ATAR Notes: Forum

General Discussion => Creative Corner => Topic started by: Owlbird83 on January 16, 2019, 08:52:17 pm

Title: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 16, 2019, 08:52:17 pm: Hey guys I don't know if there's already a sewing thread but if there isn't please post pictures here of any things that you sew!

I have been sewing for a while maybe 3 years. I first made some very simple bags/pencilcases/cushions. I have sewn quite a few tops and dresses but the majority have been very unwearable. I have slowly been improving though and today I made a jumpsuit/two piece thing that I'm really proud of! It's one of the first clothes I've made that my mum hasn't said looks ''Interesting''.
In the past I've tried to avoid zips because I've had bad experiences but I'm excited because I finally added one successfully! I bought this nice material for $3 at an opshop (Where I get most of my material because Spotlight so expensive, especially since there's a high chance I'll ruin it. But like it's almost cheaper to buy new clothes than to buy the material to make it I read about an experiment where they got people to make paper cranes then gave them a choice to either buy back the ones they made themselves or buy or perfect ones that were already made. They found that people would pay more for the ones they made themselves even though they were messier and worse than the perfect ones someone else had made.
Does anyone know of any cheap material stores? I really like this fabric even though I think it's intended for an armchair or couch, but oh well :P .

It's also the second time I've tried sewing trousers, but they're not as scary as you'd expect.
(https://imgur.com/qGTjIuz)

(https://i.imgur.com/qGTjIuz.png)

Edit: Yay I finally used imgur for the first time!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 17, 2019, 11:48:38 am: I had a tiny bit of material left and I didn't want to waste it so I made myself a new pencil case with it and some scraps of denim from old jeans.

(https://i.imgur.com/yDcz4O7.jpg)
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Poet on January 17, 2019, 03:50:44 pm: Owlbird, this is amazing!! you have talent to sew like this, I especially love the pencil case's pattern!

I don't sew much and when I do it's always repair work or adjustment, but I know the effort it takes to work on something like this and I admire it! Keep us updated!! :)) <3 <3
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 17, 2019, 07:59:42 pm: Quote from: secretly_a_poet on January 17, 2019, 03:50:44 pm
Owlbird, this is amazing!! you have talent to sew like this, I especially love the pencil case's pattern!

I don't sew much and when I do it's always repair work or adjustment, but I know the effort it takes to work on something like this and I admire it! Keep us updated!! :)) <3 <3

Thank you sew much Poet!! ;D I enjoy it and I like fashion so hopefully one day I will get good enough to sew most of my own clothes! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: beatroot on January 17, 2019, 10:10:44 pm: I really love this thread !! So unique and so much skill going on, which I admire deeply <3
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 18, 2019, 08:49:37 am: Quote from: beatroot on January 17, 2019, 10:10:44 pm
I really love this thread !! So unique and so much skill going on, which I admire deeply <3

Thank you Beatroot! Hopefully I can continue to make things throughout the year as study breaks! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Isla77 on January 22, 2019, 09:19:19 pm: You are really skilled at sewing! I love the pencil case and your jumpsuit too!!

I also like sewing, although it is a bit of a past time now :'( regardless I will share with you guys here too if I make anything!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 22, 2019, 09:51:16 pm: Quote from: Isla77 on January 22, 2019, 09:19:19 pm
You are really skilled at sewing! I love the pencil case and your jumpsuit too!!

I also like sewing, although it is a bit of a past time now :'( regardless I will share with you guys here too if I make anything!

Thanks Isla! :D Yes please do!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: K888 on January 22, 2019, 09:58:56 pm: This is amazing! I am into knitting but I've never been great at sewing. My biggest exploit is making a dinosaur costume - basically just a hoodie with triangles running down the back that I stuffed with old pillow stuffing (plus the tail made out of the hoodie sleeves).

Re: places to get material - maybe some independent craft stores or material suppliers have some better deals? I've picked up really cheap but good yarn by going to a warehouse sale for a yarn supplier that also had a shopfront. Otherwise you can always try Lincraft but I'm not sure that it's actually cheaper than Spotlight.
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Isla77 on January 22, 2019, 10:37:19 pm: ohh just remembered (thanks for inspiring my memory K888 ;)) Lincraft has massive sales every few months and during those few days everything is 40% off I believe :) Got my formal dress fabric during that
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 24, 2019, 06:52:50 am: Quote from: K888 on January 22, 2019, 09:58:56 pm
This is amazing! I am into knitting but I've never been great at sewing. My biggest exploit is making a dinosaur costume - basically just a hoodie with triangles running down the back that I stuffed with old pillow stuffing (plus the tail made out of the hoodie sleeves).

