For the seamstresses out there...

[Polka Dot]

How long have you been sewing?

On and off for twelve years.

How did you learn to sew?

My mother.

What was the first project you made that you remember?

A velour sweatsuit trimmed with red rickrack for my Cabbage Patch doll, Ernestine.

Do you have a favorite thing to sew?

Skirts and dresses.

What is your favorite step in the sewing process?

Hand-sewing hems and pressing seams.

What is your least favorite thing?

Figuring out alterations and cutting out patterns.

Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?

I seem to sew a lot of McCall's, but I'm not brand-loyal. I'd sew more Vogue patterns if they were cheaper. (P.S. This weekend JoAnn's is having a sale: $.99 for McCall's and Butterick patterns and $3.99 for Vogue. )

What era do you like sewing best?

I've never sewed with a vintage pattern or a vintage reproduction pattern, but I love the look of 1930s dresses. Sadly I don't think I have the figure for a slinky bias cut dress.

Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?

So far, I haven't. My mother has boxes and boxes of vintage patterns, though.

How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?

When I'm home I use my mom's serger on seam allowances. Normally, though, I'll just pink them and press them open. I usually hand sew hems.

Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?

Just myself.

What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?

Non-stretch. I don't think I've sewn anything but cotton, rayon, or polyester, though. I'd be far too nervous about making a mistake on $15 dollar a yard wool or silk.

What are your favorite trims?

I don't use much trim, but I love pin tucks for decoration. I don't always love sewing them, though.

Do you use a dress form? Which brand?

Nope.

What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?

A low-end Brother. I would not recommend it; I have tension and bunching issues way too often. If I could, I'd always use one of my mom's Pfaffs.

And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?

Well, I'd still consider myself a pretty basic sewer, but I would advise anyone wanting to learn that you can't learn overnight. Have patience and start with easy patterns.

 

[Lady Day]

*bump*

LD

Man, we go t a lot of good threads back in the aether

 

[Anwen]

*How long have you been sewing?

Only about a year, and I haven't actually got much done yet as I've been too ill/haven't had space. I'm starting to get into the doing rather than planning stages at last though, hurray!

*How did you learn to sew?

I took a pattern cutting course last year (working from Winifred Aldrich's book to complete a bodice sloper) and otherwise am working it out as I go along with a lot of books and internet resources. It was amazing putting on the calico bodice - it actually fit! So that encouraged me to get more into it, I've only made a skirt (a-line with silk organza underlining and french seams for the heck of it) and a dress (very basic - cut a hole in the fabric, stuck it over my head and pinned to mark bust/waist/hips then stitched side seams and figured out butterfly sleeves from there... Looked nice enough for summer holiday on a boiling hot Mediterranean island, and when I get a chance to tidy up the seams and hem/sleeve hems, it will be pretty ace!

*What was the first project you made that you remember?

The skirt (made with gorgeous red rose print quilting cotton - the roses are all over (think the image from American Beauty, without the young lady...))

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?

Not yet - I'm planning to try most things.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?

Planning, apparently... I actually quite like cutting out, as it's fiddly and precise but in a manageable way... Similarly I quite like hand sewing (probably because I've been knitting longer than sewing, so in comparison to having to produce the actual fabric, hand sewing seems quite quick)

*What is your least favorite thing?

Things going wrong/getting confused...

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?

Style wise, Butterick and Vogue, as I like their repro patterns, and Butterick also has quite a few non-repro patterns with vintageable details/sillhouettes. I am plus size and don't have the patience for sizing up, so for the moment I'll stick with the modern ones, though I do have a couple of vintage patterns in my stash (including the 1950s original of one of the Simplicity repros)

*What era do you like sewing best?

I'm mostly interested in the 40s styles, both for aesthetics and economy - the fifties styles are beautiful, but use so much fabric in those fabulous full skirts and petticoats!

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?

Depends. Mostly pinking, unless quite delicate, in which case I lean toward french seams or seam binding - I am also inclined to use seam binding on woolen things, as I love the look of a bright satin binding on the inside of a sensible dark wool skirt...

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?

Oh, good point, I've also made a couple of things for my daughter - a princess dress and cape for Purim, and a very simple dress made from a tube of fabric which came with one-third of the width shirred.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?

Not sure yet, I've mainly sewn cotton. I like wearing silk and wool, so I'm hoping I'll like sewing them, too, though I hear silk satin is tricky to sew. I have quite a lot of both in my stash, including some lush silk-blend jersey (need to figure out a fortiesish design that will work in jersey)

*What are your favorite trims?

