Sew much fabric, sew little time

[rosy]

That looks lovely!

[overthehill]

Both very pretty, Wends. Love that print.

[wendy james]

Sproglette got a dress made of offcuts from a couple of skirts, and a bit of black knit fabric from a scrap bag.

My latest monthly project was an awful slippy sheer fabric. I wasn't keen going into it, so gave up quite quickly when I struggled to make a placket. I kept the sleeves though and though I might buy some material I'd actually wear for the front/back and attempt the top again.

[Hobbes]

Hobbes, how are you getting on?

I'm sorry, I've only just seen this.

I've done nothing apart from repairs and alterations. January has been manic with birthdays and I've been ill, but I am determined to at least make my bag soon!

You've been doing so brilliantly though, I especially love the printed wrap dress.

[wendy james]

Aww, that's a bit rubbish! I hope you get some time soon.

I made a top this morning (and am wearing it in the relevant thread) then helped Sproglette with a floppy pot this afternoon.

[emma_p]

I love the liberty print top, Wendy. So fresh and springy.

[overthehill]

My latest monthly project was an awful slippy sheer fabric. I wasn't keen going into it, so gave up quite quickly when I struggled to make a placket. I kept the sleeves though and though I might buy some material I'd actually wear for the front/back and attempt the top again.

How were you taught to manage slippery, sheer fabric? My method is time-consuming, but I've found it pretty bullet proof so far. For the chiffon dresses I made last summer, for instance, I laid the fabric out unfolded (single layer) over tissue and cut the pieces out individually, pinning the pattern pieces through the fabric and tissue. Then I left the layers of fabric and tissue pinned together while I sewed the seams. You have to tear the tissue away, once you've sewn the main pieces together, but you can still use strips of tissue to sew details. Also, if have a presser foot pressure adjustment on your machine, easing it off a little can help. Apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs.

[ParisGal]

What do you think about heavily starching slippery fabric to the same end, oth?

[overthehill]

I've not tried it, PG. It would only suitable on washable fabrics, so probably not something I'd do. Also, although I can see that it might help with the sewing aspect, I'm not convinced how effective it would be in terms of stabilising the fabric for cutting out - and that's, for me, the trickiest bit with sheer fabrics.

[wendy james]

Thanks emma! That's the one you have for a bag, isn't it? There's enough left for something else.

I haven't been taught anything OTH. I've done similar in the past with vinyl though, so will try it if I get any more sheer fabric, thank you. The cutting out and the seams I did do weren't too bad.

I'm just not keen on wearing sheer fabrics and it seemed an odd choice for something gathering at the neckline and sleeves, but then I only know one gathering method (couple of rows of loose tension long stitches). Also, the placket was new to me and I'd rather get my head round that with a sturdier fabric first!

[wendy james]

Coincidentally, the top is in a magazine I picked up today (because the free pattern was already on my list and it worked out cheaper). I shall definitely give it a go at some point.

[wendy james]

And I made a skirt for Elvis this morning (I have a few small projects where I've matched up magazine pull outs and small bits of fabric).

It is made up of various rectangles with elasticated gathering top and bottom, and I have the dimensions for ages 1-8 if anybody is interested.

I opted for the same fabric for waistband and outer skirt, with a plain one for the inner skirt. The magazine photo has a different waistband.

[Shoe]

You're so clever, WJ! I love your wrap dresses.

[Kleio]

I'd appreciate those dimensions Wendy. It's a lovely skirt.

[wendy james]

Here you go!

[Kleio]

Thanks!

[rosy]

I like your version better than the one in the magazine, Wendy!

I am doing no clothes sewing at all - just soft furnishings, home décor and quilts at the moment. I want to get back to clothes, though, but I have quite a lot of projects to finish first.

[wendy james]

I had a spare evening and 'a skirt' became a dress for the daisy print instead.

[wendy james]

So I didn't quite make it to the show without buying new fabric.

However, I have used up quite a lot of my stash (with trousers waiting until my course) and had some money left over this month. I bought some pre-pleated fabric for a skirt on Ebay as it was bloody expensive to buy the one they'd used in the magazine I was reading. I just hope it's thick enough. I also bought some stretch crepe for a dress from the same seller because it seemed daft to only buy one thing.

IMG_1685.JPG

The magazine had a 20% code for http://www.girlcharlee.co.uk, which specialises in knit fabrics, so I bought a couple of jersey/jersey blend knits for dresses too.

I also bought an Oliver & S book I've had my eye on for a while.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0692687254/ ... 7431_TE_dp_

[rosy]

Girlcharlee has lovely jersey prints

I have spent the morning starching, ironing and cutting out lots of little pieces for three different quilts (must not get the pieces muddled), all of which are going to be done as quilt-as-you-go blocks and then sewn together, as I don't have a long arm machine. I've also finished cutting out another set of sofa covers for my hairdresser. This afternoon I will get some actual sewing done; I hate cutting out!