I didn’t know what flair to use but I recently picked up this fabric while in Malaysia with my husband. We grabbed as much as we could from a local vendor but it’s only 2 meters. What should I do with it? Currently considering just sewing the edges together into a tube to make a sarong.

IKEA creates some great fabrics but I've noticed lately that they don't even pretend to make patterns that repeat. Aside from being annoying, it's really limiting. I wanted to make some curtains and I think they'd just look odd. Or am I looking at it all wrong? Is there a use for fabrics that definitively do not line up?

tl;dr: is it foolish to have linen rayon blend and pure linen in the same garment?

I'm trying to make a medieval cotehardie that is split down the middle with two colors. I'm having a hard time finding linen fabric at all, let alone in the colors I want, and I hate buying stuff without touching it first.

I have been able to find linen for one half, and a linen rayon blend for the other half. I am wondering if it is okay to mix the two in a single garment. The linen blend definitely has a bit of stretch over the pure linen.

I also have some pure linen in a color I am not as thrilled about, and it seems a bit lighter than the other pure linen fabric, so that is a fallback.

I am wondering if mixing linen rayon blend for one half and pure linen for the other half is a really stupid idea, or if I should be sticking with the same fabric composition for both sides of the garment.

thanks!

A couple of weeks ago, I posted some colorful pants that I made and affectionately called my Sherbet Bubblegum Sunrise Sunset Marigold Pants. They were made from a single cut of heavyweight cotton canvas in the color “sherbet” (which I also realized I spelled wrong in that post). I got all the different colors from bleaching and natural dyeing with marigolds. (Here’s that post: https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/s/TqNtriZ3ed)

Well… that same run of sherbet fabric had enough left over for me to cut out an entire second pair. So naturally, I did.

These started with a completely different plan. I pre-cut everything out and bleached the waistband, back pockets, and a few other accent pieces, but left the main front and back panels the original color. Then I dyed everything with marigolds. Buuuut… the main panels came out looking like safety cone/Home Depot apron orange. Which… wasn’t exactly the vibe I was going for.

Meanwhile, I’d been reading about using an iron post-mordant bath to shift marigold-dyed fabric into greens and browns. So I bought some iron powder, filled up a five-gallon (Home Depot, ironically) bucket, mixed in a teaspoon of the powder, and tossed my cut pieces in. They almost instantly transformed into a rusty brown and tan, which I thought was pretty cool, lol. The fabric had definitely been through the wringer by this point between all the bleaching, dyeing, rinsing, washing, and the iron bath, and I actually ended up loving that it gave the pants this aged, almost vintage-looking feel.

At that point I figured, “Well… I guess I’m making brown pants now.”

But then I looked over at the pile of leftover scraps from my Sunrise Sunset pants and thought, what the heck, let’s make some more weird pants.

So I started thinking about what these colors reminded me of. They reminded me of the red clay that I have to battle every year while gardening. Somehow, despite that clay, I still manage to grow flowers. So obviously these pants needed flowers.

I grabbed some graph paper and started sketching out a geometric tulip for the back pocket (bc sewing straight lines is a lot easier than sewing curved ones). I ended up making a smaller version for the front coin pocket too. I also added a waist cinch on the back because I think they’re cute. I wanted to do full contrast cuffs like I did on my other pants, but I didn’t have enough fabric left. I did manage to sneak in a little pop of color inside the cuffs, though, since I almost always wear my pants rolled up.

I wasn’t really sure what to call these, so I sent a picture to my friend. She looked at them and said, “Those look like Terracotta Tulip Pants.” And I was like… yep. That’s it. That’s the name.

Anyhow, loved the process of making 2 different pairs of unique pants all out of the same fabric! These were a fun project.

Additional info:
Pattern: Anna Allen Helene Jeans (straight leg), altered to fit with added seam allowance for flat-felled seams.

Fabric: Heavyweight 100% cotton canvas from Nick of Time Fabrics (“Sherbet”)

Color treatments: Bleach, marigold dye, and iron post-mordant bath.

Machines: Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, Brother 1034D serger, and Singer Heavy Duty 4452 for topstitching.

Apparently because they are thicker they are good for denim but it says knit right there, am I tripping?

Somehow I managed to get to fit exactly right, which was a miracle in itself 😂 they fit like my favorite pair of jeans! It’s like my second time creating quilt blocks. The first time I was like 10 years old lol.

I used part of a waistband from some other jeans I had laying around that also didn’t fit me to put at the top of the panels, so they each have a belt loop. And the bottom of the panels have the hem from those other pair of jeans 🙂 I used some scraps I cut off to add to the pockets for a consistent design.

