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Hi girls/Mods
I'm guessing there would have to be a few people on BB that sew quite regularly?
Was wondering if we can get a "general chat" thread started for all us BB girls who love to sew things?!? It would be great to be able to bounce ideas and ask for help in a general thread just for sewing.... or is there already one? please point me in the right direction!
Would anyone else be interested?
ooh sounds good
Yay Pandora! :D
Sounds Good! I'm in the process of learning now, so no doubt i'll be hounding everyone for tips and help very soon!
I need to learn to hand sew i can only machine sew.
Good idea Shanti! I'm about to start on a pair of winter PJ's for DS. This will be my first proper sewing project following a pattern other than blankets! LOL...I want to learn how to make my own patterns as I have discovered I LOVE sketching ideas for things. But this is getting way ahead of myself as a novice sewer :lol:
I knew this thread would gather interest pretty quick!! I knew I wasn't the only one who loves sewing!
I am also a 'novice' sewer and besides sewing in highschool, I have only just started it again the last year but on and off.... like I'll do it for a few weeks then have a break etc.
But at the moment I'm completely inspired with new projects and ideas and can't stop visiting fabric stores!! :lol:
I recently bought some gorgeous fabric from Spotlight on sale and a few other bits and pieces and I'm going to make DD another skirt and some pants also again.
I recently made some pants and a matching singlet for DD and a skirt that I did today while she was asleep!!! So easy! It was made out of a Bandana and another piece of fabric!
I have found websites that give tutorials about using up old tshirts and fabrics no longer required and using them to make clothes with.... basically recycling and it's so fun!!!!! :D
I am looking to make a pillow case cover for DD's bed next also..... a few projects in store! I look forward to being able to share ideas and info etc with others and help each other get inspired!!
I was at Spotlight today! LOL. I was given $150 worth of Spotlight gift cards for my birthday a couple weeks ago, so I have been buying fabric and a few patterns. I got some polar fleece for some baby blankets and this gorgeous flannel fabric for DS's pyjamas that I"m about to make. It has fire engines and ambulances on it - so cute. Today, I found this gorgeous cotton fabric it's a light blue with flower patterns on it in pink/white/blue. Was thinking of a baby girls blanky with the fleece or making myself an apron.
That recycling thing sounds good Shanti. Can you PM the link? :)
I have borrowed some great sewing books from the library too. My project list is piling up lol
Yep sure thing!:
ooooh I was at the library today returning books but didn't think to look at the sewing books! Great idea! I might jump online to our local library catalogue and check out what they have! its so handy ... rather than buying a book.
haha i know what you mean about the list piling up!! its endless hey. isnt it addictive?
It's so special making clothes that are 'unique'.
How about I take the question mark off the title, and we'll see how we go? If this proves to be popular and we get a few threads happening then maybe we'll sticky it. :D
I sewed a canvas drawstring bag the other day. For the Duplo. Almost burst from pride! I failed textiles at school, so I haven't the first idea about sewing, pinning, hems....
Don't forget we can post links like to helpful blogs with tutorials and the like - AS LONG as they're not commercial, or another forum or any other of that guideline-breaky stuff. xo
I bought some of this material too! I just hemmed it for a baby's wrap. (DH and i are both volunteer firefighters) I love it.:
Oh, oh, I'm in! Yay!
I made DD the most gorgous backpack last week! I will upload a photo. Let me know if you want the pattern! I used left over PUL from when I usd to make nappies (i.e. when I was pregnant lol)
I'm a serious sewer, mainly bags, but also clothes for me. I am a novice quilter and moderate knitter. Self taught (and tutored by mum) but eager to know more.
ETA: here is the link to my photos: Arcadia's photos
Hello everyone,
I have recently got into sewing and making things in general. I hand sew, and have also got one of those mini-sewing machines for about $30 (no room for a proper machine, and also wanted to see how into it really am) - it is great for just simple joining things together, I am pretty impressed with it actually. I hadn't used a machine since high school, but was inspired to by my sister in UK so got a intro lesson at a place in Melbourne for Christmas where you can also book machines to use which reminded me of the basics.
My main love is upcycling/recycling things. I am really quite rubbish at following patterns so I just make it up as go along. I also dislike making the same thing twice.
This is probably my favourite creation - some flares made out of an old top of mine for DD.
Purple flares
(This picture is on a facebook page I have just for craft/sewing/upcycling stuff so that can share with anyone easily)
I have also found a few blogs, books etc -
Crafting a Green World by Heidi Boyd- is about making things out of recycled materials (some sewing, but also knitting and other things) - I really like this book!
A blog called Made for Baby has some patterns on it for old T-Shirts etc, and one called Made By Rae
( will check the links guidelines and then post some links)
Arcadia - Really interested to see the backpack
Shanti - I second the library as a great source of sewing books, our library also loans out magazines and there are sewing and knitting ones as well as Better Homes and Gardens you can borrow.
Oh and in my ticker pick my DD is wearing one of my very quick creations!!
