start again. And I could have done it in the time I've spent procrastinating! :rotfl: hoping to report more activity next week.

maryb

ivyleaf wrote: »

There is a very nice poster called maryb who lives near Bromley and enjoys sewing. I can't remember whether she has posted on this thread or not, but I don't suppose she would mind if you pm'd her to ask if she'd be interested. You can tell her it was my [STRIKE]fault[/STRIKE] idea, obviously

I'm in Bexleyheath, but I don't drive and my machine is quite heavy so I won't be thinking about any classes or clubs until I've been able to replace it with a more compact, lighter one.
Good luck with the project.

OOh, hello, haven't been on this thread for a few days so I missed this. You're very kind Ivyleaf.

maryb

Oops my browser did something funny there.

I was about to say, I'm having some problems with my eyesight (when am I not?) and although this can be fixed , I'm not doing much sewing atm.

(I have a 'secondary cataract' and it needs a short treatment with a laser to make a hole in the capsule that the new lens sits in. I had to have it done in the other eye last year and it makes a big difference. But my consultant says to wait about six months before having it done)

But I'm still interested in sewing and please keep me in mind for anything you set up

Artytarty

Fantasy- silk top,looks gorgeous on hanger- imagine it will be great with my trousers. Did try on when making.

Reality- top needs to be tucked in and billowed over a bit to balance with shorter length trousers.do that. Nylon side zip prevents silk on that side from flowing properly.

I'll remove the zip altogether as the top actually fits me without having to undo it. The benefit of a large bozoom!

Insecurity- does anybody else feel as if there is a big sign on their back saying"homemade"?' When they are wearing their creations?

jackyann

Yes!
I find it goes away after the garment is 'worn in' and I was interested to hear Michelle Pye say that she always has to wear something a few times before she feels she has settled into it.
I would also add that I find that I rarely have to put in zips or buttons or anything for tops, and can normally slip them over my head.
I mark my patterns onto non woven fabric, so find that I can quickly tack it together and slip over my head to check.

I have finally made the Harrison shirt from Cashmerette and was thrilled with it.
I have also made the Sadie top from Style Arc (just cut the back to the fold) and thrilled with that too. I made one in devore silk with a habotai lining, and cut a plain sleeve for that, then made one in microfibre with the twist detail on the sleeve.
Neither of these patterns were cheap, but they are printed on good quality paper so you can easily trace them and I think represent good value.