Does anyone else make their own clothes

she_grinch

True I usually by sheets when I have to make fancy dress costumes

BB1984

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I haven't had time yet to read the whole thread (but I will!) I've recently been given a sewing machine, having never used one before, so I'm hoping to pick up some tips.

My question: how do I go about shortening some curtains?

They are made of suede-y type material, and have eyelet tops, so I think I'm going to have to shorten from the bottom. I need REALLY basic instructions!

Thanks in advance,

BB

Charis

BB1984 wrote: »

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I haven't had time yet to read the whole thread (but I will!) I've recently been given a sewing machine, having never used one before, so I'm hoping to pick up some tips.

My question: how do I go about shortening some curtains?

They are made of suede-y type material, and have eyelet tops, so I think I'm going to have to shorten from the bottom. I need REALLY basic instructions!

Thanks in advance,

BB

As no one has responded, you might like to try asking at the sewing forum http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/index.php Someone got a reply about tab top curtains but I suspect you will have to alter from the bottom because of the eyelets. There may be something on this thread http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=77

lauradora

BB i would shorten them from the bottom or your going to cause yourself a lot of work.

make sure you measure twice cut one

Rikki

Originally Posted by she grinch
Also does anyone know the cheapest place to buy stuffing as I too am making dolls.

Rikki wrote: »

You may regret telling me that, I may need a lot of help. :rotfl:

I bought mine from my local shop.

Coats ~ 250g ~ cost me £3.30

Found THIS ONE at £3.09 on-line but I don't know the postage.

Can you recommend a pattern or site on making rag-dolls. This pattern I've got is a swine to do. :mad: Well fiddly.:o

Savvy_sewing

Many years ago I used to run a sewing business, but moved on in life. I have several old machines and I want to get started again. But I can only sew for a few minutes at a time due to illness. I will be back to look at this thread, when I have time. Hopefully I can pass on my expertese, and also be inspired to try to sew again. I used to make wedding dresses, underwear, and childrens wear. I also did the local dry cleaners and wedding shops repairs and alterations. Not that I could do it now, becuase of my arm. But the odd bit of sewing while I am not at work seems like a good idea.

I have knitted a bag, using cut up carrier bags, and lined it with stretch denim that was a remenant from years ago. Never done anything like it before. But it was time consuming., and different!.

beemuzed

Have just been in Perth, WA, for almost three weeks and was really struck by the resurgence of home sewing taking place there. Spoke to several folks in their twenties who are in to buying sewing machines and making their own clothes again. There seem to be really good fabric shops appearing too, so maybe this might catch on here as well in the current climate. Seem to be loads of local dressmaking classes opening up over there too.
Have just seen that Abakhan have a sale on patterns just now, so have ordered a few myself. Anyone else interested? I think the sale price ends early in April.

homealone_2

i am due to receive a sewing machine in the next few days as a present for mothers day. it is a second hand one that was used in schools to teach kids to sew so i am hoping it will be easy to find my way around as i have never used one. i have been gaining weight steadily due to an illness and am finding even the most basic of clothes such as a sari for the beach expensive to buy but yet look simple to make and so have decided to take the plunge. is there any particular site some experienced dressmakers can point me to which will have some first easy to do projects? i have alot of throws that have been damaged that i am going to turn into cushions, not with zip as dont know how to do that but just a basic sew four sides type, but would love it even any of you can give me any tips or advice you think i may find useful during those early days?

sashacat

Abakan in Liverpool is still open as I use it quite often. I have difficulty getting patterns for babies that aren't all frilly. And I find the range of fabrics in John Lewis very much smaller than it was when I started sewing 30 years ago? Does anyone know if Birkenhead market is still open nd if so does it still sell remnants? thanks

bellaquidsin

For cushion covers I always make an envelope back. That is, cut the back in two pieces the same depth as the front but make them larger than half the width of the front so that they overlap the when backs and front are sewn together. You can then just slip the cushion into the gap. I hope that makes sense.

Bella.