Friday, March 07, 2008

Starting the sewing blitz

It would seem to me that summer has by-passed Sydney town......or rather the hot sweltering summer that I know. Just a few days into autumn and I can already feel the cooler temps in the evenings.


Which then brings me to prepping up the kiddo's winter wardrobe with a few essentials that she was missing last year. Well, this is just the start 'cos there's a long list in my head and some colour coordinating to do on the fabric side. Part of the basics: two pairs of stretch knit 100% woollen leggings, embellished with a bit of crochet lace (we all know how much I love crochet lace!).


The fabric is lovely, soft and warm, just the exact kind I wanted. From here, of course. And the pattern is a modified version of the one in this craft book. The little model is napping, so no action shots today.

For those willing to start venturing into the realm of sewing knit fabrics, don't forget to use a jersey ball-point needle. Or suffer the grief having your machine eat up the fabric!

On a side note, would you bloggy folks be interested in clothes sewing tips and techniques? I'm thinking of starting a blog post series to share some of my sewing know-how. Not a blow-by-blow how-to on making a top. I'm crap at tutorials. More like how to finish a skirt hem or how to sew the invisible hemming stitch by hand or......you get the picture. We can even exchange stories on how we figured out this or that detail, like inserting invisible zips....arghhh! I've only done this once and I'm going to have to look up my trusty sewing book again to refresh. Anyhow, do let me know if you take a liking to this idea. I'm open to suggestions for specific topics.

Also, Teresa asked a question in the comments of this post on where to source the fabric stamp inks. Hi Teresa! The fabric stamp inkpads are made by Versacraft, and are branded either Versacraft or Fabrico. I got mine from a local craft show last year, however they should be easy to track down online.

Okeydokes! Must run. Tootles for now!

14 comments:

SadieandLance said...

Yes yes yes for sewing tips please, I need all the help I can get!

Cathy said...

I would like to contribute to your sewing tips blog - also for much needed instruction.

Di said...

I love the little trousers! I am sure that your hints and tips on sewing would just be gobbled right up by all us avid readers who are not nearly so talented!

Anonymous said...

oh, i love the leggings. the trim is perfect. do you think you could make some a little bigger? well, a lot bigger?

Joy said...

I would love to learn some new things! You have so much talent and skill thanks for being willing to share some sewing knowledge with those of us out here in blog land. Yippeee!

pungsnotded said...

Those leggings! They are great! I would love sewing tips!

Unknown said...

Mini tutorials would be great!

Here a few I can think of for novice sewers:

inserting an elastic band
Sewing with elastic thread
Anything about zippers!
a needle break down (ie which needles for which types of fabric)

Thats all I got for right now but I think you could do a lot with this idea!

Thimbleanna said...

Hmmm, cooler weather huh? Could be disappointing for my bub LOL! He's gone for the weekend surfing -- hope a shark doesn't get him. Sewing tips are always good - you never know what we can learn!

Belinda said...

I think I need to hit you up for some hands on tuition those leggings are great! Perhaps, we can do something on our child free day?

Suzy said...

I love those leggings - so much nicer than anything in the shops.
And yes please to sewing tips!

suzy www.floatingworldviews.com

Anonymous said...

the leggings are lovely, nice touch with the crochet trim. I think sewing tips is what everyone needs...there is ALWAYS something new to learn.

Louise said...

Yes, love the idea of a sewing tips blog! I know there will be many supporters out there - you'd be surprised at the questions people have. Go for it Jade!

Abby said...

hell yeah.... I luv tips.... bring em on!!!

Anonymous said...

I would love sewing tips! Especially for making toddler clothes too! I love all the stuff you make and need all the help i can get in sewing things for my little one. :)