Sewing

[Khoipond89]

Hi, Khoi: Trying to imagine, but not sure. So I'll sketch out what I mean just in case this can help with your next prototype handbag. If you do it this way, you'll only be sewing 2 layers of fabric in the corner--but only if you can sew it wrong side out and then turn it to the right side. Not sure you can do that with leather unless it's soft and pliable.

Hope this little sketch makes sense!

v Open purse top edge--where you'll put in zipper or whatever...
I--------I > Purse Top edge (fabric is sewn right sides together).
I (WS) I }this would be the regular side seams sewn all the way to the
I I } bottom
I\------/I > Stitch the bottom across to close seam. Then take a few stitches, at bottom corner areas, in the direction of these slashes to create a shaped bottom hem that allows expansion. Snip exess fabric of triangle now created. Turn purse right side out.

You now only sewed 2 layers of leather, but you achieved an expandable bottom.


Best,
Amy

Thanks Amy!
for taking the time out to show it up...
I think I get it now...and I'm doing another one this week so I'll try your way!

 

[fourboltmain]

I stabbed myself with a needle. A big, hand sewing needle. I balled up all my fabric to throw it away, and the needle was in the ball. I think I hit bone because my whole hand went cold. It's OK now, but earlier I was biting my lip to keep from cussing.

 

[Amy Louise]

Hi, Khoi:
I hope you saw that I posted a newer version that held the formatting this time. It's a few messages below my note with the schematic...

Please be sure to let me know if this method worked for you. I tried the denim needle on my little gift purse, but it still didn't sew through all the layers.
Amy

 

[kateelle]

OMG Madde your dress looks amazing! You've totally motivated me. I'm glad I found this thread. Theres this dress I want to copy as well, looks fairly easy, have to get on that! Any tips and advice for a novice? This is the dress:

credit:style.com

 

[Amy Louise]

Hi, Katelle:
That looks like pretty advanced construction because you're going to have to sew in-and-out princess seams, invisible zipper and boning construction to hold the bustier bodice up (hers looks like it's not hanging in there very tightly as her boobs are almost popping out!).

Those are challenging techniques--especially for novice sewer --but perhaps you're a no guts/no glory type personality. ;-)
Amy

 

[gius]

You might even get away with just a lace-up
like what is done to corsets.
But yea it won't have as beautiful a fit as with the princess seams

 

[kateelle]

You're right, princess seams are way above my current sewing skills. I'm going to make the dress out of stretchy material and just use darts instead to contour the body. Also, I was thinking of sewing a strapless padded horizontal bra on the inside and to close with buttons instead of a zipper. The buttons will not the usual type, (don't know what it's called!) using flat buttons and button holes, but dimensional round ones. I'll post a picture of the final product of all goes perfect.

 

[Khoipond89]

Hi Amy...

I was in the middle of making another one when my machines started going nuts...and I stopped, I think I have to buy a new machine or find a leather needle..

 

[Amy Louise]

Hi Amy...

I was in the middle of making another one when my machines started going nuts...and I stopped, I think I have to buy a new machine or find a leather needle..

RATS! Sometimes sewing feels like one big Murphy's Law conspiracy, doesn't it? Every time I try to rethread my serger, I have to do it for about 20 minutes before it finally starts chaining. I can do it 99 times the same way, but on the 100th time, for no apparent reason, althought I've been doing exactly the same thing, the machine finally likes it and I can start sewing. It kinds of kills your enthusiasm for a project, huh?

Have you cleaned and oiled your machine lately? Could just be that. It's a good idea to take the machine in once a year for service.

Khoi, have you checked out (or joined) PatternReview.com? You can go there to read excellent reviews of sewing machines and sergers. I'd advise you to do your homework before buying a machine--and try them out before buying. For all the money you'll be spending, you'll do well to do plenty of research, then list all the features you want and write down all of your questions beforehand. I always ask them to show me how to thread the machine I've narrowed it down to and show me all the features as well as let me try it myself.

To me, self-threading has become a necessary feature--I love it, plus lots of fancy stitches (I don't have an embroidery machine, though). Also, loads of specialty presser feet. I've got a Janome 6260 QC, and I'm quite satisfied with it--except...I took it in for the free service that came with the purchase within the first year, but then it needed service 1/2 year after that. I felt that was an extremely short time before it required service again. It's $85/hr. for the tech to look at and do basic service to the machine here--not including parts.
Let us know if you needed a new machine or just new needles,
Amy

 

[Malice]

I worked all last week on this dress. Sooo glad I'm finish!
What do you think? Is it too much with the bow?

I'll post more pictures later if you want.

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

^ i love the bow

 

[kateelle]

Amy Louise- Your black velvet evening purse with those beautiful roses simply rock!

 

[Amy Louise]

Thanks so much, Katelle. I've made 2 black velvet evening purses with the flowers so far--one has a matching hair barrette, the other has antique lace as a background. I'm hoping they sell, either from my website or at a big craft faire I'm doing in about 2 weeks. If they sell, I'll be delighted because it'll give me an excuse to make some more. :-)
Amy

 

[kateelle]

Your welcome, I'm sure they will sell.

Question: to create a bow like the ones below, is it as simple as sewing a long thick strip and just tying it into bow? I just love the fushia bow accent on that blouse. It would look so pretty in cream.


Credit:bluefly.com

 

[Khoipond89]

Amy,

actually I haven't...I got this machine from my grandma...and I think I want to get a new one...a good excuse..

 

[Khoipond89]

I worked all last week on this dress. Sooo glad I'm finish!
What do you think? Is it too much with the bow?



I'll post more pictures later if you want.

It's very NICE!! I kinda like the bow with it..makes a little fresher..

 

[RetroGirl]

Question: to create a bow like the ones below, is it as simple as sewing a long thick strip and just tying it into bow? I just love the fushia bow accent on that blouse. It would look so pretty in cream.

Kateelle, i think those bows are cut on the bias for a nice drape. For best results use silk.

 

[RetroGirl]

Cute dress Malice, I like the bow. Dress could be cute belted over pants as well.

 

[Elli]

Malice, it's a really pretty dress, the bow included. I'd love more pictures.

 

[papergown]

Shorts for my Textiles 12 class. I drafted the pattern myself. My first time drafting shorts! I used denim with a slight stretch and fabric-covered buttons.

Was going to add bound pockets at the back, but I got lazy