I don't really go in for a lot of embellishment in my clothing, but I do love haberdashery so I may end up with far fancier clothes than I would buy I really like bias tape, there's a shop in London which has rolls and rolls of it sold by the metre, mainly plain but some patterned, including some gorgeous floral cotton ones and some rather sixties abstractish ones. I haven't quite worked up the guts to make my own yet, though I plan to have a go on some camel superfine wool I got for £2 (a 1m remnant, yay!) as I really want to make a navy skirt with camel piping in the seams and camel godets or pleat underlats. I also really like lace and grosgrain ribbon, which again this shop has in lots of colours and widths, and ribbon with embroidery on it.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?

I have a very basic Brother machine, seems fine for a beginner (though I do dream of a 1 step buttonhole)

 

[Rachael]

*How long have you been sewing?

counting Barbie clothes by hand? about 30 years

*How did you learn to sew?

my mom always sewed clothes for us, but it was my older sister who took the time to set me down and explain a pattern to me. Mom let us use Grandmas' old black and gold Singer upstairs for projects, which was great because most of the moving parts were visible so I could understand just what the machine was doing.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?

The first thing I made that I wore was a dress for the seventh grade formal. It was the 80's and mom wouldn't make what I wanted her to so I bought the pattern and fabric myself. I would cringe today if I saw it, but I was sooo proud!

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?

I love making structured jackets and suits. It's more difficult, but there is such a sense of accomplishment each time I suss out a new tailoring detail.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?

the major construction. it goes so quickly, and it's easy to see progress

*What is your least favorite thing?

all those little things in the "almost done" phase. Hand Hemming, Buttons, pressing, slipstitching facings... I find myself stuck in "almost done" for days on end.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?

modern patterns, it's Vogue whenever possible. for vintage, it depends on the era. I do have a few that I will never buy again, but those are mostly small companies who don't know what a sloper is.

*What era do you like sewing best?

Oh, I can't answer that one! I could never be faithful to just one era.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?

I always trace the vintage pattern then work from the copy. That way I can alter, pin, and otherwise mistreat it without guilt.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?

love my serger!!! but if it's going to show, I bind hems and pink seams.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?

The stack of stuff to make for me just grows bigger. I mainly sew for clients, with the Mister being a close second and my daughter pulling up in third.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?

for women's clothing, I love silk. it just drapes so well and feels great when I'm handling it. For menswear, nothing beats wool. Because unlike men, it does what you tell it to.

*What are your favorite trims?

Satin ribbon. I use it on hats, as a skirt detail, and for interior things like hem edging. It is a great way to add a visual interest to a simple garment, and if you use a short stitch it can be applied by machine.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
I have several dress forms, only one of which has a label on it, the Dritz My Double. I also have a vintage small size women's and two men's forms. I picked up a Baby Bjorn display which works wonders since it's on a sturdy stand and is pinnable. I really only use them as hangers, except for when I want to drape a collar.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you recommend it to others?

My current machine is an Elna. I've been through most of the major brands, and am pleased with this one. My only complaint would be that it doesn't do rounded buttonholes.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?*
start slow, realize that you will make horrible, embarrassing mistakes, and keep going anyways. Sewing your own wardrobe opens up an amazing world of possibilities, so don't let the big stuff scare you. And when you do get to the point where you're sewing on the 'scary' fabrics, make a muslin first so that you're an expert before you cut out the real dress.

 

[maggiethespy]

