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Topics - Holly Berry

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Current Projects / Christmas tree skirt
« on: December 20, 2019, 18:10:03 PM »
After 20 years of putting up our artificial tree, I decided to make it a skirt.

Quick project I though, even though I don’t do much patchwork. I hadn’t bargained for the inny/outy pointy bits.

One of my dogs loves it.....to lie on!! I had a really cute photo opportunity, but she moved at the last minute.


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Tech Know How / Difficulty posting photos
« on: June 08, 2019, 12:02:05 PM »
I’ve just tried to attach some photos in a post.

When I click on choose file and then photo library, I’m getting the message no photos or video. I’m on an iPad.

TIA

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Dolls and Toys / Repairing my Teddy Bear
« on: June 08, 2019, 11:54:18 AM »
I have been inspired by the BBC programme “The Repair Shop” to rejuvenate my Teddy Bear.

Fortunately, although he was much loved when I was a child, I took care of him and he has little wear to his fur, but his paw pads are showing his 60+ years. My Mum had to repair his nose, as I used to suck it.

He did have all those years of dirt and dust on his fur, so yesterday I set about cleaning him. Research has lead me to believe he is mohair on a canvas backing, as this was the most common fabric used pre 1960’s. I hoovered him and gave him a good brush. Then using a solution of liquid soap flakes and warm water with a toothbrush cleaned him up. I wasn’t really expecting the good result that I got. I can’t remember him new, but he’s probably not as bright as he was new.

I’ve sent off for some faux suede for his pads and a new growler as he no longer growls.

Has anyone any tips for sewing on the pads. His joints and limbs are in such good condition I don’t want to take them apart, so will have to be stitched in situ. I will have to open his front body seam though to replace the growler.

I’ve tried to attach some photos but it’s not cooperating at the moment.


4
The Haberdashery / Size and wash/care labels
« on: May 12, 2019, 16:02:30 PM »
Does anyone use these labels?

I’m finding that more and more charity shops won’t take couture homemade clothes without labels.


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Embroidery and Embellishment / Hand made buttons
« on: March 16, 2019, 09:17:30 AM »
I went on a short study course yesterday run by our local AE centre on making buttons.

The type we made were Dorset buttons. They are made by blanket stitching round a ring, in our case a plastic ring of the type used for roman blinds. The thread is then wound round at clock face positions, ie 12 to 6, 5 past to 25 to etc. Then the thread is stitched round the thread.

A good buttoner, back in the day, would have made 6 dozen a day and would have earned 3 shillings. They were then sold on a card for 1 shilling a dozen.

6
Fun with Fabric / Bemburg cupro lining
« on: March 03, 2019, 11:04:15 AM »
I have some beautiful fabric (polyester) which unfortunately will require lining for modesty reasons. I’m making https://butterick.mccall.com/b6412

I don’t want to line in polyester as it will be mainly worn in the summer or in the evening and think it will be too hot, especially the bodice. Cotton wouldn’t be suitable either as the dress fabric has a wonderful drape. I want the skirt to be a little longer and have less body than the pattern picture.

I’ve read about Bemburg and thought it would be a great alternative. Has anybody used it and will it be cooler than polyester. Calico Lane has some at £9.99, and I need 3 mtrs, so don’t want to spend £30 on lining that’s not suitable.

Thanks in advance

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Your Favourite Suppliers / Croft Mill
« on: January 14, 2019, 11:30:53 AM »
I have, over the last few years bought quite a lot of fabric from here and been pleased with it. Whenever I’ve ordered something that they no longer had or not enough they would phone me

Just before Christmas I bought 2 pieces of crepe at £14 a mtr and matching lining. The cost came to just over £100. It took a couple of days to arrive as usual, they never send out next day, and when it arrived one of the linings was missing. Profuse apologies and said would be sent out 1st class and arrived next day.

Set about cutting out one of the dresses I was to make, only to find instead of 3 mtrs of fabric I had less than 1mtr and by the creases in the fabric, it looked like my 3 mtrs had been cut off the end of the roll and the end of the roll had been put in the parcel instead of the 3mtrs. So another phone call. Again apologies, but the fabric was now out of stock, on order but wouldn’t be in until the following Wednesday and please would I return the off cut before they could send out the 3 mtrs. When I went to parcel up the offcut I noticed it wasn’t straight and one side was 75cm and the other 45cm. Another phone call to ask if they really wanted to pay the postage. They said not to return!!The 3 mtrs arrived the Wednesday morning they were due to receive their order!!

