Replies

1. 
   JanF | Dec 31, 2006 11:55am | #1

   HI Yvonne - I live near Chester - and have been a fan of Threads for a few years now - and if im not careful -an addict to Gatherings. Its surprising what i've learnt - just from reading the mag (although you'll probably guess from these posts that a lot of people are not 100% happy at the mo. with all its content)and from the replies from like minded folk! Would be lovely to chat - i'm a teacher of textiles - but coming to the end of my teaching career - can't wait for the next 4 years to pass quite frankly!
   However - after saying that - I'm beginning to see the possibilities on offer if i can be a little more flexible!
   Fatal for me - sat down in front of the box this morning - never do that usually! - and it was set on the shopping channel - hubby was obviously browsing before he came to bed last night!! but 1st. article was for Gemagic offer. a tool to attach gems/stars,etc to fabric. Good offer - so ordered one! supposed to be for school - cos kids love sticking gems onto things - and usually I say not to bother - cos sewing sequins on takes for ever - and usually the exam deadline is loomimg! I thought this might be ace for them to use - but have an idea this might be 1 I keep at home - getting 2 for 1 on the offer!
   If u r interested - try putting Gemagic into a search!
   Speak to you again I hope - all the best for a good New Year!
   Janh

1. 
   SewingYvonne | Dec 31, 2006 01:06pm | #2

   Hi Janh,
   Really nice to get your reply. I live in London and used to make all my daughters clothes when she was a toddler (she is now 20) and in recent years have made her a couple of going out outfits. I used to subscribe to Threads years ago and in the process of moving lost all my copies. I only have about 3 copies now. I got one out the other day (issue 104) and decided I was going to have a go at making a textile tetrahedron (p.78). Well, it was almost successful - my zip opens down rather than up (it's a clever idea of using just one half of a zip which I can't explain). I'd love to chat about making this if anyone else has had a go at it to hear your experience. Maybe I should start another thread on this subject.I used to be into sewing in a big way (had a couple of industrial machines and did a textiles course part time) but 'put it all away' for many years. Now I am starting to get back into it again but this time round I intend to make more things for me!!Yvonne

1. 
   JanF | Dec 31, 2006 02:47pm | #4

   Hi - jst clicked on - inbetween thinking about the lunch!!
   Haven't got the copy you mention - its about the time I first found Threads and had - 83 + 101 and then subscribed from 110 onwards - first found in Border books.
   Interesting to find uv put away your sewing stuff for a while and now want to get back into it. I get the same urges for knitting occassionally! 'cos I'm still working as a teacher of textiles technology in a big school in N Wales I never have a time when I'm not doing stuff - usually dressmaking (not so much now Ive lost weight and can buy things too cheap)but mostly free-motion embroidery for my own stuff. Trying to sort out setting up some sort of corset business for when I retire (4 yrs and counting!!)
   Any places where you can buy good fabric from across the net? We have a problem here with few stockists of fabrics and I'm reluctant to buy from abroad, but would be interested if a UK firm you could recommend!
   B in touch Jan

1. 
   SewingYvonne | Jan 01, 2007 02:14am | #6

   Sorry Jan I don't know of any as I buy mostly from market stalls or my local shop. But have a look in the England forum here: http://www.craftster.org and see if anyone there has any ideas. Good Luck

2. 
   skelly | Dec 31, 2006 01:30pm | #3

   Hi all

   I live in Nottingham and found out about Threads when I lived in Canada. I mostly do quilting and embroidery these days. I used to make all my clothes but don't really have the time anymore and don't have anyone to help me fit the clothes anymore.

   I mostly read threads for the great ideas and to 'think' about making clothes again some day. It would be nice to have blouses that fit and don't gape again!  But, I have even less incentive in Britain as there are lots of clothes for short, plump people! 

   Shona

1. 
   JanF | Dec 31, 2006 02:52pm | #5

   Hi - jumped into this thread - glad to talk to someone closer to me - I live near Chester. Is the Snibston Discovery park close to u + have u by any chance been?
   I'm getting into making corsets and someone told me there is a gallery there worth visiting- but of course I havent got around to it - would be interested to know what u thought if youve been - I want inspiration for shapes/decorations.
   Nice to chat and will try to keep in touch jan

1. 
   skelly | Jan 01, 2007 01:24pm | #7

   Hi jan

   Just got to Chester for the first time this summer. I really enjoyed myself. The friend I was with doesn't enjoy Discovery Parks so I didn't even know about it. Perhaps I can make it up again.  I did make it to a discovery museum in Leeds this fall - about health - can't think of the name of it. It was great fun if a bit gorey!

   Corsets?  I would think maybe the V&A would be helpful. Nottingham used to have a great costume museum and I think you can still make an appointment to get a special tour. I would bet that they have corsets.

   Shona in Nottingham