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Messages - datcat23

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 18
1
Hi, I'm new... / Re: Hi folks, another newbie-ish guy here.
« on: January 08, 2024, 09:39:15 AM »
Welcome, we loves newbies, they taste like chicken   :devil:

As others have said, don't rush into buying ALL THE THINGS!  because often you can make do with bits and bobs, until your skills get to the point where the tool becomes necessary.  I agree about rotary cutters.  They are great with a straight edge for cutting straight lines, but I am not fond of them on curves, and its too easy to overextend, and cause your fabric to shift, or slice into the pattern, or your hand. 

So, I have a few "must do" rules
1.  Never put pins in your mouth
2.  Pressing seams is far more effective than you would think
3.  Only sew when tired, if you want to build up your unpicking skills. 

Your local charity shop can be a cost effective source of fabric, patterns, and habby .....  give yourself time to uncover the gems.  I am looking forward to seeing your future projects. 

2
I think you will find, that you won't be given the step by step cutting instructions you expect, precisely because of varying ways that the person using the pattern, will have in terms of fabric shape.  Instructions on the best way to get the pieces from fat quarters, will be useless to someone who is using yardage, or pre-cuts, or scraps, or bits cut from old clothing.  Including all possible varients, will make the pattern bulky and unattractive to someone who just wants the dimensions and to "get on with it".  I think there is an assumption that quilters will figure out the most efficient way for themselves. 

3
I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Re: A Real Toy Singer
« on: October 12, 2023, 12:17:06 PM »
 I have one of these, although mine is labelled a Peter Pan.  Mine is most definitely a display only model, as its quite shabby, and missing the tension assembly completely.   Still cost me a fair bit though.

Peter pan sewing machine by Dani, on Flickr

4
Current Projects / Re: What are you sewing?
« on: October 01, 2023, 22:39:34 PM »
Not quite quilting, but quilty organisation.

I was sewing a tunic top, and have hit a hurdle, that needs me to go to the fabric store.  While I was right in the middle of it, my sister called, so I switched to cutting out while we chatted.

So, (left to right), all bagged up and ready to go:

1. I have had a big scrap pack of kimino and obi scraps, plus a crane panel.  These were bought ages ago, but I seriously dislike the sashing/backing fabrics, I cut the pieces, added the red from the stash, and ordered a couple of jelly rolls for the other sashing and binding. 
2.  Another baby charity quilt
3.  The french general quilt, just received the last bit of fabric for the sashing, so ready to go.

Now, to just make the cut out clothing projects I have waiting, so I can give myself permission to sew the quilts.  Quilt organisation by Dani, on Flickr

5
Current Projects / Re: What are you sewing?
« on: September 03, 2023, 02:59:31 AM »
*datty tip-toes into the room* ....... as many would know, I am NOT A QUILTER    :laughing:

But, I am struggling big time with my sewjo, so I have found myself looking for anything else to do, but make clothes.

After my very negative experience quite a few years ago, I am seriously wary of joining any charity groups, but I realise I need to do something with my left over fabrics.  The local quilters club has a program called Blankets of Love.  I don't mind these, because I don't have to talk to anyone, or join the group.  I can just make them up, and get my friend who is part of the group to donate them on my behalf. 

They are little flannel backed quilts, that don't need wadding, but are just the right size to use up my scraps.  I have been making up 24in square quilt tops, plus an 8in memory block, and using my embroidery machine to quilt them.  Nice little bite sized things to do.

But, I do have some French General fabric waiting for the coordinate to arrive, and then that will be a quilt for our bed .... wholely overdue. 

6
Current Projects / Re: Christmas Craft 2023
« on: July 11, 2023, 22:45:17 PM »
Suggestion time:

Last year, as a last minute gift, I made my MIL a set of packing cubes.  I embroidered the tops with a heart/butterfly design, and then used Aussie themed fabrics for the sides and base.  As far as I am aware, she loves them.  I won't recommend a particular pattern or tutorial, because I just googled "packing cube sewing" and used the tute that came up.  It wasn't the best, so I would recommend having a look around.

Packing cubes by Dani, on Flickr


7
Current Projects / Re: Christmas Craft 2023
« on: July 10, 2023, 22:45:34 PM »
I am a big believer in being inclusive, so to all those that aren't feelin' it for the silly season, you are welcome too.

So, like others, I learned my lesson ages ago, that some family do not deserve handmade stuff.  It is either scoffed at, or just never acknowledged, and I don't need that sort of negtivity in my life.

So, if you don't sew for friends or family, then feel free to plan and sew for yourself, or the other half, or the puppies/kittens.  I forgot to include that I plan to make more bunting this year (sorry @DementedFairy).  And maybe I will top up my fabric gift bags, so I am not throwing away so much xmas paper.   You could plan yourself some xmas pj's, or maybe a special project that always gets pushed to the side.

But !!!! ...... no pressure.  The point of planning so far ahead, is to avoid stressing yourself.  So, if the best option for you is to not sew for xmas, we still love you to come along on the journey with us, and maybe offer encouragement, or suggestions. 

8
Current Projects / Christmas Craft 2023
« on: July 10, 2023, 11:46:45 AM »
DON'T PANIC !!!    :faints:

It July people, I waited this year for a bit.  I know that I traumatise you all every year, mentioning the "c" word. 

But, I need to save you.  So here we go, brace yourselves.


This topic is a gathering place, to document your sewing plans, promises, wish lists or search for ideas ..... for ..... Christmas. 

