| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MaryLD |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 6:10:12 PM
Hello, Farmgirls!
I have been saying I'd like to upgrade my wardrobe for a long time, and I think I'm really go to do it for Fall. That's a long ways off, so I have time! Oh, I forgot to mention that I sew a lot of my work or fun clothes, the ones that don't come from the thrift store or Ross. I don't like the quality of what they have in the stores most of the time- so I refuse to pay the price!! Summer stuff is easy, and I have all the patterns and fabric I need to spiff things up for the warm weather.
I want to make an investment in patterns and fabric for Fall- not right away, but I have ideas brewing and patterns I'm eyeing. Here's the glitch- it may apply to some summer stuff too, or some year round wear.
I have been a real budget seamstress. We had a $1 a yard fabric store and a $5 yard quilting cotton store where I used to live. I love to make things out of fun cotton fabrics, and the price was right. Now I want to do more with knits ( maybe made one pair of knit pJs ever), chambray, wool, and maybe velour ( a knit). I'm kind of afraid to spend the money on nice fabrics- for some reason, I'm afraid I'll mess it up. I've sewn for 20 yrs- so I'm just overthinking it, I'm sure. Can anyone give support that might help me overcome my stage fright about stepping it up a notch at the fabric store? Is it even hard to work with knits, chambray, or wool?
The other thing is, I'm almost 41, and people think I'm in my 20's sometimes. I want to make a more sophisticated, but still funky and Farmgirl wardrobe for the cooler months. I've been saying this for 3 years! I want to do a little makeover, but I don't want it to go wrong. Just writing about it helps me feel better! But if you've been in my shoes before, please advise!
Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MaryLD |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 6:06:00 PM
Hi Kristine!
I'll check those out. I bet one could spend a lot of time enjoying those sites!
Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| herbquilter |
Posted - Apr 22 2010 : 8:37:56 PM
I subscribe to Burda Style newsletter http://www.burdastyle.com/ and Pattern Review http://sewing.patternreview.com/ for ideas and great suggestions. On pattern review you can check almost every pattern and how it works best with what.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many, Herbalist, Master Energy Intuitive
http://herbalmommasda.blogspot.com/
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| MaryLD |
Posted - Apr 22 2010 : 4:51:56 PM
Thanks again to everyon who wrote and supported me in this project! I actually picked up a few patterns for knits and I also found a class that will teach me more about using my sewing machine. I have a Bernina I got for $50 when the school system in my old area stopped teaching sewing, 16 yrs ago. But it never had a manual, and I never had any fancy feet for it. The Bernina store here has a very reasonable " know your machine" class, and I can buy my buttonhole foot at a discount once I register! In the class, we will work with knits, buttonholes, etc ( so sad, I only use snaps or buttonless patterns!!) Carol, I found 2 cute shirt patterns for knits that do not have buttons. That will help me spruce things up a lot- both are cute with lots of style!! One of them uses a " twin stretch needle" and I bravely went to the fabric store to find out that they have them in stock!!
My MIL gave me a simple skirt pattern that uses a yard of woven wool, and not only that, I came across a second hand pattern for a vest that can be done in wool if desired. These will make good use of my old thrift store wools, and I feel so much more confident about trying them!
My MIL and I went to a new fabric store that has leftover garment industry quality knits at very good prices. I feel so relieved to have a source of these types of knits. I worry (need to stop doing that, lol!) that the made in China knits will fall short in my projects due to low quality and sometimes lack of diversity. Now I have more options!!
So- I'm on a roll! All I have to do is finish my swaps, make some Hedgie Hats for Beth's rescue project, and put snaps on a bib. Then I'm ready to start my new wardrobe with confidence!!
~ Mary LD
Ps I know it was a splurge on shipping- but I got my new patterns from www.shoponion.com
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| MaryLD |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 09:07:43 AM
Luanne, your post helped me remember that I have some thrift store wool woven tucked away. I also have some thrift store velour. I gathered these in 1995, LOL! I just need to grab a few thing from a thrift store or rummage sale, to try making pouches or pillows about of unfamiliar fabrics.
Gracie/ Amy, Yes, I LOVE sew mama sew! I should have thought of them as a pattern source- I've only " window shopped" there. I have the book One Yard Wonders, and it has a wool cape/ capelet pattern I might make as my first bigger wool project, from the thrift store wool. The pattern is one size, and I'm size 2 petite- so I just MIGHT have to ask Moodene for some sizing pointers. It's a good book. I used it for making my first pin tucks on a little summer top. I'd love to know of your friend's book.
