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Topics - Lizzielogs

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1
Dolls and Toys / Pattern Draft
« on: January 21, 2021, 20:13:33 PM »
Asking for a bit of advice please. I have drafted a pattern for a gonk/ gnome and wondered if anyone here knew where in the UK I might find someone to take my drawings/ measurements and transfer them to a pdf file so I can use it as cutting instructions for my pattern? The pattern only comprises 5 simple shapes.
I know about Adobe Illustrator but this pattern will be a one off for me and the cost would be prohibitive.
Many thanks for your time
Trudi

2
Sewing Machines / Singer 99k
« on: September 16, 2018, 13:18:23 PM »
Hi, I have just bought myself a 1934 Singer 99k from eBay really cheaply with the intention of having it as an eye catcher on my table at craft fairs. Would anyone know if there is a Vintage Singer machine forum anywhere, Google doesn't seem to be much help and I am hoping your collective brains can do better  <3

3
Fun with Fabric / Vinyl help please
« on: September 15, 2018, 09:07:00 AM »
https://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/4yDJ

I wonder if anyone could give me a bit of advice on vinyl/ PVC please. I have been asked to re create a purse like the one in the photo.
The vinyl seems very thin and is only sewn to the tops of the card slots and through the centre on the fold, it is backed with a type of strong nylon feeling fabric which I am not too bothered about as I could substitute cotton fabric.
What is your advice for the vinyl? I have looked online and have seen a 'dressmaking' weight but can't seem to see anywhere I can buy a sample (not even eBay) all I can buy is a metre length which I am very reluctant to do in case it's not what I need.
Can you help at all please?

4
Fun with Fabric / Advice please......
« on: May 13, 2018, 23:05:48 PM »
I have to make a purse for someone and she has given me a list of likes - one of which is 'paint splatter' - I make purses from quilting weight cotton and have been looking for a FQ of said fabric and coming up with a big fat zero - plenty in the US but not here it seems.
Anyway I have come across a lot of what's described on eBay as "Hand Dyed Colourful 100% Cotton Batik Summer Dressmaking Craft Fabric", in this instance what does 'batik' mean, is it a term for the colour technique or can it be a term to also describe the weight of the fabric 'cos I have a feeling this is going to be thin floaty cotton which is what I don't want!!
Could someone help please?
Thanks everso

5
Embroidery and Embellishment / To hoop or not to hoop?
« on: March 31, 2018, 16:44:56 PM »
Hi guys and gals I'm an embroidery numpty and have had the luck to buy a Singer 9980 Quantum Stylist which has never even been out of the box or plugged in for £250. I  mostly make handbags and purses and just wanted another machine to go with my Janome and very rarely need embroidery stitches - if ever. Anyhow the Singer does a few varieties of text on the computerised panel my question is do I need to hoop the fabric to use those particular stitches on what in essence is a bog standard sewing machine or can I go it alone?
Also I might like to have a bash at free motion embroidery or applique sometime in the future or in the next life when I get round to it and I'm almost certain I would need a hoop for that - right??.
Thanks for your words of wisdom

Trudi x

7
Access All Accessories / Free Bag Patterns
« on: February 28, 2018, 06:55:48 AM »
Hi Guys
I have come across this fie on a FB page I belong to and thought it might help someone waning to make bags as it is a list of fairly basic free bag patterns - enjoy x
Free bag patterns
Free patterns are great for testing a designer’s patterns and tutorial style before purchasing their patterns. They are also a great way to make bags on a budget. This list does not contain any affiliate links to me in any way, and it is of course not all that are available, just those I know of… please feel free to add any I have missed. Also most of the designers have helpful facebook group, some even have discount codes for purchased patterns.
Andrie designs   https://www.andriedesigns.com
The good to go messenger bag
Blue Calla Sewing Patterns https://bluecallapatterns.com/
The morning glory pouch
The sweet pea saddle bag
The lilac mini messenger
The Gerbera mini crossbody bag
The Clematis wristlet
Chris W designs  https://www.chriswdesigns.com
Coco
Gemini pouch
Emmaline bags    https://emmalinebags.com
The Manhattan zipper case
The retreat bag
Miss Maggie handbag
Mrs H patterns     http://www.mrs-h.com
The pampering pouch
The sling bag
Huffs n cuff patterns   https://www.craftsy.com
Carissa clutch
Taylor unisex bag
Moments designs  https://www.craftsy.com/profile/moments-designs
Stowaway shopping bag
Noodlehead  http://noodle-head.com/tutorials
Canvas pencil pouch
Carkai gatherer crossbody bag
Trail tote
Snappy manicure wallet
Cargo duffle bag
Summer madras tote
The library tote
Basic boys wallet
Gathered clutch
Scrappy make up bag
Open wide zipper pouch
Fold over tote
RLR Creations    http://www.rlrcreations.com
Sunday my way bag
Sew sweetness     http://sewsweetness.com/tutorials/bags
Oslo craft bag
Baker street bag
Discotech clutch
Brookfield bag
Arabesque bag
The Kennedy bag
Swoon Sewing Patterns  https://swoonpatterns.com
Dakota tablet clutch
Ramona mini hipster
Laney reversible hobo
Mabel vintage handbag
Alice shopper tote
Ethel tote
Dollie mini crossbody
Heidi foldover clutch and wristlet

Also worth a look are various youtube channels that are good for tutorials/patterns…including:

