Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-09-2005, 07:37 AM (1 of 53)
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So what is everyone working on? What was the last thing you finished? What is next on the list? Details please. I'm making my daughter a dress out of a gold colored linen rayon blend. It's the first time I really used my new serger as part of the design. It looks great. Very light and comfortable. Using the serger eliminates all the bulk other finishes add to the seams, hems and slits. I just finished a shirt for myself that I love. It's a silky poly and just a plain, very BIG shirt. The fabric was wide with these patterns running the length of it. One was a loopy line. One was a wiggly line with some dots. One was several wiggly lines, like stripes and one had big blocks. I laid the pattern out so the back and each side had a different pattern. the collar and lapels also had different patterns. Turned out cool. The fabric was off the $1 table at Wal Mart before I quit shopping there so it didn't matter that I wasted a lot with the layout. Next I'm going to make a couple pair of cropped pants for the summer. I like those. I'm to old and fat for shorts. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: suesodyssey
Date: 06-09-2005, 08:19 AM (2 of 53)
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I have been busy with clothes for my granddaughter and shirts (embroidery) for my grandsons. I sent my granddaughter several outfits a couple of weeks ago. She called me one night saying the shorts are OK, a little big, but she loves the "halt" top. It took be a while to decide what the "halt" top was. One of the tops was a HALTER top. She says it's real cool, so from a 6 year old, guess that is about as good of a review that I can get. Have 3 or 4 more outfits to finish for her next week (we leave to go to Omaha to see the grands on the 16th) Guess I will be busy. Have a couple more shirts to do for the boys. Got some of the solar thread, so am going to use that on some bright red shirts. And am in the process of digitizing the "Bratz" for my 10 year old granddaughter. Found some Bratz border fabric, so a flippy skirt will look good with that. Hum, wonder if I need another couple of weeks before I leave...oh well, that is why we have 24 hours in a day! Sue |
User: suesodyssey
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 86 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-09-2005, 08:27 AM (3 of 53)
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I just finished the wedding veil. It is a full circle of Illusion gathered at the "lift" portion, about waist length. I cut 2 inch bias strips from the Empress Satin that will be the train and made a 1/2 inch tape strip completely around the circle. I sewed on the first half but the other half had to be hand sewn. Both sides are visible at some point because it folds on itself. She wanted beads on the veil which I thought would be too much but she chose irridesent beads. I randomly spotted them on the lower portion of the veil planning to do them on top (I decided to tie them on so I didn't have to worry about them falling off) but they looked so nice just on the bottom that we aren't doing the top. They look like raindrops. We could only get 3 yards of the wedding dress fabric. That is enough of the fabric for the dress but it won't touch the train. We bought the same fabric in a plain white for the train and I'm doing my first "real" digitizing job. We laid Press and Seal over the design and traced it...(it is just an open vine with flowers design which is spotted in random areas of the fabric). Then we laid the Press and Seal on the laptop screen where my design software is and "traced" the design under the Press and Seal...I just widened the stitch and made it a bright color so that I could see it under the design. It worked very well and I have a pretty near copy of the original. I was able to duplicate all the stitches of the original except the "spun" satin stitch in the flowers. DH bought me the biggest Hoop it All for my machine for my birthday, giving me a stitch field of about 23X18 but (I'm spoiled) my machine won't automatically move the hoop like my Mega Hoop..boohoo. Anyway, today I'm going to test the new hoop and the design for real. I've checked the individual componets...there are 3 and it is ready to go. I've spun, moved, duplicated, added, and enlarged the design and it will run in a chevron from the knees of the train downward. When I actually get it on the train fabric (hopefully today) I will bead and make the train. I think that it will only take about a day to embroider, bead and make the train. I'll just finish and bag it like the veil. Then we move on to the "test" dress. After I get the right fitting, I will take it apart to use as the pattern along with the original pattern so that I can get a good straight of grain. I plan to cut the dress, bead it, and then put it together. (Wish me luck). After that I'll move on to the men's vests, bridesmaids and finally the growing flower girls. I'll be making the pew flowers from left-over bride's maid/matron fabric and finally I'll do my dress. I'd like to have this wedding thing pretty much in hand before I start my other dd's drum major outfit long about late July but if I don't I expect her outfit to only take a day or two to get done so it'll just be an inconvience. I do still have until November for the wedding. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: esrun3
