Sewing Lessons & FAQ

[MarieAnne]

Thanks Sickofitcindy!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Hey, thank you! That helps a lot. I tried to follow their instructions for sheer fabrics which didn't use the sticky paper, but I just didn't understand it. I cut out two shapes: one that was just a trace of the pattern like you say, without any holes in it, and one that was a trace of the buckle (with the little openings cut out). Do I need two of the latter?

The sticky paper should have slits in it. Be sure you transfer these to the piece of fabric exactly as they are on the pattern, because they create the parts that fold back around the surface of the buckle, to be held in place by the back part when it's pushed in. Depending on how thin your fabric is, you might make two layers just to ensure that there's enough of a thickness of fabric for the buckle back to grip onto.

 

[MarieAnne]

I finally cracked...

I ordered WildGinger's PatternMasterBoutique4.

 

[Sickofitcindy]

Wild Ginger

That's great Marie Anne. If I were you, I'd do your sloper and try it out asap. I believe you have a 30 day period to try it and you can cancel it if you don't like it. I think it's pretty cool but it's not for everyone. I really need to learn the editing function.

 

[cailinbeag]

Ooooo I have the Wild Ginger software, too. It took some time to figure out all of the bells and whistles, but now I can create my own designs and even copy designs just from a picture. And because of the way the software is set up, they're made to my measurements. The software is extraordinary, the ladies who work support are the ones who built the software so they really know their stuff and are very helpful, and the forums are a wealth of information and ideas.

As Sickofitcindy mentioned, it's not for everyone, as it does require some patience and there's a pretty steep learning curve with the Pattern Editor, and then there's some people who find they just don't end up using it. But if you DO end up using it, it's really amazing and opens up all kinds of possibilities.

Okay, I'm all done blathering on about it. Can you telll I love mine?

 

[MarieAnne]

Sickofitcindy - Thank you so much for that advice.
Cailinbeag - I have downloaded the demo and I've been playing with it for a few days now. I am having so much fun with it I can't put it down. The pattern editor is probably going to be the toughest part. At least I already have some understanding of flat pattern drafting, so I'll just have to get used to the software.

I am so EXCITED!!!!!!! My husband and I bought a house. We move in mid-late October. I could go on forever about the house....anyways, the basement is a fully finished and wide open space space and it has already been decided, the basement will be sewing central. AND it will be baby friendly. So I won't have to wait for my daughter to be sleeping to get any sewing done. And then with my software...NOTHING WIll STOP ME!!! Mouhahahahah!

 

[Sickofitcindy]

Drafting in pattern editor

Cailinbeag,
I would love to be that proficient in editor. I bought it for the purpose of duplicating vintage clothing that I can't afford or can't find. Do you have any tips on how you would copy a picture or pattern drawing?

 

[cailinbeag]

Cailinbeag,
I would love to be that proficient in editor. I bought it for the purpose of duplicating vintage clothing that I can't afford or can't find. Do you have any tips on how you would copy a picture or pattern drawing?

Loads, but I don't want to bog down this thread with info most people can't use. If you PM me, I can give you my regular email address and we can walk through some things.

 

[SweetieStarr]

Ideas for left-over fabric

Hi all,

I'm still working on my pencil skirt, but I think it is going to turn out great.

My teacher rearranged how I pinned the pattern pieces on my fabric so I was able to save half the fabric and she wants me to make something else with the other half of the fabric. She first suggested another skirt, but I feel like I don't need two of the same skirts right now. We tossed some ideas around, but here are the options I am tossing around:
1. a pair of high-waisted shorts with little cuffs at the bottom
2. a pair of cigarette capris
3. a little jacket to wear with the skirt (thinking of either a fitted jacket or a cape-style with sleeves)

The problem is, I don't have patterns for any of them. I looked online at the modern pattern companies, and couldn't find any that I like. I also only have about a yard of fabric left, so I'm guessing shorts may be the best option for the fabric I have left, and to buy other fabric for the other pieces.

Do you ladies have any ideas/suggestions/patterns?

 

[Lady Day]

How wide is the fabric and how large are you? Pants/shorts take up more fabric than people realize (once you see the pieces laid out flat) and I doubt you can make even shorts with one yard of fabric.

I dont think you can really make much of what you want with only one yard.
You can two color something, like the sleeves in your one yard and the body another color. Ive done that.

I do think you will need a pattern, just so you can get a gauge of the yardage you will need.

