Replies

1. 
   sewserious | Jul 14, 2006 02:14am | #1

   All of the above and more.  Home dec, purses, other accessories like hats and mittens.  I have made coats from casual to tailored.  I will sew most anything at least once!

2. 
   lovestosew | Jul 14, 2006 02:53am | #2

   Hi,
   I love to sew blouses and tops for myself, my sister and my niece, shirts for my husband, cushion/pillow covers, throws, lots and lots of handbags (can't seem to stop myself), skirts & jackets(both tailored and casual) as well as all kinds of paper-pieced quilting projects, wall-hangings and quilts. I love this forum and have really enjoyed reading the many topics discussed here.

3. 
   marijke | Jul 14, 2006 04:10am | #3

   Most of what I sew has to be "work-worthy."   My work environment is pretty casual, so I'm not limited to suits.  I like sewing skirts, jackets, tops, and an occasional dress, but I buy most of my pants.  

   I'm getting more interested in art-to-wear, but find that most of it is too "floppy" (big, loose, no structure or fit).  See, for instance the wonderful clothing this website: http://catherinebacon.com/   Looks great on pictures and very thin models, but I'm not that thin and I don't want to look like I am wearing my camping gear.  I would love ideas about clothing with more structure that's still artistic, unusual, unique.

   Marijke

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 15, 2006 08:44am | #7

   Thanks for the website.  I have seen some of her work, did not know where it originated.  The designs,fabrics, environments, and photography are so inspirational.   They are my favorite style, I just tweak them for my petite "mature" build.  I love Kayla Kennington's work also and have most of her patterns which I purchase from her website.  Mary L

4. 
   Josefly | Jul 14, 2006 04:31am | #4

   I like combining fabrics in ways not seen every day, or embellishing plain fabrics with tucks, pleats, or multiple rows of top-stitching. So the things I make are skirts and blouses usually made to look like a dress, either for casual wear or dressy. I was especially interested in the two articles in the newest Threads: "Pintucks Go Modern" and "Take a Fresh Look at Patchwork". I'm no young thing, and no longer thin and able to wear just about anything, but I still fall in love with the interesting fabric treatments I've been seeing in clothes for younger women the last couple of years: gored skirts sewn with the seam allowances outside and raw edges bound with a blended fabric, like a Hong Kong finish; flared, handkerchief-hemmed skirts pieced in odd shapes; corduroys and tweeds used like lighter fabrics - ruffled and flared. It's very exciting to see that kind of experimentation with fabric, and most of these things don't require special equipment or even advanced skills, just a free way of thinking about fabric and threads. I think everything I've seen that I really like can in fact be sewn with a straight-stitch machine -- maybe that's why I like them.

   Thanks for this question. Joan

5. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 15, 2006 04:30am | #5

   I especially love to sew gifts--baby clothes, prom dresses, throws, bags, accessories-- anything that I know someone wants but cannot find or afford ready-made.  It's a delight to create a gift for someone who wants "a non-pink baby dress" or "a track suit that fits right and has pockets for my keys."

   I also like to sew items for my home that make life easier or more beautiful, like furniture covers, shopping bags, gadget-holders (garage door clicker, reading glass case), pillows, and duvets.

   Sewing for myself has grown frustrating as my body has matured, but I adore sewing anything for my svelte daughter and athletic son, both of whom appreciate fashion but are way too tall for RTW. 

   Sewing for others brings me great pleasure and somehow brings out the best of my skills.

6. 
   tweediebe | Jul 15, 2006 07:11am | #6

   Hello all !  Good discussion, I wanted to comment on the web site suggested by marijke - lovely and unique clothing.  Just wonderful. There is alot to learn from a collection like that.  Of course it is not going to look as wonderful on 98o/o of us but we can take elements and bring them to life on our bodies, with our budgets, and be able to wear it on the street! My background is in costume design and custom made clothing. Today I make bags that are considered fiber art.  Such fun to use little stuff to embelish a wonderful piece of cotton, silk. or brocade.  I love to quilt and fabric shop.  I also make unique boutique items for Christmas and have a couple of shops in my area that carry my things.  But most of all I look to inspire new sewers !  The timly article in a recent threads made me feel great because I had the opportunity to do just that this spring.  We should all try to pass on the enthusisum around creating and the creative process.

