The sewing thread

RosyRed

Flissh- glad you're happier with your latest make! I like that pattern.

I've been looking at those images too of the M&M top-so many different ones I cant decide what look to go for yet .I might look through my stash and make it up in a cheapie first before I splash out on a dearer fabric.

flissh

Good idea. I always think next time I'm going to make a toile out of something I've had for ages but I never do.

[Deleted User]

I make a sort of toile every time I make a new pattern for a top or dress, for that I use old fabric, like the pink linen for a top or an old fine cotton for a nightie. I made the MnM trapeze dress in a fabric that I didn`t really want but it turned out lovely except for the neck, being a fabric that I had not cared much for, I thought `what the heck` and cut and altered the neckline, it was a fab success and I applied it to the other two dresses that I made since then. I am glad that I made all these garments properly because I love them all

I have the top64 pattern, loved it but not made it yet, need to make room in my wardrobe first. I am glad you mentioned the boiled wool as it didn`t cross my mind but I have two lengths, from the german stemmer shop online, five years ago and carefully kept on their bolts. It would make a fab top in that but yet again it is another pattern I would first make in something like the kaufman denim that I now have in my stash. No seam finishing with boiled wool and would be very warm, ideal for winter as an overtop

I haven`t been sewing for weeks now, been so busy with kondo stuff, I am looking for a new house, so I need to prepare. I have three nice lands end cotton nighties,in a sale 7 years ago, nice slightly stretch small print on white fabric. I realised why my hip was aching at night and the fabric from the lower split sides was bunching up under me. I am going to make myself a few pairs of knickers from one of them, the fabric is just right and I have fold over elestic. These hm knickers of mine are now my `go to` for comfort and a quick sew

[Deleted User]

I have been waiting a long time for my back order of `cotton and steel` fabric to arrive but 2 lengths arrived this morning. One has bees on it and the other random red and pink shapes. I have seen an MnM dress made up of this make of fabric and it was awesome. These are destined for very artisan and exclusive dresses next year. They would cost a bomb if you can find them ready made. There is one more to arrive, magic forest foxes. They are also good for quilting hence ordering in multiples of fat quarters
http://thefabricfox.co.uk/bees-yellow-magic-forest-cotton-steel/

one length washed and is drying outside draped over a rack. Inside out so the colour does noit fade

RosyRed

Kittie,that site has some lovely interesting fabrics.I shall go back and have a good look later.

I have made up the top64 in a cheap black fabric and I enjoyed making it.I think when I use nice fabric I will make it slightly smaller too so it was worth doing.The only problem I had was I hadnt quite enough and made the neck facing from a black vest and its not quite right,but certainly wearable and comfortable for in the house.

I think I'll get quite a lot of use from the pattern as you can use various kinds of fabric,making it very versatile

[Deleted User]

Rosy, that re top64 is very interesting to hear. I have ample fabrics and think I will also make a first one in one of my less-loved fabrics. I don`t have any sewing mojo at the moment, partly because my wardrobe is already too full but it will come back. I can see that it will be a very useful top

jackyann

Hello all, am wondering if this thread is getting too lengthy, but let's see if I can get some replies! Lovely to read about your projects.

I volunteer at a small local music festival, and we need a new stage backdrop. I said I would make it. We are going to apply for a grant, so the committee suggested that I cost my time (which I will then donate to the festival as we never have enough money!)
Like a lot of amateur seamstresses I haven't a clue how long things take! And as I have always made my own curtains I don't have a clue how much professionals charge. I thought I would estimate my time and charge 'living wage'. This what I have to do:
Buy about 40 metres fire-retardant fabric
Cut into approx. 3 metre lengths
Join so we have double widths - so about 20 metres of seam
No side hems
Hem bottoms and add some weights
Fold over top and hem to make a tube (to thread on to piping)

Can anyone give me any sort of clue about time? Any other suggestions gratefully received

PollyWollyDoodle

Yikes - that sounds like a huge job! I won't even make ordinary curtains any more because I loathe handling large amounts of fabric, so good for you. . (By the way, I don't think the thread is too long, I just haven't had time to do any sewing lately).

Do you have to pre-estimate the time, or can you just time it as you do it? Reading the list above, , of course there are a lot of 'depends on' questions: will you buy the fabric online or have to go and get it; have you got space to lay this all out; will you be able to do it and leave stuff set up or will you have to pack it away in between sessions; will you to rethread the machine, wind extra bobbins, stop and de fluff it .... I'd guess 10 hours or so but I'm not a speedy worker.

jackyann

Thanks Polly! Yes, because of the grant timing, I do have to estimate this week! I shall order online, cut in my friend's long conservatory, and yes, I have a room I can spread out in, as long as I choose a week when none of the family visit!
Great minds think alike, as I had 10 hours in my mind. It doesn't really matter too much, as I will not actually be charging them, just need to put a reasonable figure on the application forms. The accounts will show that I was paid, say £75, and that I then donated that amount.
I found it difficult as big companies make curtains for ' free ', charging a higher price for fabric, and small enterprises quote for a job.
I'd welcome other opinions as to whether £75 sounds about right.

no.1swimmum

Hi, Ive been a long time lurker on this thread, avidly reading what people have been sewing. I hadn't made anything for a long while, partly because I couldn't get motivated because of my long term pain issues. I bought some jersey from the local market at £1 a yard to make some pyjammas as I was due to go into hospital for 3 weeks - and this has helped me to gradually get back into sewing, I am currently making a second pair of jammies but I'm now not sure if I am going into hospitla (long story).
I have been looking for some time for some suitable storage for my sewing patterns, I have quite a few and wanted something that would stack on top of each other - I was wondering what you all use to store them in.

Thanks