Does anyone else make their own clothes

fattybumble85

Fuddle, I too subscribe to sewdirect. To be honest I don't find the mags that great although they do sometimes have good articles, in particular gertie, from Gerties Blog For Better Sewing - google it, has featured. I only subscribe for the half price patterns. If you think you're likely to buy more than three in the next year the subscription is very good value, especially for the Vogue patterns which can be pricey. I haven't the maths mind to be able to draft my own patterns so rely on proper patterns, even for relatively simple items.

I'm interested in what sewing machines you all have. I've recently acquired a new to me Brother XR6600 which I really like. It has a good range of decorative stitches as well as the basics and I'm hoping I'll finally be able to master buttonholes as i couldnt get to grips with them on my previous machine. I also have a Frister & Rossman overlocker which though temperamental is brilliant for playing with jersey knits or just finishing seams. I think it's about 25 years old but a great little workhorse.

fattybumble85

Also I would recommend 'The Sewing Book' which has really detailed instructions and pictures for pretty much any sewing technique you can think of. Its proved really useful to me when patterns have had me scratching my head! I got mine from Amazon but I noticed my local branch of The Works had quite a few copies in on Saturday, priced at £9.99 which I think is bargainous! It's a proper hefty reference book.

fuddle

I'll reserve that at the library if I can get my hands on it. Thanks fattybumble.

I'm afraid I can't show off my machine as it's just a small john lewis model. It's tiny and only a beginner machine but I can see I can't ever live without a machine now. I'm not looking to upgrade yet as for what I need it to do/my ability it's just right but it would be great to see what machines you would all recommend.

I have finished the skirt..., of sorts, i'll upload pics for you later. I say 'of sorts' as I cant get it over my thighs so need to get a zip in there (I'm panicking!) the inside looks a mess - interfacing? is that what its for, to hide unsightly seems? but the outside looks blooming brilliant. It's a-line and knee length.

flea72

fuddle wrote: »

I have finished the skirt..., of sorts, i'll upload pics for you later. I say 'of sorts' as I cant get it over my thighs so need to get a zip in there (I'm panicking!) the inside looks a mess - interfacing? is that what its for, to hide unsightly seems? but the outside looks blooming brilliant. It's a-line and knee length.

interfacing is to add strength or stiffness to certain areas, not to cover unsightly seams. are you thinking of lining? as thats an additional layer of fabric that hides the seams by putting them all to the inside. although neat seams only comes with practice. do you finish your fabric edges before sewing, either with pinking shears, zigzag stitch or an overlocker? as i find this gives a more professional looking finish

i take it you used your actual measurements rather than you usual dress size when tracing the pattern? because im a bit confused when you say you cant get it over your hips, but plan to add a zip to solve this? is the pattern currently elasticated at the waist or made from stretchy material?

F

miasnanny

adelight wrote: »

Could you share a rough idea of the pattern you use? Even a dodgy paint drawing of the shape? Sounds lovely.

When I next go up the stairs I will take the camera and post

fuddle

flea72 wrote: »

interfacing is to add strength or stiffness to certain areas, not to cover unsightly seams. are you thinking of lining? as thats an additional layer of fabric that hides the seams by putting them all to the inside. although neat seams only comes with practice. do you finish your fabric edges before sewing, either with pinking shears, zigzag stitch or an overlocker? as i find this gives a more professional looking finish

i take it you used your actual measurements rather than you usual dress size when tracing the pattern? because im a bit confused when you say you cant get it over your hips, but plan to add a zip to solve this? is the pattern currently elasticated at the waist or made from stretchy material?

F

Ah thank you I should explain that I am a complete novice to sewing and even more so clothes making. I didn't use a pattern no. I measured myself and then just ran with it forgetting that my waist measurement is smaller than my thigh/hips.

I won't line it because my ability level is quite low. It was just an idea I had to make an unused garment usable and sewing practise really.

Give me 5 mins and i'll take a picture for you.

fuddle

This is the coat I started with:



This is what I was able to do with it. Many of the seams I kept because the coat was A-line down from the waist:



And this is what it looks like inside. It's not brilliant I know



So I'm guessing that I need to add a zip down the side seam so I can slip it over my hips?

Cheapskate

Afternoon all

I've been looking at sewdirect, too, very tempted to subscribe! Might join with SiL, will work out even cheaper then for us both. I sewed a bit years ago, but really rusty now, although I've recently made a quilt, pillow and cushion for DD for a dolls' bed, all reversible, that I'm really pleased with. If I can work out how to upload a photo, I will.

I want to make pjs for the littlies this winter, and dresses for DD; might be a bit longer until I can make proper zipped jeans for DS, but raring to go, especially after reading this thread.

Fuddle the skirt is really good - well done, you!

A xo

adelight

fuddle wrote: »

This is the coat I started with:

So I'm guessing that I need to add a zip down the side seam so I can slip it over my hips?

Looks lovely. What did you do with the rest of it? Short tweed jackets are everywhere right now, if you made it into a cropped jacket or something shaped like
you could have a cute little "suit" or flog it on ebay.

fuddle

Hi Cheapskate

I did think about having a short jacket and tried in on but it was too short (big chested) before I even hemmed it. It looked really silly. I cut off the buttons to keep and cut as much as I could into swatches to put in the odds and ends bag.

It's definitely whetted my appetite for it. When you subscribe to sewdirect you get two free patterns It's getting budgeted in for next month It will save a great deal on the patterns.