The sewing thread

jackyann

Oh flissh - I have also been there. In fact, 25 years ago, I was returning to work after being a stay-at-home mum for a few years. In haste I bought a fabric I thought I liked, and made a dreadful shirt that looked awful.
Juggling job, home and schoolkids meant that if I couldn't make it quickly, then I couldn't make it!
I stopped dressmaking for 10 years. Then I got a bit more time for myself and I went back to basics and learned all over again. I have had my disasters, but have been able mostly to rescue them, and learn from them.
I suggest a fitting course for birthday /Xmas gift. It has made the world of difference to me.

PollyWollyDoodle

Flissh, I feel your pain - I don't think there is a sewer in the world who hasn't cut through the garment while trimming a seam, sewed a sleeve in inside out, or done something that's ruined a finished piece. It is frustrating but it's all learning.

I've also done that thing of making something and realising that I don't really like it! You're probably right to shred it, you're never going to fall in love with it after this. I didn't come up with the 'wear it three times' idea, it was someone else on this thread, but I have found it to be a useful maxim, sometimes things need to be worn in

flissh

Thanks everyone.:)
Jackyann, thats a good idea. I need a fitting class. I don't understand it enough. I also need a dress form. That will probably be my next buy.

I've also been thinking about making a dedicated sewing room. We've got 2 spare rooms and it could always be tidied away when visitors come. I realised yesterday that I'm fed up with putting it all away when I'm done. It would mean that cutting out would be done downstairs and actual sewing upstairs but think that would be ok. It would also mean getting more furniture that we won't need when we finally return home though and thats why Ive been reluctant to do this.


No sewing for me today as i have been ignoring the ironing for too long. Hubby wore a pair of shorts yesterday that were from the bottom of the basket Don't want to make my self sound like a drudge, but I'm not working at the mo, so happy to do all the household chores.

euronorris

Hello avid sewers!


I have a sewing machine that I am looking to sell (sadly I no longer have the time or space to use it), and am wondering where is the best place to sell it (other than eBay)? Do you guys have a preferred place to buy second hand machines from?


Thanks.

imho

Your local for sale Facebook page.
I always see sewing machines for sale on mine and most sell.

jackyann

I now have a dedicated sewing room. I chose it for the light, but it also has the airing cupboard in it, so the iron is permanently set up there, both for sewing and ironing. I have a large work surface running underneath the window, and some shelves.
I have a clothes rail on which hang things for ironing, works in progress, and spare hangers for guests.
As luck would have t, one the spare beds is quite high. Whilst not an absolutely ideal cutting height, it really is OK. I have a mattress cover on the bed, i cover that with green baize (acquired many years ago - any thick fabric would do) and on that I put a cutting board.

When I need the spare room for guests, it takes maybe 15 minutes to tidy sewing away, put covers on machines, quick hoover, fold up cutting board, fold up baize and make up bed.

PollyWollyDoodle

I probably could create a sewing room out of my spare room, but I have got used to gathering stuff up and moving it to the kitchen, and as I live alone, if I want to leave it out then it's up to me.

I've done three pages of the 'quiet book' so far: a tree with woodland animals hiding behind felt leaves, a barn with farm animals behind doors which opens up with a satisfying Velcro strip, and a rather poor recreation of one of the characters from The Night Garden, which is my little friend's favourite programme. Page four is a frog with a zippy mouth that will reveal a long red tongue. It's ended up being entirely hand-sewn, but I've really enjoyed myself with it. I can't wait till he is old enough to have pages with removable bits and pieces!

I need to bind the pages together somehow - not decided yet - and then insert eyelets, get some clip rings and make a cover. My plan is to make a new pair of pages every month. Tomorrow is a free day so far, I'd like to get the machine out again.

silvasava

All I did yesterday was to alter the CS nightshirt and shorten a top. I'm tall but tops look better on me if no longer than my hip flexor, only needed a couple of inches off but makes a difference. Both ready to pack for my holiday on Saturday. I have got some cut off's that need to be altered too but decided to leave them u til I come back as they'll need a. Bit more time and patience!

RosyRed

I visited a lovely craft shop in another town & bought Merchant & Mills Top 64 pattern yesterday,but I dont yet have any suitable fabric and I'm not sure what I fancy either.Been looking on pinterest for inspiration!You can make it up as though its a jumper,or linen types and denim.I did see some gorgeous pink,I think it said it was boiled wool but it was beyond my budget

Have a good hol Silva Sava.

flissh

Rosy, Ive just looked on pintrest. Its a very versatile pattern. I saw one in jersey (i think!) stripes for a sort of relaxed sweatshirt type.

I have put to bed the disaster last week by making a new dress.
https://grainlinestudio.com/shop/women/dresses/willow-pdf/
Its got a strange pleat about hip height, but I went with it and I'm really pleased with it. I made it in a cheap fabric I got in fabric land, brighton which seems to have worked really well. It looks a bit like a chambray, pale blue with white daisy type sprigs on it.
I'm thinking of making another. I bought some green fabric which I thought had bees on it but my dughter took one look and said Uggh, Flies!! So I'm not sure if it's such a good idea!