Date: 06-09-2005, 09:27 AM (4 of 53)
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My granddaughters 2nd birthday is in 2 weeks so have been working on some outfits for her. Found fabric for block 6 so want to get those done and out of the way and then will work on block 7. Need to start on the quilts I plan to give at Christmas too so that's my summer plan. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: toadusew
Date: 06-09-2005, 09:32 AM (5 of 53)
It sounds like everybody has been busy sewing. Pam, that wedding dress sounds like quite a challenge, but lots of fun, too!  I have been working on a cute little girl's dress. My daughter is pregnant again and is supposed to have a girl this time.  This little dress has a yoke with a gathered skirt and short puffed sleeves with cuff. I have it pinned and need to do the hand work and hemming. I'm also working on a cute little sundress as well. This one has a few pleats on the front and back skirt, yoke with the straps coming to the front and buttoning, and a ruffle along the hem. I am almost finished with this one as well. In both cases, I'm using fabric that was given to me, or left over fabric from other projects. Once those are done, I plan to make my grandson another matching shirt and shorts set and since there is also a pattern for a do-rag I want to make that as well, if there is enough fabric. Am I the only one who seems to have several projects going at once, or is this common to many seamstresses? 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: meaghane
Date: 06-09-2005, 10:52 AM (6 of 53)
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OK, so this may sound nuts , but I am working on a baby blanket that incorporates smocking. I've never seen anything like it,and wanted to try something TOTALLY different. We'll see if it works out... if it does, I think it will be really pretty. I'm also playing around with my new sewing machine. (a Janome Memory Craft 9700). Talk about heaven. I'm having a blast. I love to sew. Meg |
User: meaghane
Member since: 06-03-2000 Total posts: 433 
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From: smessier
Date: 06-09-2005, 12:09 PM (7 of 53)
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I also have several projects going at the same time. I'm always like that. My mother always said it was a Gemini 'thing'. Today, I'm going to sew a tan, deerskin fleece jacket for myself that I cut out yesterday. I have a top to sew that I cut out a couple of months ago. (It got lost in the shuffle.) It's velvet though, so I'm not in a hurry to finish it yet. I also want to make a black knit top and a green patterned (LOVE this fabric!!) top before I go away next weekend. And FINALLY, I want to make my granddaughter an outfit or two. I've got some cute polka dot knit fabric and some purple cotton print in mind for her. So I guess I'd better get off this darned computer and get to work!  Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 06-09-2005, 12:55 PM (8 of 53)
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I usually don't sew as much in the summer but it's been in the 90's here all week so I've been staying inside. I just finished making my new grandson a couple of summer pj's, shorts and T's. Now I'm making knitting bags to donate to the ladies in a nursing home where my daughter works. But I got tired of making knitting bags so this morning I started making crazy patch material to later cut into a purse for my daughter...all in fall colours. I also like to paint and bead and sculpt with fimo clay so I have projects of all kinds floating around in my head - lots of space as the brains don't take up much space  Violet 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: Dorriebelle
Date: 06-09-2005, 12:58 PM (9 of 53)
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After two years of making various sizes of doll clothes, I finally ventured into the realm of People Clothes. Made Beloved Hubby and Dearest Son matching shirts from a license-plate print we found on markdown at Hobby Lobby. Guys fell in love with the fabric, what could I do ? Lot of differences between doll clothes and people ones ! Hubby's shirt took four hours, Son's took two and a half. I'm used to having stuff done in an hour or so ! I had both finished Tuesday. Wednesday, I found a free preemie pattern online and adapted it to fit three of my dolls - Baby Face, TimeyTell/Hi Dottie, and Disney Princesses. Came out pretty well ! I'm hoping to tweak it to fit Beautiful Crissy later today. This weekend, I have a second shirt to make for Son - it has VW Beetles and Microbuses on it, and he's in love again - and a shop apron in heavy denim to make for Hubby. So I'd best enjoy today, before the weekend comes ! I try to sew every day - I'm trying to make up for being a Home Ec. Sewing Failure back in 1980 ! |
User: Dorriebelle
Member since: 06-05-2005 Total posts: 15 
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:05 PM (10 of 53)
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Dorriebelle, hi and welcome to Sew Whats New. I made my daughter skirts, blouses and an easy, casual cotton jacket for her new job. I just finished a pair of Soho Pants for myself and I have a jacket in mind next. It is cool here in the evenings. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:20 PM (11 of 53)
