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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-22-2003, 02:00 PM (1 of 35)
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Hi guys, I have just had another go at making a simple skirt....no good! this is my 3rd attempt, i feel like screaming and crying, its really stressed me out, i cant see where im going wrong or anything until the very end. I used an easy sew pattern from simplicity aswell. has anyone else had this sort of problem or im i to stupid? i havnt got a clue what to do next, another pattern and material wasted (sob,sob) 
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 08-22-2003, 02:18 PM (2 of 35)
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Please don't cry Angie! Tell us what Simplicity pattern you used and let us see if we can help you salvage your skirt. What seems to be the problem with the skirt? Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-22-2003, 02:37 PM (3 of 35)
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hi the pattern is simplicity 9600, i bought it off ebay! the problem is........i dont know how to mark the material you know the circles and notches and stuff, but the main thing is the dreaded "waistband" i tried putting the band on but cant seem to join the circles..the notches were ok i joined them up ok.anyway i had to gather the back of the skirt to fit the band..there was no way i could get it right. The main problem for me is the actual marking from pattern to material!! i dont know how to do it properly. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:25 AM (4 of 35)
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When I have something like a waist band I usually cut it longer at both ends because it is easier to cut it off if it is too long than extend it if it is too short. If you do have to extend it sew a piece on at each end so it looks the same on both sides of the middle of the back. And if it is just a plain band don't worry about matching notches and dots. If it goes around it comes around. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:37 AM (5 of 35)
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I'm no expert but maybe this will help. When you cut out your material, do cut around the black diamonds, these are your matching points. If you forget to cut around them, and I do sometimes, especially on multi-size patterns, you can do three things to mark them: 1) make a very tiny notch into the seam instead of out, but make sure you don't past the seam allowance..or 2) take a piece of brightly coloured thread and do a very loose knot where the notch should be..or 3) use your marking paper (chalked on one side) and put an "X" where notch is. After your material is cut out you need to mark all the circles or squares and as a beginner sewer you may want to mark where pieces join. Just use your marking paper and roller and I just make a small "X" mark where they should be. If you don't have the paper and roller, you can use the same method of #2 above and put small knots of coloured thread- this is what my grandmother did because they didn't have tracing paper. If you have the tracing paper just mark where the intersections should meet so you can match them up too... hope this helps 
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:46 AM (6 of 35)
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Thats exellent advice mamahoogie! i was just stuck when it came to marking out, i shall try that advice, thanks again. 
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:49 AM (7 of 35)
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Another thing....As im a beginner (and i mean beginner) what pattern should i go for? someone said to me make dolls clothes or babys clothes, what do you think?
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: stitchmd
Date: 08-23-2003, 12:52 PM (8 of 35)
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Not doll clothes, too difficult to work on such a small scale. baby clothes with simple lines, such as a jacket cut with sleeve as part of the pattern pieces, or simple elastic waist pants would be good...if you have a baby to give them too. But I think you deserve to have something for yourself as you struggle to learn. And it is totally normal to mess up and waste fabric and have failed projects as you learn. If you have a source of cheap fabric start with that and work with better stuff as you progress. After over 40 years of sewing I still throw out projects that aren't right and walk away in frustration from others to get some distance and calm down before trying to fix them. Stay away from details like gathers, try elastic waists with casings that are simply folded over to reduce the number of seams. Look for the fewest pattern pieces possible and straight construction lines. If you need practice simply controlling the fabric as it feeds through the machine start with things like square or rectangular pillows, cut up old sheets and use the unworn parts to make pillow cases. Make simple curtains or place mats or table runners, or a simple tote bag. If you really want to make a skirt look for an A-line wrap around so fit isn't an issue and the waist band doesn't have to match. Also, I think Simplicity is pretty bad for fit and for pieces matching up. Try the European patterns such as Burda. Butterick usually works the best of the American "big four" companies. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 08-23-2003, 01:49 PM (9 of 35)
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Angie before you go out on your own and buy more fabric and patterns, why don't you take a look at the sewing lessons given by Julie right here on the board. I think if you take your time and walk through this step by step with her lesson, you'll come out with a garment that you will be very proud to wear. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/sewinglessons/ Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-23-2003, 01:58 PM (10 of 35)
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I have patsy, ive read it i dont know how many times, but when it comes to actually doing it, its a different matter. I really need someone showing me step by step, but unfortunatly there is nobody. Im a bit suprised about the simplicity patterns though.. that was the last one i tried and it was a little easier than mcalls. what patterns does everyone else find the best for the beginners? Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-23-2003, 08:23 PM (11 of 35)
