Replies

1. 
   mygaley | Jul 05, 2006 07:04pm | #1

   Dear Thimbles, welcome to the group.  I have been sewing over 50 years and still learn something every day from the members here.  No question or design decision is too insignificant to ask about; we learn better together.  God bless you, Galey

1. 
   thimbles1260 | Jul 05, 2006 10:15pm | #3

   I think I read a post from you earlier.  I believe we are about the same age (I'm 56).  If I recall, you are from Louisiana, correct?  I'm pleased to meet such an advanced seamstress!  I've just gotten permission from my daughter to sew up a few things for the grandson.  I believe that may be a good place to start.  I can learn techniques without having a lot of yardage to deal with.  He's only 4 months, so it should be lots of fun!  Knits, here I come!

1. 
   mygaley | Jul 06, 2006 02:12am | #4

   Yes, I am a life-long res of the Pelican State.  I loved to make clothes for my sons (2) and grandson when they were little.  My specialty was the one-piece completely lined sleeveless jumpers.  They are perfect for embellishing and their daddys were very patient with me.  One Sunday am, my ds age 4, said "those pants don't come all the way to the ground".  When I tried the next Sun, he said "I TOLD you... Alas, it was blue jeans and tshirts from them on.  I am blessed with two dgd ages 11 and 14 who think an unembellished, unglittered garment is not worth wearing.  The boys come around from time to time, though.  I have made dozens of short-sleeved hawaiian shirts and can make one start to finish in 1-1/2 hrs.  I developed my own no side seam shorts pattern with patch pockets and can complete a pair in 30 minutes.  They love having their own color choices!  Also, there have been requests for costumes, hunting gear, and special-colored sport coats.  Also, my own son and the two sons of my best friend asked me to sew wedding gowns for their brides.  My latest boy project was a set of fleece sheets for their beds and they went nuts.  So you see, you have a lot to look forward to.  God bless you, Galey PS IMHO nothing is easier to sew than a hawaiian shirt with no collar stand; everything is finished by machine.  You can make matching ones for the baby and his dad.  Use a shirt that fits dad to find the pattern size.  G

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 06, 2006 08:57am | #5

   My son wants me to make him some shirts.  The pattern I used in the past were more complex than I prefer, do you have a few suggestions on the pattern for Hawaiian shirts? 

    Also I have not been able to find patterns large enough for DH who is a 3x, guess I'll have to tear apart one of his that fits to use for a pattern.  lol  MaryL

2. 
   thimbles1260 | Jul 07, 2006 01:32am | #7

   Galey: you said,

   "nothing is easier to sew than a hawaiian shirt with no collar stand; everything is finished by machine.  You can make matching ones for the baby and his dad.  Use a shirt that fits dad to find the pattern size.  G

    

   I can't wait to try them.  What a fun idea!  I always thought a hawaiian shirt was a reference to the floral print pattern.  Now I have learned something new already from you.  How does one recognize the actual hawaiian shirt as a specific pattern type?  I'm assuming that perhaps it is labeled as such, but are there other things to look for?

   Thimbles

1. 
   mygaley | Jul 07, 2006 02:45am | #9

   Better unlearn it LOL!  I think the reference does refer to the prints.  Anyway the pattern I use is the simplest short-sleeve men's shirt possible.  I don't have the pattern # in front of me, but these are the pattern pieces you need: shirt front with cut-on facing, shirt back, sleeve, collar (NO collar stand).  If this were for a woman it would be called a camp shirt.

   Tip:  Cut the inside edge of the facing so it is a rectangle vertically.  Interface the facing and the collar. Press facings inward, and press all the hem allowances in:  sleeves, back and both fronts.   Sew fronts and backs together at shoulders.   Sew collar pieces together; edgestitch. sew on undercollar, fold down upper sa and topstitch. Sew on sleeves flat (if you have the right kind of pattern, there is no easing in the sleeve head)   Open hems and sew backs to fronts beginning at sleeve hem and continuing to lower hem.  My men are tall and slim, so they don't want/need the side slits.  Topstitch with about a 1" double hem all around bottom and sleeves.  This is the look I prefer.  Sew buttonholes and buttons by machine.  I leave off the button at the collar.  Your grown men will have feelings about pockets.  If they must have one make a lined one, turn and topstitch. 

