DIY Dress Mannequin

Hey Guys,

So recently I've started custom fitting patterns to my body shape, which can be rather hard with your own body and a mirror, since every twist and turn you make, makes it move. Anyway I've wanted a dress makers mannequin for a while now however they're rather expensive! Around £130 to be precise. So I found a tutorial online to make a duck tape one. So if some of you are you in the same predicament like me why not give it a go and make your own.

You'll need: 

• Patience.
• Enthusiasm.
• The willingness to look silly.
• An assistance who doesn't mind getting in yours and you getting in their personal space. 

You'll also need: 

• A Fitted T-shirt (the longer it is, the longer your mannequinn can be!)
• Duct Tape
• Scissors
• Kitchen Roll
• Pillow fluff
• Foam Board (1 sheet) 
• A sturdy hanger (as seen in the video below) or the base of an old lamp. 
• Material of your choice. 

Follow the video for the basics. However feel free to go off course and make your own changes and decisions. 

If you do opt for the lamp stand you'll need to use a more substantial base. To do this tape the foam board to the base of your mannequin. Once the board is secure poke a hole in the bottom and place the pole in the center. 

There you have it your own personal mannequin!

Remember if you do find having a headless duct tape mini you in your home scary at night use a glue gun to attach some fabric.

Here's my mannequin > 

Until next time folks... Keep stitching! 

Latest Make: Cat Coat

Check it out guys...

I made a cat coat for my boss' cat at work. He had to be shaved now is cold so wanted to help the little man! 

Made this in 40 mins, this is the first pattern I've drawn myself so be nice. It has an elasticated neck and tie for his waist. 

Anyway let me know what you think and as always... Keep stitching. 

Happy Easter

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter!

Unfortunately my fabric hasn't turned up yet so It's been a poor Easter weekend for sewing for me.

Anyways until next time... keep stitching! 

Update: Running The Marathon One Stitch At A Time.

So lately I feel like I've been running a marathon, while trying to complete the first garment for my sewing course.

Yes you may say it's only an apron however there have been set backs, for example Betsy missing stitches and my having to wait to get her fixed.

Anyway.... never mind... moaning over. Now lets get onto the good stuff....

Since I have now finished my garment (the apron) I thought I would show you some pictures of the final product. I had a lot of fun making this one especially since it was my first time in my new sewing room and using bias binding (which was very hard round the curves.)

Something I have also learnt is I am not as big as I thought I was and as you can see the apron is toooo large!

So let me know what you think (be kind there is lots of issues with it) and till my next blog.... keep stitching!

Body Types and Illusions

Right today ladies and gentle men we are going to talk about different body shapes and how to create illusions.

Before we start here is a top tip: Put your arms down by your sides and bend at the elbow see where the smallest part of your waist is from where your elbow lies and this is how you can tell if you are long or short waited.


Anyway the four main body types are:

• Triangle - This means there is not much upstairs but rather hippy.
• Inverted Triangle - Not much downstairs but rather broad shouldered.
• Rectangle - even the way down 
• Hour glass - this is your shoulders and bust being roughly the same size as your hips and your waist being about 10 inches less.

So I am an hourglass a chubby hourglass and yes, you can still be an hour glass even if you are size 16,18 or 20 it's not the size on the inside of your clothes that matters.

So since I am an hourglass I should be wearing.

• V necks since I have a larger bust.
• Capped or just above the wrist sleeves.
• Flared or boot cut trousers and jeans.
• Pencil or Aline skirts but not to long. 

All in all the main goal is to love the skin your in and REMEMBER  you don't wear anything better than a smile itself. So as always keep stitching. 

Sewing Expo

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted recently however it has been a very exciting few days. So let me get you up to date.

On Saturday ( 28th March 15) we (we being me and the mother in law) attended a sewing expo in London called;

 The Stitching Sewing & Hobbycrafts Show. 

We learnt so much and probably spent to much however I highly recommend it for all you sewers next year.

As we entered the hall the first stall we saw was a sewing clinic. Now the lady working on it, Thelma was amazing she had so many hand outs on how to make adjustments to patterns and also showed me how to adjust a pattern for a bigger busted lady like myself and her. (So their will be a blog on that for you all later.) She also recommended to books which is pictured below to help you adjust a pattern to whatever issue you may be having with it. Which funny enough the mother in law already owns so of course I am now borrowing! 

 

Next we found the pattern bar the place were I spent so much money however they were half price! Once again lots of lovely helpful handouts.

Next was mostly stalls, selling a range of beautiful items. 

So I purchased:

• Some beautiful pink butterfly embroidery scissors for cutting thread off my garments.
• Bias Binding.
• Cat Buttons.
• An Amaze Brush for removing bobbles, lint and cat hair off of clothes or furniture.
• Bobbins - 12 for £2.50 such a sewing! 
• A Bobbin holder. Which doesn't allow them to move or unravel.

