2023 - No Craft Spending - I WILL bust my stash and make pretty things!!!!!

Soontobeoap

@Stashbuster they are amazing. Is that a stretchy material? Do you have a special machine for hemming? They look like T shirt material and i dont understand how you keep everything stretchy. Doesnt the cotton break when the seams get stretched? I wish i was clever enough to make fashionable items like that. I tried to book on a course but it was full booked. 

Stashbuster

@Soontobeoap they are both stretchy x 

For the stitches you can either use stretch thread or use stretch stitches that allow the fabric to wriggle a bit so the threads don’t break. 

I have an overlocker now (think the seams you see on shop bought clothing where threads wrap over the edge of the fabric) but before that I used to sew everything with zig zag stitches (nice and stretchy) or a twin needle (straight stitches on top and zig zag underneath)

I don’t have a hemmer - think the DH would actually kill me if I fetched one more thing home 😂 so I use twin needles to hem, or add bands or binding. 

Soontobeoap

They are beautiful. You are so talented. I might try small zig zags on a sampke piece of fabroc. My machine is so old that it doesnt take double needles.. I have a couple of basic tunics that I just wear around the house now. I would love to ise them as a pattern to make more as i cant find the same shape anywhere. Food for thought. Thanks @stashbuster

Stashbuster

You can still attach bindings and bands if twin needles aren’t an option, the stretch thread from gutermann would help with nice hems and top stitching if you didn’t want to use zig zag on those x 

emsi_b

Hello everyone! Appearing from the deep dark depths of January to report in. This is by far my least favourite month and always feels a bit sad.

I have made the two t -shirts I mentioned in the old thread, 3 cards and the microwave popcorn pouch, so now at 6/200. I'm half way through a Blouse for me- it's a lot more complicated than anything I've sewn before as it has a button placket, but the instructions are very clear so fingers crossed!

In addition to finishing the scrapbook pages I have planned out, I also want to try making some little notebooks- I have the waxed cotton thread in my stash (a foolish attempt at getting DHs trousers buttons to stay on!), so will use some of my tonnes of card and paperstock to make one. If it looks OK, I might knock a few up with stamped images on the front for my craft stall- my first one this year is in March, so I have some time.

I haveben enjoying the pictures of everyone's makes, so will try to remember to add more of my own! And on that note, here is the popcorn pouch (directional fabric is my nemesis):

Wraithlady

Soontobeoap said:

My machine is so old that it doesnt take double needles..

It should be ok unless it's absolutely ancient - the double needles are attached to a single shank and, if you don't have a socket for another spindle, then taping a kebab stick or chopstick to the side of the machine for the second thread should work 

old_fogey

@plumduff55 that crochet blanket you made is great. It must have been lovely seeing it again, with all those memories.

@Stashbuster those tops are lovely. I didn't know you could get stretch thread, so I have filed that fact away. I havent done any dress making for 35 years, but still have a machine, so you never know!

@Gromit38 you are in the right place to tackle your stash! Looking forward to seeing your WIP/ makes

@emsi_b love the fabric on your popcorn pouch, fun!

I have  now finished one side of the tablet case. I went up to check how much tapestry wool was left, still masses of browns and black. I was given if my by mum, who was given it by somebody else... so it is great it is being used at long last.

RavenRover

Hi,
I would like to join too please.  I tried to bust my stash a wee bit last year but want to keep chipping away at it.  Mostly knitting and crochet.  Hopefully I WILL make nice things this year😀

Soontobeoap

Welcome @RavenRover cant wait to see some pics of your makes. Everyone on here is so helpful and inspiring. I am new too. 

sammy_kaye18

Stashbuster said:

Two tops almost finished - just hems and tidying. The black will look better once it’s on a body - it’s an off the shoulder top so hangs strangely on the hanger.

they just need to sit for an evening or two while I pluck up the courage to hem (least favourite job!)

I love the tops Stash. They are so pretty. The bottom one is definitely a me style. :-) the top one is very pretty and I love the fabric you have used.