The following week I received a duplicate order of all the fabrics. I phoned again, received another apology and was asked to return. I said send me the postage first and was told that didn’t operate like that, but post and they would refund it.

Took to the post office and the weight of it took it to just over £13. I emailed a copy of the postage receipt and waited for my refund. Nothing appeared so emailed them, no response until email from PayPal to say £5 had been refunded. So another phone call. Oh the lady said, if you read our terms and conditions we only refund upto £5 on returns. But this is your error I said, I’m not returning something I don’t want. Eventually she agreed to refund the difference. To date I’m still waiting.

They are still sending me marketing emails though! So disappointed as they have some good fabrics but their customer service needs looking at. With hindsight I should have said I don’t operate that way,if you want your fabric back, come and collect it.

8
The Haberdashery / Clover mini iron
« on: January 13, 2019, 17:15:07 PM »
I am debating getting one of these, but have read conflicting reviews. Does anyone have one and would you recommend?

I would mainly use in dressmaking for tricky seams and for fusing small or narrow pieces of interfacing, such as Steam a seam or strips of stabiliser. I normally use either a silk organza pressing cloth or Teflon/non stick pressing sheet between the iron and interfacing.


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Vintage Machines / Bernina Bernette 440
« on: November 04, 2018, 13:04:54 PM »
I’ve just inherited this machine from my Aunt, who sadly passed away in October aged 95.

I have searched online but have found out very little about the machine. I suspect it just falls into the vintage category as she hadn’t sewn for 15 years or so and probably had the machine for quite a while before that.

Unfortunately during the house clearance the foot pedal and lead has gone missing, but I’ve managed to get a new clam shell pedal and lead. I was reluctant to let the machine go as it’s a Bernina, so it’s joined my others. It’s a small machine, but still quite heavy as it’s a metal body. Straight stitch, with zig zag, overlock and a few edging/finishing stitches, but no decorative stitches.

Does anyone know anything about this machine?

10
Events / Dior Exhibition Paris
« on: October 26, 2017, 11:51:43 AM »
My Sewing Group yesterday went to Paris to visit the Dior Exhibition.

What an absolutely mind blowing experience. The genius of the designers and the craftsmanship of the construction and work was breathtaking. Whilst most, personally I wouldn’t or couldn’t wear, there was plenty to inspire. It also included shoes, bags, jewellery and perfume.

It’s a huge exhibition and took nearly 2 hours to get round. It covers from the Christian Dior designs, through Yves St Laurent, John Galliano, to the present with Maria Grazia Chiuri. The final room really was spectacular with audible gasps as people came in.

Well worth it.

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Vintage Machines / New sewing cover/case I think.........
« on: May 04, 2017, 14:51:57 PM »
Just bought this piece of fabric. It's just perfect for either a cover or carrying case for my feather weight.

Might do this https://youtu.be/2ucDCkIqju4

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In the wardrobe / Still stash busting
« on: April 26, 2017, 17:20:17 PM »
Have to say a big thank you to TSP for encouraging me to really get stuck into my stash.Just finished 2 tops from fabric I've had a while.

Really easy Butterick 6132

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Access All Accessories / Jewellery Making
« on: April 16, 2017, 12:47:28 PM »
Does anyone make their own jewellery?

To continue getting through my stash, I have decided to adopt the Sudoko wardrobe planning. So, with one of the squares being accessories making my own jewellery to go with tops and bottoms is my new project for spending money  :|

This is my first attempt

14
Have just come across this site. I don't make quilts, but I would aspire to making something like these http://uniquejunktique.com/tuesdays-favorite-finds-12-camping-quilts/

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What lies beneath... / Silhouette/Body shapers
« on: March 14, 2017, 17:03:46 PM »
I was looking to get the Craftsy course until I saw it had gone up from £19 to £38  :(

Could someone in the know tell me please, the fabric I need to make these. At the moment I'm only looking to make a slip to wear under jersey dresses, similar to one I bought from M&S. The Craftsy course mentioned powernet, but I haven't a clue as to what to buy when I look on Sewing Chest.

This is the M&S one, firm control,

Thank you

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