Beth, I do not know if I have a differential feed. My machines are all from the early 70's- mid 80's. I got one at the thrift store for $10, from Japan. The handbook says it is good for working with knits. I'm going to have my friend give it a tune up, and then maybe designate it for knits since my other machines are fine for other stuff. I'll look up the Panne' Velvet.
Off for a haircut, and I'm covered in manure- yikes, better hurry!
Thanks Ladies! I LOVE getting all this feedback.
~ MAry LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| Faransgirl |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 08:21:27 AM
Sewing with those fabrics is different. Do you know if your machine has differential feed. If it does it will make working with those fabrics alot easier. If I am working with something new I always to some sort of test first. The easiest knit I have found to work with is called Panne' Velvet. I use that alot and working with it made it easier for me to start with other knits.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 07:50:35 AM
Mary - thank you for those links, that will give me something to do today!! I love that about the forum/internet that you can find these things
Have you checked out SewMamaSew? They have some cute patterns too - also I just saw a book the other day about making your own clothes, including t-shirts. I can't remember the title but it was at my friend's shop so I will ask her
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| beekeepersgirl |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 04:24:35 AM
Try going to your local thrift store and find something made out of these materials. You can use the fabric to experiment with and not spend too much money until you get the feel of working with the fabric.
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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| MaryLD |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 8:28:08 PM
Thanks everyone so far-
Moodene, I have a pattern to make a wool hat out of wool jersey, so I'll try that.I'll be on the lookout for a woven wool hat pattern, that's a good idea. I bet I could make something out of a cast off piece of wool clothing at a rummage sale. Hey, I'm an hour from Fort Hood if you ever want to drop by for a cup of tea.
Gracie/ Amy, I got jump started on this project when I picked up a copy of Ottobre magazine from another Farmgirl. It's a magazine from Finland, in English, with all the patterns for everything you see in the magazine. In trying to get a subscrition, I wound up on www.craftymamas.net, where they have all kinds of European patterns. I also found Banburyplace.com, and I think it was where I saw a large selection of women's patterns called " Onion" from Denmark plus some that were on crafty mamas. I need clothes that let me move and be natural with style. Of course, I have mostly American patterns , and a couple made in Australia- www.makeitperfect.com - but I bought them in the US. I am saving to buy some of the overseas patterns in a few months.
Carol- Thanks for the needle reminder. I may have forgotten that. I have the Schmetz needle guidebook. You got it right, I have not made too many shirts! Sooo many dresses and skirts and PJs. Maybe this will be a good way for me to stop being a PERFECTIONIST!! What's $25-$30 if I learn something? Cheaper than taking a class, maybe, LOL!
Farmgirls are the best!
~ Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| cajungal |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 7:42:45 PM
I agree with Nadine....start with small things first. You can also do a shirt that doesn't need any fitting/darts, buttons, etc... Make the shirt once and then in other colors. It's a quick way to add variety.
The main thing to pay attention to with different fabrics is the needle......make sure you're using the proper needle for the fabric you're using. It really can make a difference.
I say jump in there! Even if you purchase a more expensive fabric and mess up, all is not lost, you're still learned something new!
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 7:39:19 PM
I haven't done much with knits either but I've been thinking about it. I agree about the quality of stuff at the store, totally not worth the money. One of my big problems is finding a style I like - I'm the same age as you and I'm not ready to look completely conservative, but I don't want to look like I'm still trying to be a teenybopper either - people generally think I'm younger too. Haven't found the perfect answer yet but you have so much more flexibility when you make your own, you aren't at the mercy of the buyers/designers.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| Moodene |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 7:15:09 PM
Ahh, found it..You are about 4 hours west of me in the hill country. I have been to Austin n San Marcos alot visiting friends.
Love me like I am. farmgirl #801
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| Moodene |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 7:09:48 PM
Mary,
I tell people who want to sew on new fabric that they have never dealt with is to: Make something small until you have learn how to deal with that fabric. Knit type fabric-make pants with elastic. Wool-make a hat. I tell them to do simple things first. Then go upgrade to something alittle harder..By the way, where is Leander, Texas?..LOL..
Love me like I am. farmgirl #801
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