Let me introduce myself: I’m a intermediate level sewer and I’ve loved sewing since I started in 7th grade home ec class (back in the days when girls took home ec and boys took shop). I make about 70% of my own clothes and some for my 14 yr old daughter. I use the Elna Diva and Elna DC 5 thread serger I bought about 10 years ago. I don’t have any desire to purchase a machine with embroidery capabilities, at least not yet. Since I don’t have a lot of time to sew, my goal is to make everything I sew special in some way. I’m going to begin experimenting with surface design and I plan to purchase Creative Surface Design by Sandy Scrivano. My New Year’s Resolution was to spend more time sewing and doing other things I enjoy.
I’m happy to have found a sewing forum and I look forward to visiting often.
Replies
Hi there!! I am new to this web site and so glad to have found it , in the editorial of my new Threads. I have sewn all my life, and also have two knitting machines, and also do embroidery ,crocheting and tatting, and stained glass, and stamping. Well that's enough for now. It's really net to find people with the same interests. See ya..Bea
Hi Bea,
Your profile in your post sounds like it could almost be mine, except I don't crochet or tat. But I do know people that do. I sew, almost all the stuff I wear, with some things wildly embellished, I do beadwork, and make jewelry, have gotten into stained glass, and have a Brother knitting machine and a Bond. Last year I bought a sewing machine that has an embroidery unit, which opens up a whole new world. Now there's this Gatherings Forum to spend time in and get to know everyone who likes to sew and craft. What fun!
Matty.
Hi.
I'd like to introduce myself also. I have been sewing off and on since high school and really love it. My problems are with fitting for myself, which is why I don't sew as much as what I'd like. I'm really interested in getting a knitting machine. I taught myself how to knit some years back and managed a six-color skirt and hat for my then 6 year old daughter, a cable knit sweeater for my husband, and knitting mittens on 4 needles. I then stopped - I think it didn;t like to process of putting things together. I would like to know if you can knit yardage to be cut for sewing, and would also like to make clothing articles such as skirt and tops to wear. Can you give me any information on this. I'd also like to know the prices of machines and where I can get the best information about purchasing one.
I'm looking forward to getting to know others on this list. I'm a member of the American Sewing Guild and love to read and do sewing.
Hi Jan,
Welcome to Gatherings. It's been a long time since I purchased my Brother Knitting machine, that was back in 1985, I believe, so I don't think I'll be much help to you about that. I can suggest that you check out http://www.about.com the Hobbies section will take you to the crafting websites where you can check out the knitting , there should be some links to machine knitting. I'm sure there will be some information on the purchasing and different kinds of machines available. Mine was a manual machine, now the new ones are all computerized and expensive. The Ultimate Sweater machine that we knew as Bond may be a good buy, you can use chunky and thin yarns, and yes you can knit yardage to make into garments. That's call 'Cut and Sew'. A serger is a necessary piece of equipment if you plan to cut into your knit yardage, otherwise everything will unravel before you've sewn the pieces together.
Hope this helps, Matty.
Hi Matty,
Thank you for the reply and the information. I have looked at the Ultimate Machine (on the internet) and was very interested in it but had nothing to compare it to. I'll check out the site you mentioned for further information.
Thanks again. Jan
Hello, I'd like to introduce myself. I also have been sewing since the 'home ec' days. Now, 3 grown children later, I've decided to try sewing as a business. I've been taking in small alterations and through word of mouth, I now have my first bridal client. In the past, I've sewn for my kids and some home dec. things. At one time, we were involved with Civil War reenacting, and I really enjoyed sewing the period clothing. I've been working on getting my homepage together, and managed to post some of the things I've made on it. The wedding gown I've contracted to do will be my most challenging work to date, as it will be a copy of a designer gown. I've been reading alot of the posts but haven't been able to find an answer to a specific question I have...This gown is an A line, strapless, empire waist. I was wondering if anyone here has made something like this? If so, did you make an inner corselette from the empire seam to the waist? Or a full empire type corselette? I hope this makes sense. LOL I'm needing all the help I can get. Thank you,
Marcia
Hello all! I'm new to this forum and want to introduce myself. I look forward to reading and learning here often! I'm 57 yrs. old and have been sewing a long time! I made my first wearable outfit at age 10. My mother sewed for others so I had ample opportunity to learn. I've done garment sewing, home decor and many years of quilting. I sew on a variety of machines (Pfaff 2144, Bernina 1090, Featherweight 221, Pfaff 4852 serger and Gammill quilting machine) and I really need them all! LOL
Quilting took over most of my sewing for about 12 years until the grandchildren began arriving almost 3 years ago. With only 1 granddaughter out of the 5 grands, I've had fun making her (and her dolls) special outfits. I finally lost about 50 pounds in the last few months and now have the urge to sew for myself again!
I look forward to trying new things and relearning the basics of garment construction! I've enjoyed reading the other introductions and look forward to "talking" to you all.
Peg
SW Missouri
You tat, also? I thought I was the only one left in the world who still tatted! I make little edgings for peasant and hippy style blouses and shirts that I sell to little boutiques. I use old patterns from old victorian books. What type of tatting do you do?
linda
Hello everyone! I'm new to the Threads discussion boards, too. I used to hang out in the gardening forum quite a bit, but I haven't been there lately. I've been a sewer, crafter for many years, but I have a new challenge and think I may need some advice and moral support on this project. My daughter is getting married in August and has decided that we are going to make her dress. I ordered the fabric today, but I'm a little nervous. Hope I can get some advice from you while I'm working on this task.
Madeleine
Hi, Madeleine, and welcome. You've come to the right place for advice, support, and (I hope this won't be necessary) commiseration when appropriate. Undertaking the wedding gown is certainly a worthy enterprise, and you'll get plenty of help here. I hope you and your daughter enjoy the design and creation process, and there's nothing quite like having a custom-made gown. Good luck!
Carol
Thank you Carol. I think the time my daughter and I spend together on this project will make it truly worthwhile, even if I tear out a little hair along the way!
No, no, don't tear out your hair! Everyone rips out a few seams once in a while (I did some seam-ripping myself just yesterday--black on black,though, which is murder on the over-40 eyes), but hair must remain on the head!
Carol
My daughter got married several years ago, and wore the wedding dress that my mother and I both wore, so all I made was her veil. But, I did make the bridesmaid's dresses. (Don't make the mistake I did and end up tacking on the lace that morning!) It was a wonderful experience and even with all the hysteria and tears, it was a true bonding time. I am looking forward to working on granddaughter dresses someday.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. My daughter had wanted to wear my wedding dress, but there was no possible way to make it fit her. We are very different body types. So, I guess making her dress is the next best thing. I admire you making the bridesmaids dresses! That seems like a larger task since it involves more dresses! And more people to please!
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