Does anyone else make their own clothes

JenniO

An old friend of mine, who was about 10 years older than me at the time told me she used to hold "Hem & Haw" nights whereby her friends would come over for the evening with anything that they'd been putting off, like fixing buttons or hemming trousers,etc and they'd all sit together and have a laugh and glass of 'whatever' and they'd get their little jobs done while having a great time.

I always thought that was so cool.

[Deleted User]

I have bitten the bullet again and ordered a LOAD of patterns from sewing patterns.com. petite/plus this time after going on the petite/plus website. I will be at the smallest end but I do have the mature figure as well as a lack of height. I used visa as always, because of the guarantee

Anyway, I got the impression from the reviews etc that the pattern covers don`t do the patterns justice. I really liked some of the combinations and wardrobe ideas on the website and I am sure that I can build a pretty classy wardrobe from the patterns. I am so tired of adjusting every pattern that I buy. I am hoping that I will only need to make one quick garment in a cheap throw-away fabric and that should tell me what standard adjustments I may need but of course I may not need to make any. Fingers crossed

caleo

kittie wrote: »

I have bitten the bullet again and ordered a LOAD of patterns from sewing patterns.com. petite/plus this time after going on the petite/plus website. I will be at the smallest end but I do have the mature figure as well as a lack of height. I used visa as always, because of the guarantee

Anyway, I got the impression from the reviews etc that the pattern covers don`t do the patterns justice. I really liked some of the combinations and wardrobe ideas on the website and I am sure that I can build a pretty classy wardrobe from the patterns. I am so tired of adjusting every pattern that I buy. I am hoping that I will only need to make one quick garment in a cheap throw-away fabric and that should tell me what standard adjustments I may need but of course I may not need to make any. Fingers crossed

I am sure the patterns will get here, I reckon mine was just a blip....although I will not be going back there again! My final missing pattern arrived on Saturday and they refunded the other pattern which they no longer stock, so at least my business with them is over!

Let us know how the patterns fit. Handy for you if there are no adjustments required!

Rikki

I need to make a couple of slips.
Are there any on-line shops I can buy the material from?

Mrs_Flittersnoop

Hi Kittie, I have read good reviews of the petite plus range too so fingers crossed they work well for you. Quite a lot of the independent designer ranges have dreadful photos on the front which are very misleading (Loes Hinse is one), it's such a shame when the patterns themselves are so good.

Rikki, what were you thinking of making your slips from? You could try www.sewsassy.com which sells all kinds of lingerie/swimwear fabrics, together with all the bits and pieces you need. They're pretty helpful if you have any questions as I think the website is a bit hit and miss.

Otherwise if you wanted to use high-quality batistes, silks etc you could try www.farmhousefabrics.com which is one of my favourites, there's hours of browsing there.

HTH
Mrs Fx

[Deleted User]

Mrs F I did notice that Loes Hinse gets very good reviews

Caleo have a look at the sew today magazine on sew direct. They have a very good offer of 2 patterns for the price of one and I have certainly got my sub money back over and over

I just finished a blouse this morning from fabric on sale at £1.99 a metre (abakhan I think) it is in white with a subtle stripe. I bought white buttons with a gold rim and the blouse looks really good, skimming my waist and top hips, while retaining a feminine shape. The pattern was kwik sew 2956 and I did version B. I simply widened each side at the base and did without the side slits. I used a french curve to do a smooth curve

I am glad to say that my pile of well fitting patterns is getting bigger :j . My ambition is to make a very well fitting pair of trousers and that may happen when the petite/plus arrives. The looser ones are good but only suitable for hot weather. So far the A line skirt is fab, the 6 gore skirt too as well as a good selection of tops

boldaslove

i've done an online search but nothing seems to be cropping up.

i'm looking at how to make and attach a jersey waistband, the kind you put on skirts. or where to buy one if possible! i'm in the process of making a handkerchief skirt out of an old blanket. i accidently cut the hole for my waist too big but i'm pretty sure it can be compensated for by making a stretchy waistband (it's an old airline blanket, a midweight knit, fairly stretchy) as it sits lightly on my hips but falls down as soon as i move.

i do actually have a piece of elastic i saved from a tshirt i pulled apart which is the perfect size for my waist, i wonder if this could be used to make the waistband somehow? i'm completely amateur (ie - have only just worked out how to thread the sewing machine!) so 'idiot proof' suggestions would be appreciated!

has anyone made a jersey waistband or found somewhere that sells them? i'm sure i've seen them for sale somewhere but now i need one i can't find them for the life of me!

thanks in advance

pigpen

I would cut a strip the circumference of my waist (plus an inch) about 4 inches wide fold it in half lengthways and fix it to the top of the skirt and thread the elastic through the 'tube'

Penelope_Penguin

Hello! We have a whole thread for dressmakers here - does anyone else sew their own clothes? I'll merge this one with that to keep all suggestions together.

Penny. x

jasmin10

Ok, as the title says I need help on how to re-hem my trousers. Normally I either handsew or take them to the shop but to save money I want to do it old style using a sewing machine that I have been too scared to use lol.

I need idiot guide details preferably with pictures I have looked on the net but still unsure. Which stitch do I use so that I can't see the stitching on the right side??