Debbie Shore
Melly Sews
The crafty gemini
Sue Overy
Shabby fabrics (includes free pattern pieces)


8
Sewing Machines / Irritated beyond belief
« on: February 20, 2018, 11:20:49 AM »
Could anyone point me to a tutorial about thread tension please?
I am struggling with two different Brother machines, one old one which I got out of the loft after 'losing' it for 10 years which to pay me back for my neglect only sews properly when it feels like it and a pre loved computerised one which does 'ordinary' stuff quite well (even though I'm dubious about the tension at the best of times) but if I try to topstitch using machine embroidery thread and a triple stitch it gets all obnoxious and tried to push the fabric sideways and break the top thread willy nilly.
I'm not stupid but have never had problems with a machine before and feel out of my depth - my nearest machine shop is 30 miles away and would like to give it a go before I resort to forking out cash!
I have two Janome machines one very old and pretty lightweight and one newer and more sturdy which I never have a moments trouble with - maybe Brother and I are the Paul McCartney and Heather Mills of the machine world and not destined to be together  :S

Anyhow thought I might ask on here while I still have hair.

9
Sewing Machines / Sewing Machines in 25 minutes!
« on: February 20, 2018, 07:26:58 AM »
What a lovely little video The Secret Life of a Sewing Machine - get a  :drink: and spend 25 minutes on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_qLCdrbU78

10
Access All Accessories / It's done and I'm done too!
« on: February 19, 2018, 06:49:24 AM »
Thought it would be a nice idea to make purses to go with my handbags and wanted to do something more like the purse I always use so I could make one and use it myself - BIG mistake  :S - anyway after a few minor disasters with fabric and misunderstanding the pattern it's done and I'm pleased but I now need to clear my head before I make any more! I hope ALL you sewing project are going better than this one has for me!

11
The Haberdashery / Tailor's Clapper
« on: January 30, 2018, 07:10:01 AM »
Do any of you guy's use a tailor's clapper? If so what do you use your's for?
I thought it was just another do-dah which I would order and use once but I must say I am more than delighted with what I have used it for so far (ie not much!!) I am hoping it will be useful to stop the crinkle when I fuse interfacing to some of my fabrics but I've not had the occasion to use it for that as yet, it does however make a HUGE difference to flat seams.
After the hectic year I have had sewing handbags I am venturing into the world of making 'proper' purses - not just a zip up thing but something with a coin zip compartment, a place for credit/ store cards a note divider etc etc - you know the type of thing and I am hoping it will help flatten the fabric and cut down on bulk.
I ordered one from eBay and it's utterly beautiful as a piece of crafted wood - totally stroke-able - but perhaps that's just me!!
Tell me your uses please xxxx

12
OK so a friend has asked me to alter a basque - it's black PVC and deep black lace (if your imagination is running riot the actual item IS just as you are thinking!)
I need a piece of black PVC 1' long and 10" wide and about a foot of heavy black lace 10" deep - have any of you got anything laying around I could buy off you please?
It's a"just job" (could you just.........??) so I don't want to order a FQ of PVC - even assuming they sell such a thing!
Thanks for reading ladies
Lizzielogs

Just had a thought a bit of black velvet would do and I could alter the front ties to velvet ribbon rather than the PVC laces they are  - if anyone have an offcut of black velvet OR PVC I would be most grateful!!!!!

13
Machine Accessories / Bobbin Winder
« on: November 08, 2017, 07:38:49 AM »
Hi all, could anyone make a comment on bobbin winders, I only have one machine (shock, horror) and it's often inconvenient to refill a bobbin if I am in the middle of sewing something and wondered if a separate winder might be a good purchase?
These are my questions, the answers and ANY comments would make me very thrilled  :D
Have you ever had one? / do you use one? / what have you got? / are they worth the money? / any thoughts at all? / should I plan my sewing better? / do you have one to sell me? / why is there a sell by date on sour cream?.

Thanks in advance
xx  :drink: xx

14
Embroidery Machines / Advice please
« on: August 17, 2017, 19:17:21 PM »
I have decided I might like an embroidery machine which is capable of embroidering letters (words/ names) on things but am on the fence as I think I would only use it occasionally and am worried that a cheap one off eBay would be false economy. I have been prompted to think more seriously about it as I enquired locally for someone to put a name on apiece of fabric and they quoted me £5 + VAT.
I assume not all embroidery machines do lettering??
Does anyone have thoughts on makes or prices I should consider.
Thank you
I saw this and was tempted!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Husqvarna-Viking-1090-Sewing-Embroidery-Machine-with-Accessories-Foot-Pedal-/332338542275?hash=item4d60ebb6c3:g:NtwAAOSwQoVZgLHt

15
Access All Accessories / Ya Boo Sucks Michael O'Leary
« on: August 17, 2017, 19:02:42 PM »
I'm so fed you with airlines (the budget ones) charging the amount of the third world debt to put a suitcase in the hold I have made a hand luggage flight bag to the meanest of the specifications (Ryanair) so it is lightweight and I can get a lot of clobber in for my 10 kilos!
Someone gave me the outer fabric, the webbing straps were off an old shopping bag, I bought the zip for something in the dim and distant past when Big Ben was just a wrist watch and found the lining in my stash - all I bought were the plastic feet £1.55. I did however use a third of a pot of Fabritac sticking the interior base in 'cos I was too lazy to and stitch it.
Appearing at an airport near you soon!

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