*How long have you been sewing?
About 14 years
*How did you learn to sew?
My grandmother taught me on her 60's Singer when I was six years old.
*What was the first project you made that you remember?
I made a heart shaped throw-pillow from a pattern she had lying around and never used and some scrap fabric from a dress she made me. She did all of the gathering and the cutting, but I did the major seaming and pinning. This was the first time I sewed and I remember it vividly because I was terrified I'd sew my finger as she had just told me about the time she sewed straight through her thumbnail when she was twelve.
*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
I love making clothes-- mostly dresses. I really like making dresses.
*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Probably the part right before you can look at an item and tell what it is. You know, when you are sewing, and you know what you're making and it's starting to shape up, but if anyone else were to look at it, they'd have no clue what you were making? It's like you have a little secret that no one else knows. I love feeling superior I also love pleats.
*What is your least favorite thing?
"easing" a piece into place kind of drives me crazy, but it looks great, so I really can't complain.
*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
Modern: Simplicity
Vintage: Hollywood
Repro: Sensibility
*What era do you like sewing best?
I LOVE sewing 40's and 50's, but I loved making my two Regency Gowns and the corset and chemise to match.
*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
I use my grandmother's old patterns and some that I have purchase. I'm very careful.
*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
I flat-fell most of my seams and pink the ones I can't get to. I usually hand hem skirts and pants, but I machine hem sleeves because I usually use a trim.
*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Usually only for myself, but I do commissioned work sometimes.
*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Broadcloth, calico... the easy stuff.
*What are your favorite trims?
I love lace! And Ribbon!
*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
I use the "Maggie wrapped herself in duct tape, cut it off and stuffed it" brand. Or I just try things on myself and have someone near by pin it for me.
*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
I have a Singer that I adore, but I've also been using my mother's Brother lately. I love them both.
*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Measure twice, cut once! Always follow seam allowances, keep a seam-ripper handy, and don't be afraid to mess up!

 

[Neany73]

*How long have you been sewing?

In one way or another, 30 years

*How did you learn to sew?

I guess it was my mum initially, but since the very early days of learning to put the needle in and out of the fabric, it was school and college.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?

I remember nothing clearly until the hideuos top I made in school in the 80's. Oh no, it was the cushion that was embroidered with a fox the first year of secondary school.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?

50's dresses as they suit me best.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?

It constantly changes, so now I go with it. If I'm in the mood to cut out I'll cut out as much stuff as I feel like until I feel like sewing again, or finishing or whatever stage I want to do. This does however end up with some unfinished stuff, just not as much as if I always tried to force myself to finish one garment at a time, I just never would.

*What is your least favorite thing?

See above

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?

Not really

*What era do you like sewing best?

50's

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?

Yes and I'll mostly trace them off to use them, but sometimes if they're already cut I'll use them like that

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?

Overlock (serge) and then hand sew up with a blind hem stitch, I could do it on the machine, but I rather enjoy handsewing them

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?

I don't sew clothes for other people because I just hate doing that, but I do make cushions for a local shop.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?

Without a doubt, quilting cottons. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a novelty fabric lover (I know, I know, kinda tacky in a 50's style dress but it suits me!) and I find they have the best prints and they iron up so well.

*What are your favorite trims?

black lace. God that sounds so tacky now!

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?

I use an Adjustaform dressform http://www.adjustoform.com/acatalog/AEArthur_Lady_Valet_1.html mostly because I got a discount buying it through the sewing machine shop I work in

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?

I often do recommend it as I sell them for a living! I have the Janome 6600P http://www.janome.co.uk/products/6500P.php and I wouldn't be without the hulking big thing! I also have a Janome overlocker and embroidery machine which I also love. I would like to add a Bernina 440 and a Pfaff Expression 4.0 to the collection. Yes, ADD! Both for different reasons.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?

Just don't give up, one day it will click and you'll start churning out garments.

 

[imatangelo]

*How long have you been sewing?
on and off 18 years give or take

*How did you learn to sew?
My Mama taught me, then a took a class in high school, now, just stumbling along

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
I remember hand sewing pillows for my stuffed animals

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Dresses for me! and gifts for other people

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Putting in zippers, fitting the garment

*What is your least favorite thing?
altering the patterns to fit, hems, pressing

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
I tend you lean toward McCalls

*What era do you like sewing best?
50s and 60s

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
I have. I trace them so I can alter them as needed without cutting up the pattern.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
I like to use my serger, but it depends on the fabric. I just finished a skirt where I could just pink the seam edges

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
I love sewing for other people because it makes them happy that you spent all that time on something just for them

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
I don't really have a favorite, but I very much dislike knits... can never get the hemp to look right

*What are your favorite trims?
I was never really one for trims. I like rick rack and piping

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
I wish! I keep meaning to make one of those duct tape ones...

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
I have a Janome machine and a Brother serger, and I adore them both!

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
It can be frustrating at first, and I have ripped out more seams than I care to talk about. Thus, the on and off. But pick up a good basic book of sewing and have at it. Also, measure your patterns and adjust. I now prefer to wear the clothes I make because they fit better and I feel great because I know I made it! What better way to express yourself?