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Hi Everyone, Sounds like everyone is so busy sewing. I just finished an outdoor swing canopy and a boat cover for a couple of my customers. I'm also working on a denim/flannel rag quilt for our camper, that I need to get back too. Have been camping twice now and it would have came in handy. Also working on two different quilt BOMS. One from this great site. My near future sewing projects is an awning/canopy for the truck camper and a boat and motor cover for our dingy. I'd also like to squeeze in a couple of shorts and capris for the summer for me. I also have multiple projects going on, as I'm knitting another purse to felt and I just finished two other needle felting projects. I'm also spinning wool when I can squeeze that into my schedule. 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:22 PM (12 of 53)
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Dorriebelle, do you know of a good site for how to's on making doll clothes or free patterns?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Dorriebelle
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:27 PM (13 of 53)
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Thanks, Mary ! All these kids are *very* lucky we sew, aren't they ? I'm slooooowly working up to sewing for myself, 'cause I'm big. I mean, BIG. Gotta get my big ole rear in gear, 'cause I'm doing Elphaba (the Oz 'Wicked' Witch) for Halloween, and that's gonna be a major project ! I'm thinking that sometime next week, I'll try to sew something for me, using a pattern. Only thing I've made for myself was the 'pattern free' shirt from 'Sewing For Dummies', and it's fun and cool, but a bit shorter than I like. Oh, and I did the one-size-fits-Jabba-the-Hutt fleece 'jacket' last year, from a Hancock Fabrics freebie leaflet. It's basically a narrow blanket with cuffs. It looks a lot better on that cute, thin little model ! Let me know if you'd like directions, it's pretty simple, but nice when you just want a little something on your shoulders. |
User: Dorriebelle
Member since: 06-05-2005 Total posts: 15
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From: Dorriebelle
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:37 PM (14 of 53)
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Dorriebelle, do you know of a good site for how to's on making doll clothes or free patterns? What sizes are you looking for, Mary ? I know of free patterns for Barbie, American Girl & clones, Bitty Baby, Betsy McCall, and some baby clothes that can easily be adapted. I wrote up directions for a pull-on dress to fit a My Size Barbie on my site, but never took the photos I should've. My cheese-filled site also has some basic tips, but not much. When I go on a doll clothes hunt, I usually google the doll's name, and also do an image search. This will sometimes find me something good, but not always ! Livingsoft.com offers a free trial of their software, Doll Shop Deluxe, which will do everything but print patterns for dozens of dolls. It's part of the Dress Shop Family download, about 60meg. I'm sure it never occurs to anyone to trace the patterns off the monitor, 'cause it's a horrible idea.  I own the software, so mine prints, but I really wish I'd spent that $99. on eBay for vintage patterns instead. There's a review on my website. The yoke infant dress I adapted yesterday was a result of a search trying to figure out how to assemble Doll Shop Deluxe's bizarre wrap skirt pattern. Never figured it out, but the yoke dress was fun ! LMK what you're looking for, and I can see what I know ! Sometimes my random access memory is a bit chancy, though... |
User: Dorriebelle
Member since: 06-05-2005 Total posts: 15
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:58 PM (15 of 53)
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All sizes I guess. This site is going to rescue orphan dolls, clean them up and make clothes for them. Then we are going to donate them to kids less fortunate.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Dorriebelle
Date: 06-09-2005, 04:55 PM (16 of 53)
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That's sweet - and a lot of fun ! One year, I donated 50 dressed-by-me Barbies to a Salvation Army to sell to send kids to camp - and they all sold ! I only donated 20 to a shelter last year...I'd best get off my butt ! Here's some favorite links : *For Barbie dolls (prone to bandwith disruption on occasion) : http://embyquinn.tripod.com/dollpats.html *Some free Barbie patterns and sewing tips (have her software, it's excellent !) : http://www.perestroika.ca/html2/tips.php *More Barbie, this time, free patterns for LOTR, Star Wars, and other movie-inspired clothes : http://molendrix.sweb.cz/galerie1.html *For American Girl and clone dolls, a lovely drop-waist dress : http://www.infinitefreedom.com/challenges-pages/index.html *More American Girl, Sasha, Madeline, Raggedy Ann, Betsy McCall and others, also a forum and links : http://www.bellaonline.com/site/Dollmaking *More AG stuff, but also tips that can be adjusted and adapted for other dolls - even some crochet. Be sure to check out the 'How To Sew It All' page : http://www.simplygracedesigns.com/Pamamom/main.htm *Inspiration, tips and ideas - always a favored site ! : http://www.savethedolls.org/ *How to make shoes ! I've done it, use felt to make it easy ! : http://clothdollsupply.com/freedollshoepattern.html As always, look around these sites, and you'll probably find dozens of cool links to check out. Hope this helps ! Edited to remove incorrect link, fix with correct one. 
