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33
Patterns Discussion / Minikrea Patterns - Newborn - Tots - Teens & a few for Women
« on: July 31, 2018, 12:40:12 PM »
A collection of Skandi patterns that may be of interest to those looking for some modern styling for youngsters, both boys and girls.
Link to Minikrea patterns webshop
The blurb says
Link to Minikrea patterns webshop
The blurb says
Quote
MiniKrea is a Nordic design concept for all those who like to sew and create their own design for kids. . .
Simple sewing patterns . . . step-by-step instructions and plenty of opportunities to twist it into your personal expression.
The style is a mixture of minimalism and reinterpretations of classic children’s clothing.
All unnecessary details has been removed and leaves you with a great fit and basic models you can easily vary into your very own designs.
34
Patterns Discussion / Patterns designed for body shape
« on: July 29, 2018, 10:03:14 AM »
Stumbled across Vesta Patterns -
Looks to be starting out.
Focus on the useful information in the Blurb and ignore the narrative romantically flavoured fluff (eg. perfect for all your enchanted forest outings. . . yep, really, sighs ). Look at the line drawings of the designs and not the style of the front envelope drawings, etc.
patterns made for different bodyshapes (hmmm, it looks like that may be achieved by tinkering with ease allowances at the bust, waist and hip levels rather than "designing" for different body proportions, although my guess may be wrong)
A (pears)
E (columns)
S (hourglass/full hour glass
That doesn't meant no fitting adjustments at all, but can mean fewer or smaller adjustments required.
Basic set in sleeve T shirt pattern is called "The Grail" - looks to be a useful pattern with style variations and is designed for different body shapes.
Princess line sleeveless dress is called "The Fable"
So what's the difference -
-
At the moment, the size range is limited, for example the T-shirt for S Shape (Hourglass) from bust is from 84cm(33") to 112cm(43.5")
Link to Patterns here
here's a link to a review on PR for the S shapeT shirt pattern
another here
and here's a link to a discussion about the pattern - several positives and a few negatives
Looks to be starting out.
Focus on the useful information in the Blurb and ignore the narrative romantically flavoured fluff (eg. perfect for all your enchanted forest outings. . . yep, really, sighs ). Look at the line drawings of the designs and not the style of the front envelope drawings, etc.
patterns made for different bodyshapes (hmmm, it looks like that may be achieved by tinkering with ease allowances at the bust, waist and hip levels rather than "designing" for different body proportions, although my guess may be wrong)
A (pears)
E (columns)
S (hourglass/full hour glass
That doesn't meant no fitting adjustments at all, but can mean fewer or smaller adjustments required.
Basic set in sleeve T shirt pattern is called "The Grail" - looks to be a useful pattern with style variations and is designed for different body shapes.
Princess line sleeveless dress is called "The Fable"
So what's the difference -
-
Quote
The Grail-A tees have 2" of ease at the bust and waist and 3" at the hip. For a snugger tee, sew one size down from your usual size, or blend between sizes for a custom fit. The 3/4 sleeve shape is wide by design.-
Quote
The Grail-S tees have 2" of ease at the bust, waist, and hip. They work well with lightweight knits. For a snugger fit, sew one size down from your usual size.-
Quote
The Grail-E tees have 2" of ease at the bust and hip and 1" of ease at the waist. For a snugger fit, sew one size down from your usual size. The tees work well with lightweight knits.
At the moment, the size range is limited, for example the T-shirt for S Shape (Hourglass) from bust is from 84cm(33") to 112cm(43.5")
Link to Patterns here
here's a link to a review on PR for the S shapeT shirt pattern
another here
and here's a link to a discussion about the pattern - several positives and a few negatives
35
Sewing Machines / Basic checks and great trouble shooting tips for beginners
« on: April 28, 2018, 12:34:50 PM »What to check
Balancing tension
Older machines - how to stop the needle going up and down when winding bobbins
How to clean and look after the bobbin area and feed dog - instructions for different hook systems (important - do this thoroughly and often and this is what you may get if you don't
Also on her blog are some posts that those who like sorting out machines will enjoy.