 

[kamikat]

*How long have you been sewing?
close to 20 years
*How did you learn to sew?
self-taught
*What was the first project you made that you remember?
medievalish tunic for a costume
*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
dresses
*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
picking out fabrics
*What is your least favorite thing?
cutting
*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
vintage-Simplicity modern-KwikSew
*What era do you like sewing best?
50s
*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
depends on their condition. most of mine I copy onto muslin and use that for fitting and future garments. The ones in really bad shape get fused to iron-on interfacing before I copy them to muslin.
*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
with my serger
*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
I used to sew for others for a living, but I hated it. Now I sew for other only as gifts.
*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
linen
*What are your favorite trims?
I don't use alot of trims.
*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
Uniquely You.
*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
My main machine is a Pfaff. I love it, but right after I bought mine, the company was sold. I don't know if the quality is the same now. My serger is a Janome and I would recommend it. My embroidery machine is a Baby Lock. I would not recommend it. I regret buying it.
*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how we learn!

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

Cool! Questionnaire! (AKA totally avoiding Stuff I Need To Do)

*How long have you been sewing?
I'm sure I sewed or tried to sew a few things as a child, but actually started really sewing later on. So...about 4-5 years.

*How did you learn to sew?
From my mother at first, and then books, the Internet, and classes.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
*cough* Completed project? Or attempted project? I'm not sure if my first project was a basic short-sleeved blouse or a top based on one of Eowyn's dresses from Lord of the Rings. The latter required pattern alteration. The pattern alteration, believe it or not, went better than the construction process. Neither were finished. I think the first thing I completed was a basic tote bag.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Skirts! Aside from the hemming (see "least favorite thing"), skirts are so easy to whip up! I like to add linings, which adds time and effort, but the fitting is pretty easy, and it's really hard to go wrong.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
The designing and planning, for sure. I love finding just the right design and fabric.

*What is your least favorite thing?
Either muslin fitting or hem marking. I don't mind handsewing quite so much - I can sew while watching a movie or listening to a radio show - it just takes a long time. But the marking of the hem, and pressing it - that's what keeps me from getting things finished!

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
Not particularly. Whatever design suits my fancy.

*What era do you like sewing best?
I haven't done much vintage sewing to date, so I couldn't say.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Yes, I've just started using a few (and plan on adding to my collection). I trace them off onto butcher paper and then cut them out, after making any necessary alterations - just as with a regular pattern.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
It varies with the fabric and the design. I like a 5/8" hem, turned twice and handstitched down, for a lot of things. Seam allowances I generally zigzag or (depending on the fabric) pink, or both. Or, I just leave them alone since the garment will be lined.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Sometimes for family members. I haven't been asked to do stuff for anyone else, but I'm pretty sure I would charge. I don't love sewing THAT much! It's more a means to an end for me, as opposed to an enjoyable process.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Oooh! Do I have to pick one? I like linen/rayon blends (easy to cut, easy to sew), and I've had success with both wool crepe and gabardine. My Most Hated List includes silky polyesters, most other polyesters, and charmeuse. Bemberg rayon is also a bear to cut and sew, but I tolerate it since I makes such great linings.

*What are your favorite trims?
I'm not much of a trim person, maybe because it takes extra time to sew. I also don't see many trims at the local stores (JoAnn's, etc.) that I like that don't look too cheesy. For everyday, that is. I do like lace.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
No, woe is me. I'd love to have one, but they take up space and cash, both of which I'm short on. Also, I have a shape that doesn't fit most standardized dress forms. I keep meaning to make a personalized paper tape dummy, but that's an undertaking!

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
I have an old Montgomery Ward machine, which I'd recommend if anyone found it in a thrift shop. It's mostly been a good, reliable, solid machine, especially after I took it in for a tune-up.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Yes. Check your patterns carefully before sewing. This has been my single biggest headache in sewing. The sewing itself is fairly easy; it's the patterns that are tricksy, especially modern ones. Never just pick the pattern in your size and cut it out! This has given me many unfinishable projects. :rage: The pattern should list the finished measurements on the tissue pieces - bust, waist, hip. Check them against your own, and see how much ease they've added. I usually have to go down a size or two. Also, don't be afraid of cobbling together different sizes for top and bottom.

Ultimately, the pattern is the foundation for all your sewing, and there's only so much fudging you can do once everything's cut out. Far better to have a a decent base than to double your efforts in repair work!

 

[Rachael]

Never just pick the pattern in your size and cut it out! The pattern should list the finished measurements on the tissue pieces - bust, waist, hip. Check them against your own, and see how much ease they've added. Also, don't be afraid of cobbling together different sizes for top and bottom.