Re: places to get material - maybe some independent craft stores or material suppliers have some better deals? I've picked up really cheap but good yarn by going to a warehouse sale for a yarn supplier that also had a shopfront. Otherwise you can always try Lincraft but I'm not sure that it's actually cheaper than Spotlight.
Haha that sounds cute! Yeah, thanks I should probably look for smaller craft stores. ;D

Quote from: Isla77 on January 22, 2019, 10:37:19 pm
ohh just remembered (thanks for inspiring my memory K888 ;)) Lincraft has massive sales every few months and during those few days everything is 40% off I believe :) Got my formal dress fabric during that

Cool I'll check it out! Wow you sewed your formal dress! That's so cool!! I have been wanting to sew a formal dress for a while but I'm too scared of mucking up nice material! Do you have a picture? My formal is in June its always the same day as the gat :-\ so maybe if I feel confident enough I will give it a try! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 27, 2019, 11:06:14 am: Up-cycling one of my Grandma's old shirts into an off-the-shoulder dress.

(https://i.imgur.com/pGGiw6G.jpg)

Sorry about the bad quality photos.
(https://i.imgur.com/AoCsvo6.jpg)

The material wasn't really long enough to be a proper dress, so it'll have to be worn with leggings.

I tried it on with a lace top underneath and the left over collar placed on it. I think if I can find some lace in an op shop I might try to attach cream lace to the top part and maybe attach the collar that I kept.
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/jBC7Bn8.jpg)

Or I might possibly add straps, because I don't really wear many off the shoulder things because I am constantly pulling them up and worried they will fall down.
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: mango8 on January 27, 2019, 04:15:24 pm: You are so talented!! Did you teach yourself to sew? And as an avid jumpsuit and off the shoulder wearer and clothes hoarder, I would love to try my hand at sewing my own clothes! I love that pencil case you made too! I have been loving browsing your fabulous creations, your keen eye, creativity and flair for what you do does not go unnoticed! Can't wait to see more :)
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 27, 2019, 08:30:35 pm: Quote from: mango8 on January 27, 2019, 04:15:24 pm
You are so talented!! Did you teach yourself to sew? And as an avid jumpsuit and off the shoulder wearer and clothes hoarder, I would love to try my hand at sewing my own clothes! I love that pencil case you made too! I have been loving browsing your fabulous creations, your keen eye, creativity and flair for what you do does not go unnoticed! Can't wait to see more :)

Thanks Mango!! That means so much! ;D Yes I taught myself to sew! I have never used any patterns, (I did buy one, but it looked really complicated and I didn't know how to use it really). I start by tracing the shape of clothes that I already have onto material. When you're learning, I recommend buying material at an opshop because you can get it really cheaply and so you don't have to worry about ruining expensive material. I had a really old Singer sewing machine (maybe 50 years old) that I my Grandma gave to me, but around a year ago it stopped working so I bought a really basic beginner Singer sewing machine at Spotlight for around $100.
At first I was a bit impatient, (and I sometimes still am) and I didn't really take the time to measure the clothes or use a ruler, so most things I made were a bit lopsided or didn't fit me properly.
Recently, I have started putting in darts, (which I think are necessary unless the material is very stretchy, they make the clothes fit and sit better.

Basically, now, I trace the shape of clothes on the material, or I make it a different shape, There's some kind of chalk you can buy, but I just use watercolour pencils.
Then I cut around it leaving enough for the seam. Then I pin it together where I want to sew and try it on. I move the pins around to make sure it fits properly. (I want to buy a dressmaking dummy thing so that I don't have to continuously be taking it on and off So many pin pricks)
With darts I think you can sort of see where they go by where the fabric creases or doesn't sit right, and so I pinch in a place where it's needed and pin it and sew it Sorry that was a confusing sentence . It might be better to just copy it off where it is on a top you already have.
Then I fold the hems over twice and pin them and sew along them. Or I don't because I get lazy once I've almost finished

Don't worry if your clothes are unwearable to start with I have many tops/dresses under my bed and in my cupboard that I have made then hidden away because i could not possibly wear them in public! It is only recently that I feel confident wearing a few of the things I have made in public!
I am still yet to try making proper sleeves, they look scary and I haven't tried them yet!