37
Publications / Sew Your Own Activewear by
« on: March 03, 2018, 23:31:43 PM »
http://blog.fehrtrade.com/book/
Extremely good value for money, excellent and useful content that is simply written and well presented, together with 4 base patterns in a range of sizes plus several design variations to work through.
My paperback copy of this book was a (special request) gift from a friend and I'm so pleased to have it.
All round I'm very impressed with it.
Both the book and the pattern sheets are printed on durable paper that handles well. The Pattern Sheets are in an envelope attached inside the back cover.
The format and presentation of the content is methodically organised, succinct, clear and straight forward to read.
It's also inclusive in that the concepts and suggestions encourage the use of common sense about what your particular activity needs your clothing to do - activity not just sport or working out. The ideas and methods work for any gender and children, disabled or fully able-bodied.
The section on fabrics and sewing techniques is straight forward and very clear with some really helpful hints - eg. how to launder wicking fabrics.
The idea is that you can use the basic patterns supplied, make and fit the basic style so you have your personal pattern, and then working on a copy, follow the step by step guides to create a new pattern for the suggested style variation. If you have some basic T-shirt and leggings/pants patterns that you've already fitted then you can use those rather than the ones supplied.
When you have created your new pattern you can follow the assembly sewing plan provided.
If you are new to adapting patterns and creating your own, then after working through a couple of the designs you'll be able to develop your own versions.
]In addition, Melissa has written several blog posts about sewing up her designs and variations.
There are a couple of reversible knits, that found their way into the stash from a Textile Centre sale, that are practically jumping onto the sewing table to become a couple of jackets/hoodies along with some other pieces that are perfect for trying out a couple of the designs.
This light/dark coral is one of the reversibles, the other is turquoise/light grey
My try-outs for the leggings/yoga pants, shorts and both T-shirts will be in soft jerseys and will be some new Pyjamas.
Extremely good value for money, excellent and useful content that is simply written and well presented, together with 4 base patterns in a range of sizes plus several design variations to work through.
My paperback copy of this book was a (special request) gift from a friend and I'm so pleased to have it.
All round I'm very impressed with it.
Both the book and the pattern sheets are printed on durable paper that handles well. The Pattern Sheets are in an envelope attached inside the back cover.
The format and presentation of the content is methodically organised, succinct, clear and straight forward to read.
It's also inclusive in that the concepts and suggestions encourage the use of common sense about what your particular activity needs your clothing to do - activity not just sport or working out. The ideas and methods work for any gender and children, disabled or fully able-bodied.
The section on fabrics and sewing techniques is straight forward and very clear with some really helpful hints - eg. how to launder wicking fabrics.
The idea is that you can use the basic patterns supplied, make and fit the basic style so you have your personal pattern, and then working on a copy, follow the step by step guides to create a new pattern for the suggested style variation. If you have some basic T-shirt and leggings/pants patterns that you've already fitted then you can use those rather than the ones supplied.
When you have created your new pattern you can follow the assembly sewing plan provided.
If you are new to adapting patterns and creating your own, then after working through a couple of the designs you'll be able to develop your own versions.
]In addition, Melissa has written several blog posts about sewing up her designs and variations.
There are a couple of reversible knits, that found their way into the stash from a Textile Centre sale, that are practically jumping onto the sewing table to become a couple of jackets/hoodies along with some other pieces that are perfect for trying out a couple of the designs.
This light/dark coral is one of the reversibles, the other is turquoise/light grey
My try-outs for the leggings/yoga pants, shorts and both T-shirts will be in soft jerseys and will be some new Pyjamas.
38
Machine Accessories / Long length adjustable sewing guide - ideal for Featherweights
« on: March 03, 2018, 14:17:06 PM »
Designed for Featherweights - could be used on any machine with mounting points for attachments
there is a video to demo set up and use
Nova Seam Guide
there is a video to demo set up and use
Nova Seam Guide
39
Machine Accessories / Free Project for storing presser feet (or other small bits)
« on: February 04, 2018, 13:48:29 PM »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSQiDMOnOwM
Video demo/tutorial for storing presser feet.
Several techniques are demonstrated.
Plenty of scope for designing your own projects with these techniques.
Video demo/tutorial for storing presser feet.
Several techniques are demonstrated.
Plenty of scope for designing your own projects with these techniques.