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User: Dorriebelle
Member since: 06-05-2005 Total posts: 15
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From: Dede
Date: 06-09-2005, 06:20 PM (17 of 53)
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Funny how we can almost see others' projects just by reading the description. Some of you are putting all kinds of ideas in my head but I never have enough time. Anyways, I'm presently making a cover for my loveseat. The main fabric is denim and the piping is cognac colour, like the walls. I'm not sure I'll have enough fabric for full length draperies so I'll probably do a border in denim, not too sure if at the top or the bottom. I'll decide on that later. I was asked for very simple window covering by a lady at work so I'll be doing that Saturday. Then, have to finish assembling a bathing suit for my aunt as I'll be driving up to NB at the end of the month and can finish it up there. Last but not least (believe me) I NEED CLOTHES. I survived winter with 5 pairs of pants but I don't think 1 dress and 2 pants with a few tops will make it through summer. So this is no joke, I really have to work on a few things for myself. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: esrun3
Date: 06-10-2005, 12:47 AM (18 of 53)
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Toadusew......you are not the only one who has multiple projects going at the same time. I just about always do! Mostly because I take a day and cut out a bunch of stuff-because I hate cutting out patterns. Then I can sit and sew all day if I want and it's amazing how much you can done if you don't have to cut each pattern out one at a time. Spend one day cutting and one day seiwng up several items. And I always have something on the back burner too! I really should make myself some clothes, have patterns and fabric, just seems everything else takes precedence. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 06-10-2005, 01:16 AM (19 of 53)
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I am in the middle of making a dress for my DGD#1. It's a bottom weight twill kakki fabric I bought off the 1.00 table at WalMart some time ago. I also just finished a cute skirt for DGD#2. I found some more white denim like fabric, same thing 1.00 table at WalMart. I knew this fabric I bought a year ago or more would come in handy one day. ROFL At least that's what I keep telling hubby when I come in with all these bags full of fabric. Tuesday night I had my first class for the DGD#2, I showed her how to make a pillow, we used piping for the deco edges, we took a pair of my fat jeans and make a denim bag for her sewing supplies which taught her how to put in a zipper, and then we took a pot holder, added a button, folded it in half stitched up two sides and she had another little pouch with a button closure for more sewing supplies. She had a full night and gained a good bit of sewing knowledge. I also showed her how to free motion embroidery which to my surprise she was very good with. Now DGD#3 wants to come over Tuesday night for a sleep over to do the same. Then it will be DGD#1's turn. They love to sew and all have their own machines now so MawMaw is happy. 
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User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: blackie
Date: 06-10-2005, 10:43 AM (20 of 53)
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Just finished: My Halloween costume (http://folkwear.com/201.html) which I started LAST year.  Oh well, I am ready EARLY this year. It is a full-length prairie-style dress and full-length apron - 9 yards worth of fabric! I had a lot of fun with Pam's ruffle technique (which saved time as well) and seam finishes. Did a combination of clean finish, french seams, and bound seams.This costume was my official LAST unfinished project! I am now free to buy fabric and I can feel good about wading through ALL of that old stuff! Currently working on: The mock-Chinese dress in 4/2004 Ottobre (http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/index.html). I have this garish Drive In print for it - it's going to be her Drive-In Dress (we go about every weekend in the summer). In the mail - just got my Janome snap-on ditch-stitching foot and the Folkwear patterns for my husband's (http://folkwear.com/204.html) and daughter's (http://folkwear.com/213.html) costumes. I love Folkwear patterns! They are easy to make, sturdy, and easy to alter (well, SO far, I haven't done too much altering!). Ottobre is another story - I am finding the seam allowance thing difficult, as I don't have a handy tool to help me add seam allowances and some of the pieces are so small and exact. I could use tips on that. The instructions are also so bare-bones. I am only JUST a good enough seamstress to muddle through. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 06-10-2005, 12:25 PM (21 of 53)
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How wide would you like your seam allowances? Sometimes if you just wind an elastic around two pencils to keep them together, you can get a really nice 1/4" seam allowance. Olfa used to have a 5/8" gadget to mark seam allowances. I haven't seen one in a while. The directions are sparse, not for beginners. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: beachgirl