I also sew, but mine tends to be different as it is mostly costume for our medieval and viking hobby. I have done the odd bit of everyday clothing sewing as well.
Sounds great. I'm a bit of a hobby sewer (dont think that's spelt right..it looks like something else..lol) but haven't had a chance to do anything since DD was born. Before she was born I made a ton of burp cloths with the intention of selling them but didn't have any interest.
I have quite a few projects on the go though- a patchwork puppy (must finish it cause I know DD would love it), a pillow case I was doing for my little brother (has been in progress for a couple of years :redface: ) which is just calico and I'm hand appliquing lizards onto it. Will look pretty cool when it eventually does get finished.
I've also done a few little teddy bears, some stuffed with polyfill and some with split peas to make them like bean bags. And I started embroidering a heap of cushion covers, just have to cut out fabric for the back so I can sew them together.
Must get all my photos of my projects together. Right now though I want to make some door snakes, have the fabric just need to get some filling and cut out/sew them. Hopefully before winter is over :lol:
Ooohhh I love sewing :D
I got a new machine for christmas and have hardly had a chance to sew as I was working two jobs and had no time :cry: But now I am slowing down with work I am going to jump on this weekend.
I have a mountain of material, I found an awesome website in the US that sells absolutely stunning fabrics and has great specials and postage was really cheap and quick and with the exchange rate it was definitely value for money!!
I have a few projects on the go:
Quite for my nephew, I have to finish the quilting and do the border.
Bibs with sleeves for DD and some friends, they have a waterproof backing and sleeves, and really pretty fabrics at the front. My own pattern :)
NICU gowns for our local hospital, I made 56 last year and donated them for christmas, this year I am hoping to make 100. I have created my own pattern :)
Flanellette Sheets for DD, I picked up some gorgeous fabric from Spotlight for $3 a m on sale over summer!
I have about 6 nappies cut out ready to sew, but I need to buy more fabric for boosters, so this project is on hold as I think I should be using the fabric I have before buying more.
I also make little bags to hold ventolin, spacers and spare puffers for Daycare/Kindy, a few friends have asked if I can mkae them for them as well, they are personalised with names and are fully lined :)
Plus a pile of patterns ready to make clothes for DD, she needs track pants for daycare and I do need to go to spotlight and buy some more trackie material :)
If anyone has photos of what you have done I would love to see it!
I'm here!!
I'm just a beginner!!
Made my first thing from scratch the other day, a skirt for DD!! I was so proud, lol. Ren, did you see the pic of it on FB?
*maz brrings her wide loaded butt in* :D
hello hatties
I just got some gorgeous super mario flannel last week because mario insisted I make him a pillow case for his boomarang pillow :rolleyes:...if it means him going to bed on time and actually sleeping im in lol.
here's a pic pillow cases
I need to make some library bags for the boys for school....Dudie doesnt fancy taking his thomas the tank one anymore..I dont know why...its not like he's almost 10 or something ;)
OHHHH a thought...maybe we can have sewing challenges to help motivate us all to get sewing.
Maz - The sewing challenges sound like a great idea - I know I am taking part in April Stash Bust which is just where you don't buy anything craft/sewing etc related in April and use up all the bits and pieces you have stashed. There is a contest for that too, not sure if I will enter but the idea of being 'in' a competition or challenge does keep me motivated.
Beema - If you click on my link to the purple flares and use next and previous links can see all the stuff I have been making. Is nothing very adventurous though, but am so enjoying it.
oh, just saw this thread and I am in!
I started sewing about a year ago when I realised I need a hobby and wanted to make some nappy things for DD2. Since then I have bought an overlocker, heaps of fabric and set up my own sewing 'lair' in our back room. I love experimenting with different patterns and generally end up making up my own. I have made a fair number of nappies for Fred as well as friends, some clothes for Lumpy and presents for friends with babies.
I want to start trying to make some clothes and underwear for DH and myself, even thinking about doing a tafe course.
Of course working full time and looking after two kids means I don't have that much time :(
But a sewing challenge sounds good - even a show off page where we can show each other our creations would be good as well.
The stash bust sounds like a great idea, I think I need to do that to use up heaps of my left overs I have floating around:
I really, really like that idea :thumbsup: but allas a certain someone wont get my scraps that month ;):
OHHHh we could call it
scrap heap challenge
like the ABC do for their junk vechile things they make.
We should start with something simple....I cant do patterns well so would have to have a play KWIM
Just found some of my photos and uploaded them all to an album on facebook: Photos - Sewing & Stuff
More to come as i'll dig out my other half done projects :)
No scraps! nooooo :protest::
He He He - I think I have enough here to last a few months, I don't get much time to sew with all the marking I have at the moment :(
My life is a stash bust!
I love upcycling and recycling stuff. I often buy offcuts down at Reverse Garbage in West End in Brissy and work them together. I also love to get remnants from House of Franke, Stuart in Hawthorn in Melbourne and make stuff out of that. I went back to visit in Jan - since I moved to Brisbane, they have had to quadruple their storage space for remnants and rejects! :redface: I also pull bits from freecycle and off the side of the road and get creative with them.
