Sewing Machine

I have an old New Home machine and thought it was past it but took it to place found on line and for about £50 it is back in better condition than ever. Being on the short side, I always have to turn up trousers, jeans etc. and it is amazing how just whipping a seam up the side of a skirt, dress or anything really can make something fit rather than just dangle. when where did you find the online material - there are no fabric shops around now and JL is expensive - MK was having a major refit when I was there about a month ago and habidashery was stuck in a little corner - I tend now to get stuff from vintage (2nd hand) shops and use the material to make something else. Very much agree with the unpicking something to use as a pattern if you really like the style and fit.

grrrranny here's the link to Fabric World. I see they have changed from using couriers to Royal Mail, but otherwise the prices are the same as when I ordered my materials. They are quick to deliver and the quality is good.

www.fabric-world.com/Dressmaking-Fabric-Bi-Stretch-Bi-Stretch-c133_134_297.html

I used to sew a lot but hadnt done any for nearly 30 years. Last year enrolled on dressmaking course at my local college. It's wonderful, teaching on using machines and a friendly group of people. Haven't yet made anything I can actually wear but live in hope. Recently bought a new sewing machine, the old one was 35 years old. Am now busy making a very small sewing room in a tiny spare room. Will keep me busy whilst still not very mobile.

Thank you for the link when. It came up with the bi-stretch material which looks ideal for trousers and possibly tops as well. The heavy jersey would be great for dresses if I ever wore them now. Certainly the prices are good as well so I shall be giving them a go.

Hi grrrranny that heavy jersey is one of the materials I bought and is very good quality. I'm making a midi tube skirt with it when I've mastered stretch stitches.

Hey *when I had a look at the link and have just ordered the white voile panels with the white satin top border for my bedroom they are so cheap compared to others that I have seen Thanks for the link.

I find that practising on an off cut is the only way I can get the right stitch for anything. If I dive in and start on the garment the stitch is bound to be wrong. I tend to overestimate how stretchy I need the stitch to be but doing practice runs on the off cuts helps. I have also bought some leather needles but don't know if I will ever have the confidence to change the turn backs on a leather jacket I quite like apart from that feature. In the past I have glued leather if it needed to be altered but don't think it would work for sleeves very well. Has anyone machined (on domestic machine) leather?

Thanks for the tip grrrranny

I too am an Elna fan gracesmum. The best discovery was when I found the superoverlock stitch (no15 on mine) - it saves oodles of time. I always made my own clothes when I was a housewife and young mum - then didn't have time when I went back to work. Now in retirement I use it a lot for soft furnishings and alterations etc, but haven't been inspired to make clothes again - don't know why. Probably too many disappointing results - my fault. A decorators table makes a good cutting out surface and what a good idea to use a tea trolley - I'm just about to reorganise my little workroom!