Crafters’ corner 2020

I used a stretchy fabric. It is full on polyester and 4 way stretch - a bit more stretch side to side than down the fabric. It can be a stinker to sew if you don't have a serger for construction. I'm saving up for my next purchase for the sewing room as it will be a coverstitch machine. That's the one that you see on the bottom of a jersey or T-shirt that shows two straight stitch lines on the top of the hem and the back has all the "criss-cross/serger" style stitching. It stretches with the fabric and the thread won't break. I use a slight zig zag for sewing stretchy at the moment.

 

They look great @CanadianLori and glad everything is going well.

 

@CanadianLori

Very nice and cool looking. I like the swing style ... hides the evil middle! I was anorexic for a few years and this last year I have gained weight ... and naturally it all went south!

I used to make all my own clothes, three-piece (jacket/skirt/slacks) for work, bought the tops. Now I just crochet, most of which I give to charity.

 

Wow they're brilliant Lori!!! What a handy Grandma to have!!

 

Thank you all for the nice comments. I never really cared much for sewing clothing but I find a lot of the items in the shops are rubbish or if they are quality, they cost a fortune. Last year I made a swing coat for autumn and another for winter. I never did wear the winter coat as I was just too darned hot whilst wearing it. And you know how cold it gets here! I'm still learning.

I am lucky that I have a friend that sews and when we meet for breakfast this morning, we'll have a gabfest about patterns and fabrics. Very enjoyable.

I took up sewing as a hobby and then studied to become a soft home furnishings professional. Twenty years ago I landed up quitting my job as a credit manager in the steel industry to run my own workroom. I'm mostly retired now. A few clients keep coming back and asking me to do projects and they keep me on my toes. Lots of hats to wear and never boring.

 

Thought I'd add a bit of my handiwork.

This room screen I made with a Victorian screen stripped down and refinished in a Jacobian linen on the front and a green print on the reverse (which you can see in the crochet photos). The edges are finished in green braid with brass studs. This was taken some years ago on an old camera and moves are to where I fancy it at the time.


This wall hanging is over our bed. Egyptian print on the front and cream on the back. It has polyfiller and overstitched.



Here are a couple of crochet tops I made and two afghans, given to charity along with 18 more items. I have another dozen done to give.

 

Lovely Victoria. I can knit, sew and make bobbin lace but being able to crochet is something I've never managed. My great aunt tried to teach me many moons ago but I just can't get the hang of it.

 

Fabulous Vicky...!!!

That's a thing that has completely beaten me...crochet...I have tried many times but just can't seem to grasp it!!

 

Thank you Sheal and Upsy. I really like crochet, keeps the fingers/hands active and I can help the Cat Charity we support ... they sell the items in their shop. They look after 400+ stray cats providing shelter in specific areas, feed them and take care of their health needs (neutering/other medical). They have one they are looking after that has cancer.

 

See even better when the proceeds go to a good cause. Well done.

 

Lovely @Victoria I can see and knit, I can crochet but not to a pattern, did that once and it came out small. Must have been the tension but i did check it before starting.

 

Thank you @Logan I don't use patterns, just make things up as I go.

 

@Victoria , all brilliant stuff. I especially love that screen. I want one now I will have to look out for one at auctions/shops. I love that material too. It reminds me of a Morris & Co design...I think it is called "the strawberry thief".

 

I popped into "hobbycraft" yesterday and bought a simplicity sewing pattern set. Never used a shop bought Pattern before-I hope I can do it. It looks a little confusing!

 

That looks great, if you get confused you could find a video on YouTube, it's very helpful, i found out a lot about making cards and so many ideas.