Ultimately, the pattern is the foundation for all your sewing, and there's only so much fudging you can do once everything's cut out. Far better to have a a decent base than to double your efforts in repair work!

truer words were never spoken. This is why cutting out is NOT my favorite part. It's where all the thinking happens. and to elaborate, your dress size at Target is NOT your pattern size.

 

[fuzzylizzie]

I've really loved reading all the responses.


*How long have you been sewing?
Since I was about 11 or 12, or over 40 years.

*How did you learn to sew?
I learned the basics from my grandmother, who taught me on her old Singer treadle machine. Then I took a class for pre-teens.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
The project I made in the class was a basic 1960s shift dress. I made a few simple things with my grandmother's help before that.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Not really. But I sew mainly skirts and dresses. I also love craft projects; sewing for my home.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
I love the planning best - picking out the perfect fabric to go with a design, that sort of thing.

*What is your least favorite thing?
A silly little thing, but darts drive me nuts.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
I rarely use modern patterns, but the last few I've used have been Vogue.

*What era do you like sewing best?
The early 60s. The styles just suit my body shape, and I love the neatness of that era.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Yes, I do. I start out my cutting out the pattern in muslin because I'm short and hard to fit. After all the adjustments, I use the muslin to cut my fabric. If I like the pattern enough to use it again, I make a copy from a great industrial interfacing fabric I found in a thrift shop.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
It depends on the fabric and the garment. Bodices, I love to line; skirts usually get pinked. My machine does a knit finishing stitch.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Just me, though I do made craft items for charity. Sewing is hard work, and I can't imagine anyone wanting to pay me what it would be worth to do sewing!

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
I love vintage cottons especially piques and novelty weaves.

*What are your favorite trims?
I don't do a lot of trims on garments, but I LOVE vintage rick-rack and buy it compulsively. I also love piping and bias trim.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
No, but I'm seriously considering one.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
After years of suffering with my husband's grandmother's 1950s Kenmore, I recent bought a Bernina 430. This machine has changed my life!

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
I really suggest that a beginner take a sewing class. When I bought my machine, basic classes were included, and even though I'd been sewing for 4 decades, I went to them and learned so much.

 

[Lareesie Ladavi]

*How long have you been sewing?
hmmm I'm 32 now, since maybe 5 or 6-years-old.

*How did you learn to sew?
I learrned from my mother, on my great grandmother's treadle. (I can remmeber sneaking needles, thread and fabric from my mom).

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
Hmm probably barbie clothes and I loved to make decorative pillows (simple primitive things)

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
No...geez it's been soo long since I've sewn. I love making decorative stuff for the kitchen and bedding.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
hmmm I don't know about steps...I love it when I get a brainstorm and adding my own details,instead of following the pattern to a tee.

*What is your least favorite thing?
When the needle comes unthreaded. UGH!

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
Shoot they are all fun. I like Simplicity because I can come up with ideas to make it better and vogue for the sophistication.

*What era do you like sewing best?
40s/50s...Decor doesn't matter though

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Naa I like the crispness of the new ones.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
I can only afford pinking shears, but I love to add lace and piping, to add detail.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Myself and I use to sew my son stuff for his room.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Cottons /velvets

*What are your favorite trims?
lace/piping

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
no, but, I want a nice one soooo bad.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
Kenmore, yeah it's good. My parents bought it for me.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
patients. I learned more from my mom and trial and error, then I did in a class in high school. I'm not a pro, but I do it for myself.

 

[MissAmelina]

*How long have you been sewing?
21 years.....whoa. I should be a lot better than I am.....hehe.

*How did you learn to sew?
From my momma and a sewing class when I was 14---then costuming classes whilst I got my theatre degree.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
I turned an ankle length paisley knit skirt into a mini skirt in 1987.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
skirts and dresses from vintage patterns....late 1930's thru the 70's.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Probably buying the patterns.

*What is your least favorite thing?
Alterating....I am still learning how to do that. And hemming.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
I appear to have WAY more old simplicity patterns than any other brand.

*What era do you like sewing best?
AH! Do I have to pick one? Hmm......WWII, I reckon.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Depending on the condition of the pattern (if it is poor) I trace it onto thick white paper (I bought a roll at a school-supply shop), make a muslin mock-up, adjust the copied pattern appropriately, and then make notes to keep with the pattern for later use. Then I store the patterns in big gallon sized ziplock bags....and I need a filing cabinet!

