General chat thread for BB girls who like sewing

I've only bought nappy supplies online, as they aren't available in store. Then I go to snapsaustralia or gbau.

Thanks for the tips Kim! Sharp pins and tissue paper!
I had this great idea of buying silk to dye and make into a tunic/top. Basically just because I can use acid dye and it's so bright and lovely. sadly I"m a crap seamstress. It may be an expensive exercise!
I've only ever bough nappy stuff online. and this silk.

I know this thread is for people who like to sew, but have you thought about getting someone local (so it can be fitted properly) to make it for you?..hmmm acid dyes you say....might see if I have some silk to practise on....

well, yeah, that would be more sensible. I'm sure it'll be fine.......

:bump:

So who is sewing these days?

I stopped for awhile. Too busy, not inspired etc, but now I am back into it.
Currently sewing:

• Curtains for the living room (was slack bought the fabric 6 months ago :o ).
• Almost finished a dress for DD2 (the zipper is horrendous, but I will move on).
• Have a dress to sew for DD1 and a couple of art smocks (DD1 did not bring hers home this summer, so who knows where it is).

Me! I have finished off a few projects in last week. an apron upcycled from jeans, and an oven mitt. A gorgeous sunhat for my niece. and i bought fabric to make myself a summer dressing gown/kimono style.

i have fabric to make dd a dress, just deciding on the style for the top. i bought some elastic and considering trying shirring.
want to make ds shorts.
want to applique some singlets for baby.

Today's task has been to clean my sewing room and get all fabric back in cupboard and everything tidy before i start again. Have also culled some fabric that i am never going to use. Not quite finished, but its looking better.

I'm a total n00b.

I have fabric to make more pj shorts for DD. Who has worn the first pair I made nearly to death.

I have a billion things I want to do. But no idea where to start.

I'm still sewing, lots of clothes for he girls and some other bits and pieces. The list of projects I have on my to do list is soooooo long it is scary!

lol I often think of this thread. I had a total break for a really long time. Then just before Christmas I finished off a pair of shorts for DS that I cut out 2 years ago....lucky for me, my kids only grow long ways and they still fit :D
Then I pulled out my favourite fabric I have had since before I had DD2 and made myself a really simple wrap skirt. It's comfy and cool.
Then on a roll, I figured out a pattern for a dress for DD2 and cut and sewed it. That sat on my desk for a few weeks until I needed something that fit her to wear out (since all her dresses had magically shrunk 3 ruddy inches :wall:) and finally finished the straps on it. Got a tonne of compliments and several requests too which was nice.
Recently cut a dress down that I made many years ago and will never fit again. I altered it into a mini dress for DD1 and a daggy at home skirt for myself.
Have been pinning madly and am enthusiastic, just need to stop having to declutter and move furniture (bit of a compulsion at this time of year) so I can have my space back.
Want to cover our manky ottoman in funky chevron, make myself some more skirts, use all the stuff in my fabric drawer before I order more.

I have a sewing machine and over locker and no idea how to use either. My nan left them to me

Just been cutting out material for nappies here. My seeing machine is skipping stitches :( so I need it serviced. Am also looking into machines that are more heavy duty for my business work. Have to mend a jumper I got for free for my son.

Also looking for ways to co-op material. Coz I want some stuff I can't find in stores but don't want the quantities they're selling.

Finally ordered an even feed foot last night. Could not get locally (well could, but was not able to get 100% advice that the generic brand was ok for my machine). Hate not being anywhere near the sewing centre I am used to. There is a Janome dealer here ( a custom curtain store), but I am not sure what they stock, plus their location and hours are not the best.

I now have a growing list of feet and accessories I would like to get. My machine is still going strong thankfully, but I think in a year or so I would like to upgrade.

I've been getting into quilting in a pretty serious way. Its a pity its so hard to find the time. I have just upgraded my machine to a Janome Horizon 8900 and bought a quilting frame to use it on. Its very exciting. :)

Hey Misty (sorry very late in replying). That is one impressive looking machine, have fun with it :D

Well, the local Janome supplier does supply feet and other accessories!!!! :happydance: Eyeing off a couple of machines, as I would really like to upgrade later in the year.

Now at the point of hemming the curtains once DH has taken down the old brackets and installed the new ones.
Have decided to unpick DD2's dress and redo the zipper. Then start on DD1's dress. Then I will cut a toil of a retro pattern I got in a vintage magazine. Hoping to make a dress for work with it.

I have acquired some more funky coloured chenille bedspreads, and planning some winter clothes (pants/skirt or dress) for the kids.

I have a local sewing buddy now. Pretty excited about that. Going to take a recommended course in the next few weeks. Still no new projects. Sigh. I need too many things... Boo.

Made a dress for a wedding last weekend http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/10/ageja8us.jpg

and now am itching to make more clothes for myself and the kidlets (oh and the mending for DH)

Gorgeous kitten2b!

Well done kitten2b that is a gorgeous dress! Good work :)

Wow Misty, that certainly is a flash machine!

Astrid my list is ever growing too.

Cool Rouge, I wish I had someone to sew with. Everyone brings their jobs to me lol.

Loiuse that is beautiful!

HotI I love chenille!! Bit of a beggar to sew with all that fluff flying around lol.

AFM my machine is stuck. I can't get it to loosen and the only sewing machine repairer we have here only comes 2x a year from Adelaide - May and November :wall: bit frustrated.

Oh no Kim! Can you hold out? Is anyone travelling to Adelaide who can take it for you?

Lol I suggested DH take it to Melbourne when he travelled there recently and he was horrified!

I'm going to ask around and see if there are some old fashioned whizzes at the machine. There has to be someone around.

Google the issue, if you are lucky it may be mention somewhere and if really lucky someone as done a youtube video on how to fix it.

if i wanted to make a red circle with a yellow ring around it, blue ring next.... how would i sew each layer to next?

i can picture doing half circles, but thinking of full circles does my head in. has anyone done anything like this?

Depends what it's for. You could make each colour a 2 layer donut, turn them right way out, then line them up and zigzag or hand stitch the rings together.

Or use a non-fraying fabric like felt and just top stitch one circle on top of the bigger one.

If you're after single layer, you'll need to make the sewing line the same circumference, and add your seam allowance to the outside of that line for each piece, or they wont fit.

I found a tute on the 2 layer donut method after posting.

Decide d to try with chenille , which is non fraying , but might try other methods next time

it is the third way I am trying to get my head around . Would you pin or iron sa or just hold pieces together? Maybe pin half way around and freestyle the second half?

I rarely pin curves. I find I pin it with different tension to sewing it, so I prefer just to see slowly and stop stat, and guide one piece of fabric in each hand to pull the curves together .

Well, I have more fabric and have picked a pattern to sew a dress for me! Was struggling to find fabric I really liked at a good price, so it took time. Sadly though I bought it last week, now there is a 30% off sale. Oh, well, the bolt was getting low, so I was really risking that it would be gone or just not enough.

Just need to trace out the patter and get a few things like shirring elastic and I will be set.

Of course, I must finish DD1's dress before I start, all cut out, just need the motivation ;)