   PAMM

7. 
   lilyrose | Jul 15, 2006 09:03pm | #8

   I am a newbe to the Threads forums, but already it/they are sparking my enthusiasm up some notches.  I sew clothes for myself only now, have worked on a pant pattern for me I  know looks okay-same pattern for dress or more casual pants.  When my kids were small, I did a lot of sewing for them, and the proverbial jeans mending- I'm quite good there.......but anymore people don't mend jeans, they wear the rips and tears with pride..... I love quilting, have mostly hand quilted for recent years on quilts I hope will be family treasures. Won a couple ribbons and $ there. Recent projects have been crazy quilt squares with hand embroidery, and quick quilts for a couple charity groups (that is personally rewarding and fun).   I am compulsive about quilt books and quilt patterns, and have been a fabric collector forever. (On that comment, I am widowed now - so clever ways to hide my stash are no longer an issue... why do I buy it? Some times it's "just because". I also love hand embroidery, compulsive there too, must have all the colors....

8. 
   SchnauzerMom | Jul 15, 2006 09:36pm | #9

   I sew clothes for myself.  I've tried making things for my hubby but he is really picky and difficult to please.  I'm not so hard to please.  I like to make casual clothes, although I have made dresses and suits for when I worked in an office.  I no longer work in an office now so I prefer casual stuff.  I also love quilting and have made several.  I usually piece the quilt on the machine and do the quilting by hand but I have also done machine quilting. 

1. 
   Alexandra | Jul 16, 2006 08:15pm | #10

   Mostly I sew clothes for myself, pants, blouses, skirts, coats, jackets, purses for my office job.  I also make lounge wear, lingerie, and sportswear less often.  Have made loads of home dec items; lampshades, fancy-smancy pillows, intricate valances, slip covers.  Love quilting too, and keep up with the latest trends in quilting although don't actually get to sew many quilts as my sewing time is curtailed what with the full time job and other interests like gardening and cooking. *G*  But playing with Electric Quilt software program is almost as fun as making a quilt; it keeps my quilt creative juices flowing.  I used to sew clothes for my husband too; when I wasn't working, topcoat, suits, ties, shirts, bathing suit, boxers, lounge wear, track suit.  I have also dabbled in doll making, fabric dying and painting, embroidery, and my current interest is in beading and jewellery making.  I like to do everything, at least once!  And pretty much have.

9. 
   SewNancy | Jul 18, 2006 04:36am | #11

   I mostly sew for myself. All kinds of clothing, though most of my needs are casual. I make tailored jackets, coats skirts and lots of pants. I am starting to sew blouses and tops so that I sew outfits, not just pieces. I love copying designer clothing to look stylish at a price that I can afford.
   Nancy

1. 
   AmberE | Jul 18, 2006 05:59pm | #12

   I love taking inspiration from designer trends as well. Lately, I'm on a '50s vintage-style streak---skirts and frocks. I had the opportunity to buy some vintage trims recently and am making good use of them!

10. 
    mimi | Jul 19, 2006 03:49am | #13

    I love to sew clothing for myself or my daughter (when she lets me!). 

    Right now I am making baby items since 4 of my co-workers are expecting a total of six babies, with two sets of twins!  Five boys and one girl, so very little frilly stuff.  I did find a great mini print of random Hawaiian shirts on a royal background, perfect for the Mom who has a sister stationed in Hawaii :)

    mimi

11. 
    TJSEWS | Jul 19, 2006 05:20am | #14

    I sew mostly for myself.  I sew for work but my workplace is pretty casual, kind of like a casual Friday everyday.  I've made pants, jeans, blouses, shirts, a jean jacket, an "army" jacket, a winter coat and a tailored blazer.  I also make even more casual clothing for home, such as slouchy pull on pants and tank tops. 

    I'm not an embellisher or art to wear type of person but I do like the clothes I sew to look current, fashionable and stylish.

1. 
   tipdee | Jul 20, 2006 04:36am | #18

   I like to sew blouse with tucks  and casual dresses skirts.  Curtains pillows. Also make quilts . I like to sew .

12. 
    lorelle | Jul 19, 2006 11:08am | #15

    I sew garments for my children, especially the girls. They have many wants. Sometimes one of my sons will want something made ( I have 6 sons ).  I also make my own clothes. My eldest child is 20 now and she wanted me to make her formal gown when she finished school last year. I was really proud of my effort. She was very happy with her gown which made me feel great. I sometimes make garments for other people as well. I find sewing and excercise the best at relieving stress. So very relaxing and much more fun than housework.

1. 
   AmberE | Jul 19, 2006 03:18pm | #16

   We've thought of doing a special occasion article---it's difficult for prom especially to get unique gowns and that's so easy with sewing. I love the relaxation of sewing also!

1. 
   mygaley | Jul 19, 2006 07:15pm | #17

   Didn't Threads have an article recently about refurbishing bridesmaid and prom dresses?  I loved that--there is always a young lady who needs an economical fashion solution.  Galey