   I'm sorry I lost the message about pattern #s, but my DSNL is a 4X and today I saw these patterns online:  Simplicity 7187 and Simplicity 4975.  They come in King sizes; you have a good idea to measure one of his RTW shirts to compare fit. To all, I just found Simplicity 4287 and can't wait to make some.  God bless you as you sew for your men.  By the way, on pattern review there is a photo of 4287 worn by granddad and his granddaughter.  Galey  PS  There are no-iron fabrics out there and I use these as much as I can.

   Edited 7/6/2006 7:47 pm ET by mygaley

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 07, 2006 05:09am | #10

   Thanks so much!  I haven't used Simplicity patterns in years.  That is just what I am looking for so will try Simplicity again.  When my son was little, I made him little Hawaiian shirts and matching shorts.  I am planning to surprise DH with one now that I know about the patterns.  Mary

2. 
   user-167104 | Jul 05, 2006 07:21pm | #2

   Hi there, you'll find so many helpful and friendly people to answer any questions and show interest in what you are doing. It's a great place to make friends, chat, and share interest in sewing.

   Remember that the pattern envelopes give you suggestions for fabrics to use for the specific pattern.

   Just be sure to take measurements and use the guide on the envelope. Patterns, as far as I can tell, always run small. I wear 2 sizes larger in patterns than ready to wear.

   Hope you have great success in whatever you work on. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't:) but all is a learning process.

    

3. 
   Becky-book | Jul 06, 2006 03:40pm | #6

   Sewing for the kids and grandkids is lots of fun, but remember that babies grow FAST and will out grow that outfit if it takes too long to finish the details! (been there, done that!)

   Becky

1. 
   thimbles1260 | Jul 07, 2006 01:46am | #8

   Becky, you said, "

   "Sewing for the kids and grandkids is lots of fun, but remember that babies grow FAST and will out grow that outfit if it takes too long to finish the details! (been there, done that!)"

   You are soooo right!  I'll have to choose simple patterns that I can practice on quickly.  Nothing fancy for sure!!  I'm such a beginner though, that finding something simple that will still be challenging for me shouldn't be much of a problem!

4. 
   AmberE | Jul 13, 2006 12:44am | #11

   Welcome! I'm the editor at Threads and looking forward to your posts!

1. 
   thimbles1260 | Jul 13, 2006 03:49pm | #12

   Thank you Amber.  I am in lofty company here as a new seamstress!  I have done several quilts but I am a very beginner garment sewer.  I am in awe of the other ladies and gentlemen on this list

   I must take this moment to also express my pleasure with your magazine.  While much of it is necessarily over my head, I find that you include all levels of sewing experience.  I am going to try the "elegant, wide belt" in your latest issue.  I'm also eyeing the black sheath shown with it!  I think I could handle something like that if I select a fabric that handles easily.  Any suggestions?

1. 
   mygaley | Jul 13, 2006 08:56pm | #13

   If I could only give one piece of advice to a sewist who wants to sew garments for herself, it would be to line, line, and interline, interline.  Believe me, it is always worth the effort, and a touch of interlining in hems, etc. give a garment that expensive look.  I have never regretted lining or interlining but have not been satisfied whenever I left it out.  If you're really in doubt, use the softest thing you can find; maybe tricot or batiste--it still will make a positive difference.  Galey

1. 
   user-167104 | Jul 18, 2006 11:38pm | #14

   Right! I have many times skipped lining, and in Ready to Wear always love lined skirts, slacks, etc. But recently lined a skirt and am much happier with it. It's tempting to stop when you can get it done a little quicker without lining, but I now try to resist the temptation. Lined is much better, more satifying and makes a nice garment nicer.

    

2. 
   AmberE | Jul 19, 2006 03:22pm | #15

   I think that the right fabric can make all the difference in the ease of sewing. Natural fibers, like silk for the belt and a lightweight wool for the sheath, are my suggestions. One of my first projects was a black Audrey Hepburn-esque sheath that I still love to this day. I was fortunate to find Italian wool in the discount bin in NYC's fabric district. Good luck! So glad that we have inspired you!