Date: 06-10-2005, 01:15 PM (22 of 53)
| At the moment I'm not making anything. Will start again soon. I finished painting my sewing room. Purged some things, scrubbed down all shelves, drawers & cabinets. Washed windows & screens, washed,starched & ironed curtains. Rearranged stuff on shelves,drawers & etc. You name it & it's been cleaned.I love it even though I'm sure tired. Will be a dream to sew in here once again. I think moving would be easier.LOL. We've been haveing thunder storms so can't sew anyway now. I don't trust the surge & backup protecters with my machines. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 06-10-2005, 01:53 PM (23 of 53)
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I'm with you with that surge thing Beach. We have been having those problems here from time to time too. We are watching that storm out there Arlene. I sure wish she would fizzle out before she hits anyone. Poor Florida they are in her path. Look out Chry. You are going to get it they say. I cleaned out my room too Beach. And like you said it feels so good to come in here and sew and not have to look for all my tools under stuFFFFF.  I finished my DGD dress, the construction of it that is, now to determine what I want to do about emblishing. Oh my decisions decisions. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Magot
Date: 06-10-2005, 02:21 PM (24 of 53)
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Just finished a bias cut skirt in Japanese fabric - black with bronze chrysathemums - it feels well nice! Need to re knit the end of a norwegian sock that went a bit squewiff.( now that is a nasty word to spell) Got my June block to do and a great shirt pattern waiting for me to find the right fabric...
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: toadusew
Date: 06-10-2005, 02:28 PM (25 of 53)
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I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who has multiple sewing projects going at once. I always thought I was weird! I hope to have some time to sew again today. We have to take our daughter to college orientation and it's going to cut into my sewing time. On the bright side, I guess empty nest will mean that I have more time, to sew, huh?! For those of you who have been organized enough to clean out your sewing rooms, when would you like to come tackle mine?
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 06-10-2005, 03:07 PM (26 of 53)
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Well, if we all lived close I'm sure we would be more than willing to help you tackle that sewing room. I think that would be fun, we'd make it fun for sure. Now, is there some way to push all these states, Canada & Europe together ? I'm game.
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: blackie
Date: 06-10-2005, 03:12 PM (27 of 53)
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How wide would you like your seam allowances? Sometimes if you just wind an elastic around two pencils to keep them together, you can get a really nice 1/4" seam allowance. Olfa used to have a 5/8" gadget to mark seam allowances. I haven't seen one in a while. For my seam allowances - this is funny: I taped my seam ripper (using it as a guide) to my rotary cutter and "traced" the pattern with the end of the seam ripper, so my cutter was cutting a fixed distance away. It worked but was kinda goofy. They must have a tool somewhere where you can add seam allowance guides to rotary cutters? And if not, WHY not? I like the idea of 1/4" S.A. Do you think it is too small for clothing? I love using 1/4" for quilting but haven't tried it with garments. For the Ottobre children stuff there are some TINY pieces and it seems like a 1/4" seam allowance would be ideal as not to lose the original curves and darts, etc. My rigged-up tool worked out to be 5/8" which almost dwarfed some of my small facing pieces. Magot - I love Japanese fabrics and would love to see a picture of your skirt! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 06-10-2005, 07:32 PM (28 of 53)
| Blackie, There is a 1/4" ruler for quilting but it wouldn't be good for your curves. Until I could eyeball 1/4" real good I took my seam gauge & put it at 1/4" mark & then made light marks to sew on. Takes a little time but better than having to rip out a seam.Does you machine have the quarter inch foot ? They are great. How about taking a back of a writing tablet & space it 1/4 " from your needle down. Just tape it down on the right side & make sure it's secure & doesn't slide. Or use double sided tape. Anything with a small lip would work to hold your material to slide along the edge of what you use. It would work with the curves also but you'd have to go slower & watch the material edge. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: blackie
Date: 06-10-2005, 08:15 PM (29 of 53)