I recently watched some Youtube videos on sewing too, and it helps to see a visual of someone sewing.

Also, you might want to start by modifying clothes you already have that you don't want anymore, which might be more simple.

I too love jumpsuits and also have too many clothes! :D

I hope this was helpful! If you have any more questions please ask them or pm me! I look forward to seeing your sewing! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 28, 2019, 09:40:17 am: I turned one of my Grandma's old jumpers into a dress.
(https://i.imgur.com/pLMgvni.jpg)

At first I was just going to use the body for the dress and was going to make straps, but there wasn't enough material to make a long enough dress, so I opened out the sleeves and created the top part with them sewn together.

(https://i.imgur.com/mBnmHKI.jpg)

Because school is starting soon, this will probably be the last until the next holidays. ;D This thread is good because it's been motivating me to sew more!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: mango8 on January 28, 2019, 08:37:09 pm: Thanks for such a detailed explanation! Did you learn by watching people/videos? How long have you been sewing for? The fact you taught yourself to sew and are sew amazingly talented at it gives me confidence to try my hand at it! I've bought so many books over the years about crocheting/sewing/knitting and just looked at it, never actually tried any out (apart from a scarf haha). But yeah I have a working sewing machine so no more excuses! And a mannequin that I display hats and jewellery and favourite dresses on lol.

My wardrobe is filled with a ridiculously unnecessary mass of clothes and there's probably a lot I wouldn't use so modifying it and adding bits and bobs to change it up sounds like a great start! Gosh I just LOVE rompers and jumpsuits so much!! You look so put together with no effort and they are so flattering, très chic. That latest jumper turned dress ahh I love it, so gorgeous!! Where can I buy one? ;D

Go and rock those fab outfits girl!! Love them all! You were both helpful and motivating and I can't wait to get started!!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on January 28, 2019, 09:14:11 pm: Quote from: mango8 on January 28, 2019, 08:37:09 pm
Thanks for such a detailed explanation! Did you learn by watching people/videos? How long have you been sewing for? The fact you taught yourself to sew and are sew amazingly talented at it gives me confidence to try my hand at it! I've bought so many books over the years about crocheting/sewing/knitting and just looked at it, never actually tried any out (apart from a scarf haha). But yeah I have a working sewing machine so no more excuses! And a mannequin that I display hats and jewellery and favourite dresses on lol.

My wardrobe is filled with a ridiculously unnecessary mass of clothes and there's probably a lot I wouldn't use so modifying it and adding bits and bobs to change it up sounds like a great start! Gosh I just LOVE rompers and jumpsuits so much!! You look so put together with no effort and they are so flattering, très chic. That latest jumper turned dress ahh I love it, so gorgeous!! Where can I buy one? ;D

Go and rock those fab outfits girl!! Love them all! You were both helpful and motivating and I can't wait to get started!!

Aww thanks Mango, that makes me feel sew happy! ;D
I didn't really watch any videos or people at the start, I borrowed some sewing books at the library and sort of skimmed them and read some articles online. I learned by making lots of mistakes and finding out what not to do, and what works.

I have been sewing for maybe three years. At first I was just sewing pillows and pencil cases and things, then I gradually tried simple loose sleeveless tops and simple skirts.

Go for it! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Isla77 on February 04, 2019, 08:13:08 pm: Oh my goodness Owlbird83 your remakes are amazing!! Absolutely loved your blue dress from your grandma's old shirt, I thought that was really clever! Wanna try and see if I can do something similar from mum's old clothes ;D

Quote
Cool I'll check it out! Wow you sewed your formal dress! That's so cool!! I have been wanting to sew a formal dress for a while but I'm too scared of mucking up nice material! Do you have a picture? My formal is in June its always the same day as the gat :-\ so maybe if I feel confident enough I will give it a try! ;D

