I have been sewing for 30 yrs and would like to help others to get the basics in sewing. Hints and tips on sewing. Remodeling after we have changed shape. Cheaper ways to make things, ideas and suggestions. If you have questions, other sewers might be able to help you with. Tips on where to get things and suppliers etc.. and lots more...What craft and sewing shows are on and were.
Discussion Topics (5)
- Do you need help
- If you have a question or need help with something in the way of sewing, post me a note and I will try and help you or steer you in the right direction.
- scraps of iron on interfacing
- Two great usages for scraps of iron-on interfacing.
When your paper pattern gets torn use you scraps of iron interfacing to join it together. If you use sticky tape, you can not iron the paper flat, it will wrinkle and change the shape some times. You can even use it to add sizes to your pattern, just use it on both sides.
You can also use the whiperweft as a label for school clothes . You can not pull it off. I used it on my kids clothes. So don't waist your scraps keep them in a little tub for a rainy day.
- Clips v Pins
- I have just found a great way to hold that soft chiffon or that lovely silk. Quiltting clips. You know the ones that look like hair clips. (The ones I bought from spotlight are Birch binding and hem clips. 30 in a packet).
I use them instead of pins in a lot of places. They hold the fabric more stable for sewing and you can't miss them when you are sewing and you don't get pricked. They also help you to get a straighter hem line. The fabric doesn't get left with pin holes also.
Give them a try. I bet you will love them. Just use them were ever you use pins.
- Sewing Machine for Beginners
- Hello All,
I hv recently joined this group & would really appreciate some advice from the members on my query.
I hv always used my moms sewing machine (Singer) since I was a teenager. Now I want to buy one of my own, not sure where to look & how to start.
I am looking for a sewing machine which would serve my basic sewing needs and also allow me try my hand in slightly advanced techniques like embroidery, etc.
Plz suggest which sewing machine would help me quench my creative thirst ... ;-)
- Patterns
- How do you chose the right size pattern for you.
For tops. you go by your bust measurement. It is easer to take the sides in than to try and add bust to a top. You do not go by your clothing size.
And for pants you use your hip measurement.Once again it is easier to taper up to the waist than add size and shape to the pants.
Next , you check the easement of the pattern. If you don't want it as full as the pattern suggest the go down a size.
One thing to watch is the shoulders on a top. For some reason they think the bigger the bust, the wider the shoulders.
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I'm finding it difficult to choose the right "looking" fabric. I made myself some casual elastic waist pants from heavy woven cotton material, really comfortable but because they are striped everyone thinks they are pj pants. I did a similar thing with a skirt, where I made a crepe skirt (as suggested on pattern as a suitable fabric) but the fabric was too heavy, and I don't like wearing it. Do you know of any guidelines for choosing fabrics for making clothing?
The other thing I'll probably need to learn about later is how to adjust patterns I'm not in proportion since having kids. (my top size is 10-12 and pants/skirt size is 14).
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When choosing a pattern size, do not go by the size you want to wear or the size your clothes are. You must go by your bust size for dress and tops. If you are a size 12 in clothing , your pattern size may be a 14 or 16. If you don't like the size number , no one but the pattern and you will know what size it is . The same goes for clothing in the shops. I always tell my customers to just cut the size off . The fashion world is not good. They cater for the smaller size and small frame people, not the everyday woman and the ones who have had kids like us. For pants or skirt patterns use your hip or thigh measurement.
In regards to the right fabric, if you are wanting gather things , it is best made in a soft feeling fabric. try gathering ( or bunch) the fabric up along the edge and see how much it puffs out, Also some fabrics need to be washed first for shrinkage especially and to get rid of the sizing(chemicals that keep the fabric looking good and flat) . Most of the Spotlight Dress Fabric ladies should be able to help you with that . Crepe should work well in a skirt. depends on the style. What pattern did you use? May be I can help you to correct it.
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Thanks for your reply, and also for offering to help me with my skirt (any help with this is great-fully accepted).