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
I usually just pink them or use an overlock stitch. If I have the time, I will use french seams. And I used lace on my last hem which turned out all right.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Just me......I have just started up again, so it is all about me right now while I figure out what in the heck I am doing. But I have made my hubby jim-jams and I plan on making my niece some things soon.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
quilter's cotton. That's all I can afford! And I like the variety

*What are your favorite trims?
Rick rack and piping.....I also dig old lace.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
Yes! I could not do it without my Rosalind! She is a Fabulous Fit Pro Maxima 3/4 that my DH saved up for and purchased for my 34th birthday.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
A late 1990's hand me down Bernina from my momma. I am not sure what kind.....and I am too comfy in bed to get up and look.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Start with something small and take your time to get it right. The seam ripper is your pal.

 

[deadpandiva]

*How long have you been sewing? About a year and a half.
*How did you learn to sew? My mother tought me.
*What was the first project you made that you remember? A Pair of pants
*Do you have a favorite thing to sew? Hats
*What is your favorite step in the sewing process? Sewing the peices to gether.
*What is your least favorite thing? Laying out the pattern, pinning, cutting and marking.
*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns? Butterick retro
*What era do you like sewing best? I don't know yet.
*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them? Yes. I trace them on paper or interfacing.
*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances? Staystich or zigzag stitch.
*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why? Just myself. I have had request but I'm not very good yet and I hat the prepration process.
*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew? Cotton. It's quite forgiving.
*What are your favorite trims? Rick Rack
*Do you use a dress form? Which brand? No but I have a vintage one.
*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others? Modern White and a vintage White from 1927.
*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out? If I can do it anyone can.

 

[Gwendolynn]

OK, I know this is an ancient thread, but I found it so fascinating that I had to revive it. I've been lurking here for literally years, rather intimidated to post. There are so many talented and knowledgeable ladies on here! Anywhere, here goes...

*How long have you been sewing?
Since my mother gave me a 1930s White sewing machine, in Kindergarten. She is an amazing sewer and knitter. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to use her Pfaff 1229.
*How did you learn to sew?
Watching Mom, trial-and-error, later through sewing classes at the Genteel Arts Academy in Gettysburg, PA.
*What was the first project you made that you remember?
An Annie Oakley outfit for a Barbie doll.
*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Dirndls. I love all the elaborate hand ruching and the nearly complete creative freedom that truly authentic costuming doesn't necessarily allow.
*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Tie between planning and hand-work. I love hand working buttonholes. I think a beautifully worked buttonhole a thing of art.
*What is your least favorite thing?
Alterations on finished garments.
*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
Vintage ones, but not a specific brand. I actually really like the unprinted ones.
*What era do you like sewing best?
I love the styling of the later 30s/40s. I love doing the handwork on 18th-19th century items.
*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
All the time. I use them as-is, but very carefully. I haven't injured any in fifteen years of using them. I find the instructions are often more fragile than the tissue patterns. I often photocopy those.
*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
Depends on what I'm making. I love hand felling seams. I know I'm a bit of a freak in that regard! On more modern garments, I sometimes hand overcast, machine overcast/zig zag, or bind with narrow bias.
*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
I sew for myself and my family mostly. I have been occasionally convinced to sew for others. I made 22 dirndls for my daughter's traditional dance group.
*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Fine woolens, linen.
*What are your favorite trims?
Hand made ruching, usually from self-fabric. I also really like piping and rick-rack.
*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
Don't know the brand. I bought one from a store that was going out of business. Turns out it had my measurements almost exactly.
*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
I worked in high school not to buy a car, but to buy a Bernina sewing machine. It served me much better than any of my friends' cars served them. That was a 1630. I loved it, but after twelve years I decided to upgrade to a machine with true embroidery capability. Last year, I bought a Pfaff 7570 with embroidery unit and sold the 1630. As Kamikat said, Pfaff had been sold, and the newer ones are no longer manufactured in Germany, which is why I went for a slightly older one. It's a great fancy machine. I love the dual feed and the fully automatic buttonholes, especially when you're making 22 dirndls, each with 9 buttonholes down the front! My baby though is my Bernina 930 Record from 1984. After tons of rave reviews from very accomplished seamstresses, I hunted one down used from my local Bernina dealer. I've only had it a few months, but I can't even describe how much I love this machine. There's a reason they still sell for up to $1000 on ebay!
*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Get a great steam iron, and be sure to press frequently throughout the process. It makes the biggest difference in the finished garment!