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Blackie, There is a 1/4" ruler for quilting but it wouldn't be good for your curves. Until I could eyeball 1/4" real good I took my seam gauge & put it at 1/4" mark & then made light marks to sew on. Takes a little time but better than having to rip out a seam.Does you machine have the quarter inch foot ? They are great. How about taking a back of a writing tablet & space it 1/4 " from your needle down. Just tape it down on the right side & make sure it's secure & doesn't slide. Or use double sided tape. Anything with a small lip would work to hold your material to slide along the edge of what you use. It would work with the curves also but you'd have to go slower & watch the material edge. Thank you for your suggestions. I have the Add-A-Quarter ruler and as you say, it doesn't help too much with curves. I also have some tape on my needle plate for 1/4" SA already. I am pretty used to *sewing* with 1/4", just for quilting only and I am NOT used to adding SAs. I am just wondering how people generally handle patterns w/o SAs. Do you trace the pattern as is, then cut the fabric out larger than the pattern? Or do you trace and add your allowances ONTO the pattern you are making? There are benefits to both ways, I think... Just trying to get the hot tips from the hot seamstresses out there! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-10-2005, 10:03 PM (30 of 53)
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I used to use a 1/4 inch foot and they are well worth the investment. In my old age, I'm a little lazy, so I don't change the foot, my foot has a line on it at 1/4 in and I use that. However, with the foot you can always use a screw on seam gauge and they are wonderful if you need a good guide. Most machines come with them. My Bernina feet (all) have a little bar that looks like a bent L that rides with the foot as a seam guide too. If your feet happen to have a screw and a hole in the back, you might also have one of those little bars in your attachment stash...one of those "oh THAT's what that is" things. The seam guide looks like a T square and has a slit for the screw adjustment. It will fit on one of the screw holes on the bottom of your machine and you may or may not have the attachment but they are usually universal. I also have a hard plastic seam gauge that has two sided tape on it that can be stuck and restuck anywhere. I usually use it for big seam allowances, but they are great (and cheap) and can be purchased through almost any sewing shop online or otherwise.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-10-2005, 10:33 PM (31 of 53)
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Blackie -- To add more allowance around the pattern I usually set a hem gage at whatever I am adding and, using an air or water soluble pen just mark on the fabric all the way around about an inch or two apart and connect the dots with the rotary cutter. It's a little crude but it works fine for me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 06-10-2005, 10:49 PM (32 of 53)
| Blackie, That's what I was talking about with the light markings. Before you cut your pattern pieces out trace around the pattern piece & then mark the SA with every so often marks. The full line would be the pattern without the SA & the short marks would be the added SA. Then sew on the solid line. Just make sure your solid lind doesn't show through to the right side of your material. Hope this helps . Other Gals have good ideas also. If you can get a 1/4" seam foot for your machine you won't regret it. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: mamagoose
Date: 06-11-2005, 10:24 PM (33 of 53)
| Blackie, on the patterns w/o seam allowances, I trace the pattern w/o them first, then go back and add them. I have one of those 5/8" two pencil gadgets from Clotilde, although I also made up my own 1/4" and 3/8" versions. You might have to play around a little bit, add first-aid tape around the pens/pencils, then tape the two together. I like using pens better, though. No need to sharpen and they are always exactly on the mark, whereas the pencil tip could vary. I use a tissue paper from Dollar General and mark on the shiny side. In addition, I make two marks when tracing alterations. I draw in both a 38 and 40 seam line and write beside it the number. Then, I'll take with a different ink color and make my graduated adjustment for like 38 waist and 40 hips. I keep a Burda mag and tissue paper at work and if I don't have errands to run I can trace a pattern on my lunch hour. My latest finished project was this top (http://www.sewspace.zoomshare.com/album/knit%20tops/images/6736669b1eaacd269bed4f2c5a405179_11181679120/:album). It's a Burda WOF 1/2005 #108. I have 15 pieces on my design board currently and have started most of them and they are in various stages. Not sure which I one will be finished next. Tonight I'm cutting a muslin for BWOF 3/2005 #117 in a lightweight denim-look cotton/lycra. Happy Sewing!!! |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 06-12-2005, 10:30 AM (34 of 53)
I made a MESS and thinking about putting my machine away forever!!!  I'll spare you the gory details but let's just say, measure twice, cut once didn't work. May have to call Omar the Tent Maker for a pattern. Not so happy sewing. (at the moment) Have a wonderful day!! Luv2sew Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-12-2005, 01:07 PM (35 of 53)