Unfortunately no dress makers dummy so that looks like an internet purchase for me! 

Finally in the afternoon their was a talk (which there will be a blog for) about how to dress and create illusions with your body shape. No I won't go into too much detail in this blog however lets just say I'm loving my body more, and now I know how to dress with be feeling more confident. But please don't be deterred the blog will be for all size women after all I have some junk in my trunk and like to cover it. But after this talk I want to show the gorgeous curves I was given. 

Anyways as always till the next blog... Keep Stitching. 

Sewing Wish List

Hey everyone. As I get to the end of making my apron (blog post coming soon) I thought I'd share with you my sewing wish list for makes in the future :)

Sewing Patterns:

1. Mccall's Patterns MC7099 E5 Misses Romper and Jumpsuit

2. Butterick Pattern 5466 Semi-fitted skirt 

Material:

1. Black and pink lip fabric from eBay.

2. Blue and pink floral fabric eBay.

3. Scotty dog light blue fabric Minerva craft.

4. Black and white floral fabric Minerva craft.

5. Life ring fabric Minerva craft.

6. Balloon fabric Minerva craft.

Other:

1. Dress maker's dummie 

2. Pins

3. Tailor's chalk. 

In the comments below, please post your wish lists. I'd love to see them and until next time, keep stitching! 

Weekend Cheeky Purchases

Hi guys,

So my partner took me on an outing on Saturday and I found The Aladdin's cave which is The world of sewing! 

So retraining myself here is what I purchased: 

These are:

• New look pattern 6125
• Mccalls pattern  M7085
• 5.5 meters of bias binding

So I bought the first pattern because I have a dress just like it from Evans and love it. So want lots more in different colours. 

I bought the second pattern for a wedding I will be attending later this year. 

And finally the bias binding is for the apron I am currently making. All of it needs to have binding round it, so I bought some wider binding to make it easier to attach since it's my first go! 

Update: Back in Business

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update to let you know Betsy and I are back in business. She's gone and seen the lovely repair man and has had her missing stitch issues sorted we hope! 

So expect more blogs soon!

Till then keep stitching :) 

UPDATE: Out of Action

Hi guys, Jess here.

Just a quick update to let you know I am out of action at the minute. Dear Betsy is missing stitches again and I have tried everything Google and I can think off to fix it. So she is going to see the lovely men at the repair shop and we should be back on track soon.

Till then, keep stitching!

Course Update: Shrink Test

Hi guys, sorry if I've been neglecting you lately, there hasn't been much to share with you from the course. However today a gem came up and I really want to share it with you!

So today we are going to talk about fabric and seeing if it can be washed using a washing machine or if it needs to be dry cleaned. 

So to conduct a shrinkage test you need to: 

1. Buy the fabric you like from your local fabric store. Remember to get a bit extra to make sure you have enough. 

2. Press your fabric.

3. Fold it in two and cut two identical in size, small squares. 

4. Give them another press. 

5. Take one of the squares to a sink and fill it will a small amount washing powder and some rather hot water. 

6. Place the square in the water and give it a wash. Make sure to squeeze and ball it up a bit. 

7. Empty the sink and turn on the tap and wash all the powder out of the fabric using the running water.

8. Dry the square of fabric. 

9. Once the fabric is completely dry press it.

10. Now get your other square lay it flat and then place the freshly washed square on top. 

11. If the two squares match and the fabric hasn't shrunk you can use your washing machine to keep your garment clean. If it has, it will need to be dry cleaned or a new fabric selected. 

So there you have it, how to test your fabric to see if it will shrink before you make a beautiful garment out of it. 

Lastest Project: Another Pincushion

Hi everyone, just a quick post to show you my latest project... yes another pincushion planter.

If you would like to find out how to make one, click the image below.

My First Garment

Hi everyone, today we are going to talk about my first garment, and this is something I made before I started the course, so I didn't know what a notch was or how to do an invisible zip.

So what I decided to make was a 1950s tea dress for a vintage fair I was going to. 

This dress had a zip, full lining and interfacing yes I know ambitious. Also back then (about 5 months ago) I decided to go one size bigger, now not knowing how to measure myself properly really played a big part in that decision because I'd made myself bigger than I really was! Yes how silly, at least I know now, so I had to install darts to fit the garment to me.

 Anyway on a final note, I absolutely love this dress even with all its imperfections and still wear it today. 

So now you've seen my first garment I look forward to showing you the apron I will soon be making on the course. 

See you in the next blog! 

Beginner Sewing Course: Equipment

Hi everyone, I have just started the beginners sewing section of the sewing and tailoring course. So in the first few videos we went over the equipment we'd need and the basics of the sewing machine again, which I won't bore you with since you've already been over the sewing machine course with me.