So my sewing/gifting plans are as follows:

1.  for work friends:  embroidered headset pouches (with the embroidery matched to the person).
2.  for sewing group friends:   fabric shopping bags
3.  for home:  embroidery - free-standing lace angel for the tree. 

Obviously closer to xmas, there will be fudge, rum balls, ginger nut biscuits, mint crisps (new recipe for me), and coconut love letters.  And of course, hubby will spring a last minute request on me as usual. 

So be brave, lets support each other to avoid that last minute rush leading up to xmas. 

9
Patterns Discussion / Re: Style Arc patterns, is it just me?
« on: May 31, 2023, 08:20:38 AM »
But @datcat23 still, better than Tina Givens.  ;)


Two potato sacks pegged at the shoulders would be better than a Tina Givens pattern  (disclaimer:  I have opinions on TG patterns, and they aren't happy ones)

I am glad that StyleArc works for you though, which is good.  Me, as a certified potato, not so good.   :dance:

10
Patterns Discussion / Re: Style Arc patterns, is it just me?
« on: May 30, 2023, 22:55:18 PM »
I have a few StyleArc patterns, but I have found that, on the whole, their block is just not suited to my body without considerable alteration.  I have to FBA any bodice, and petite all their patterns (yep I know, me being busty and short is not their fault).  But I do find that the fitting ease is not consistent with them.  Some patterns, will be exact to measurement size, but others will have loads of extra space.  I don't mind that as much, but its not indicated on the pattern or instructions, so you are taking a bit of pot luck when making up.  While my aesthetic at the moment is a bit lagenlook, I agree their current styles are a bit shapeless and boxy. 

11
Technical Help / Re: Thread thoughts
« on: May 13, 2023, 22:09:18 PM »
I have noticed that since I turned 50, I have become somewhat invisible.  Its a talent for sure.   :laughing:

12
Technical Help / Re: Thread thoughts
« on: May 13, 2023, 08:33:56 AM »
Seems to me, its unlikely that anyone will look close enough to notice the thread.   

I am a big believer in that, if anyone is looking at me that closely, they better be looking at my butt or my boobs.    :dance:

I suggest you use whatever looks good to you, and then call it done. 

13
A Good Yarn / Re: I found out about twiddle muffs today
« on: January 29, 2023, 20:38:28 PM »
My brain went there ..... badly.    :devil:

14
Sewalongs and Competitions / Re: Sewalongs and Contests 2023
« on: January 19, 2023, 03:21:48 AM »
What would constitute stash, as in how long would one need to have had it sat marinating (love that term @datcat23) in their drawer/closet/storage box for it to be official stash? Not stuff we bought last week, presumably.

LOL ... you are welcome, although I wouldn't claim to be the first to coin that term.

How long before you consider fabric as a stash?   My thoughts are it depends on how long it is stored.  So if I buy fabric last week, and then it sits on the cutting table, is cut up and made .... then that is new fabric.  However, if I buy fabric, I bring it home, wash it, fold it and put it in the fabric cupboard, then it is officially stash.  Even if I have identified it as having a purpose, if it goes into storage, then its stash.

BTW, I can understand the aversion to the word "stash".  I would imagine that for some, it has connotations of something illicit, or not allowed.  We are grown adults ..... we shouldn't feel guilty about what we purchase, as long as the purchasing isn't itself a cause for concerns for yourself. 

Oldest fabric in the stash?  I not sure I subscribe to the prime minister unit of measure .... however I do have a few pieces of dead lady fabric, which probably date back to the 70's.  I have a bolt of 1930's polished cotton I picked up from an antique consignment store.  Its purchase was the cause of much distress for the seller, as she was mortified that I would not be "storing the fabric for posterity" and instead planned to ...*gasp* cut it up and sew with it.

So my advice would be ...... regardless of whether its Stash, Future Proofing, Fabric Archive, Retirement Fund, or Doomsday prepping ....... its just fabric, and you should sew it up.  She who dies with the most fabric, dies anyway.   :facepalm: 

Sew it!    :dance:

15
Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside / Re: Has Moda Flipped?
« on: January 12, 2023, 03:00:19 AM »
Let's see, it started after the Revolutionary War, probably in the Appalachian mountains, as a cheap belly filler for breakfast. The gravy is typically a milk or cream gravy made with pan scrapping from cooking sausage or sometimes bacon. It's thickened with flour, often has an abundance of black pepper and nowadays a fair amount of breakfast sausage  crumbled into it. Our biscuits are often said to be similar to scones. I find it to be a very vague similarity. Round, 2½-3" diameter made with flour, a fat and baking powder to leaven them. Often made with milk or buttermilk which helps make them fluffy. They are lightly combined, rolled or patted out to about ½-¾" thickness then cut. Other types are dropped from a spoon. Here they are normally savory, simply meaning not at all sweet like many scones. I make a version that has some sugar added and more sprinkled on top before baking. These are used for strawberry shortcake. Highly recommend.

Your description of American biscuits, sounds very much like Australian Damper, although we don't put the mix into small circles.  Aussie damper is usually baked as a cob shaped loaf straight on the coals of a fire, or in a big cast iron pot put in the coals, with a cast iron lid, that you scoop hot coals onto.  Very scrumptious with an abundance of butter.  As children, we used to get treated to a variation called "Twisty Damper".  The dough is mixed, and then a piece is made into about 20cm sausage.  This is spiral wrapped around the end of a green eucalytpus stick, like a longish marshmallow.  As a kid, you got to sit and cook your own little damper sausage over the coals.  When it was done, you carefully slid it off the stick and filled the cavity with honey or golden syrup.  A wonderfully sticky memory of my childhood. 

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