90% of what comes out of my sewing room is dresses. In the last year I have done three cushion covers, one skirt and about 20 dresses :D (OK, so officially, that's like 84%? But whatever!) I've done a few nappy-type things too, which I do love, but had to shelve for a while.
I'm in!
this thread looks great, can't wait to read other people's tips and ideas as well as seeing people's creations!! :)
ps. i borrowed some awesome softies books from brisbane library with patterns in it too. definently worthwhile checking out the library for ideas! and in northern rivers now ren you can place an order for a book you want them to buy and they will order it in so that it can be borrowed, i asked about this at my local library!!
audax - what type of dresses do you make? I really want to start making them for myself and the girls but I'm not sure where to start? Do you use patterns?
Ohhh the crap challenge does sound cool :) We do a craft swap on another forum, but it could easily be a sewing swap, where everyone who wants to join in, a bit like a secret santa, you have to make something for another BB'er. Maybe hints on child sizes etc would be useful :)
Love the pillows Maz, are they a childrens size or the normal size? We tried a normal size one in DD's cot last year when she needed to sleep upright but it didn't really work very well :lol:
Arcadia, that backpack is stunning!!!! I love the materials as well - awesome!!
wysiwyg , I lvoe the clothes you have made, so many clever ideas on recycling, DD would love the ITNG top, such a great idea to cut and reuse!!
SS_storn, your teddies are gorgeous!! I love the chair covers too :dance:
Photos of some of the bits and pieces I have made :D
Sewing Album #1
Sewing Album #2
NICU Gowns 2009
Just a little bag For ventolin, spacers and inhalers for Daycare.
NICU Gown for Micro Prems 2010
Can't wait to see everyone's creations as they all come together! I am so inspired to jump back on the machine now :leap:
I have all my pics on a blog, am I allowed to post that address here?
I have a blog link in my sig and that hasn't been a problem, as long as you are not selling or trying to make money, otherwise that would be competing with the MPM's who pay for the opportunity to link their business in their sig :)
ryatha - pretty ones! Sometimes I use patterns, sometimes I just draft. I tend to let the fabric guide me. Current projects are a strapless satin number for my SiL, and a "happy dress" made out of this gorgeous vintage print stretch that DH bought for me after our m/c in July, has taken me forever to finish the dress, it has about a million pleats, but I just look at it and I drool with happiness. I will do a facebook album of my creations soon and link to it.
I also made my wedding dress - can link to that one:
Wedding dress
I have often wondered if maybe I'd like to try and make some $$$ out of my sewing. Not too sure right now.
A challenge sounds good, I lack motivation to make anything. Unless someone says they want something or need something, then I'll do it in a couple of days.
Stuff I have made recently is in my facebook pics, If you want to see it PM me & I'll send you the link
Audax ~ Wow your wedding dress is awesome!!!! That is so cool that you made it :dance:
WOW!! :o look at what you guys make!!!! I feel very much like an amiture :redface:
I dont think you can put links up to your blog if you sell stuff from it...eg custom orders ect.
Ive just been to spotlight :D....I found the most gorgoeus fat quaters there....gonna have me some fun me think
right, so since I'm not actually selling anything and wont be for aaagggeees, I have removed any 'selling' things on my blog. It really only has pics of the things I make for myself and friends, so I hope it is ok. Can someone look at it and let me know if I need to make any more changes?
But here Cheekibots is my blog, with pics of things I have made recently.
ETA - woops I forgot to add - wow for that wedding dress it is just fantastic!
will do in a min hon :)
Have a question for you all.
J man and I have a 4 poster canopy bed on layby.....I want to put a valance on the top BUT Im not into florially or lacey stuff and I cant go anything with a big pattern. I had a look in spotlight today and I couldnt find anything in the right colour :doh:.....what do I do???
Wow ryatha, you make some gorgeous things :) :shhh: The only thing is a reference to ordering and buying your products in the really early posts, the breast pads in particular
Thanks Beema - I'll go back and change those now,
Maz - did you check out the curtain fabric? The lighter ones might have something you like
Oh wow Audax, your wedding dress is just gorgeous!! You clever thing :D
Beema- I have the same stripy flanelette material that's in the first pic of your first album. I love it, it's so bright. Made some burp cloths out of it but don't know what to do with the rest of it!
Started on my door snakes today, I think this thread inspired me (and that i would like to get them done before winter is over!). Cut out material for two of them, but I either need to buy more material or find some in my collection that is suitable and large enough. I need two for the double doors in the dining room and our bedroom but the material I have isn't long enough. Thought about making two small ones for each door but I think it might look silly? The material I have is cotton drill in four colours - bright pink, bright yellow, bright green and bright blue.
Great stuff ladies. Pity the gallery here is not working, I would love to post some of my stuff.
MY main project at the moment is finishing off the girls costumes. I have done all the machine sewing and now just the hand sewing is left. They don't need it for awhile so I can take my time now and see if I can add some embroidery to some of pieces.