The sewing thread

maryb

DD used mint green needlecord for her Cleo. She had to get DH to help with the dungaree buttons because it was quite thick at the top because of the facing but she's really pleased with how it turned out. She had to taper it at the waist a bit to stop it poking out at the sides but it's still quite loose as she had to leave enough room to get it over her head and she finds it really comfy

VJsmum

Mumof2 wrote: »

I get the PDFs as opposed to the proper pattern and find them very good. I've already used Cleo twice and intend to use it again and I've also got the shirt dress but not been brave enough to try that yet (collars, buttonholes etc :eek:). Some of the patterns aren't me at all - I don't do really tight and stretchy as coming up for 50 now but I love the ones I've got.

Save

I am 52 and still do tight and stretchy (thanks to big knickers ) not too short though. it looks ok with thick tights and boots.

Mumof2_2

I don't mind short and tightish (is that a word?) skirts; just not keen on tight tops which show off too many little bulges etc! I'm 5'9 so most things can look a bit short on me

[Deleted User]

Ladies, enjoy tight and short while you can

Cleo would look dreadful on me being almost 70 and now 4`10 but there are still plenty of styles in my patterns that will look nice. I must have at a guess, 300 patterns not including all the compacted patterns in ottobre. That includes some from years ago called `brown paper patterns` and they are good for all the basics, I have used them many times over the last 20 years
http://www.brownpaperpatterns.com/
several of my best fitting patterns are from the states

I alter patterns and then trace them for cutting and keep the labelled traced altered patterns, so I have quick go-to patterns. I have two pairs of identical trousers from marks, now about 14 years old and absolutely love the fit of them. I have never found a well fitting pattern for trousers. I unpicked one pair a few weeks ago and now have the pattern which includes good side pockets. I copied these pieces onto card, punched a hole in the top and hung them on a special hanger in my sewing cupboard. I have two lengths of fabric ready, from stones fabrics, washed, ironed and ready to use. I do wash all my new fabrics before stashing

There are not enough hours in the day as I also spin, knit and am learning to carve wood. I bought the craftsy video on sewing with fleece as fleece is relatively new to me. It is marvellous and there is a paper pattern included. I learnt several good tips to test when I actually get to sew my new dressing gown. Good fleece, good threads and extra long zips from
http://www.empressmills.co.uk/

Mumof2_2

Kittie sounds like you've really got the hang of this sewing lark!! I haven't really tried altering much yet unless it's very straightforward but want to get the basics nailed first and then I can get onto fitting things right just for me. At the moment it's pretty much straight up and down but I like to have things to aim for.

Was merrily overlocking the seams on my Toaster jumper when the overlocker stopped stitching last night so today I have to rethread it in natural daylight as it's really tricky to do under artificial light. All good practice I guess. I got it at Lidl when they were last on sale but to be honest I'm a little scared of it but working to master the overlocker beast!!

kathrynha

I have a sewing machine question for all the experts on this thread.


I got a sewing machine a number of years ago, can't remember where from, but it was cheap, and not a brand I know.


It has a regular foot, but I know for some things I would be better with a specialist foot (zipper foot etc).
Are the feet specific to the make of machine, or will any fit?


I know it's probably a stupid question but I'm not very knowledgeable on sewing machines

Skintmama

Great idea for a thread Kittie!

I recently unearthed my sewing machine and have made all the cushions for our campervan. Now I have started making the curtains. I also made new curtains and a tablecloth for the kitchen last weekend.

It is lovely having the sewing machine out and I am trying not to get drawn off in too many different directions as I keep getting new ideas of things to make!

My sewing machine didn't work properly thanks to its overlong rest but I found instructions on the web for things to do to rectify this. It now works better than when it was last serviced! A good tip was to pull a knotted thread backwards and forwards through the tension discs to remove fluff.

Regarding the Singer overlocker which is being sold by Lidl; I have had this a couple of months now and it has thus far performed perfectly. It has been great for finishing the edges of all my cushions so that they can be removed and laundered without (hopefully) falling to pieces in the washing machine.

For the query about sewing machine feet: they are generally specific to the machine manufacturer. You can search online for the manufacturer and the accessories. It is perfectly possible to put zips in using the standard foot provided with the machine and I always did this before getting a machine that came with a zipper foot. I worked at a dressmaker's and everything was done with the one foot or hand sewn so you really don't need all the fancy accessories for most sewing.

maryb

You need to be a bit careful with sewing machine feet. Having said that there are some brands which will fit a lot of other brands. For example 'low shank' feet will generally fit other machines that use low shank feet. Once you know which brand will fit, there are a lot of generics for that brand. Eg if you find out that Janome feet will fit your machine, then you can get cheaper feet that will fit Janome and know it's ok for yours. Google is your friend here.

The only feet I use regularly apart from the standard straight stitch/zigzag foot are zip foot, invisible zip foot, blind hem foot and buttonhole foot. I also have a walking foot which is essential when I need it but I very rarely need it IYSWIM. So I wouldn't rush to buy one of those until you need to. Funnily enough, my sewing machine dealer says that a generic walking foot is absolutely fine

kathrynha

Thank you SkintMama and MaryB.


I will have a look at my sewing machine later and Google.


I am aware the zip and invisible zip foot. I tend to avoid anything with buttons as I cant do button holes.
What is the blind hem foot? Does it make the hem stitches hard to see? If so that sounds good.

[Deleted User]

mandm, re curtains. Definitely do the smallest ones first. You will probably need to pattern match fabric ie make sure that the pattern matches if you need more than one width per curtain and make sure that the pattern continues actross the two curtains. You need to allow for approximately twice the window width. I always use header tape, which is easy and curtains which have some dropping space are also easy as you can make the hem before you hang them. Curtains to the floor generally need to be hung and allowed to drop before hemming, however there is plenty of allowance in header tape, so I used to skip that step. Lining can be made loose but thay are a faff and it is easier to make sewn in linings. I made curtains for my own home every time we moved but stopped when we moved here. DD asked me to make curtains but I refused as I hated making them with a vengance. Having a big empty floor space is useful for cutting. I say this having bought a huge curtain, arrived today, cost mega money, is beautifully made and no way would I have been able to handle the sheer size and weight (11kg)

The feet discussion is interesting. My main sewing machine is a bernina and the feet just pop on. I love my walking foot, great for sewing with stretch fabrics