Masha Richart

I think I know someone, I will drop them a line.

That’s a thought-provoking perspective. If what you buy in stores is unethical and what you make at home is excessive then what do you do?

I see that too, but if I go to one of the subfora, I get the compose window there. Possibly it’s just set up to prevent you from accidentally creating a new topic in the wrong place?

I see that too, but if I go to one of the subfora, I get the compose window there. Possibly it’s just set up to prevent you from accidentally creating a new topic in the wrong place?

I am always very grateful for pretty hand-me-downs 😉

I typed a great long post and the internet ate it but, in a nutshell, if you are worried about too many posh dresses, sew the school shirts.
Use beautiful fine cotton, Liberty facings and pearl buttons.
I enjoy sewing Hugo’s work clothes almost as much as Trixies pretty frocks as I use lovely…[Read more]

I suspect if you made them yourself they may stand up to the wear and tear better!

I have a coverstitch machine and love it. I’m still struggling a little to always get a super stretchy hem, but I always do a test run on the fabric scraps. I try and use a hump jumper and this decreases the skipped stitches over thick seams.
I use it for so much more than just stretchy hems! I hem wovens, use it for perfectly parallel top…[Read more]

I have a coverstitch machine and love it. I’m still struggling a little to always get a super stretchy hem, but I always do a test run on the fabric scraps. I try and use a hump jumper and this decreases the skipped stitches over thick seams.
I use it for so much more than just stretchy hems! I hem wovens, use it for perfectly parallel top…[Read more]

I have a coverstitch machine and love it. I’m still struggling a little to always get a super stretchy hem, but I always do a test run on the fabric scraps. I try and use a hump jumper and this decreases the skipped stitches over thick seams.
I use it for so much more than just stretchy hems! I hem wovens, use it for perfectly parallel top…[Read more]

If you have a large enough swatch left, you could try washing and machine drying a sample (mark a 10cm or 4″ square with permanent marker first). Then you’ll be able to see how much shrinkage you’ll get.

So cute! Well done 🙂

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. I’m still struggling to come to terms with it, but spending time in Australia will help I’m sure.

RTWG – Coverstitch machines definitely do a more durable hem, and that’s what you would get on a bought pair. I have the Janome Coverpro (currently in storage in Australia), but I have barely used it as I don’t…[Read more]

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. I’m still struggling to come to terms with it, but spending time in Australia will help I’m sure.

RTWG – Coverstitch machines definitely do a more durable hem, and that’s what you would get on a bought pair. I have the Janome Coverpro (currently in storage in Australia), but I have barely used it as I don’t…[Read more]

Great thoughts, ladies. You make some really important points — it will not necessarily always be the case that she wants to wear what I make. Now will I be able to sew from such small quantities of fabric for that much longer, for that matter. Maybe it’s best to just enjoy it while we’re both happy with it.

There’s also the good point about…[Read more]

Sarvi I totally understand what you mean and feel like my daughters closet is simply bursting with clothing, dresses in particular! I’ve recently decided to only sew things she really needs or has a particular occasion for. I just sewed her a new Easter/birthday dress even though she needs a new dress like she needs a hole in the head, but I feel…[Read more]

I spent a couple of hours mending school trousers

I spent a couple of hours mending school trousers

Major success! I just made up a polar fleece version of my modified/fitted penny pinafore with Jalie 2911 shawl collar and free it fits well 🙂
I still need to hem it and finish the embellishment. I sewed free motion embroidery wings on the back and a swirl on each sleeve near the wrist. Tomorrow I’m planning on doing a larger swirl mirror…[Read more]

Major success! I just made up a polar fleece version of my modified/fitted penny pinafore with Jalie 2911 shawl collar and free it fits well 🙂
I still need to hem it and finish the embellishment. I sewed free motion embroidery wings on the back and a swirl on each sleeve near the wrist. Tomorrow I’m planning on doing a larger swirl mirror…[Read more]