The formal dress was alright, but it took a loooong time because I kept on trying it on and adjusting it haha. Otherwise the sewing part was alright, especially because I kept it loose and not too tight so that there was always some room. But still on the day I had to use several safety pins to keep the fabric in place :'(. Recommend making it if you are keen, it'll be a good memory ;)

Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/vouhHCV.png)

EDIT: modified the picture so it's easier to access :)
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on February 06, 2019, 04:39:10 pm: Quote from: Isla77 on February 04, 2019, 08:13:08 pm
Oh my goodness Owlbird83 your remakes are amazing!! Absolutely loved your blue dress from your grandma's old shirt, I thought that was really clever! Wanna try and see if I can do something similar from mum's old clothes ;D

The formal dress was alright, but it took a loooong time because I kept on trying it on and adjusting it haha. Otherwise the sewing part was alright, especially because I kept it loose and not too tight so that there was always some room. But still on the day I had to use several safety pins to keep the fabric in place :'(. Recommend making it if you are keen, it'll be a good memory ;)

Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/vouhHCV.png)

EDIT: modified the picture so it's easier to access :)

Wow Isla! That's so elegant!!! I love the colour and style!
Same, I also always try on the clothes many times before sewing and get stabbed by pins a billion times!
It would be a great feeling to be wearing a formal dress you have made yourself! ;D

Thank you! The blue dress was sort of inspired by this video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZjGXcPPUbQ (If you skip to about 9mins through) ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on April 25, 2019, 08:43:09 pm: Hi everyone!
I know this isn't sewing but I don't want to start a different thread since I have been neglecting this one a lot.
Here is some wire jewelry I made today even though I probably should have been studying. Productive procrastination, but not helpful for my Japanese SAC tomorrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/KsK6z2B.jpg)

For the bracelet at the back I wove a thin blue strand through 5 larger wires in a pattern.

The earrings look weird at the top because I don't have my ears pierced so I attached the wire part to a top clip-on/screw bit that I bought (really cheaply in japan because many people don't have their ears pierced).

I really was into gemstones when I was in primary school and I wanted to be a geologist or 'gemologist', so I have a small collection of them. So I tried to make a tree of life thing (idea from Pinterest).

I really like the copper wire but I have made things from it before and it tarnishes really quickly so I coated the tree of life one with clear nail polish and I should probably do the same with the others soon.

Fun fact: the thin copper wires (for the tree) were from the inside of an electricity cord of an old appliance that we were throwing out!
(The others wires are from Spotlight).

Anyone else feel free to post non sewing stuff too! Or if you make jewelry! ;D

The back round is my clarinet case because that was the nearest black surface
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: mango8 on May 12, 2019, 08:10:43 pm: Quote from: Owlbird83 on April 25, 2019, 08:43:09 pm
Hi everyone!
I know this isn't sewing but I don't want to start a different thread since I have been neglecting this one a lot.
Here is some wire jewelry I made today even though I probably should have been studying.

I LOVE THOSE GEMSTONE EARRINGS SO MUCH!!!! I love gemstones too and crystals and all. And earrings. You should definitely think about starting an etsy shop. I know someone who started one with all her gorgeous earrings and she even got to a creator's market recently, don't let the talent go to waste, I can tell it will be in high demand, first customer is right here!!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on June 02, 2019, 08:39:06 pm: Quote from: mango8 on May 12, 2019, 08:10:43 pm
I LOVE THOSE GEMSTONE EARRINGS SO MUCH!!!! I love gemstones too and crystals and all. And earrings. You should definitely think about starting an etsy shop. I know someone who started one with all her gorgeous earrings and she even got to a creator's market recently, don't let the talent go to waste, I can tell it will be in high demand, first customer is right here!!
Thanks Mango! That's a cool idea to think about! :D

Hi people! ;D

Here is a two piece jumpsuit thing I made! The trouser part I actually made last term, but it took me for ever to start the top, but I finally have done it!
I really like the colour of the fabric, and it was also really easy to sew with too.
The halterneck neckline is one of my favourites and I have made quite a few tops similar before.
I didn't really intend for my stomach to be seen, but I cut it too short and didn't really have enough fabric to made it longer, so I feel mildly self conscious.
I think I might wear it to formal, because it would be cool to wear something I have made!