Anyway today we are going to talk about the equipment that was recommended for this course and for anyone who wants to start sewing.

So the equipment that was recommended to us was:

• A Tape Measure - It's best to have two of these - keep one at your sewing machine and the other at your ironing board.

• Scissors: 
• Tailoring scissors. for material
• Paper Scissors, for cutting patterns
• Pinking Scissors to prevent material from fraying.
• Small scissors to cut any loose whiskers and notches. Once again it's best to have two of these. 

• Hand Sewing Needles.

• Pins.

• Sewing Machine Oil.

• Tailors Chalk.

• Thread: For the machine and hand stitching.

• An Ironing Board and Steam Iron.

• Buttons - which can be collected over time. 

• A Sleeve Board: For ironing sleeves.

• Unpicker/ Stitch Ripper. 

And Last but not least. In fact it's probably one of the most important things, and that is....

• A Sewing Machine! 

Optional Equipment:

• Fray check - this gets put on a button hole and prevents it from fraying.

• I can't remember the name but it's a tool which turns small straps in the correct way. 

Final World: 

One final tip I wanted to share with you was the sewing machine needle size recommended for most project, and this was a 90. So I need to change mine since I normally work with an 80.

Course Update: The 5 Main Presser Feet

Hey Everyone! Just to let you know I have finished the sewing machine section of the course and will be starting the sewing section soon.

Anyway in the last few lessons today, we covered the different types of presser feet and their functions.

Something I didn't know is there are two types of presser feet. These is a whole presser foot like Bernina uses and a snap on plate presser foot.

The 5 main presser feet for everyday tasks are: 

1. Zigzag foot - This foot is used for straight and zigzag stitching at the same time. 

2. Denim/Jean foot - This foot is used for thicker fabric. This foot has a hole and groove which makes the needle move around less therefore it's able to penetrate thicker fabric. 

3. Button sewing on foot.

4. Button hole foot.

5. Zip foot - This foot is very thin and has two grooves, one on each side, which allows you to get in close to a zip. 

Additional Feet: 

• Invisible zipper foot.

• Leather roller foot.

• Patch/ quilting foot. 

• Walking Foot. 

Bargin Patterns

Where I live is notorious for having lots of charity shops,  a new one seems to pop up each week. Which is fab for bargain lovers like me!

So when I'm browsing I always look for patterns even,  if they're not my size to put in my collection. So today (Saturday 21st February 2015) I had a great little find and what makes it even better is they are my size!

For 99p I got 3 uncut prima patterns. Yes, they may not be the best patterns any of us  have ever bought, but they will do and should make some beautiful garments if sewn correctly!

I got a pattern for:

• A flared skirt in different length. (The shortest is my favourite... hey no judging I'm young!)
• A Top and Tunic - Great for beach wear.
• A Kimono.

What's the best sewing accessory you've found in a charity shop? Let me know and watch this space for blogs about making these garments. 

DIY: Planter to Pincushion

So I have suddenly become a major fan of Google+ and as I a was surfing through and adding people to my circles I found this fab video by Professor Pincushion, who was showing people how to turn a vintage planter into a pincushion. Anyway as soon as I watched this I knew I had to try it. So here is a blog showing you the process and how the final product looked!

Below is Professor Pincushion's original video.

Making The Pincushion:

Step 1: The Supplies.

• Planter
• Material
• Trim
• Baking Paper
• Stuffing
• Needles
• Thread
• Glue
• Scissors
• Sewing Gauge
• Pen

Step 2: Measuring the planter.

My planter was 8cm at is widest part and once I had multiplied it by 3, I needed a circle with a width of 24cm.

Step 3: Drawing the Circle.

NOTE: Since I didn't have any pattern paper I used baking paper.

Step 4: Cutting Out the Circle

Step 5: Cutting Out The Circle Pattern.

Step 6: Sewing Round the Material

Step 7: Pulling It In, Stuffing It & Closing It.

Step 8: Gluing the Cushion To the Planner.

Step 9: Trim

As you can see I took some artistic license at this point and added a bow to the back.

Finished Product:  

As you can see mine is certainly not as neat as Professor Pincushion's, but I am absolutely in love with it and it was quick and fun to make. So I recommend you all give it a go! 

3 Top Sewing Tips To Wet Your Early Morning Whistle.

Good to see you again sewing addicts, get your morning off to a great start with these 3 quick and easy to digest sewing tips. 

• If you cant find a thread with a colour that matches your fabric exactly, go one shade darker. It will draw less attention to the fact you couldn't find the perfect colour, or for new sewers like me your hems are perfectly straight.

• For the health and longevity of your sewing machine give it a clean every 4-5 weeks. No I don't mean give the plastic or metal a wipe over. Use the brush provided with your machine to clear out any lint and fabric fibres which could of gather inside your sewing machine.