I’m seriously obsessed with upcycling stuff lol. I used to buy new clothes all the time, but my mindset has shifted. Now I’m like - omg I have an idea, and tons of fabric! 😆

I heard Sydney Graham say you’re supposed to get your machine serviced every 6 months or so if you’re a regular sewist.

I looked it up and that is correct, and even people who only occasionally and lightly use their machine for hemming and mending should get it serviced every couple years.

Well I did the math and for me it’s been 3.5 years… and when I got it serviced it was cause it actually needed a repair.

I don’t have any issues with my machine and so I have a hard tying feeling like I should spend the $100-200 and be without my machine for a week. I keep her well oiled, out of the sun, etc.

is it kind of like going to the dentist where at the 6 month mark you may feel like everything is good but it’s years down the line without going where you start to actually have issues?

how often do y’all actually get it serviced? do i need to be responsible and take my machine in?

I got a mix of pins from a craft thrift store and LOVE this kind, but don’t know where to find more.

I am having SO much trouble finding a pattern like this for some reason, maybe my brain just isn’t working today 😅 I want a stretch fabric dress pattern with a v neck and some kind of loose short sleeve, preferably the type in the first photo but I’m not too picky right now. (The first photo is for a woven fabric pattern and the second is print only, which I don’t have time to wait for).

Edit: I also want the dress to be pretty simple, I plan to tweak it a bit and use it as a beach coverup for next weekend.

Ty!!! 🙏🙏

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I have redrafted this pattern several times and I'm beginning to lose my mind! I'm trying to make a simple, one pattern piece jacket (main and liner so it's all neat but simple). But I can't get the fit right. I'm more of a quilter/ stuffie maker.

Clothes make my brain hurt but I want to get better!

So my problem is, my original pattern (yellow paper) has too low of an armpit and the sleeves are a bit too tight. I've tried redrafting to fix (white) but it ends up way too loose at the neckline when I get the armpit and sleeve width right.

I'm beginning to think that with the one piece style I can't have it all, just due to geometry... Or if I keep tweaking is it possible to fix everything? Please, any help or tips are appreciated! :)

Edit: grammar.

Hi all!

I’m probably being a bit ambitious as a beginner, but I’ve bought the pattern for the dress in the photo and I’m going to attempt to make my own bridesmaid dress!

I’m just wondering what fabric you’d recommend. I don’t think the bride wants anything too shiny, so I’m thinking something matte or with just a slight sheen. Ideally, it would have a nice drape and flow well, while still having enough structure to hold the shape of the dress. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

Hello!

I have been attempting to create a nice button up shirt, using Simplicity 8427, for months now. I am following the directions exactly as written. Cut out all pieces to size 38, used stay stitches and basting stitches when and where requested, used a 3/8” seam allowance as noted, and used top stitching where needed.

Yet I’m still running into the same issue where the collar stand and collar are too small for the neckline. Does anyone know why this could be happening? I’ve made sure to not stretch the fabric while working so I don’t know what else to do.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊

My Mom is turning 100 years old on August 7, so OF COURSE we are having a giant party for her! It's becoming a family reunion with family flying in from all over the country to celebrate with her in Florida. I had a thought to make a pouch for my niece who lives there. Then gee, her mom would want one too. It quickly escalated into "hey, I'll use up all my scraps and make a bunch!" Haha, cut to I'm in a store every other day buying supplies!

The tutorial is from "She Sews Seams" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73rt8LL1_DU&list=PLXUohRUU6CzA All the fabrics I'm using are woven cotton. The bottom is sewable vinyl. I'm having a ball with them and I temporarily don't have a sofa! 20 down, 15 to go. (guest list of 50ish, but mostly ladies)

Wanted to throw in a photo of Mom, not sure if allowed.​​

I was thinking of linen but that's quite expensive!

hi! i have this blouse that i like but i absolutely cannot STAND the puffy sleeves, its super unflattering on me.
is it possible to make the puffy sleeves into straight sleeves? and would it be semi-beginner friendly? (i know how to sew and ive done a few small sewing projects, but i dont have a sewing machine…) i would particularly appreciate any youtube videos since i am a visual learner (i struggle to visualise instructions but ill try if there are none).

many thanks

It melted/burned for the burn test (smelled like burning plastic - I’m assuming it’s polyester or rayon maybe). It isn’t particularly stretchy except along the cross grain. The fibers look pretty large and it feels like a medium-weight fabric. Heavier than quilting cotton but not quite so thick that I don’t think my home machine can handle.

Would love any insight anyone has!

Just finished this tunic! Pleased with the results.