(https://i.imgur.com/7WxJhHF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LeV8Ct8.jpg)

Have a fabulous week everyone!
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: caffinatedloz on June 24, 2019, 07:17:53 am: Oh my goodness this is amazing! You are so talented!! I love the blue jumpsuit, when is/was formal?
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on June 24, 2019, 11:13:22 am: Quote from: laura_ on June 24, 2019, 07:17:53 am
Oh my goodness this is amazing! You are so talented!! I love the blue jumpsuit, when is/was formal?

Hi Laura! Thank you!! Unfortunately I decided not to wear the blue jumpsuit to formal, and instead wore a dress I had gotten at an op shop, there are still a few things I need to fix up with the jumpsuit. Formal was on the same day as the GAT haha.
Have you tried any sewing before? Please post on this board if you try making anything!
;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: caffinatedloz on June 24, 2019, 11:47:49 am: Quote from: Owlbird83 on June 24, 2019, 11:13:22 am
Hi Laura! Thank you!! Unfortunately I decided not to wear the blue jumpsuit to formal, and instead wore a dress I had gotten at an op shop, there are still a few things I need to fix up with the jumpsuit. Formal was on the same day as the GAT haha.
Have you tried any sewing before? Please post on this board if you try making anything!
;D

I have in the past but not for a while. I made a string of Hufflepuff bunting, some pyjama shorts and a bag last year but I can't remember the last time I got out the sewing machine.
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on October 20, 2019, 06:05:57 pm: Hi guys! ;D

My friend and I are dressing up as the the Princess and the Pauper from the Barbie movie, for 'celebration day' (the last day of year twelve), next week.

I found this blue dress at Savers for $5.50, and I modified it to look more like the actual one from the movie!

Sorry about the bad quality photos again!

(https://i.imgur.com/8vIMdVa.png)

Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/jb6GPJc.png)
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: caffinatedloz on October 20, 2019, 06:36:31 pm: It looks amazing! Very much like the real thing!! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on October 20, 2019, 06:40:08 pm: Quote from: laura_ on October 20, 2019, 06:36:31 pm
It looks amazing! Very much like the real thing!! ;D

Thanks Laura!! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 21, 2019, 05:31:00 pm: Awesome work! Very impressive.
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: Owlbird83 on July 11, 2020, 04:59:04 pm: Hi! I sewed a mask this morning, and thought I should update this thread! ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/A8wGkey.jpg)
(Click to unstretch)
(https://i.imgur.com/I9AKZcU.jpg)

It took about 2 hours I think

Progress
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/NYLwEN4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/h5I3338.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CLIAcsm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NtNhwRc.jpg)

I used this pattern on a website, but I found the instructions a bit confusing to follow, but I got there in the end. I traced the pattern off my laptop screen onto baking paper because I don't have a printer. There was a box that it says should be 10 cm, which allowed me to find the correct amount of zooming in for my laptop screen.
Website:
https://media.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/32/2020/04/Free-mask-sewing-pattern-9070b98.pdf (I used method 1)
Pattern: https://media.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/32/2020/04/Free-mask-sewing-pattern-9070b98.pdf

It has 2 layers of cotton, but I haven't got filter fabric for the middle. I'll probably add some filter fabric when I make them for my parents because they are more likely to go outside to the supermarket.

I went and donated blood this afternoon and like 5 nurses complimented me on my mask, so that made me happy hehe. Especially when the first nurse that I spoke to told the other nurses that I made it hehe. ;D

I'm happy with it because a lot of the time my sewing gets sloppy but I fully concentrating on making it neat this time!!

Please post photos of your homemade masks!!! ;D
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: K888 on July 11, 2020, 05:44:24 pm: Looks awesome! I lack sewing skills so opted to purchase a reusable mask haha.
Title: Re: Sewing thread!
Post by: sweetiepi on July 11, 2020, 10:05:39 pm: Quote from: Owlbird83 on July 11, 2020, 04:59:04 pm
Please post photos of your homemade masks!!! ;D
I too made a mask today- and it also took about 2 hours! ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/QzD3C7r.jpg)

I used this pattern (https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/filesimages/Coronavirus/003902oo-1%20Olson%20Mask%20V07.pdf) and then modified it by placing a couple of pieces of thicker fabric into the 'filter' slit and placing a bit elastic over the nose and on the chin of the mask to ensure a snugger fit! :)