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Messages - Andymat

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1
OK thanks for that. I think I will have a go at these. I might even try to think of something to enter the challenge with too.

I was sure that my mum used to collect zips and buttons from old pieces of clothing and I now understand why!

Thanks @SewRuthieSews

2
@SewRuthieSews , Am I right in thinking that you have made some of your pouches with metal zips? If so and as the pattern needs to have the zipper sewn over, how does that work without breaking the needle?

3
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: November 16, 2022, 16:42:06 PM »
Thanks Jessie, I guess it will end up in the stash for when I find a use - a table cloth could be useful...

4
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: November 16, 2022, 15:14:56 PM »
Thank you all for your helpful replies.

I finally got around to summoning up the courage to dye the material and it didn't go quite as smoothly as I was expecting!

As I wanted to make a single duvet cover with the linen, I had quite a lot to dye including material for two pillow cases. And I didn't want it to come out different colours if I did it in several batches. And according to the instructions, for the amount of material I needed 3 Dylon packs which I emptied into the machine at the beginning.

Unfortunately, I didn't read the bit about leaving plenty of space in the machine and only using half the machine capacity. Furthermore, our washing machine is a slimline one that fits under the stairs and is only about 2/3 as deep as a standard machine.

So the result is a tie-dyed effect...

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

Actually, I did think that I quite like the effect and could work with it and so I made up a couple of pillow cases.

BUT now I find that the material is quite scratchy on you neck in bed even though it doesn't seem that way when you feel it with your hands.

So I now have a load of blotchily dyed linen material and two pillow cases which I cannot really use for its original intended purpose.

So has anyone got any ideas as to what I could use it for?

And what sort of material should I use for pillow cases and a matching duet cover as I will have to go back to the material shop again!

BTW, I gave the washing machine it's hot wash out and wiped it down inside and it is fine. No evidence of the green at all.

5
Publications / Re: Has anyone read 'How to Start Sewing'?
« on: October 10, 2022, 12:22:39 PM »
The Alison Smith Sewing book is very good.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/s?k=alison+smith+sewing+book&crid=VHE2L4KFBRFO&sprefix=alison+smith%2Caps%2C88&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_3_12


I can also recommend "The sewing book". I got this as a birthday present last year as I was in a similar position to you - I have my mother's old machine and have been using that to do mending and alterations but I am now starting to do shirts and shorts. This book does have step by step photographs for the techniques that are required and is a good place to look up anything you do not immediately know - although here is very good too!!

But the patterns are not men oriented generally. I do find that most patterns I have bought have reasonable instructions and/or you tube videos to follow and have managed shirts, hoodies and recently some cargo shorts (from wardrobe by me).


6
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: October 08, 2022, 22:22:17 PM »
Thanks everyone.

I think the material's existing colour will only have a minimal effect on the dyed colour. And I had wondered about making up the duvet cover first and then dying it but if I did that I would have to get some cotton thread so it would take the dye after. Probably better to dye fist and then make up with the correct coloured thread.

I am/was feeling a bit concerned about the effects on the washing machine but people do not seem to have had too much of an issue if you clean it out properly before/after.

7
Fun with Fabric / Re: Dying Linen ?
« on: October 07, 2022, 16:37:07 PM »
Thanks Phil - I have been experimenting with a colour mixing app on my phone to try and simulate mixing beige with a dye colour and it looks promising - not too much change. Since the beige is a warm colour, it seems to make the dyed colour warmer which is what you would expect.

Did you need to use salt? I read on one review that you needed to use salt in the dying process somewhere.

8
Fun with Fabric / Dying Linen ?
« on: October 07, 2022, 16:09:47 PM »
I have just bought some really nice pure linen at a good price to experiment with. It is a beige colour. I would like to make a single duvet cover and pillow cases in linen but I am not that enamoured with the colour. The lady in the shop suggested I might be able to dye it.

Has anyone any experience of dying linen?

Any idea how the beige colour would affect the final dyed colour?

The linen I have found on line seems to be very expensive although there are some lovely colours available!




9
Fun with Fabric / Re: Stretch Denim
« on: September 28, 2022, 17:23:06 PM »
I was in my local fabric shop yesterday for thread and was browsing the fabrics.

I noticed they had this stretch denim in a sand colour that looked nice - the reverse side had a lighter coloured finish. They have a few colours...

www.bstfabrics.co.uk/

Is that what you were thinking of? They do mail order.


10
Well, just to let you know, the pattern I ordered from Amazon in the USA arrived (in the UK) today. So I am happy I didn’t have to spend huge amounts on postage!

Andy

11
How about this one @Andymat ?   If you’re actually after a sweatshirt the sizing will be different on a coat pattern.
https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/mens-patterns/products/monterey-zippered-knit-raglan-jacket-for-men-pdf

Thanks, this looks good too. It was really the front half zip and the zipped pouch pocket with a hand warmer pocket underneath that I particularly liked.

I have ordered it now from Amazon.com and it is due to arrive at the end of September so I guess it is coming on a ship!

Andy

12
Sorry to all of you from the US. I have just realised I have spelt Oregon incorrectly. I have updated the title.
 :facepalm:

13
How does the landgate parka compare for the features you need?

I like that. Especially the neck detail as it looks less fiddly to make! I suppose there are other places to find the details I was thinking of. I just like the style of the one from the Green Pepper people. I was thinking it was a good place to start rather than trying to work it out from scratch as this is all a bit new to me!

14
It is a shame because I like the design. However, I wanted it as help material to produce a similar item in sweatshirt material as a replacement for a much loved 25 year old North Face Mountain shirt. I was interested how various features were constructed including the neck zip, the front zipped pocket etc. I wasn’t going to make the full thing as a waterproof jacket, although that could still be a long term possibility.

However my OH has now found I could order it from Amazon.com in the US for around £19 inclusive of VAT charges (I assume applied here and they might not charge it as it is such a small amount and have not heard of Amazon delivery drivers collecting VAT). I might end up paying other charges I suppose but it is all a bit of a lottery this buying from abroad nowadays!

Thanks for everyone’s thoughts. If I do buy it I will let you know how much it costs!

Andy

15
I am interested in this pattern from the USA but they do not have electronic versions for easy transmission and they only post within the US.

https://www.thegreenpepper.com/product/124-mens-fairbanks-pullover-pattern/

I have also found it on Etsy sold by other companies but the postage to the UK ranges from £17 by boat to $149!  :scream:

Is it really that much to send a paper pattern across the Atlantic nowadays? Anyone have any better info?

Andy

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