Does anyone else make their own clothes

fuddle

Chaos_Monkey wrote: »

Hi, I'm thinking of making a few items of clothing for myself, this blog was the inspiration!
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-twirly-summer-dress-with-cap-sleeves-and-a-circle-skirt/2012/06/14/

Thanks so much for posting about that blog. I ave had a quick peek and saved it to my reader. Looking forward to my night of peace and quiet come 7pm

I have so many things I want to do but as it all costs money I am going to have to just calm down, budget and take thing as they come. I can't wait though

Taadaa

I am thinking about upgrading my sewing machine. I've had mine for about 4 years now, it probably should have a service, but tbh it was only £100 new so not sure it's worth it. It's a Singer basic model.

I know that I want one with a few different stitches, which can do buttons and has a zipper foot. I mostly make clothes and household items. With a baby girl on the way I anticipate it getting a lot more use in future, so I need something heavy duty.

What do you guys use? Any suggestions? Do any of you have an overlocker?

flea72

Taadaa wrote: »

I am thinking about upgrading my sewing machine. I've had mine for about 4 years now, it probably should have a service, but tbh it was only £100 new so not sure it's worth it. It's a Singer basic model.

I know that I want one with a few different stitches, which can do buttons and has a zipper foot. I mostly make clothes and household items. With a baby girl on the way I anticipate it getting a lot more use in future, so I need something heavy duty.

What do you guys use? Any suggestions? Do any of you have an overlocker?

its very simple to service a machine yourself, and no matter what the price, Singer is a good make that will last a lifetime.

many machines have 100s of different stitches, but in all reality, you only need straight and zigzag. yes, being able to alter the length and width of the stitches is a bonus, but those two basic stitches will cover everything you need to do.

if you are opting for a buttonhole, then i would suggest a machine that does it in one step, rather than 4. You can buy a zipper foot to fit your current machine, you dont need to buy a new machine, just to be able to use a zipper foot. personally i dont sew that much structured clothing for my kids, that would require a zip, and if the pattern calls for buttons i use snaps instead as they are so much easier to apply and use

if you choose the right needle for the job, and arent planning on sewing leather or very thick twill/denim, then you also dont need a heavy duty machine.

as for overlocker, tbh i would suggest getting one of these, rather than upgrading your current machine. i find i use both equally when making clothing. the overlocker is great for neatening edges, but a sewing machine gives a firmer stitch and adds detail. overlockers are great if you plan to sew with stretchy fabrics, and are fantastic at whipping up joggers really quickly or shortening hems

so in your position, i would go for overlocker, instead of a new sewing machine.

F

cjez_2

Couldn't agree more with flea. Button holes are a nightmare in four steps. Snaps are great!
I have an old jones & it is great as its stitching is beautiful! I would love an overlocker but just use zig zag stitch for now :-(

Taadaa

Hmm okay well maybe I will reconsider. I do sometimes have trouble with the size of the gap between the foot and the teeth ie the fabric is too thick. But I don't have this problem too often for it to be a major deal breaker. I'm not sure what the button hole type is, haven't used it yet, most of the patterns so far have been zip and hook and eye. There's no rush so will give it more thought before I decide.

flea72

Taadaa wrote: »

Hmm okay well maybe I will reconsider. I do sometimes have trouble with the size of the gap between the foot and the teeth ie the fabric is too thick. But I don't have this problem too often for it to be a major deal breaker. I'm not sure what the button hole type is, haven't used it yet, most of the patterns so far have been zip and hook and eye. There's no rush so will give it more thought before I decide.

the gap between the foot and the teeth? do you mean as the fabric is too thick, the feed dogs arent pulling it through? if so, the only way ive found round this is to go very slowly, sometimes even turning the machine by hand. so the needle has time to go down through the fabric and back up, before the dogs push it along a step

F

Taadaa

Yes, that is what I mean. I will try this the next time I encounter the problem, thanks.

PinkLipgloss

Hi all,

Was wondering if you of you crafty ladies/gents have experience of making your own clothes for children?

I have a toddler and quite fancy the challenge! I will obviously have to invest in a sewing machine and some fabric but other than that I have no idea how to get started!

Can anyone help? Google returns hundreds of results however I'm posting here in the hope of getting recommendations for specific sites/books.

sjprmc01

No help to you but I was in a CS the other day in a posh part of town and they had a huge stack of old women's and girls clothing patterns I was so tempted to buy some but I don't own a sewing machine or have a crafty bone in my body!

PinkLipgloss

sjprmc01 - I'd have snapped them up!

I've not done any sewing since I was in home economics class at 13! (I didn't choose it as an option in 3rd year).

However, I'm not that happy with most of the clothes out there (very bland/boring) and the funky stuff that I do like is, IMO, seriously overpriced.