40
Publications / On-Line Resources for Information and Inspiration
« on: January 27, 2018, 20:40:34 PM »
The Making of Fashion - on the Google Cultural Institute
It can be a useful resource for just marvelling at how some things are made or as a starting point to explore or research fabrics, garments, fashion styles and so on - eg. The Sari, The Kimono, National Dress, Materials, Craft Techniques.
For those interested in embroidery and beadwork, scroll down and explore the item on Nyonya Needlework - I am utterly in awe of the handiwork on the 8 panel table screen.
If you're interested in shirts then you'll be blown away by the closeups of the top stitching and details of the shirts shown in the item on 130 years of Turnbull and Asser (of James Bond and Kingsman fame). Don't know which I feel more - impressed or envy.
Factoid - shirts stitched together using a stitch length of 18-20 stitches per inch (of course you'll want to be accurate, no unpicking there hahaha).
enjoy a trip down the rabbit hole . . .
It can be a useful resource for just marvelling at how some things are made or as a starting point to explore or research fabrics, garments, fashion styles and so on - eg. The Sari, The Kimono, National Dress, Materials, Craft Techniques.
For those interested in embroidery and beadwork, scroll down and explore the item on Nyonya Needlework - I am utterly in awe of the handiwork on the 8 panel table screen.
If you're interested in shirts then you'll be blown away by the closeups of the top stitching and details of the shirts shown in the item on 130 years of Turnbull and Asser (of James Bond and Kingsman fame). Don't know which I feel more - impressed or envy.
Factoid - shirts stitched together using a stitch length of 18-20 stitches per inch (of course you'll want to be accurate, no unpicking there hahaha).
enjoy a trip down the rabbit hole . . .
41
Technical Help / Ways to improve the quality of what you sew
« on: January 23, 2018, 12:05:33 PM »
A thread for those gems that can help you step up the quality of your sewing
42
I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Lightweight Folding table - Jan 2018
« on: January 07, 2018, 12:50:13 PM »43
I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Cyber Rabbit Hole Wandering and stumbled on this . . .
« on: December 10, 2017, 12:21:06 PM »
Perhaps there should be a big red flashing " Caution" sign on this thread because who knows where you'll end up (or what you'll be inspired to try, heheheh . . . )
How about we share some of the unusual or inspirational needle and thread crafts we stumble upon when we've wandered off down a cyber rabbit hole.
How about we share some of the unusual or inspirational needle and thread crafts we stumble upon when we've wandered off down a cyber rabbit hole.
44
A Good Yarn / Yarn Stash Buster
« on: December 10, 2017, 11:40:11 AM »
A great way to use up yarn (+ decorative threads)- is to use a small butterfly board loom or larger peg looms.
A really easy technique and very easy to do.
wind the thread, secure the cross points, lift off the loops and join the squares of smaller pieces
Basic Tutorial for the butterfly Loom
Butterfly Looms - Different Sizes
All sorts of patterns and creative options around for different designs and projects on you tube and pinterest
And here's a 3 video tutorial on how to make a pompom effect by Anne Russell using a large peg loom. Good tip about the gloves and very clear demo of how to make the tie knots more secure.
A really easy technique and very easy to do.
wind the thread, secure the cross points, lift off the loops and join the squares of smaller pieces
Basic Tutorial for the butterfly Loom
Butterfly Looms - Different Sizes
All sorts of patterns and creative options around for different designs and projects on you tube and pinterest
And here's a 3 video tutorial on how to make a pompom effect by Anne Russell using a large peg loom. Good tip about the gloves and very clear demo of how to make the tie knots more secure.
45
Your Favourite Suppliers / Sew Hot - fabric, notions, patterns,
« on: October 10, 2017, 13:28:53 PM »SewHot.co.uk is an An online shop (based in Fleetwood Lancashire), generally aimed at P&Q and craft but it's well worth worth exploring other bits and pieces. and they do have some nice fabrics.
Look at the black and white spotty zips for example.
I love, love, love that they price the fabric by the metre and not the 1/4. Thank goodness.
Oh and plenty attractive novelty print fabrics on sale at the moment at very reasonable prices per metre. Ideal if you're sewing for christmas gifts or want to stock up for sewing items to sell or for fundraisers.