16
In the wardrobe / Re: McCall’s 7948
« on: March 14, 2020, 10:34:33 AM »
Wow, just wow! You have the most amazing knack @Manuela for not only finding beautiful fabrics, but then doing just the right thing with them.
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17
Overlockers & Coverstitchers / Juki MCD 1500 light question
« on: February 10, 2020, 21:46:20 PM »
The light on my Juki MCS 1500 is never fully off. If the switch is set to “off”, the light is still on, albeit dimmer than if it is “on”. It’s only totally dark if I actually pull the plug out. I assumed this was normal, but is it?
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For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Re: For Sale Hotfix rhinestone applicator Kandi Professional Touch
« on: February 03, 2020, 15:55:23 PM »Oh no! Isn't that always the case! I bought a new one only last week!
Hope you manage to sell it!
Jessie
Oh no, oh well. I wish you joy with it. Looking forward to seeing what you make. (and by the way, it it drives you mad or you wnat to change, it is possible to cold glue hotfix stones)
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For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / For Sale Hotfix rhinestone applicator Kandi Professional Touch
« on: February 02, 2020, 15:48:02 PM »
Kandi professional hotfix rhinestone applicator - comes with tips for SS 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 30 and 34, and 4mm and 9mm flat . Only the one for SS16 has been used, and then only a couple of times. Also has a wire brush. I've decided I just prefer glue!
£19.95 including postage (RRP£29.95)
£19.95 including postage (RRP£29.95)
20
Patterns Discussion / Re: PDF patterns idiot`s guide required
« on: January 30, 2020, 19:36:16 PM »
What a nice pattern! I think I might try it, too.
Another option to printing at home is to send it (or take it) to a copy shop to have them print it for you on large A0 or A1 paper. It's not that expensive, and it can be more accurate (and is much less hassle) than sticking bits of paper together.
Some places that do it are NetPrinter, EzeePlan, and there are lots of others listed here. If you have a couple to do, it can be better value on postage.
Another option to printing at home is to send it (or take it) to a copy shop to have them print it for you on large A0 or A1 paper. It's not that expensive, and it can be more accurate (and is much less hassle) than sticking bits of paper together.
Some places that do it are NetPrinter, EzeePlan, and there are lots of others listed here. If you have a couple to do, it can be better value on postage.
21
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: We have winners....
« on: December 19, 2019, 09:42:35 AM »
Coming very late to this (we were away) - wow, what talent! Congratulations. I'm always so impressed by the creativity and skill of everyone here!
22
The Show Must Go On / Re: A couple of my latest costumes
« on: December 11, 2019, 20:04:23 PM »
Wow! Those are so cute (both girls and outfits)!
23
The Show Must Go On / Re: Making Gymnastic Leotards
« on: December 10, 2019, 17:58:58 PM »
One more convert to the wonderful world of stretch! Yay!
As a starting point, about -10% negative ease in all directions is a good place to start with most lyrca, but most commercial leotard patterns will have some negative ease already built in so you might not need to worry about it. I would measure the pattern itself, too, as I think some of the commercial ones come up big.
If you want to figure it yourself, multiply the body measurement by .9 - so 100 x .9 = 90
Re the other post about stones, I second GemTac. If you are getting glue rings with hotfix, you are probably leaving the stones in the tool too long.
As a starting point, about -10% negative ease in all directions is a good place to start with most lyrca, but most commercial leotard patterns will have some negative ease already built in so you might not need to worry about it. I would measure the pattern itself, too, as I think some of the commercial ones come up big.
If you want to figure it yourself, multiply the body measurement by .9 - so 100 x .9 = 90
Re the other post about stones, I second GemTac. If you are getting glue rings with hotfix, you are probably leaving the stones in the tool too long.
24
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: We have a winner....
« on: November 25, 2019, 11:13:34 AM »
@Iminei - it did, thank you!! It's very nice (and apologies for the slow reply, we were rushing about getting ready to go on holiday) xx
25
The Show Must Go On / Re: Strictly sewing
« on: November 20, 2019, 14:24:16 PM »I really need to make the pilgrimage to Croyden and have noticed there is a tour on my birthday!!
@Lollipop - which day is your birthday? There is a tour on mine, too (13 January). I'd happily go again, so perhaps we should treat ourselves to a birthday outing! I don't think it's even as far as 15 minutes to the tram, 5 more like, and the there are lots of them, and also buses.
26
The Show Must Go On / Re: Strictly sewing
« on: November 19, 2019, 15:02:41 PM »
I've used vodka! I have a vintage-wearing friend who swears by that and freezing for delicate garments.
