Does anyone else make their own clothes

abusybee

sounds fantastic nuttywoman. I wouldnt dare to do anything like that. glad it worked out

Mariel

I'm very pleased today - after much procrastinating I have taught my 8yo daughter to sew. She took to it no problem and is now the proud owner of a pair of self made pj shorts! She said she's never going to buy clothes again. A day well spent I think!

maria340

Hi everyone. Phew, finally finished reading this very inspirational thread.

I've recently decided to teach myself how to sew 'properly'. I've sewn on and off since I was 15 (i'm now 33) and got my (very tempremental Toyota 'Damien') sewing machine for my birthday. I've made curtains and cusions etc over the years. 7 years ago I joined a sewing class for 6 months and learned how to use patterns and made some maternity clothes.
Since then I have had 2 children and have now dusted off my machine again. I've been learning how to make a sloper/block pattern although I tend to just trace items I already have that fit.
I'm feeling really motivated at the moment (very unlike me!) I just hope I can keep it up. I love sewing and I'm naturally creative and am hoping to come up with an idea to make a bit of money (aren't we all??)
In the last month I've made 3 sets of pyjamas, 3 dresses, 4 tops (and clothes for teddy the ted) for my 3yo daughter, who refuses to wear any of them??. I've made my 6yo son some pyjamas, backpack, hats and a dragon toy. He loves the things I've made and is fasinated with patterns ('mummys design and technology').
My friend has given me a load of clothes that are way too big for my daughter (she's still in 18month clothes) so my plan is to unpick them and make them fit.
I might even eventually get to make myself something??
I should really go through my wardrobe and alter the clothes I have as nothing fits properly after breastfeeding (size 12-8 and C-AA cup) but somehow this doesn't seem as fun as making dinky little clothes!

nuttywoman

I`ve had a disaster this last couple of days.I bought a bag from charity shop, unpicked it and tried to make one like it in some Ikea fabric.The bag itself has turned out fine but i`ve messed up on the lining, so i`ll have to cut some more lining out and try again!

maria340

Good luck with your bag nuttywoman, I found a little rucksack in a charity shop a few weeks ago, you've just reminded me. My plan (1 of many at the moment) is to unpick it and recycle some floral curtains and old jeans to make one.

I've just made a hooded fleece jacket for my daughter using a fleece throw someone gave me. It's turned out really well. I'm amazed at how easy fleece is to sew with, very forgiving.
Does anyone know where I can buy some fleece fabric online, cheap ?
My son now wants one, but not in bright pink for some reason???.

Mrs_Flittersnoop

Hi all. Sorry I've been MIA for a while; I have some unresolved health issues which have been keeping me busy, and, irritatingly, away from my sewing machine :mad: However I'm feeling inspired now to dust it off and get sewing again.

Looks as though there has been a lot of creativity going on here! I added to my fabric stash yet again yesterday :rolleyes: so today's plan is to (1) FIND the skirt pattern I want to make up, (2) get it altered and (3) prewash the nice printed linen fabric I have in readiness for the Great Sew. Not sure if I'll get to actually cutting the skirt out today but am taking things slowly and even setting aside just 20 minutes or so a day gets stuff made up eventually.

maria340 I have one UK fabric site bookmarked for fleece stuff; www.planetfleece.co.uk but I've never bought anything from there. It looks pretty comprehensive though, as it includes zips and haberdashery and helpful advice about sewing fleece. HTH. I haven't made anything for ages using fleece although as you say it's very forgiving and easy to sew.

Happy sewing!
Mrs F x

Mariel

Abakhan sell fleece online.
I've been there today YAY!!

maria340

Thanks for the suggestions. The Abakhan bundles look good and Planet fleece do have some lovely kids fleece . I also had a look at www.Fabricland.co.uk, prices from £2.50mt (more my price range).
The nearest fabric outlet near me is 45 minutes drive away unfortunately. There is a Fabricland wharehouse near me (Ringwood)but it's not open to the public.(probably a good thing!)
I'm plucking up the courage to make an order at Fabricland (I'm not good on the phone) Can anyone tell me if £8 is their minimum P&P ?

abusybee

mrs f - hope you are well again soon.
I havent got around to sewing much lately. First of all its the school hols and my kids have a load of their friends around so at night I am knackered and I have also been decorating my 2 sons bedroom so that has taken up all my time. i am hoping to get a bit done next week fingers crossed.

Mariel

maria340 - don't be worried about ringing them, my pet hate is the phone and I rang them to order once and they were lovely. I hope that isn't the minimum - my daughter wanted some of the pink mini-skulls fabric and I'd hate to have to order loads more stuff to make the postage worthwhile ;~)