The sewing thread

[Deleted User]

I have just done my winter to summer wardrobe sort and am very pleased to say that thehome made items in my everyday clothing must equal 50% of what is in that double wardrobe. In fact I am wearing an indie merchant and mills (trapeze) dress today and am glad I fiddled with the neckline on the pattern, fits perfectly and although loose, is a flattering dress, much nicer than the pattern envelope, plus the length is perfect for me, after much dithering last year. I am not worried about showing bare legs any more, the length I am liking is mid calf, just below the widest part


indie patterns
http://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/patterns/


https://drapersdaughter.com/collections/patterns


https://merchantandmills.com/


I see these items ready made in specialist clothing shops sometimes and they are expensive to buy. I have quite a few MnM patterns, most not made up yet but I have the fabric stash to suit and am quite honestly worried that such excellent designers one day disappear as sites do, so I have the patterns in. The patterns look like rags on the envelope front but they are very cleverly cut


sew house seven, gorgeous styles, not for me as I am not slim enough but stunning, very flattering and different

silvasava

Not making anything at the moment - but a small pile of alterations is slowly emerging! I bought a summer pyjama set for my hols but the camisole top has crossed straps at the back - a blinking fiddle to get into so those need to be changed. A lovely italian swimsuit with a contrast overlay across the bust - which curls up and shows the wrong white side - needs a couple of stitches to hold down. Minor bits that wont be done just yet!

[Deleted User]

yet another completely hm outfit on today, very comfy and bust point is exactly right, a multi coloured peplum (flattering) top with a plain lime green linen/cotton skirt. Multi tops and plain skirts for mix n match for me

I am liking my hm things much more than bought, except for trousers, even my parka maroon coat, which is good for many weathers and looks nice. I wish I could be sewing right now but need to stay away, just want to keep the thread going as it is such a useful engrossing hobby.

crikey sloggi are into invisible knickers, just looked at their site. I found 2 pairs of sloggi comfort in my drawer and they were £11 a pair :eek: yes they are comfi but no more so than my own hand made from t shirt fabric, old tea shirts do fine elastic edging, stretch bias works super well. The sloggis are 95% cotton plus elastane, exactly the same as t shirt fabric. When I get on a roll, I can cut 2 pairs in 20 minutes and sew them in 30 minutes. Wow, what a saving and they wash very well

purpleivy

Work as ever is overwhelming! I had 12 customers with 27 items total last Wednesday. However, I did take some time out to do some domestic altering and mending. Fixed up my Dad's waistcoat that was too tight for him. He only wears it to funerals with the jacket on, so fine that it shows a little!

My daughter pinched my little green cardi, so I have been pushed into action. Last week I started to look at a pattern, get it printed out etc, then last night I managed to get it cut out and started the assembly.

Plain bottoms and print tops for me too Kittie, I find the print forgiving against the odd spot and spill!

[Deleted User]

some skirt patterns and tips with suitable fabric suggestions. There is also a free pattern near the end. The link was via an e mail from croft but I am passing the link on as I have no hesitation in recommending this company. I have nothing to do with them apart from being a customer, have been for over 30 years, always good stuff


http://blog.croftmill.co.uk/skirts-that-swish/


You are one of a kind purpleivy, you must have a lot of patience to do alterations

TiredTrophy

Just a quick hello...I am setting in the sleeves on another classic summer dress...this is the 5th one the same but in different fabrics.
I make different mistakes each time as I experiment with re learning to sew but they are all wearable and it is keeping me sane as I recover from a fall. I am enjoying following up the links...thanks, kittie.
I also have knitting projects....they take long!

[Deleted User]

TT set in sleeves, do you do it this way?


running stitches between notches
gather up and wind around a pin
hold sleeve cap over the main armhole and curve it around your fingers, it will ease into place much better. Loosen around the pin as needed

The sleeve should then sit nicely, be sure to match up the tailors tacks


Nice to see someone else back in sowing mode

TiredTrophy

Yes...I think my gathering stitches are too big this time....

TiredTrophy

All done...very nice and totally wearable.

Next I will learn how to sew stretch fabric using a modern machine....it was a hand cranked singer when the chilxren were young.....now I have twin needles and a walking foot!

[Deleted User]

that walking foot is absolutely amazing, the right needle and the right thread and it is a doddle. The worse thing is the hem when I make a stretch dress.

I have packed up my sewing room so will not be sewing until after I move, yes I still have to find that house but being on my own now, best to plan ahead to avoid stress. All I have left to put away is the big basket full of cut out patterns, nightie, knickers, at least one skirt. That will be a job for tomorrow

I do get worried about the packers handling my precious machines, neither babylock has a handle, so I am trying one strong bag to start with. an overlocker bag from bsk. If I think it is good and strong then I will get one for the cover stitch and one for the sewing machine. All I have done is pre-packing ie put all the bits together in the likes of strong plastic shoe boxes and 9litre really useful boxes. Then I wound around and around with a mini cling film roller, to secure them. I will be paying removers to pack but no way would they handle my sewing things like I would. They are very precious and expensive