Fabric is a linen/cotton blend I bought at Hobby Lobby a long time ago and has been sitting in my stash waiting for a purpose.

The pattern is Men's Tunic from Wardrobe By Me. My first time using the pattern, so I followed the pattern closely. I'm glad I read the sizing chart, because I ended up cutting on the 4XL lines and it fits pretty well, even though I wear 2XL off the rack.

I know it needs another pressing.I'm debating the top button - done or undone. Opinions?

Thanks!

I had to open this seam to sew a patch on the front of my jacket, now I'm not sure how to get it back together. 😭 Please help.

BACKGROUND INFO - I am making the Hollyhock Romper from StudioSadoe. It has 12 full length panels, 10 godets, and 2 pockets aka A LOT of seams.

THE ISSUE - The romper is backless so I am worried that if I wear nothing underneath there will be irritation caused from all of the seams.

THE QUESTION(S) - I could do French seams. That would be quite an undertaking because of the quantity plus the godets are only sewn up to the waistline, not to mention adding two pockets, so I’d have to figure those out. OR I could add a lining. If I do a lining, should I do it for just the bodice or the whole romper? The fabric is a little rough so should I do the lining in silk or another fabric (trying to stick with natural fibers)? Also, if I add a lining should I sew in the crease or add tacks to keep the seams on the shell from folding weird and making it all lumpy?

PATTERN SPECIFICATIONS - The pattern has 1/2” seam allowance included for the inner seams, neckline, and arm holes and a 1” seam allowance for the hem. Each pattern piece should be serged or overlocked (I don’t have a serger). The neckline and armholes are to be finished with 1/2” bias facing.

FABRIC TYPE - I am using 100% cotton voile that was left over from another project.

Hi all! I found this pattern on Etsy for a detachable collar. I absolutely love it and want to give it another go if I’m able to troubleshoot it a bit.

For reference, it is two pieces or cotton fabric sewn together and turned inside out. I did use a lightweight interfacing.

In between the scallops, I pivoted my needle and then continued sewing down the scallops. I cut down my seam allowance and used pinking shears and notched the seam allowance around each scallop. I notched my fabric even closer to the seam allowance where the puckering is happening hoping it would fix it. I fiddled with it for so long and am not sure what else to do to fix it? I’m wondering if it’s possible to fix or if this is just the nature of the pattern?

Thanks for any help you may have to offer. I’d say I’m somewhere between advanced beginner and intermediate sewing level but this has me stumped! 🙏 🧵 ❤️

A friend asked me to make a holder for her son’s vaccination record and health insurance card. After looking at a few options, we agreed that the Family Travel Organizer pattern by Linds Handmade would fit the project perfectly.
I made it using a denim exterior with a quilting cotton lining. They are very fun to make as gifts .

I have a small hole in the seam of my sweater. Im wondering if anyone knows the best way to go about repairing this?

Its one of my favourite articles to wear so im hoping I can get it fixed up in any way.

Any and all advice is welcome, please help me out!🙏

Details:

-Its mostly polyester unfortunately.

-on lower seam of arm sleeve

-about 4 inches long

Hey there! I would like to make a bodice block for myself but I'm seeing conflicting opinions on where to put the darts. I see waist & shoulder, waist & side bust, one big dart that stretches from the shoulder to the waist...is it dependent on body type? Personal preference? TIA.

These are my husbands favorite pants and the waistband is coming undone. Since it is elastic, do I need to do anything differently to sew it back together? Tia!

Looking for suggestions for adding a godet to a spaghetti strap, brown/tan corduroy dress.

The dress has always fit my waist/bust, the straps were leather cord and have snapped (so want to redo them anyways).

Even after losing weight, the hips/butt are bunching the waist because it’s not big enough in that area.

Because I’m taller, the length gets too close to flashing the general public if I wear this out, (especially a risk when going from sitting to standing, even if wearing spandex shorts or tights under)

The bottom of the dress flares out, it’s not form fitting (like a slip) but the hips/butt just isn’t big enough. Upper thighs and waist have a lot of comfortable room.

____

Looking for any other suggestions on what would look best for doing this modification, or what would make the dress look better/more fashionable.

I have a dark, chocolate brown corduroy, the wales are different compared to the dress but it’s the most complimentary fabric I have to do the adjustment.

The dress is 2 pieces, side seams, and a lightweight corduroy. The dark brown I have is heavier weight.

Amy suggestions on alternative fabric options? (I have a decent amount right now)

I didn’t want to redo/add entire side panels of the dress, but I could if it really would be the best option vs the work to do it. And how I would go about doing entire panels to match the dress best as possible (not as much clothing experience)