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Luv2sew Been there, done that. Can you salvage? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 06-12-2005, 03:30 PM (36 of 53)
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Dorothy....Salvage? For my blouse, don't know yet but there is always a quilt to be made or potholders or something. I can't, for the life of me, figure out what happened. I have not sewn for myself in a long time and I suppose the sizing of the patterns have changed. I always had to go to the next size up from the RTW and then I measure carefully (using body measurements) so as to have the "ease". I measured the pattern and increased in size, re-measured and even tried a blouse that fits against the pattern --- not enough ease. Since there is enough fabric, I am thinking about re-cutting the front and increasing there and hopefully it will work. Also, I am going to compare this pattern with one that I made last. Should have done that first but THOUGHT I knew what I was doing. I know.....I said I would spare all the gory details but there they are. Sorry 'bout that. I may give it another try before giving up completely. Wondering...... "From where did I get my user name?" hahaha Luv2sew Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174
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From: paroper
Date: 06-12-2005, 03:56 PM (37 of 53)
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You really can't count on the patterns right now. I just dashed of a hot letter to Vogue on my DD's wedding dress pattern. They wanted a closely fitted bodice (dress starts at the bust...no shoulders) and then added 2 1/2 inches to the bustline. I don't know ANYONE who could keep up a dress with 2 1/2 inches of ease in the bust...PLEASE! (Of course, it is a 3-size pattern and her bust size is the smallest size on the pattern (that is before they added the ease). I've always thought of Vogue as the tight-fitting pattern company...now you can't even trust them to be what they've always been. There are pattern sizes around size 14 or so where the measurments are pretty close to RTW but most of the other sizes are really off! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 06-13-2005, 01:11 AM (38 of 53)
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Blackie, on the patterns w/o seam allowances, I trace the pattern w/o them first, then go back and add them. I have one of those 5/8" two pencil gadgets from Clotilde, although I also made up my own 1/4" and 3/8" versions. You might have to play around a little bit, add first-aid tape around the pens/pencils, then tape the two together. I like using pens better, though. No need to sharpen and they are always exactly on the mark, whereas the pencil tip could vary. I use a tissue paper from Dollar General and mark on the shiny side. In addition, I make two marks when tracing alterations. I draw in both a 38 and 40 seam line and write beside it the number. Then, I'll take with a different ink color and make my graduated adjustment for like 38 waist and 40 hips. I keep a Burda mag and tissue paper at work and if I don't have errands to run I can trace a pattern on my lunch hour. My latest finished project was this top (http://www.sewspace.zoomshare.com/album/knit%20tops/images/6736669b1eaacd269bed4f2c5a405179_11181679120/:album). It's a Burda WOF 1/2005 #108. I have 15 pieces on my design board currently and have started most of them and they are in various stages. Not sure which I one will be finished next. Tonight I'm cutting a muslin for BWOF 3/2005 #117 in a lightweight denim-look cotton/lycra. Happy Sewing!!! Thank you for the tips - I think I will rig up a 1/4" version of your double-pen gadget. Thanks to the tips on this site and my own experience with this pattern (it is going to look SO cute if I can only survive it! :bang I have determined I need to add the SA to the pattern I make, and NOT add the SA as I cut.Your top turned out great! What a flattering bustline that shirt has. Very cute! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:24 AM (39 of 53)
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I've made my grandson umpteen pair of baggy, boring shorts this summer. Now, time for me. I'm making a nice blouse for summer. New Look 6598. http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=thumbnail.cfm&cat=6&type=28&sec=0&id=91&StartRow=28 Next will be New Look 6945 from same page. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:46 AM (40 of 53)
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I really like 6045. I can see it with boning, zips and eyelets and ribbons.....sorry, I'll put the bondage tape away now..... seriously, will you be making it with or without sleeves? 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: MaryW
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:48 AM (41 of 53)
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6945 with long sleeves. I have some nice floral linen, perfect for summer/fall. Where is your mind this morning Magot?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:52 AM (42 of 53)
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I meant 6045 with or without sleeves - it has a sort of corsetry look to it - and it is nearly 2:00pm here.