LD

 

[SweetieStarr]

How wide is the fabric and how large are you? Pants/shorts take up more fabric than people realize (once you see the pieces laid out flat) and I doubt you can make even shorts with one yard of fabric.

I dont think you can really make much of what you want with only one yard.
You can two color something, like the sleeves in your one yard and the body another color. Ive done that.

I do think you will need a pattern, just so you can get a gauge of the yardage you will need.

LD

The fabric is about 54" by probably about 30". I am a 29-30" waist and 39.5" in the hip.

Like I said, I could make another skirt out of it, but I didn't really feel like I needed two skirts. I know I have seen some ladies on here who have made shorts, but I couldn't find any patterns upon searching.

 

[SayCici]

I would make a bolero. You could wear it with the skirt for a smart little outfit, or mix it up with other items in your wardrobe.

The great thing is if you buy a pattern for a bolero, it is probably the side dish to the main course, so you can make the other patterns in the envelope at a later date from coordinating fabric.

 

[kamikat]

I love everything about this pattern!

 

[SayCici]

Okay, wonderfully helpful ladies! I think I've decided on a brown gabardine for my 30s pants, the content is 50% Polyester 48% Rayon 2% Lycra. I am so excited to have some high waisted pants so I can be cool like Lauren.

I'm also getting these two fabrics for blouses, so excited!

 

[SayCici]

I love everything about this pattern!

It's so cute! I love the little collar on the bolero. I don't usually like princess seams but they are so fab there.

 

[SweetieStarr]

I would make a bolero. You could wear it with the skirt for a smart little outfit, or mix it up with other items in your wardrobe.

The great thing is if you buy a pattern for a bolero, it is probably the side dish to the main course, so you can make the other patterns in the envelope at a later date from coordinating fabric.

I love this idea because I think it will look like a little jacket since the skirt is high-waisted.

Do you (or anyone else) have this pattern or something similar? I found a couple modern ones on the Simplity website that would work, but I don't know if I LOVE them. Plus, they don't list and measurement or yardage information, so I'm not sure if I would still have enough fabric (although I think I probably would).

 

[SayCici]

I love this idea because I think it will look like a little jacket since the skirt is high-waisted.

Do you (or anyone else) have this pattern or something similar? I found a couple modern ones on the Simplity website that would work, but I don't know if I LOVE them. Plus, they don't list and measurement or yardage information, so I'm not sure if I would still have enough fabric (although I think I probably would).

When you say you look for patterns, are you checking Etsy and eBay? They always have a bunch and usually the sellers include a picture of the back. As long as it is short and has short sleeves, I've looked around and the average is about 1 yard with less fabric than 54", so I think you'll be okay!

I don't know your size, but here's one for a 34 bust that includes a dress pattern. It needs 7/8yd of 45" fabric.

 

[SweetieStarr]

When you say you look for patterns, are you checking Etsy and eBay? They always have a bunch and usually the sellers include a picture of the back. As long as it is short and has short sleeves, I've looked around and the average is about 1 yard with less fabric than 54", so I think you'll be okay!

I don't know your size, but here's one for a 34 bust that includes a dress pattern. It needs 7/8yd of 45" fabric.

I looked at the pattern co's and Etsy. Didn't see any I liked that were my size. I try to stay away from eBay, but just found one on there that could be possible. I sent the seller a question about the yardage.

 

[SayCici]

Baaack.. I'm making this pattern:

View with suspenders.

The suspender instructions just have me folding the fabric in half, wrong sides together, and sewing 1/8" from every edge. They recommend using felt, which I'm guessing is why they don't care about the raw edge, but my fabric is corduroy. How should I do this? Fold it in half right sides together, stitch both short sides and one long side, trim, and turn inside out? I don't what my seam allowance should be - I want the seams secure but don't want the suspenders to turn out too skinny.

 

[kamikat]

The suspender instructions just have me folding the fabric in half, wrong sides together, and sewing 1/8" from every edge. They recommend using felt, which I'm guessing is why they don't care about the raw edge, but my fabric is corduroy. How should I do this? Fold it in half right sides together, stitch both short sides and one long side, trim, and turn inside out? I don't what my seam allowance should be - I want the seams secure but don't want the suspenders to turn out too skinny.

Have you made the skirt? How is it? I have this but haven't made it.
The best way to do this is sew the two long seams and turn right side out, then tuck your short ends inside and topstitch. Have you cut them already? If not, add 1in to the width to account for seam allowance. If they are already cut, use 1/4in seam allowance, or smaller if you feel comfortable with smaller.