The pattern is "Butterick B5330" view A size 16 in a bright red crepe. (DESCRIPTION: An A-line skirt with elastic waistline casing, gathered lower section with a front slit and bow, length is to lower calf.)
I did it a little different to the pattern, instead of having the gathering on the right-side of the skirt, (so there was a little ruffle around the seam) I did it on the wrong side. I found that this made me look huge, so I top-sewed the gathering down to the skirt and this looked a lot better (similar to the top part of the skirt view B).
The weight of all the fabric pulls the skirt down so that it's sitting on my hips and it doesn't look right or feel comfortable. I think the skirt is too big, when I pull the fabric tight b/n waist and hips to make the skirt fit me like the picture there is 20cm of extra fabric (not in gathering). I don't really know what's going on because when I measure myself my waist is 78cm (pattern size is 76cm) and my hips are 101cm (pattern size is 102cm). I was careful cutting out the pattern and also sewing the seams the 1.5cm as stated. I hope this makes sense, like I say any help with how to fix it would be wonderful.
If I do need to take it in (which seems likely) the seams are center front (with split) and center back (I don't know if this makes any difference.) Thank you, sew_er
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One small hint , I never trust a pattern with just drawings or the garment is made in a heavy print. They give you a false look .
Yes, it sounds like it is to be for you. If you measure across the bottom of the skirt yoke pattern and measure were it fits on you. You should see how big it is. Use your measurement plus 1 - 2 inches for ease ( depending how tight you like it to fit.) If the pattern is to big, it may mean that you will have to undo your work and start again. If it is to big just unpick yoke , the re size . For the lower part of the skirt just cut seams apart do bother unpicking. If you don't want too much gather at your hips, but want the fullness at the base, cut seam on an angle. Hope this helps . Let me know how it goes, and if you need more help. If it is not , take a photo of the skirt on you and post it in the photo board and I will take a look.
Kind regards Jenny
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Hopefully the information helped. If you need help with anything or another question, I will be only to pleased to try and help.
Kind regards Jenny
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im just wondering if anybody knows where to get soluble canvas from other then the internet
it is so costley thanks for any help
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I don't know, but if you post your question on to the help page, maybe spotlight can help you.
Kind regards Jenny
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I have just brought my very first sewing machine and have been trying to teach myself basic sewing with simple hems & alterations. So far i am doing.. ok but I was just wandering if you had any practice suggestions so that i can train myself to sew more efficiently?
Thanks!
Bel
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Some great things to start on are cushions or place mats. If you have small kid, make them some clothes as they are less critical, as ourselves. If you wish to make thinks for yourself , in the pattern books there is a section that is call " It's so easy, its easy to sew etc.. They are easy and affordable . Start with a top until you get use to thinks. If you get stuck with a pattern, I will try and help you through it.. Just remember, don't go by your clothing size, go by your bust size and remember the size on the pattern is just a number not your true size. Hopefully this is some help .
Kind regards Jenny
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I made my partner a pair of pj pants yesterday from one of the easy patterns as you've suggested and i was very happy with the end result. Thanks for your help - i think that the cushions will be next :)
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Glad to help. As they say, slow and steady wins the race. Have fun sewing.
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Just wondering how you sew trims onto things like bibs and blankets so they look neat? Here is a picture of what im wanting to do? Im very new to this and really want to make better quality items. Hope to hear from you very soon.
http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=78073 [madeit.com.au]
http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=114376 [madeit.com.au]
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On small things like bibs, you can use bias binding. you can buy the bias binding in packets at spotlight or you can make your own with fabric. to do this you must cut fabric on the bias ( hence thats why it is called bias binding) You do this by cutting the fabric in to strips on the angle across the fabric. you can buy bias makers (which you can buy this from spotlight . they are made by " Clover" and come in different sizes and they are in the quilting section) these help you to fold the fabric with the uses of and iron to press it then stitch it on.
With the blanket you can do the same. you can buy blanket edging made from satin.
hopefully this helps . would love to see a pic on how you go.
If you wish more info just let me know.
Kind regards Jenny
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