View Full Version : The SEWING Thread!
lady1297
10-22-2008, 06:39 AM
Does anyone know of a pattern for footed jammies for a kid? DS is 50 pound and 45 inches and really wants footed jammies. I already bought fabric for reg. shirt/pants jammies so I don't want to go purchase readymade footed sleepers if a patteern exists out there.
karlatta
10-22-2008, 06:44 AM
does anyone have any recommendations for a basic, but solid sewing maching that is not too expensive. i want to start learning to sew, but don't have a big budget for it. i don't really need anything too fancy/with a ton of options/etc.
thanks!
My mom recently bought a pretty inexpensive (around $100) Brother sewing machine at Walmart when hers bit the dust. I've sewn with it a bit, and I've been pleased.
lady1297
10-22-2008, 10:48 AM
endymion411
Look in your phone book for a sewing repair person. Many will sell older machines that work a LOT better than what you could buy in the stores. I got my Kennmore with table for less than $150. And you'll know who to call if something doesn't work right. Also, check out yard sales and craigslist for old metalKennmore's or Singer's. They sell real cheap and then for $50-$75 you can have it serviced into perfect condition. You might even be able to negotiate with the seller that if the repair man can't fix it you can return it to them. Or sell it to the repairman for parts. But only look for all metal machines (plastic is not quality-metal is).
jenji
10-25-2008, 09:04 PM
does anyone have any recommendations for a basic, but solid sewing maching that is not too expensive. i want to start learning to sew, but don't have a big budget for it. i don't really need anything too fancy/with a ton of options/etc.
thanks!
I have a Janome Sewist 525S it is supposed to be a very sturdy machine with just basic stitches, but enough power to do heavier fabrics too... that said, I'm still learning.
based on what I'm learning in my sewing class and looking at other machines, I would really recommend TRYING them out. It'll take time, but go to some local sewing stores and try a few different brands of machines, they all feel a little different. talk to the people who service them about common problems. and definitely definitely check craigslist, ebay and local stores for used machines. you wouldn't believe how many people buy machines intending to learn and never do. I was shocked by the number of machines that were still new in the box or barely used when I was looking - and much cheaper than buying new. chances are if you do like sewing, you will soon want a nicer model with certain features so it'd be wise to get your basic one for less.
endymion411
10-26-2008, 07:06 AM
thanks for all the replies! looks like i have a little research and testing to do!! :)
jennylou
10-26-2008, 11:01 AM
Target has a basic Singer on sale this week for $75.
jenji
11-11-2008, 10:13 AM
I just finished my first sewing class where we made pajama pants and I'm in the middle of a pj top. I also just finished making a boppy cover for a friend.
Christmas is coming up and now that I have a little feel for sewing and am liking it, I want to ask for some good sewing tools, but am not really sure what I need.
What do I need other than:
machine
thread,
measuring tapes,
hand needles,
seam rippers
thimble
nice shears
pincushion
pins (straight and safety)
rotary cutter
omnigrid
seam gauge
what am I missing? what's on your wishlist?
bobbins, lots of them!
scissors specifically for cutting thread (not a must but I love having mine)
pinking shears
fabric marking pens
that's all I can think of at the moment.
I'll try to come back later to post some stuff I've worked on recently.
katmg
11-11-2008, 11:20 AM
I'm asking for a large cutting mat. I have an old one that I used in college for my design projects and it has hot glue all over it - not very nice for making clean, straight cuts in fabric.
Last year I asked for pinking shears, and large and small scissors only for cutting fabric.
I have also asked for various sewing classes - I finally got to "use" my mother's day gift in August when I took a machine quilting class. Fun!!
Pineknot
11-11-2008, 02:29 PM
Jenji,
Sometimes, instead of pinning a pattern to the material, I use weights.
they're really great and you can move them all around while you're cutting, i.e. right up to the edge to get good cuts.
They save a TREMENDOUS amount of time. They're somewhat costly (costly compared to seam rippers, etc) so that makes them a good gift.
Also, if you're asking for the basic thread colors, get a GOOD thread. It makes all the difference in how it sews and how it runs through your machine. For the life of me, I can't recall the thread I use right now, but it's the German brand that starts with Gut....
Also, you might need different feet for your machine. Sometimes a machine comes with them, but some of the more basic type machines don't come with many.