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: DorothyL
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:58 AM (43 of 53)
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I finished a silk tweed jacket yesterday. I underlined the silk with an organza with little silhouettes of ladies in fashions from the 19 teens printed on it. It's all black and white and looks good on the outside -- the lapels are the same as the lining. The inside doesn't look quite so good. I sewed the underlining in before I did the darts. It would have looked better if I put the darts in then sewed the two fabrics together. And I should have finished the seams with a better method -- Hong Kong maybe -- rather than the serger. But it is still a new toy and I wanted to play with it. Over all it looks good. From the outside it is beautiful. It'll be a couple months before I can wear it though. It's hot. I'm going to make a blue crepe skirt next. Quick and easy. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:07 AM (44 of 53)
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I'm on hold for wedding measurments right now and I'm doing drum major uniforms. I'm doing the dress of this one in black jersey with little spots of black glitter very close together all over. The jacket is black knit with closely woven silver metalic and held together with a 4X8 ornate frog. The jacket almost looks like a black and silver tweed and really flashes: http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2786=x&TI=20006&page=1 I'm afraid that this dress will really blow in the Oklahoma winds which is what usually happens when we preform. Also, it will not really be washable so we are thinking of doing this for a backup dress in windy and rainy weather: http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2609=x&TI=20006&page=2 We're thinking of doing it in somthing like maybe a black poly shantung with a black (shiny) poly sparkle satin collar. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:50 AM (45 of 53)
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I am making two backpacks in the totpack (http://www.borntolove.com/catalog8i.html) pattern. One is for my daughter and the other for her best friend who turned three. The one for the friend is in three different butterfly fabrics. I used quilting cottons and have interfaced the front panel of the pack. Not sure If I will do the back or sides yet. Sophie's backpack is made of denim with some quilting cotton overlaying some of the panels. I got yards of great denim at a garage sale a couple summers ago. Hers is the pack I asked about gusseted pockets for. I am also sewing Sophie a t-shirt skirt and after that, a dinosaur costume! I will be winging it on the dino costume so any hot tips would be appreciated! Oh and here is a skirt I made myself recently out of t-shirts. http://kelly.hogaboom.org/images/20050725tshirtskirt.jpg And an experimentation with boob darts on a t-shirt: http://kelly.hogaboom.org/images/20050725aztectshirt.jpg see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:56 AM (46 of 53)
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I reeeeeeeeeeeeally like the skirt and top.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Foxyshorty
Date: 07-28-2005, 03:50 PM (47 of 53)
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Sounds like everyone is busy. I'm trying to remember the last item I made...I can't remember.. I think it was a pair of boxer shorts for my oldest boy. Right now I'm making a backpack for my youngest first year of school. and I have a quilt (wall hanging) I've been working on. I shirt for my youngest. the list just goes on and on.. Right now I'm stuck in a spot on the backpack. I Plan on fixing that problem tonite. then completing it. Colleen
Mommy to 2 boys Morgan 11yrs Maxwell 5yrs |
User: Foxyshorty
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 25 
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From: blackie
Date: 07-28-2005, 04:22 PM (48 of 53)
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Foxyshorty - tell me about your backpack and where you got the pattern. The one I am making is fine, but I would like a more rugged version too.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: mamagoose
Date: 07-28-2005, 04:25 PM (49 of 53)
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I just finished this little top http://www.sewspace.zoomshare.com/1.shtml/Simplicity%209763 and the dress to a dress/jacket ensemble. Wearing the dress tonight, but too hot yet for the jacket and it's not completed anyhow! I'm not finished with summer sewing and dreaming of fall! I see more UFO's in my future... |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-28-2005, 05:12 PM (50 of 53)
The buttons are perfect! Our summer is only a few weeks so I am thinking towards fall already. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Foxyshorty
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:53 PM (51 of 53)
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Sure thing. The pattern I'm making is a Butterick pattern #6735. I'm making the one with the frog on it.. The only way my little guy decided it was a good idea to go to school..
Colleen
Mommy to 2 boys Morgan 11yrs Maxwell 5yrs |
User: Foxyshorty
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 25
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From: gm23237
Date: 10-21-2005, 05:18 PM (52 of 53)
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I just finished sewing a quilt. in a previous post i said it was my least favorite sewing but doing this one I already have an idea for another. Oh Lord, I may get hookedo n quilting after all.
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User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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From: gm23237
Date: 01-04-2006, 08:15 PM (53 of 53)
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I gave my machines a break for a few days. I did however make some new drapes for the guest room. Son is movng in for a couple of months and wanted the room to be nice. I tried to think of everything that a good "guestroom" should have so I fixed up a basket with soaps, shampoos tooth paste and several tooth brushes. Also made new shower curtain for the guest bath. When he gets settled here in his own place I will have a lot of sewing to do. I start tomorrow making Christmas presents for next year. For personal reasons they will be special gifts this year. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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