• Keep the scraps of left over fabric when cutting out your pattern to practice on. By doing this you can check you are happy with the tension, length of stick or the way a decorative stick looks before doing it with the real pattern pieces.

Update: The Course

I am now about two thirds of the way through the sewing machine section of the course and am learning so much about my machine, it's unreal!!!

What what have covered today:

• Cleaning the sewing machine.
• Sewing machine needles.
• Thread tension and feed dogs 

Tips I have picked up and wanted to share with you.

•  You want to clean machine every four to five weeks. Using a brush which should have come with the machine and some sewing machine oil. You need to clean the machine to remove lint and fabric fibers which could of gathered in the feed dogs. 

• The numbers on the needle pack when you buy them are to indicate the thickness of they can handle. For example 70 would be for thin fabric and 100 for Jean fabric. 

• To check the tension is correct in the bobbin, place the bobbin in the case and hold the thread and let it hang if the bobbin falls out or begins to wind down the tension needs to be adjusted. To do this use the screw driver which came with the machine.

The Magic Of A Bobbin

Hi everyone, Jess here. Today we are going to be talking about Bobbins.

So every machine uses bobbins however some need a bobbin case, some don't. Mine has a bobbin and bobbin case. I don't know what's better. SO leave me a comment and let me know what you prefer!

Something very important we learnt in today's lesson is that there are different types of bobbins, these are:

• Plastic Bobbins
• Fully Metal Bobbins which are used in industrial machines.
• Bobbins with holes all round the front and back circle.

Apparently it's best to not use different bobbins with your machine, so always stick to the type you originally received when you bought the machine. 

Other things we learnt:

• How to fill the bobbin. 
• How to tread the bobbins in the bobbin case. 
• How to place the bobbin into a sewing machine.

Update: The Course So Far.

Hey guys! Sorry it's been SOOO long since I've posted, I've been rather busy this week. So let me give you an update on what's been happening on the course so far...

The Sewing Machine:

In the first set of videos we have covered the basics of a sewing machine. I have learn a lot about my machine especially since the example machine is a Bernina. Something very interesting I've learnt is that my machine has a lever which I can push with my knee to lift the foot. So that will defiantly come in handy when sewing clothes. Another thing I didn't realize is you can buy extras to complement your sewing machine. (For example different tread holders.)

Other topics we have covered:

• The different types of spool holders.
• Changing the bulb on your sewing machine.

Great tips I picked up:

• Have two sets of scissors, unpickers and tape measures. Keep one at the sewing machine and one at the ironing board when working on a new project.
• Use embroidery scissor to cut loose 'whiskers', because they're the sharpest. 
• You can never have enough sewing machine needles. 
• Keep some tailors chalk around to mark darts and notches on your fabric. (Must get some!) 

Basic Sewing Kit

So today I am going to talk about the basic sewing kit I keep on my desk, for quick projects. Firstly I bought this sewing kit when I was in Aldi for £2.99, so it may not be the best quality. However I do have a larger sewing box I keep my more specific items, sewing patterns and extensive collection of cottons in.



Anyway lets talk about the design, this sewing box is a cute tin with a light green, floral,  vintage pattern on and more importantly inside is:

Scissors

Pins

A pin cushion (I prefer my larger pear pin cushion though)

Needles

A thimble

Tape measure 

Cotton

A rotary tool
Stitch unpicker 

Different types of thread

So that's what's in my miniature kit, what handy things do you like to keep in yours? 

Introducing Betsy

So you are all probably wondering who Betsy is? Well she is my sewing machine, yes I know why would it have a name? Well she is getting on in years, temperamental, loved very much and we spend a lot of time together.

Anyway Betsy is a Bernina record electronic sewing machine. 

She can:

• Over-lock
• Darn
• Do basic and fancy stitches
• Embroider. 

Yes very fancy I know for a beginner sewer. I got this sewing machine from my very kind boyfriend's Granddad. It belonged to his wife and when she passed it was sitting there unused, so when I'd borrowed the mother in laws machine so much I decided to ask for one for Christmas, and when I told him what I planed to get he offered Betsy to me, and we've been together ever since. 

So far she has had; a new light bulb, new needles and a service will be coming up very soon. Yes this is one pampered sewing machine. 

My Sewing Journey: The Course.

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog 'My sewing journey: one stitch at time'. I made this blog to share with you my journey as a work through the e-careers course I've just bought off Amazon local for £19. The course is called:  Master tailoring and sewing tutorial package.

Here's a bit about me before we start. I used to make clothes for my dolls when I was little and properly learnt to sew when I was 14 at school, recently I've have taken sewing up again and made a fully lined vintage tea dress. I decide to do this course to learn more about fitting garments perfectly to my body shape and also to learn some new techniques for example how to do an invisible zip!

So I hope you enjoy this blog, if you have any questions or tips you can share with me, please post them in the comments below!