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Messages - weary

Pages: [1] 2 3
1
In the wardrobe / Re: Making a full length flared pencil skirt
« on: March 22, 2024, 14:19:42 PM »
Thinking of the horizontal stripes on the lower-skirt:

If you did not want to go the 'gores/godet' construction route these contrast horizontal stripes (hoops??) might be candidates for dyeing.  I am particularly thinking of 'barrier dyeing' methods like batik or similar.   But, perhaps 'paint-on fabric dye' or 'fabric paint' would achieve the desired effect maybe in combination with a temporary (low-tack) adhesive tape to define the coloured-section edge whilst applying the dye/paint.   I must admit that I have no experience whatsoever of this last suggestion, but superficially at least, cannot see why it would not achieve the effect you are seeking.

In this scenario you would construct your lower-skirt 'cone' in the background red using the same material as used for the bodice of the garment ..... or is a blouse, (amended in the light of my final addendum para below!) and then dye the black hoops.

As ever, youtube search using relevant key words from the above will unearth 'how-to' vids.  And a little experimentation would explore the potential of dyeing the hoops into the garment

Addendum: referring back to the pic that sewruthiesews posted earlier above I have just noticed the the flared area of the skirt is actually in a different tone of red to the main 'drop' of the skirt and actually matches the bodice area of the costume.  So, you would be making your 'cone' in the bodice material anyway no matter which approach you took.

Phil

2
In the wardrobe / Re: Making a full length flared pencil skirt
« on: March 22, 2024, 09:02:22 AM »
You can shape the skirt with an underskirt with volume added (using net perhaps) in the lower section combined with fishing-line sewn into the hem.
Youtube search on ++ fishing line hem +++ and/or +++ curly lettuce hem +++ and similar combinations of words.

Then an element of experimentation on your (& your daughter's) part to get the desired effect!

Phil

3
Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: February 05, 2024, 19:25:50 PM »
@AnthonyExmouth Yes, the Janome sewist 725s is model 507LE.
They are the same machine, you do not have the sewing machine equivalent of a dodgy 'cut and shut' car where two different cars are combined to make a single vehicle!

Phil.

4
For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Re: wanted Simplicity 8172
« on: May 03, 2023, 22:44:52 PM »
If it is the dress pattern with (very!) full circular skirt that you are looking for there is one listed on ebay as item No. 384004902153.  £4.90 postage etc., included.
"Sizes 10-16.  Complete pattern, cut size 10"

(Am mentioning it as it is poorly listed so you may not have spotted it.)

Regards,
Phil


5
Dolls and Toys / Re: Outfits for Jack
« on: December 21, 2022, 16:18:14 PM »
Suggestion for 'dressing' L/Jack

Bastille Day, French National day, 14 July, tricolour sash.  Worn either around waist or diagonally over shoulder. 
+ If 'he' is 'gender fluid 'he' could become Lumbar Jacqueline for the day and if you are feeling ambitious could model the Phrygian hat with classic tricolour roundel, or p'raps more radically, a tricolour tassel.
In any case he will be surely be at the least Lumbar Jacques for the day?

Regards,
Phil

6
Hi, I'm new... / Re: "Pimping" a mens blazer
« on: November 23, 2022, 09:54:59 AM »
Now that we have a better idea of what you want to achieve ->

I suggest that you make the entire jacket yourself. 

My second sewing project ever, after a Vogue shirt, was a jacket, view C single breasted long length, made in (very expensive) Italian plain wool fabric as an 'evening jacket'.  I was a complete beginner.  I still use it now, years later.  The jacket Greybird linked to has generally simpler lines.

If you 'go for it' then you focus in on and learn only the methods specific to making  your jacket- youtube videos will take you through them step-by-step and you can find the specific technique that you need.  If you want to practice or make a tightly form-fitting jacket then I suggest at least a partial toile made in the cheapest fabric that you can find - this will allow you to practice techniques too.   One step at a time you will get there, and in the process learn to use your machine.  Depending on how much spare time you are prepared to dedicate to the project you do not have much time, making a jacket can be time-consuming, especially for a novice.

Some of the materials that you have chosen are tricky, either fraying as soon as you look at them, have a pile (i.e. 'direction') and/or will need some crafty pattern-matching.  It's all possible but will make the job just a little more challenging and something to bear in mind as you get your samples, plan & make the jacket.   I'm sure if you can link or direct us to your preferred fabrics (not sure of the rules on this) the forum-members can open your eyes to any 'issues'.  These will not exclude the fabric, but you need to be aware of the issues.  Clearly a plain fabric is generally easiest to deal with.

I am a dancer myself (though dancing covers a multitude of sins o'course) and find that dancing is very 'heavy', i.e. demanding, on jackets etc.  If you are doing ballroom dancing or raising your arms above your head then the jacket will benefit from slight redrafting for best comfort & fit.  But that is all for your next project(s)!!! 
In the immediate, make a toile and if necessary cut it large enough that  you can make the movements you want.

The 'easiest' way to 'pimp your jacket' is, as suggested above, adding trim to existing features.  Don't decry it because it is the 'simplest'; it can be highly effective & is often seen on  'catwalks' etc..  There are many examples on-line as inspiration, and I recommend that you do this yourself using your own machine.  You can always hand or machine tack initially and un-pick if the effect is not as you would like.  Be wary of temporary pinning which may leave visible holes in some fabrics - test first maybe?

So, no matter which approach you decide upon my suggestion is 'do it yourself' rather than 'subbing' out' the sewing as you appear to be planning.  There are many advantages to doing-so, quite apart from cost.
Other opinions are available!!!

