Does anyone else make their own clothes

ellawood

newbielou wrote: »

The machine i've got was from Lidl about 10 years ago, I bought it off my sister because she doesn't use it. The make is 'new home' which i've never heard of before, it runs fantastically and I think she paid about £60 for it. So it could be worth buying a cheaper one, but keep hold of your receipt maybe?

I saw some full size machines in poundstretcher a couple of weeks ago for £35. Hths

Hi I saw some last week in Instore ( I think they are connected to poundstretcher) for £35 also ex woolies stock has anyone got one and if they have what do they think thanks

Savvy_sewing

I am hoping to get myself into a routine where I sew on a regular basis, and practise making things for my grandchildren. Then go back to making my own, or at least altering and recycling things!
This is going to be through necessity too.!
I agree the standard of the basic shops leave a lot to be desired. I had a new cardigan from Peacocks, and my granddaughter managed to pull off the toggles on the first day!.

furndire

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 ball point needle, they are better for knitted fabrics.

furndire

Thats_me wrote: »

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 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.

that's me looking in a mirror :rotfl:

When I first learnt to use an electric sewing maching many years ago, we had to sew up and down lined paper until we could keep on the lines, and turn a 90 degree angle perfectly. Its may worth trying that to control the machine.

Justamum

furndire wrote: »

Try a ball point needle, they are better for knitted fabrics.

I was using a special needle for knitted fabric. I even loosened the upper tension, but it still didn't work. Never mind, I've chucked it in't bin now! I'll try the pattern on some material I DO like (which isn't knitted :rolleyes:) or maybe some calico.

furndire

I also used to use a silicon spray on the fabric when this happened. (that was quite a while ago - so don't know name of it)

homealone_2

dolly_day_dream wrote: »

It's the Remnant Shop in Colchester - Head Street. I believe they have one other shop either in Felixstowe or Dovercourt I think. They are lovely there - as the name implies they sell Remnants but also lots of stuff on the roll and personally I think that they give Franklins a run for their money (for those of you who know this part of Essex - Franklins bills themselves as the largest needlework store in Europe!) their prices are certainly a lot better. Have just finished one pencil skirt for DD - which she was showing off around town yesterday and I am about to start on some trousers for myself today. We have 'agreed' that the sewing will be on a one for her and one for me basis.
BTW couldn't resist going back in on Monday and they are still selling some of their sale stock - but at the sale price not £1 a metre - somehow I wasn't tempted.

i was so jealous when i read your post, not because of the bargains you bought, but for the list of items you were going to make suits, jackets, skirts etc you sounded like a high street shop listing contents of their window. i am fairly creative, well always was as a child anyway. i have taught myself to knit and can make jumpers, scarfs etc as long as they not an intricate pattern as i simply cant decrease stitches if in a pattern. when my dd's were small was always saying that the little dresses i bought were so basic was sure could run up a few myself as well as some simple wrap around skirts, sarongs etc but never got around to it. then was having a nose on here just before mothers day and kids clubbed together and have bought me a sewing machine. have not received it yet as the shop sell ex demonstration and touched up old machines and have had problems with despatch but have been promised faithfully that i will get it this week. have no idea what i am going to do with it when i get it or what type of model it is, but as summer is coming and being disabled have gained 8 stone and am hoping i can figure out how to make some sarongs to start with for holiday, bit ambitious for someone who has never plugged one in never mind use one so will be keeping a close eye on this thread and am bound to be a regular poster, cant wait!!!!

Savvy_sewing

Before you start to make actual garments, spend some time practising the stitches, follow the hand book, if you get one with it, and see what the machine does.
Practise sewing straight lines, and curves.
A sarong is very basic, its more of the cut then the sewing. Its just like heming a table cloth etc.
Some machines have a hemming foot, but its just as easy to fold the fabric over.
If you have an overlocker its even easier!.
Good luck with the start of something too many of us have forgotten, or never been taught. Which is a disgrace really!.

Schools should go back to basics, as we are a nation loosing all our skills!

vivw_2

dolly_day_dream wrote: »

It's the Remnant Shop in Colchester - Head Street. I believe they have one other shop either in Felixstowe or Dovercourt I think. They are lovely there - as the name implies they sell Remnants but also lots of stuff on the roll and personally I think that they give Franklins a run for their money (for those of you who know this part of Essex - Franklins bills themselves as the largest needlework store in Europe!) their prices are certainly a lot better. Have just finished one pencil skirt for DD - which she was showing off around town yesterday and I am about to start on some trousers for myself today. We have 'agreed' that the sewing will be on a one for her and one for me basis.
BTW couldn't resist going back in on Monday and they are still selling some of their sale stock - but at the sale price not £1 a metre - somehow I wasn't tempted.

Their other shop is in Felixstowe. Wonderful shop - it's extremely tempting in there

Savvy_sewing

vivw wrote: »

Their other shop is in Felixstowe. Wonderful shop - it's extremely tempting in there

All my old contacts seem to have disapeared off the face of the earth!.
Croft Mill was one of my suppliers.
Epra Fabrics for my wedding dresses.
There was another one but it was nearly 14 years ago since I had my sewing business. Eekkkkk where has the time gone??