Thank you, thank you for all your thoughtful responses on yesterday's post! I got great feedback and I feel like I have some creative direction again. I also don't feel pigeonholed into one thing; like making quilts.
Now, my blog will always have a quilting focus but I'm finding that there is a lot of creative satisfaction in completing some small and useful projects like my Idea Pouch. So why not make some clothes too??
I've never really done much sewing when it comes to clothes. Pajama pants and sundresses are about the extent of my "expertise". But then I came across some really cute knits on sale at Joann's for $3 per yard. That's a tough deal to pass up!
Have ya'll sewn clothes in the past? I'm pretty comfortable sewing with knits but are there any other tips you have for me??
7 comments:
You're going to LOVE this tip... seriously. Buy a serger sewing machine! They make sewing knits and fleece a total joy! And believe it or not, I use mine for cotton items as well. They also can edge finish a quilt very nicely prior to binding. I've even seen some quilts displayed with a serged binding. If it's not in the budget, make sure you use a ball point needle, and a zig zag or other stretch stitch. It's really important to pin things thoroughly too, as knits tend to migrate and stretch a lot more (obviously). That said, I LOVE sewing stretchy knit and fleece clothes for me and my family!!
Good luck! My mom made me sew clothes when I was growing up, and I hated it! Consequently, it took me a long time to come back to sewing! I can see myself taking on a skirt or something, but complicated stuff is not for me! That said, I hope you enjoy it--what a great deal on fabric!
I was a garment sewer for my Barbies, and then graduated to sewing for myself and my kids. I gave it up about 10 years ago and turned to quilting. that pattern and the fabric you choose remind me of the 1970s -- very fun colours. my advice to you is measure, measure, measure, and take your time sewing. good luck!
I sewed some fairly cute yet simple clothes for myself when I was in high school. I think your tunic will be cute... and I like your fabric, but sewing a garment with such a directional print really scares me. You might come up with some cooled effects, expected or not. I look forward to reading about your experience and hope you liek the result. And if not, it was a fairly inexpensive learning experience, right?
Best of luck. I sew all my own clothes out of necessity rather than the love of it. My mum used to make all our clothes when we were kids and I swore blind I was going to marry a rich guy so I'd never have to sew clothes. Well I didn't manage to marry a rich guy but money isn't short for buying clothes. LOLL The problem is finding the style and fit that I like.
Jennifer,
It looks like a fun project. I've been sewing for a very looooong time. Knits are very forgiving as long as you are careful to not stretch the seams when sewing. Since they don't ravel like woven fabric, you can eliminate some steps when sewing garments. And if you have questions, find someone who is knowledgeable to help you. As far as your blog, I really enjoy reading it and admire you for being honest and real in what you write. Remember what you said about not always needing to be perfect - just be yourself. And have fun making that new top!!! Barb
I actually started out sewing clothes (in HS in the 80's when handmade clothes were NOT the 'in' thing) so it was quite a jump doing quilts instead. I have a book called the Stretch and Sew Guide to Sewing on Knits and it's a pretty good one. It's older but may still be found on ebay...
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