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Have you tried the 'quick and easy ' ones?? They are the ones that are on the revolving racks in the fabric depts. and are one price.. usually either 1.99 or 2.49 each... Simplicity and McCalls and Butterick have them , I think..They have names like 'fast and easy' or 'easy to sew' and stuff like that.. They are simpler patterns with easy construction methods.. If you get them at Wal-Mart, you can buy yardage off the 1.00 table to practice on while you are there.. just be sure to wash it first, so if you make a masterpiece, it will fit, and not shrink when laundered. My experience has been, when I buy inexpensive fabric to practice on, it turns out to be a great creation...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: jennifer007
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:04 PM (12 of 35)
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For a cheap source of material, go for the walmart dollar table. This way, you still get the practice and don't feel like you are wasting money. Stick with super simple until you are more sure of yourself, then move on to just a tad harder. Most patterns are not perfect but will work if you see the problem before you get to it. Being new to sewing, it may be the pattern, not the sewer! Don't get discouraged! Just keep trying and before you know it, you'll be sewing away anything you like! Check your library for sources on sewing terms and helpful hints on how to do things, often times, the pattern co's have you do something totally backwards, that can be acheived a lot simplier! Have fun with it! It does take time to learn techniques! I still call my Mom after years of sewing for myself! Jennifer |
User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29 
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From: maps
Date: 08-23-2003, 09:32 PM (13 of 35)
well i'm going to add my two cents here, measure your hips then your waist and then check the measurements against the pattern measurements, but make sure you add some ease, and just put a simple elastic waist, then you should have a decent skirt to wear, believe me i've been there done that... i do like the solid waist band in the front but, being a slight pear shape i need some elastic somewhere for it to go over the hip area and to fit the waist, keep at it and sooner or later you'll get it figured out. have fun while your working it just think of it as a hugh learning experience, everything gets easier with practice 
Marge
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User: maps
Member since: 06-18-2003 Total posts: 152 
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 05:50 AM (14 of 35)
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Thanks everyone for your advice and help! At the moment im buying some patterns off ebay, they are just simple skirt patterns, and ive also read somewhere to use muslin instead of expensive fabric (as a template) do you think this is a good idea? Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-24-2003, 09:12 AM (15 of 35)
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ive also read somewhere to use muslin instead of expensive fabric (as a template) do you think this is a good idea? We still call the experiments "muslins" but you can get even cheaper fabrics off the dollar tables at Wal Mart and in the back of Joanne's. The term originated, I think, because at one time women used muslin material for experiments and pattern adjustments because it was the least expensive thing they could buy. If you use the dollar table fabric you can get something more suited to today's patterns and you may find, like Libby said, you end up with an accidental masterpiece. A couple of my favorite things came from the cheapy table. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 09:20 AM (16 of 35)
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We dont have a walmart here in UK, so i dont know where to get cheap fabric from only ebay lol. is anyone on this site that is in uk? Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: bren
Date: 08-24-2003, 05:32 PM (17 of 35)
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Hi bubblefizz_1 I'm no expert .... but I find a good sewing book realy helps me .... I need to look at a picture ... there are some wonderful sewing books out there.... I have a shelf full and have used them all one time or another.... I hope this helps you. Welcome to the boards.
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 05:36 PM (18 of 35)
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Hi Bren, Yea think i will have to get a shelf full of sewing books lol. Im just impatient and jump straight in. 
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: bren
Date: 08-24-2003, 05:39 PM (19 of 35)
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Originally posted by bubblefizz_1 Hi Bren, Yea think i will have to get a shelf full of sewing books lol. Im just impatient and jump straight in. No .... just one or two good ones will do....I go a little over board on things LOL.
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 05:45 PM (20 of 35)
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Hey me too lol, I have a sewing room...ive loads of bits of material....im well equipt with sewing tools, ive a few patterns. i basically have everything i need. and guess what ...i cant even bleedin sew LOL. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: bren
Date: 08-24-2003, 06:01 PM (21 of 35)
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I like Kwik Sew pattern's myself.... There strong paper.... almost like computer paper but not quite that thick.... There very easy to read and understand.... A little patience does help !!!! Do you get any sewing show's where you are ... I watched a lot of those to . I taped them to ... there on my shelf also LOL. You can check these out at this pattern place http://www.sewing-patterns.com
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 06:10 PM (22 of 35)
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mmm kwik sew.. been looking at them, the easy ones. We dont have any sewing programmes on tv sadly. We have nothing in UK ( im moving over to were you lot are lol) The site you sent looks exellent for patterns but .. its foreign i dont think they will ship to UK and if they did probably cost a fortune on shipping 
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: bren
Date: 08-24-2003, 06:13 PM (23 of 35)
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Originally posted by bubblefizz_1 mmm kwik sew.. been looking at them, the easy ones. We dont have any sewing programmes on tv sadly. We have nothing in UK ( im moving over to were you lot are lol) The site you sent looks exellent for patterns but .. its foreign i dont think they will ship to UK and if they did probably cost a fortune on shipping Check out E-bay.... I'm sure they will have some,
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-24-2003, 06:14 PM (24 of 35)
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Yea i am lol.
Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 06:29 AM (25 of 35)
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Hey Angie, As a fellow Brit I can sympathise with the serious lack of a) material b) anywhere to buy patterns c) TV sewing shows. However, Robert Sayles and like stores generally do stock fabric - not cheap stuff admittedly but good quality. An excellent source for fabric are markets.. I got an absolutely gorgeous green and gold batick at 1.99 per metre - made it up into a shell top and it looks aweful. It is a bias cut pattern and the fabric has no 'drape'. When l look at it in the wardrobe I try it on again and it still doesn't work. These things happen to the best of us. It is only experience that helps you to marry up the fabric to the pattern but I would say follow the patterns' hints as to which type of fabric to use! If you are getting material from charity shops you are doing better than I am! I buy sheeting from there to back quilts but that is about it. I haven't got round to redesigning clothing like some of these ladies do! Check out local schools for adult education sewing cleasses - it is invaluable to have someone actually just move your hands at the right moment. Whereabouts are you in UK? love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-28-2003, 06:52 AM (26 of 35)
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Hya Jan, Nice to see someone in UK, Im in Staffordshire! Yea i go charity shops bargain hunting lol, well im scared to buy exspensive material because im a beginner, i will get more exspensive material when im more confident. I just bought about 4 metre blue material (dunno what it is) and ive actually made a top at last!!!!!!!!!!! Im chuffed to bits with it even though theres no lining in it lol. heres a pic (i have to show everyone lol) There is a few mistakes, but think its pretty good. http://www.geocities.com/bubble_fizz1/mytop.jpg Btw where can i learn about what materials what? i know cotton, taffeta, silk, thats it. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 07:02 AM (27 of 35)
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What ho Old bean!( I'm from near Cambridge) the mad women on this site set light to their material to work out what it is.. www.sew-whats-new.com/fibretest.shtml - Never had the guts to do that - try a search on burn test and see what comes up. I'm off for me marmite soldiers. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-28-2003, 07:28 AM (28 of 35)
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http://www.geocities.com/bubble_fizz1/mytop.html Hope this works! Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:12 AM (29 of 35)
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Well Done!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:25 AM (30 of 35)
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Thanks! Im so exited , i still cant beleive ive actually made something and that is wearable lol. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:28 AM (31 of 35)
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I made ,myself a linen suit and adapted the fit using the advice on this site from Julie. She is so clear and a feel fab in that suit!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:32 AM (32 of 35)
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Have you made a lot of stuff jan? What things do you like to make? Yea i want to be able to make something comfortable and be proud to wear. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:41 AM (33 of 35)
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I was taught dressmaking at school and although that woman filled us all with fear and trembling, she sure grounded us in the basics:the best things I have made have been my own wedding dress ( polycotton and broderie anglaise) a friends wedding dress, ( embroidered silk/organza/totally yummy) and my daughters vaguely goth prom dress (black satin and burgundy chiffon) I mostly quilt these days and some of them are on gallery 17. There is a really nice kimono type pattern in Prima this month that i want to make - but can't find the satin/chinese fabric to make it from. grrrr. The first thing I ever made was a pair of Purple psychodelic hot pants! shheesh! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: bubblefizz_1
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:55 AM (34 of 35)
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WOW Wedding dresses? You must be very good  how the hell do you sew with that sorta material ...silk, satin, organza?? well im in between sewing and quilting....but i want to learn sewing most of all, as 1 day i want to be able to make them historical costumes, you know the big hooped dresses......yea yea i know ive a long way to go yet lol. Do you go on ebay Jan? Im on it day and night. Angie
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User: bubblefizz_1
Member since: 07-25-2003 Total posts: 35
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From: Magot
Date: 08-28-2003, 09:59 AM (35 of 35)
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The same way hedgehogs make love - very carefully! Pin, tack, walk away and check again the next day, sew! Nah, I'm not an Ebay user. My lovely man would have interesting things to say to me if I splurged! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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