I LOVE the magnetic pin holder that holds the sewing pins when I'm not using them. It's about 8.00 and one of the best things I have. If your machine is computerized, DON'T put it real close to that.
And, of course, a gift certificate to the closest fabric store is a plus.
jennylou
11-11-2008, 02:46 PM
Last year I got a cutting mat for myself. I want a bigger one now. :blush: So, ask for the biggest one. I also asked for pinking shears.
I have a pair of fabric scissors and a pair of paper scissors in my craft room (cutting patterns, drafting patterns on paper, etc).
I have a ton of bobbins and thread - you can never have enough. I am always having to buy more. When I go for one color, I buy at least two b/c I know I'll need them. I'd love to have racks for my spools of thread and my bobbins so that they aren't everywhere.
Sewing classes would be good, since you're new. Heck, I've been sewing for years and would love to take a class or two!
Gift certificates for fabric.
Old sheets. :blush: It's great for practicing and they can get rid of some "stuff". They make up some cute aprons too. :)
just some of the things I've sewn somewhat recently...
My neighbor asked me to make pillow cases from this motorcycle sheet. She let me keep the remainder of the sheet so I made her ds this shirt, my first real boy item!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_4605.jpg
a dress I made for my DH's co-worker
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_3389.jpg
a few other dresses
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_4770-1.jpg
I don't think I like where I put the buttons on this one
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_5245.jpg
corduroy jumper that I haven't added the shoulder buttons to yet
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_5243.jpg
little girl's apron
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_3314.jpg
and a couple of peasant tops
peasant top
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_3269.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/sewing%20projects/IMG_4649.jpg
jennylou
11-11-2008, 04:35 PM
vjel - all very cute! :) I post the things I'm working on in my blog (link in my sig).
endymion411
11-12-2008, 05:04 AM
just some of the things I've sewn somewhat recently...
these are so great! where do you get your patterns?
jenji
11-12-2008, 11:40 AM
thank you all SO much for the suggestions!! I forgot about a cutting mat. not much point in a rotary cutter without one, huh?
love those pieces that vjel posted! cute cute cute
Katie&Micah
11-12-2008, 08:06 PM
vjel
I'm just in love with your fabric choices. You don't happen to have an etsy store do you? I'd love some of your stuff for Madeline.
Pineknot
11-12-2008, 10:20 PM
I always get a slight thrill when I see you have posted, Vjel! :)
Everything you make is always so delightful. Your color choices, the styles, your creativity is inspiring.
LOVE the first little dress.
thank you everyone! I really wish I had the time to sew more. I've finally gotten the energy/desire to sew again and there just aren't enough hours in the day. My dd LOVES to wear dresses/skirts so I am trying to make some more preschool friendly things for her but again, just not enough time.
endymion, most of the patterns are just from JoAnns. I tend to buy Simplicity, New Look and Burda patterns the most. The problem w/ those patterns is that they tend to run big. I always have to compare dd's measurements to that of the patterns to make sure I'm making the right size. If you are looking for a specific pattern #, let me know and I can go look it up.
nuhmah
11-14-2008, 06:14 PM
vjel - where do you get your fabrics? I love them!
vjel - where do you get your fabrics? I love them!
I've bought a lot of fabric thru a few co-ops I belong to. The big draw back of that is that it usually takes several months before you get it. The 2 places I've been buying from a lot recently:
Crafters Vison (http://www.craftersvision.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y) - their prices can't be beat!
Fabric Supplies (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5680709)
They are both super fast to ship, only charge exact shipping, and customer service is great. I also occassionally buy from JoAnns. HTH!
I think it's time for a new thread so I started a new one here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1820908#post1820908).
nuhmah
11-15-2008, 11:06 AM
I've bought a lot of fabric thru a few co-ops I belong to. The big draw back of that is that it usually takes several months before you get it. The 2 places I've been buying from a lot recently:
Crafters Vison (http://www.craftersvision.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y) - their prices can't be beat!
Fabric Supplies (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5680709)
They are both super fast to ship, only charge exact shipping, and customer service is great. I also occassionally buy from JoAnns. HTH!
Thank you, thank you!! I love that first site. Some of the better prices I have seen for some fabrics!
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