*puts on tin-helmet and ducks*

Phil


I would add that my third project was a largely self-drafted jacket in patterned jacquard furnishing fabric modelled on a 18th century jacket which was seen on-line in the NY Metropolitan Museum using a woman's jacket as the base-pattern (can't recall which at this distance in time).  So - it is all possible with patience and application.

7
Hi, I'm new... / Re: "Pimping" a mens blazer
« on: November 21, 2022, 09:26:16 AM »
I think that Mod-Podge is water soluble (even when 'set'), so whilst you could use it ----- keep out of the rain etc!   Though this may not be relevant to your intended usage
You would need to check the 'solubility' of the set Mod-Podge if it is relevant.  There are specialist fabric glues available & a quick google will find them.  There may also be some youtube vids covering fabric glues and even what you have in mind.

An alternative may be (thin) 'interfacing' with glue on both sides.  This would be used as a sandwich material between your two fabrics and is hot-ironed to 'activate and fix' the glue.   Once again a google of 'interfacing' will give you some initial ideas & there are definitely youtube videos about applying interfacing.

Note that upholstery fabric is often relatively stiff (and in my experience also often frays easily) - maybe check these factors and their relevance to your usage before parting with your money as you remark that the fabric you have in mind is "expensive"

As stated above you will get better & more appropriate suggestions if you can clarify what you have in mind and the effect that you want to achieve.  And perhaps how durable the effect has to be!  The more info' the better.

Regards
Phil

8
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: October 07, 2022, 16:42:20 PM »
Yep, you need salt.  I just used table-salt.
From memory; If you go on the Dylon site there is a 'how-to' video, and of course the usual youtube vids are available.

Phil.

9
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: October 07, 2022, 16:23:45 PM »
I have dyed linen using Dylon (machine) dye.  Performed entirely as anticipated (apart from a minor failure due to 'user incompetence' *sigh*).  The colour certainly seems 'fast' tho' I do dry-clean the item (jacket) rather than (water) washing.

My base material was cream/white so cannot comment on any effect due to your base colour.  Except to observe that the final result may be affected by the depth (darkness) of dye colour. 

Regards,
Phil

10
The Haberdashery / Re: Steam Generator Iron Advice
« on: August 02, 2022, 11:40:37 AM »
I reckon that the button to the left with the vertical line is on/off.
(it is a somewhat artistic representation of the standard EU on/off sign)
Middle button switches on 'steam'??

right-hand button = dunno.  (Clearly too artistic for me!)

Did find instructions for other steam irons in the range by searching domena irons instructions.  You may spot a similar model?? 
https://www.manua.ls/irons/domena

OOOhhhh look!  Just spotted this!! scroll down page.   Any help??

From that it looks like your 'buttons' may be indicator lights...Items 8 A/B/C.  Left to right Power light, steam generator temperature light, anti-scale cartridge change light. ????

Phil

11
Tech Know How / Re: Report an issue here
« on: May 08, 2022, 13:06:08 PM »
I get that effect relatively often  @sewmuchmore  @Mr Twingo.   It is resolved in my case (Win10 & microsoft Edge) by clearing the cache twice on two completely separate occasions.  First 'clear' sorts matters partially, second 'clear' resolves residual issues.

Regards,
Phil

12
If you fancy a bit of experimentation maybe make a jump-suit if jacket is fairly close-fitting?

Rough steps:
Convert jacket to single-breasted (could simply cut-off the collar with square ends & possibly round the lower-outer corners to save moving/re-setting collar if you want).   Shorten jacket to appropriate point - allowing for joining seams!  Remove trouser turn-ups or  leave 'em as you prefer.  Join jacket to trousers.    Jacket pockets may not be in best location for this conversion, simply leave pocket-flaps as a 'feature' to save muckin' around.  Consider adding wider belt loops p'raps to take a thicker belt.  Choose some contrast buttons or 'alternative fastenings' maybe for the top half fastenings.

Phil





13
Technical Help / Re: Instructions differ from the plan
« on: April 05, 2022, 12:04:45 PM »
Hello Bill,

When you are ready to roll with this it maybe worth having a look at a few youtube 'how to' videos.  (I can't see that anyone has already suggested this - apologies if they have.)   For, example, here is one that takes you through constructing a boxer fly step by step in less than 7 mins.  She actually starts with the seam that gave you the 'issue' initially(?).   A youtube search for +++ boxer sew fly  +++ or similar will turn-up alternatives if that particular video doesn't suit.

Phil

14
I would definitely add a seam ripper to your list of basic essentials above.

It is used to remove stitches that are incorrectly placed/no longer required.

The machine will probably include one in the accompanying tools, but if-not then strongly recommend that you purchase one.

Regards & good luck,
Phil

15
Sewing Machines / Re: Pfaff part lost!
« on: January 08, 2022, 19:05:02 PM »
As a start, and in the absence of any other firm information it maybe worth trying as follows ->

If you can measure the diameter of the screw-fitting hole in your part it should give you a good indication of the screw size as your machine will be 'metric'.  The hole will be clearance for the screw, so 0.1 or possibly 0.2mm larger diameter than the screw size.
Recommended metric screws themselves are whole millimetre in diameter down to 3mm, then 2.5 and 2mm diameter.  There are two main thread per mm counts, fine and coarse, yours is likely to be coarse, which is the most common.  Possible, but unlikely that the manufacturer would have fitted one of the many other diameters/thread-counts available.
Length of screw is altogether another issue, to be tested very gently!  If you can 'get access' it can relatively easily be tested with a pin and a piece of card.
Looks like a 'countersunk' head of some form.

Regards,
Phil

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