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Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: Weekly Sewing Club Wednesdays 2-4pm
« on: January 31, 2024, 16:59:15 PM »
It certainly has!! 
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32
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: Weekly Sewing Club Wednesdays 2-4pm
« on: January 31, 2024, 16:40:51 PM »
I taped and cut out the pattern for a Kaede Utility Apron/Belt. Wow, it's complicated!!
I have some lovely batik-style canvas, blue with butterflies on it, that has been marinating in my stash for years. In fact I have found everything I need in my stash - webbing, zip, interfacing etc - apart from an easy release buckle.
I have some lovely batik-style canvas, blue with butterflies on it, that has been marinating in my stash for years. In fact I have found everything I need in my stash - webbing, zip, interfacing etc - apart from an easy release buckle.
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Dolls and Toys / Re: Sewing For Dolls
« on: January 31, 2024, 12:09:15 PM »
Ooh that sounds sensible - thanks @Cazlyn - that might make it a bit bendier, so that the ends curl rather than looking spiky.
I'm still trying to pluck up the courage...
I'm still trying to pluck up the courage...
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Dolls and Toys / Re: Sewing For Dolls
« on: January 29, 2024, 15:34:27 PM »
This is Emily. She is an Our Generation doll, the same model as my goddaughter's doll so that I can make clothes to give to her (in the future, I don't think she's ready for well made dolls' clothes just yet!) Emily is wearing her original dress and a Little Schoolhouse Cardigan designed by Joan Duquette (and knitted by me).
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I do have one problem. Because I needed to get the same model as my goddaughter's doll, Emily has very long hair with a section that grows - there is a knob hidden about her person that turns to let it grow, which needs very slight accommodation in her clothes. Unfortunately, while Emily herself is in great condition, her hair has been well and truly played with and is a real mess.
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I am going to cut her hair, but wondered if anyone has any advice about how to do this? I'm happy enough to trim my own hair, but mine grows back!
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
I do have one problem. Because I needed to get the same model as my goddaughter's doll, Emily has very long hair with a section that grows - there is a knob hidden about her person that turns to let it grow, which needs very slight accommodation in her clothes. Unfortunately, while Emily herself is in great condition, her hair has been well and truly played with and is a real mess.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
I am going to cut her hair, but wondered if anyone has any advice about how to do this? I'm happy enough to trim my own hair, but mine grows back!
36
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: Weekly Sewing Club Tuesdays 2-4pm
« on: January 23, 2024, 15:41:17 PM »
I have been repairing the neck of a fairy/unicorn dress belonging to one of the goddaughters (NOT the one we gave her sister for Christmas). Appallingly made, the satin bodice was sewn to the cotton lining without any neatening, and not even using an overlocker. It was absolutely inevitable that it would fray - and it did so by Boxing Day. A simple repair with my overlocker.
I have another princess dress to repair (her sister's, but again, NOT the one we gave her!) This one is coming apart (fraying, again) where a central panel on the bodice joins to the side pieces. Much less of an issue, but actually tricker to repair because there is no spare fabric to stitch into.
After that I have the two Rainbow blankets that need their badges sewing on. I am contemplating embroidering the girls' names onto the blankets as well, but I will check with their Mum - it may not be the done thing!
I have another princess dress to repair (her sister's, but again, NOT the one we gave her!) This one is coming apart (fraying, again) where a central panel on the bodice joins to the side pieces. Much less of an issue, but actually tricker to repair because there is no spare fabric to stitch into.
After that I have the two Rainbow blankets that need their badges sewing on. I am contemplating embroidering the girls' names onto the blankets as well, but I will check with their Mum - it may not be the done thing!
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A Good Yarn / Re: Ploshkin - Weaving Along
« on: January 23, 2024, 13:38:02 PM »
That's wonderful! 
38
Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: January 23, 2024, 10:50:18 AM »
I didn't test any of my machines either - I haven't lived anywhere where it was feasible since I took up sewing seriously, and prior to that I was given a machine - my Mum said, 'I've bought a sewing machine. Would you make me some curtains with it?' followed by 'You might as well keep it at your house now...'*
I've been very happy with all of them though.
* @AnthonyExmouth It occurs to me that this is an approach you could use with your Mum!
I've been very happy with all of them though.
* @AnthonyExmouth It occurs to me that this is an approach you could use with your Mum!
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Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: January 21, 2024, 16:39:10 PM »
Ooh - good to know! The one I was thinking of has 'sewingmachines' in the name, but there are so many of them (and most are excellent) that I don't want to make a stab at it!
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Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: January 20, 2024, 16:36:14 PM »
Some very good advice here - if you go for a good retailer you'll cover your back in case of problems, and GUR, John Lewis and Sewing Machines Direct are all good. There is a bad online retailer, but their name escapes me at the moment - if you mention them someone will say something! Ebay and private sellers are risky, too.
I have no experience of Janome or (modern) Singer machines, but I have heard many good things about Janome, and a lot of bad ones about modern Singers!
By the way, you are a lovely son! And I used to live in Exmouth and have very fond memories of it - it's a lovely town.
I have no experience of Janome or (modern) Singer machines, but I have heard many good things about Janome, and a lot of bad ones about modern Singers!
By the way, you are a lovely son! And I used to live in Exmouth and have very fond memories of it - it's a lovely town.
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In the wardrobe / Re: Possibly a crazy/impossible alteration?
« on: January 18, 2024, 14:26:23 PM »
I also have a Seasalt coat that is far too big (I usually order a size larger than normal for coats + that size wasn't available in the sale so I went up a size + I now know that Seasalt clothes come up a bit big = massive!)
I don't think mine has sealed seams - it's a Plant Hunter's Coat rather than a raincoat - but I haven't dared seriously contemplate altering it. I wear it when we go for a walk in the evening when the weather is bad, and it is very cosy!
I don't think mine has sealed seams - it's a Plant Hunter's Coat rather than a raincoat - but I haven't dared seriously contemplate altering it. I wear it when we go for a walk in the evening when the weather is bad, and it is very cosy!
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Current Projects / Re: Bookcase / Bookshelf Quilt
« on: January 11, 2024, 19:11:00 PM »
Excellent solution to the leaning books @Flobear
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Current Projects / Re: Bookcase / Bookshelf Quilt
« on: January 10, 2024, 17:35:03 PM »
In addition, you might want to change the search from 'most relevant results first' to 'most recent topics first'. I have no idea how search engines decide what is relevant, but it isn't by the same means as I do!
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Current Projects / Re: Bookcase / Bookshelf Quilt
« on: January 10, 2024, 16:12:24 PM »
That's lovely - but I do agree with you about the leaning books, they definitely need an adjustment.
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In the wardrobe / Re: What were your favorite makes in 2023?
« on: January 09, 2024, 21:19:11 PM »
And the best cuddles, I should think!