There's not much hand work on ballroom and Latin dresses, it really is all mostly glued on rhinestones. The fringe washes surprisingly well, but I do wonder about the new fashion for feathers everywhere!
@Sandra if you are interested and can get to Croydon in South London, DSI has lots more "Behind the Seams" tour dates going into March of next year. See here. It is really genuinely very interesting.
There's not much hand work on ballroom and Latin dresses, it really is all mostly glued on rhinestones. The fringe washes surprisingly well, but I do wonder about the new fashion for feathers everywhere!
@Sandra if you are interested and can get to Croydon in South London, DSI has lots more "Behind the Seams" tour dates going into March of next year. See here. It is really genuinely very interesting.
27
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: We have a winner....
« on: November 19, 2019, 14:50:35 PM »
Thanks, @Iminei, will do. I must say that I was impressed by the other entries - I wouldn't know where to start with machine embroidery @Bodgeitandscarper, and it's so pretty, and @SewRuthieSews has inspired me to try combining woven and knits!
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The Show Must Go On / Re: Strictly sewing
« on: November 18, 2019, 19:16:07 PM »
@Marniesews - lucky you to go again! We had such fun last year.
I loved Amy's Viennese waltz dress from last week, too. I really want it, or something similar, although I think maybe not in silver. Fine if you are 20 something, but it's a bit "old lady" for the Over 50s group!! I'm thinking properly hot pink ....
And @Sandra - they wash surprisingly well if done carefully. They are basically lycra and mesh bathing suits with synthetic chiffon or organza skirts and glued on stones. All the materials are nylons or polyesters, no fancy silks or anything that needs much pressing. I hand wash mine, but lots of people put them in the washer! If you dry clean them, all the stones will come off.
DSI has a Strictly blog that gets up close to some of the frocks, and most of them are also for sale on their website.
I loved Amy's Viennese waltz dress from last week, too. I really want it, or something similar, although I think maybe not in silver. Fine if you are 20 something, but it's a bit "old lady" for the Over 50s group!! I'm thinking properly hot pink ....
And @Sandra - they wash surprisingly well if done carefully. They are basically lycra and mesh bathing suits with synthetic chiffon or organza skirts and glued on stones. All the materials are nylons or polyesters, no fancy silks or anything that needs much pressing. I hand wash mine, but lots of people put them in the washer! If you dry clean them, all the stones will come off.
DSI has a Strictly blog that gets up close to some of the frocks, and most of them are also for sale on their website.
29
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: We have a winner....
« on: November 14, 2019, 12:41:37 PM »
Awww, thank you, very kind!! xxx
30
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: Inspired by.... contest - 1.10. - 31.10.2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 19:58:14 PM »
Here is my offering this month - my new Latin dance dress, made for a competition in Blackpool this coming weekend. The pattern is self-drafted, based on my existing ballroom pattern. Not all of it worked as it should have, but the stones cover a multitude of sins!
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It was inspired by two rather fabulous dresses made by Chrisanne for Mia Linnick-Holden, a top young UK competitor.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It started off meaning to be a red version of the black one - you can still see this in the AB (silver) central pattern of the stoning, the shape of the skirt, and the band at the bottom, but in the end, I decided it needed more on the top to balance the hips, so added bits from the red one in the form of the fringe on the bust, the lace and more stoning all over.
I left off the hip fringe for the same reason, and made it in a solid crepe as befitting someone who is nearly 53 and not 13 like the girl in the pictures (
)! I also didn't use didn't use nearly as many stones, although there are still several thousand, and I think the effect will be OK.
I'm pleased with how it's come out, although there was an initial wobble as the original conception (minus lace and fringe, and with a horizontal seam at hip level) really didn't suit my somewhat pear-shaped figure! I'm looking forward to wearing on Sunday.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It was inspired by two rather fabulous dresses made by Chrisanne for Mia Linnick-Holden, a top young UK competitor.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It started off meaning to be a red version of the black one - you can still see this in the AB (silver) central pattern of the stoning, the shape of the skirt, and the band at the bottom, but in the end, I decided it needed more on the top to balance the hips, so added bits from the red one in the form of the fringe on the bust, the lace and more stoning all over.
I left off the hip fringe for the same reason, and made it in a solid crepe as befitting someone who is nearly 53 and not 13 like the girl in the pictures (
)! I also didn't use didn't use nearly as many stones, although there are still several thousand, and I think the effect will be OK. I'm pleased with how it's come out, although there was an initial wobble as the original conception (minus lace and fringe, and with a horizontal seam at hip level) really didn't suit my somewhat pear-shaped figure! I'm looking forward to wearing on Sunday.