Tip: What to wear when sewing

As I'm pretty much self-taught, I thought I would share a few (hopefully!) helpful tips that I have discovered along the way.

So, what have I discovered about what's best to wear when I sew?

Always wear something comfortable

I have tried the 'really tight jeans' approach, but it just hurts.  I do tend to sew with my left leg underneath me (no idea why!) and leggings are ideal for this.  They allow for a full range of movement.  As do t-shirts.  You don't want to be impeded by the clothing you wear.

When serging, wear a skirt

I hadn't given 'sewing clothing' a lot of thought until recently when I was using my serger (did I tell you I have a serger??  Ooooh, something else to post about!).  I was wearing a maxi skirt and the bits that were being cut off the costume were just falling into my lap and being caught without creating a huge pile of debris on the floor.  So I will definitely be using that method next time I have a lot of serging to do.

Don't wear a scarf

Having a scarf all snarled up in your sewing machine is not a good look.  Not that I've done this particular one. 

PJs

Always.  Either late at night or first thing in the morning.  Or even a lazy Sunday.  Pyjamas are the business!

Underwear is perfect

And yes, I have sewn whilst wearing underwear.  Now that IS comfortable!  But you can get bits of thread everywhere.  And I'd only recommend it in warm weather.

Long sleeves when sewing net

Always wear long sleeves when sewing tutus - that net stuff is really, really sharp!

Bare feet

For some reason, it always feels better using a bare foot on my pedal.  Not so much a tip as an observation!

So what do you wear when you sew?  I'd love to know!

x

 

Tips on how to sew oilcloth

I went into a fabric shop the other day on the hunt for more oilcloth.  I didn't manage to find any but I did come away with some fabulous faux fur, clear PVC and a plethora of zips!

While I was there I put some fabric down on the counter top and wandered off.  A customer shouted across the shop to ask if she could have a look at how I had put a zip into some oilcloth (I had cut it out of the bag I was making - it hadn't worked as well as I'd planned)

There began a chat about oilcloth and how to handle it.  Here are a few tips if you are planning on playing with oilcloth (and it really is easy peasy if you know how!):

* Use a non-stick teflon foot as normal feet tend to stick to the oilcloth

* Use large stitches and make sure you are sewing in the right direction first - sewing makes holes which don't recover

* Don't pin the oilcloth - use special clips instead (or garden pegs!)

* Go slowly

* Be patient

* It doesn't need to be hemmed

* I like to cover inner seams with bias binding or cotton tape however you could just as easily make French seams

And that's it really.  If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

I even told this lady that I got my oilcloth from Dotty Brown.  She was very grateful!

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Lime polka dot oilcloth shopper - and tips

You can't beat a pretty shopper made from oilcloth.  And polka dots.  In lime green.  Well, at least that's what I think anyway!

I just love the colour of this shopper!

When I make something I always like to think through what particular features I would like to see in a bag.  So I added an internal pocket to keep keys and phone in.  I've found that there's nothing worse than having to ferret about in the bottom of my bag trying to unearth them.

Tip:
Pinning oilcloth isn't a good idea as it leaves holes in the fabric.  You can get special clips to hold the seams in place.  But I prefer to use garden pegs! 

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