 

[vintagebobbin]

*How long have you been sewing?

I want to say 6th grade, but it might be earlier than that because Mama was a quilter.

*How did you learn to sew?

Mom was always giving me kid projects like sewing stuffed animals and childrens cross stitch patterns.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?

It was a medieval outfit from a now discontinued simplicity pattern in gold and blue satin with tons of buttons down the sleeves and back. It was for a history project. We were a dedicated bunch. She advised, but I did most of it. She only did the hard parts.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?

Dresses.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?

If I'm doing any type of embellishments like embroidery or buttons. Everything else is just very technical.

*What is your least favorite thing?

Cutting the darn thing out. Takes so much time and I always loose a pin in the carpet.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?

Simplicity always ends up being a good fit.

*What era do you like sewing best?

60s, mostly. Least expensive vintage pattern and the styles are always flattering for me.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?

I have to say, I'm probably not the best guardian of my patterns. I never fold them back properly and sometimes pattern pieces get forgotten and lost (aka put in another envelope by mistake). I hope one day I have the mind to organize them.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?

I usually do a 1-2 inch hem. I only do rolled hems on very light fabrics or fabrics where the hand stitching would show.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?

Usually for me. I believe in the "Boyfriend Sweater" curse for seamstress. Usually two things happen to you craft for someone else. 1) The boyfriend breaks up with you before the sweater is finished or 2) the boyfriend breaks up with you because of the sweater. I tend to do just alterations for friends and family.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?

Gaberdine wool.

*What are your favorite trims?

Bias tape.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?

One of those adjustable ones. I don't use it much, it's just for show now.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you recommend it to others?

I have 3 vintage machines. A Singer 401A Slant-o-Matic, which has to be the best machine ever! I ended up purchasing two, one to take with me to college and the other to stay in the original sewing cabinet my grandmother purchased with it. I do have a Singer "red eye" 66 treadle from WWI that I'm meaning to restore.

One thing I recommend is to look for sewing machines on craigslist. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you'd probably be in better luck than anyone since the Singer factory was located there, it seems every family in Elizabethtown has a vintage singer in their basement they are trying to get rid of. I got my treadle for $75. Stay away from the plastic, modern machines. They break and aren't reliable. Try to keep to 100% metal parts.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?

Patience and practice. Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. I feel like it took a good seven years before I was sewing things I was 100% satisfied with.

Oh, yeah, mock-up are a really great idea. Buy a roll muslin when it goes on sale. It's useful.

 

[sheeplady]

Oh, this is FUN!


*How long have you been sewing?
Since about 1992. I took a break from about 2000 until 2008, I missed it horribly.

*How did you learn to sew?
4-H.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
An elastic waistband skirt, which I still wear.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Clothing.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Trying it on at various points if it's clothing. If it's a gift, giving it.

*What is your least favorite thing?
Cutting and prepping. I don't mind it, but it takes as long as completing a garment!

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
I like Butterick, Simplicity, and McCalls. Vogue is ok.

*What era do you like sewing best?
Anything. If the machine is humming, I am happy.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Just starting to do this.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
Machine, folded over. I was taught in 4-H that a blind hem is the only appropriate way, but I like the ease of a machine sewn hem. A done project is a good project.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
I will sew clothes for my husband. I will sew somewhat complex things for my mother. Simple things I sew for my parents and close family. I don't have enough time, and people now tend to treat handmade things with no appreciation. I will start working on a stuffed dragon for my academic advisor in a few months (she is a quilter, so she appreciates it).

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Cotton or wool.

*What are your favorite trims?
buttons!!!

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
I wish, but they don't tend to come in my configuration at the cheaper models.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
I have a Brother which was bought as a gift for me in 1999. I have heard that more recent machines by Brother are poor quality, but I love mine.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
The most experienced sewers rip on occasion. Have fun!

Also, she who dies with the most fabric wins. Warning ladies: I have a significant head start.

 

[Nick D]

*How long have you been sewing?
For about 15 years, but seriously for the last 7.

*How did you learn to sew?
My mum got me started, but almost entirely self-taught through experience.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
A capote from a Hudson Bay 4-point blanket when I was 14. I still wear it.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Trousers, I think. I've made more of them than anything else, anyway.

*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
Designing, fabric selection, padstitching, and making all the little details.

*What is your least favorite thing?
Fitting. I really hate fitting.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
EvaDress.

