Sew?

lindyhop · 04-17-2008, 09:10 PM

Because I don't have enough unfinished projects all over the place I've taken up sewing again. Also because I can't find what I want in stores. I found a great skirt pattern but I decided I needed to adjust the pattern to fit. I researched how to do this and finally sat down and traced it out on some tissue paper, taking the waist from one size and the hips from another. Then I made a "muslin" to test the fit and decided I could go down a size in the waist so I redid my tissue pattern.

Because I could only do this in little bits of time here and there it has turned into The Project. The pyramids didn't take this much thought. But I'm having a great time figuring this all out even if it is taking much longer than I expected.

I finally started working on the actual skirt and that went pretty fast until I ran into some trouble doing the waistband. I didn't get back to it again until last week but I finally finished and decided to wear it to work today. I tried it on and it's still too big but I wore it anyway, damn it, since my sweater covered the waistline. But now I realize that I can probably just make the pattern size that fits my hips and I didn't need to do all the engineering I spent so much time on.

I already have more fabric cut out which I'll have to adjust down to the right size. I used a brown cotton fabric for the first skirt which is really too stiff but now I'm going for the one I really want to make in a pretty brocade print. And I already have fabric (red polka dot) for another skirt pattern I found: a Hollywood-waist (high waist) flared skirt.

I'm having a really good time.

3894 · 04-20-2008, 12:53 PM

Nicely done, lindyhop.

I recently bought myself a sewing mannequin, after wanting one for forever. The one I really wanted would have been just like on Project Runway; instead, I spent 1/2 that and got a less cool one that works just fine.

The first thing I made with it was a kimono, making but a tiny dent in my huge stash of Asian-y fabrics. There was going-out-of-business sale, see, and everything was 80 or 90% off. I could outfit an entire production of "The Mikado" with what I bought.

I decided to line the kimono with a semi-coordinating fabric. It looks great but it makes the kimono way too heavy. Live and learn

Snowflake · 04-20-2008, 01:03 PM

Does this mean 3894 is planning to join the Japanese expedition?

lindyhop · 04-20-2008, 01:33 PM

Live and learn, absolutely! I quit sewing ages ago because everything I made looked too homemade. I think part of the problem was wanting to cut corners everywhere. I didn't realize that just added to the unprofessional look. When I made a skirt to wear last Halloween I went overboard following directions and actually sewed a zipper that looked...good.

I was looking at sewing mannequins but my skills don't merit one just yet. But how great to be able to display your accomplishments on one. I will share a photo or two when I actually figure out how.

Morrigoon · 04-20-2008, 09:37 PM

How funny, I'm working on a skirt myself right now

Must just be "sewing time" or something, LOL.

I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping.

lashbear · 04-21-2008, 03:44 AM

I made a sequinned skirt once.

Kevy Baby · 04-21-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping.

Can't you just have A stand really still for a length of time?

Capt Jack · 04-21-2008, 10:42 AM

my mom had one of those mannequin type thingies when I was growing up. damn thing used to scare the crap out of me....up until my lil bro and I decided it would make a great suit of armor.

its less frightening once you know you can drive a makeshift lance through it.

Ponine · 04-21-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping.

I have had mannequin envy for years.... eso once I saw the ones where you can "dial out" to your own size....
since I lack the abilty to tailor with a darn.

Morrigoon · 04-21-2008, 01:28 PM

I've heard you can make your own mannequin of your body shape using cheap BVD shirts and duct tape. Basically wear the t-shirt (and shorts, presumably) and tape all around every surface from shoulder to hip, then cut it off you and stuff it.

