Sewing

[SewAmazing]

Sorry, I am in PA. But go to the sewing centers and ask those sewists as many questions you can before security escorts you out...

 

[SamanthaBNYC]

I'm going to try to finish sewing the coat that I'm working on by the end of this weekend. It's supposed to be cold (in NYC), and my Christmas shopping is done and I'm stocked up on food, so I can concentrate on sewing. I already bought a pattern for a coat that I want to sew next year, but I'm going to hold off buying fabric until the next tax-free weekend (in NYC they have tax-free weekends I think about twice a year and clothing items are tax-free, and this also includes fabric and yarn). I'm so bad, I'm not finished with one project, yet I'm excited about my next project.

 

[Maja]

I love love love :icon_love to sew. I bought a Pfaff machine about a year and a half ago; prior to that I've hand sewn doll clothes and bags - talking about practicing patience

I can also draft my own patterns. I try to sew at least 5 times a week, I'm just not myself when I dont

Now I sew almost all of my clothes, except wool sweaters. Right now I'm working on a coat plus about 3 other projects

Glad to see some sewers here!

 

[SewAmazing]

I am really into the economics of sewing. Home Dec is incredible on the savings. I have made window treatments, recovered furniture, custom shower curtains, and tablecloths with matching placemats. You can coordinate all colors and fabrics to copy those in the decor books we all like. It just looks expensive. Recently, I just made a patternless long black stretch velvet wrap skirt for about $8. It's a classic piece that can be dressed up with a sparkly turtleneck for a holiday feel, or with a denim jacket and boots for a sporty look. Like clothing, fabric is seasonal, so the time to get the best deals on winter fabric is in the summer and vice versa. Sewing is quick and virtually pinless (remember the thousands of straight pins we all have seen?), the way I teach it, and you don't need a lot of time. You can do all your cutting at once, and sew at various segments later. I think that people are put off from the old images of labor intensive sewing. Actually, you spend more time pressing than anything. I wish that those of us with young girls in our lives who are not interested in activities like ballet, or music lessons should try a teen sewing class for them. Right now the pre-teens all want the jean bookbags. Have you seen them? They are kids jeans, cut across at the crotch, and sewn together with straps added to carry as a bag.

 

[jessica9]

i can sew by hand, and i wish i knew how to use a sewing machine! last time i used one was in 7th grade home economics! i totally sucked at it!

i love love love fashion so much and would love to materialize my ideas. maybe i should ask for a sewing machine for christmas! my great aunt was a couture seamstress for Carolina Herrara. she made the most amazing things - including clothing for jackie kennedy and a ballroom gown worn by nancy reagan. she was also friends with ralph lauren! one of the things i regret more than anything was not learning how to sew from her while she was still alive.

could some of you ladies who sew post some of the clothing you've made? i think it would be really lovely to see what y'all have created!

 

[Maja]

Ok, I'll go first

These are the babydoll top I drafted and sewn to wear to a fashion show; and a hobo-bag I made as a B-day present for my boyfriend's sister.

I could post some more later, if you'd like to see more

Can't wait to see what you made

 

[SamanthaBNYC]

Here is one of the coats that I made (I made this one about two years ago, it's not the new one). I took the picture at work. It was too big to upload originally, so that's why the picture is sideways.

 

[SamanthaBNYC]

I finished the last coat I was working on, so I went to the fabric store Saturday to buy some fabric for the next coat I want to make (it was tax-free weekend, and that included fabrics). I found one that I liked, so I asked the clerk how much it cost, and he said $25.00, and then I asked what it was made of and he said wool, then he checked with another person there and they said it was cashmere and it costs a whole lot more. Since the clerk quoted the original price of $25.00, I got it for $25.00 per yard. I felt guilty and told him that I didn't mind trying to find another fabric because I didn't want him to get in trouble, but they let me buy it for $25.00 (the other person said it was okay). I couldn't believe how lucky I was, but I still feel a little guilty. It is a beautiful fabric, so I look forward to making the coat (I won't start it until summer).

 

[SewAmazing]

I teach beginner sewing. Sewing is truly my passion! I can't tell you how much money I save by designing my own wardrobe. It is a simple skill, but a practical and moneysaving one. You should probably have about 5 pieces that are your basic master patterns (slacks, jacket, top, dress, coat) and then do any variations from those. Patterns are expensive (unless you catch the JoAnn's Fabrics $1.99 sale). Happy sewing. Hit me up if you have any sewing related questions..

 

[Summer]

I was given a sewing machine as a gift a few years ago. I never opened the box because I don't know how to sew, lol

I want to learn, that is why originally I was given this as a gift. I have to find a place that gives lessons.

 

[SamanthaBNYC]

Originally Posted by Summer I was given a sewing machine as a gift a few years ago. I never opened the box because I don't know how to sew, lolI want to learn, that is why originally I was given this as a gift. I have to find a place that gives lessons.

meetup.com lists sewing clubs across the country. Maybe you could try one and see if anyone there has recommendations for a class.

 

[SamanthaBNYC]

I just finished hemming a lurex velvet skirt that I'm working on (I still have to make the lining and finish the waistband). It's an old project, and I'm trying to finish up all of my old projects, before I start any new ones.

 

[lainey]

I do a ton of sewing! I sew everyday O_O

I make costumes and enter costume contests were workmanship is judged.

Check this thread for some pics:

http://makeuptalk.com/forums/showthr...ive%21%29.html

 

[Ley]

Originally Posted by Maychi Ok, I'll go first

These are the babydoll top I drafted and sewn to wear to a fashion show; and a hobo-bag I made as a B-day present for my boyfriend's sister.

I could post some more later, if you'd like to see more

Can't wait to see what you made

Those are so cute! - you are really talented. I would be too scared to sew clothes, isn't it difficult to achieve a good cut so that it fits well? Especially tightfitting garments like the one you posted

I'm in admiration of all of you, nice job!

 

[SewAmazing]

Great job Lainey. That's the great thing about costumes--such use of color and imagination. Very Avant garde. Do you sew your everyday wardrobe as well?

 

[Maja]

Originally Posted by Ley Those are so cute! - you are really talented. I would be too scared to sew clothes, isn't it difficult to achieve a good cut so that it fits well? Especially tightfitting garments like the one you posted

I'm in admiration of all of you, nice job! Thank you Ley! Yes, it is kind of difficult at the beginning, but the more you sew, the easier it gets. Plus I really love sewing and challanges. And I always make a muslin first before cutting the 'good' fabric to avoid any mistakes

 

[lainey]

Originally Posted by SewAmazing Great job Lainey. That's the great thing about costumes--such use of color and imagination. Very Avant garde. Do you sew your everyday wardrobe as well? yup! But not as much as the costumes as the costumes take up a LOT of hours in comparison to just garments!
But it's fun and when people compliment and ask where you bought said clothing piece, I say "I made it myself!"

 

[chienkiri]

i want to learn but i don't have a sew machine! .. i must buy it .. my fisrt work is a small bag i will make a photo of it..

 

[chienkiri]

can you give me advice even on ebay???

it will be very helpful

 

[chienkiri]

... i can only use my money damn...