*What era do you like sewing best?
1930s patterns and early 1940s are my favorites.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
Frequently. I smooth them out then trace them on tracing paper. I also sometimes photocopy the instruction sheets.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
Bias binding is my usual finish. Sometimes I'll overcast. Flat-felling when it's called for.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
Me, my wife, and my son. It's easier to fit for people who're right here, and I don't have enough time even for that.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Mid to heavy-weight wool.

*What are your favorite trims?
None, really.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
No, but I'd like one.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
Necchi, and no, I wouldn't recommend it. I have a Husquvarna at home which is a great machine.

*Any words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Always challenge yourself, at least a little.

 

[Frenchy56]

Ladies,

I had the most wonderful vintage sewing-related surprise today, and wanted to share it with those I know will appreciate it!

A while ago, an old family friend mentioned on a recent visit that she used to run a haberdashery and fabric shop in the 60s. Hearing of my newfound love of sewing she vowed to search her home and see if she had any old stock, etc, that I might like, and very sweetly offered to give whatever she found to me!

She didn't hold out much hope- but what should turn up today? A box. An entire box, with a note attached- apologising for the lack of actual sewing patterns, but boy oh boy did the contents make up for it!

I now possess a box full of (estimating) 1950s-60s old store stock zips, buttons, threads, Vilene(!) in original packaging. I'm talking full cards of mint condition buttons, zips still in their adorable illustrated packets... a beautiful velvet and pearl-adorned pincushion... full packets of needles... embroidery threads... and best of all.... a beautiful sewing box/tray in what appears to be 1950s lucite in my favorite colour (turquoise blue) filled with entire spools of thread, unused tools, and BUCKLES! About ten beautiful mint condition vintage buckles! Mother of pearl...lucite...brushed gold....! I could not believe my eyes!

What a wonderful present for a just-starting-out vintage seamstress! Just wanted to share!

 

[DonnaP]

*How long have you been sewing?
Hand sewing since I was five or so. When I was eleven my mother started letting me use the sewing machine.


*How did you learn to sew?
From my mother, who learned from her mother.

*What was the first project you made that you remember?
I made a clumsy little dress for a doll when I was five. First machine-sewed project was a simple t-shaped shirt with elastic at the waist.

*Do you have a favorite thing to sew?
Oddly, I can't think of a favorite thing. When it comes down to it, I don't really enjoy the process of sewing, I just like having things I've sewn.


*What is your favorite step in the sewing process?
I do really enjoy handsewn details. I like handstitching buttonholes because no one seems to do that any more.

*What is your least favorite thing?
Collars and sleeves. When I used to sew most of my daughters' clothing, it was mainly pinafore type clothing without sleeves or collars, they could wear it alone in the summer, with a shirt underneath in the winter. Oh, and cutting out a new pattern. Even cutting the paper part takes longer than I expect.

*Do you have a favorite brand of patterns?
For modern patterns, I like Simplicity. Vintage, I've just started using and don't have a favorite yet.

*What era do you like sewing best?
For children, I like 1950's, dresses with full skirts and sashes. For myself, 40's seems most flattering.

*Do you use vintage patterns? How do you prepare/use them?
I've just started using, and I need to get into the habit of tracing them onto paper, I've just been using the actual pieces.

*How do you finish your hems/seam allowances?
I sew hems by hand. When I made a lot of children's clothing--I used to sell on Etsy--I finished seams with either french seams or felled. For my own clothing, I've been pinking the edges.

*Do you sew for other people or just yourself? Why?
I used to only sew for my children, and children's clothing to sell. I've only recently started sewing for myself--I'm not very good at tailoring, and while a clothing that's a little big can look okay on a kid, when you are overweight like me, properly fitting clothes makes a huge difference.

*What's your favorite type of fabric to sew?
Natural fibers. I love linen, but mostly use cotton.

*What are your favorite trims?
I don't use much decoration on my own clothing, but for kids' I like cotton lace or eyelet. I also really like the look of piping, but haven't tackled doing it myself yet.

*Do you use a dress form? Which brand?
No, but I'd like to get one.

*What brand is your sewing machine? Would you reccomend it to others?
It's a new Kenmore. It's basic and gets the job done, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

*And words of wisdom to share with those starting out?
Take your time. Don't rush through. Don't question whether you should redo something if it isn't quite right, do it over or it will always bug you. Pay attention to the math--adding or subtracting even 1/4 of an inch through sloppy cutting or stitching can really affect all the clothing fits overall.