Does anyone else make their own clothes

Lily-Lu

Not sure how true it is, but I read recently that 'New Home' is now the Janome brand.

Rikki

jamtart6 wrote: »

hi guys! my MIL picked up a super sewing machine not that long ago in Costco reduced to about £35, down from £100.......I tried to get one and failed as they had all been snapped up (as you might imagine).

Anyway we have an old singer machine but how much will it cost to get serviced?

Ideally I'd like a new one that does some simple stitches, is lightweight and around £60 (maximum £100).

Can anyone reccomend one to me please? thanks in advance

John Lewis have a good some cheaper sewing machines. I like this one. Click Here. It does button holes and has a variety of stitches and comes with a two year guarantee.
Personally I wouldn't go for their cheapest just in case your thinking about bigger projects further down the line.

Savvy_sewing

Lily-Lu wrote: »

Not sure how true it is, but I read recently that 'New Home' is now the Janome brand.

Yes they have been the same for a long time.

Justamum

I'm a bit puzzled. My sewing machine just won't sew the skirt I'm trying to make. The tension is fine, the needle is threaded, the same thread top and bottom, but it just won't leave the thread in the material. It sews woven material fine, but not this particular knitted stuff. Anyone got any ideas? Or maybe it just doesn't like the material (I'm not keen on it myself actually - I was given it so I'm just using it as a 'test' for my alterations, I won't actually be wearing it because it is, quite honestly, horrible!)

louisewh123

i only recycle old clothes - as i am short my jeans drag and wear at the bottom. After a few years i turn them into shorts or skirts for the summer. They all come from charity shops anyway so i really get my wear! I also like to add patterns and gems to cheap vest tops e.t.c if i need something more fancy.

Savvy_sewing

Justamum wrote: »

I'm a bit puzzled. My sewing machine just won't sew the skirt I'm trying to make. The tension is fine, the needle is threaded, the same thread top and bottom, but it just won't leave the thread in the material. It sews woven material fine, but not this particular knitted stuff. Anyone got any ideas? Or maybe it just doesn't like the material (I'm not keen on it myself actually - I was given it so I'm just using it as a 'test' for my alterations, I won't actually be wearing it because it is, quite honestly, horrible!)

try a new needle.
completely rethread top and bottom. often its the bobbin.
also check the weight of the foot. it can be altered at the top.
can't think ofanything else at moment as been a long time since i sewed much.

soon2bjobless

Hi - I used to make my own clothes years ago and have now decided to give it a go again. I have seen 2 machines I fancy on the John Lewis website

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230472538/Product.aspx
Janome at £89 - or

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230502389/Product.aspx
John Lewis own make at £99

Does anyone own one of these or could tell me which would be the better one - I am only looking to dress make, crafts etc but not upholstery or anything heavy.

Also could anyone recommend a simple pattern to buy on the net for a plain skirt or dress or top in a size 24?

purpleivy

soon2bjobless wrote: »

Hi - I used to make my own clothes years ago and have now decided to give it a go again. I have seen 2 machines I fancy on the John Lewis website

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230472538/Product.aspx
Janome at £89 - or

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230502389/Product.aspx
John Lewis own make at £99

Does anyone own one of these or could tell me which would be the better one - I am only looking to dress make, crafts etc but not upholstery or anything heavy.

Also could anyone recommend a simple pattern to buy on the net for a plain skirt or dress or top in a size 24?

It's a bit of a personal decision. I wouldn't buy a sewing machine without trying it out first. I would take samples of my own fabrics to try as well.

The other thing is, you would get a better machine for your money by buying a second hand machine from a reputable supplier I think. You would certainly get more for your money.

Another possibility if funds are limited is to look out on Freecycle.

Thats_me

I've been lurking around the forums for a while and have decided to take the plunge and join in. Please be gentle:rolleyes:. I would like to make some of my clothes, the main reason is because it is so darned difficult to find anything that fits in the high street shops. I am short, overweight, have issues with my upper arms and elbows and just to put the icing on the cake I am very blessed in the chest area! Not painting a very good picture of myself am I?

I used to be the proud owner of an ancient treadle Singer sewing machine. I only used it for cushions, hemming curtains, that kind of thing but in one of our many house moves I rashly decided to get rid of it:mad:. I now have a basic electric machine that I can't control.

I am hoping to get to grips with it and teach myself the basics. I will keep you updated of my progress. Thank you all very much for this thread, it has given me the courage to have a go.

witchwoopiggy

hi I have started making my own clothes again, mainly because I got fed up of shop bought items either coming undone, losing buttons I think you get the picture, but until I found this post began to think I was the only one doing it so nice to know I am not alone