04-17-2008, 09:10 PM	#1
lindyhop Swing Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Long Beach Posts: 997	Sew? Because I don't have enough unfinished projects all over the place I've taken up sewing again. Also because I can't find what I want in stores. I found a great skirt pattern but I decided I needed to adjust the pattern to fit. I researched how to do this and finally sat down and traced it out on some tissue paper, taking the waist from one size and the hips from another. Then I made a "muslin" to test the fit and decided I could go down a size in the waist so I redid my tissue pattern. Because I could only do this in little bits of time here and there it has turned into The Project. The pyramids didn't take this much thought. But I'm having a great time figuring this all out even if it is taking much longer than I expected. I finally started working on the actual skirt and that went pretty fast until I ran into some trouble doing the waistband. I didn't get back to it again until last week but I finally finished and decided to wear it to work today. I tried it on and it's still too big but I wore it anyway, damn it, since my sweater covered the waistline. But now I realize that I can probably just make the pattern size that fits my hips and I didn't need to do all the engineering I spent so much time on. I already have more fabric cut out which I'll have to adjust down to the right size. I used a brown cotton fabric for the first skirt which is really too stiff but now I'm going for the one I really want to make in a pretty brocade print. And I already have fabric (red polka dot) for another skirt pattern I found: a Hollywood-waist (high waist) flared skirt. I'm having a really good time. __________________ Hyperbole is the best thing ever!
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04-20-2008, 12:53 PM	#2
3894 Next Stop: Funkytown! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cheeselandia Posts: 1,907	Nicely done, lindyhop. I recently bought myself a sewing mannequin, after wanting one for forever. The one I really wanted would have been just like on Project Runway; instead, I spent 1/2 that and got a less cool one that works just fine. The first thing I made with it was a kimono, making but a tiny dent in my huge stash of Asian-y fabrics. There was going-out-of-business sale, see, and everything was 80 or 90% off. I could outfit an entire production of "The Mikado" with what I bought. I decided to line the kimono with a semi-coordinating fabric. It looks great but it makes the kimono way too heavy. Live and learn
	Submit to Quotes

04-20-2008, 01:03 PM	#3
Snowflake lost in the fog Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 7,831	Does this mean 3894 is planning to join the Japanese expedition?
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04-20-2008, 01:33 PM	#4
lindyhop Swing Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Long Beach Posts: 997	Live and learn, absolutely! I quit sewing ages ago because everything I made looked too homemade. I think part of the problem was wanting to cut corners everywhere. I didn't realize that just added to the unprofessional look. When I made a skirt to wear last Halloween I went overboard following directions and actually sewed a zipper that looked...good. I was looking at sewing mannequins but my skills don't merit one just yet. But how great to be able to display your accomplishments on one. I will share a photo or two when I actually figure out how. __________________ Hyperbole is the best thing ever!
	Submit to Quotes

04-20-2008, 09:37 PM	#5
Morrigoon I throw stones at houses Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Location: Location Posts: 9,534	How funny, I'm working on a skirt myself right now Must just be "sewing time" or something, LOL. I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping. __________________ http://bash.org/?top "It is useless for sheep to pass a resolution in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion." -- William Randolph Inge
	Submit to Quotes

04-21-2008, 03:44 AM	#6
lashbear SwishBuckling Bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In Isolation :) Posts: 6,597	I made a sequinned skirt once. __________________ *I Heart* my Husband - I can't think of anyone I'd rather be in isolation with.**
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04-21-2008, 10:42 AM	#8
Capt Jack check your head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,174	my mom had one of those mannequin type thingies when I was growing up. damn thing used to scare the crap out of me....up until my lil bro and I decided it would make a great suit of armor. its less frightening once you know you can drive a makeshift lance through it. __________________ a clear conscience is a sure sign of a fuzzy memory
	Submit to Quotes

04-21-2008, 01:28 PM	#10
Morrigoon I throw stones at houses Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Location: Location Posts: 9,534	I've heard you can make your own mannequin of your body shape using cheap BVD shirts and duct tape. Basically wear the t-shirt (and shorts, presumably) and tape all around every surface from shoulder to hip, then cut it off you and stuff it. __________________ http://bash.org/?top "It is useless for sheep to pass a resolution in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion." -- William Randolph Inge
	Submit to Quotes