Lets talk sewing

[NovelNerd]

Hehe, I'm buying cheap stuff now with all my practicing.

Today I started to work on a dress, and I got the top done. I did the stitches in white, so I could see what I was doing. I made some mistakes, but seeing where to correct stuff. I tried to do a skirt, but gathering the skirt confuses me! I was reading tutorials, but I"m still a bit confused on which stitches to set my machine. When I tried to gather the skirt I also ripped the threads. I was able to gather some of it, but not all of it. I know I'm not doing this right. v.v

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[lovesbabysquirmy]

Gathering is not something you do when the outfit is in the machine if you're just starting to learn.    I always do the gathers by hand with a quick loose straight stitch, then sew them up with waistbands/casing. 

[NovelNerd]

Eh beginner or not I can do it. I just wanted to know why settings are typically best. I put it on thread length four  and the longer straight stitch setting. Might I need heavier thread?

[Angellove]

I am still getting my feet wet with sewing.
Would anyone have tips on making panties?

[Maniah]

Mast, would you mind if this thread became an all purpose sewing help and discussion thread? Now that I have my machine up and running, it feels pointless to ressurect my old thread to ask questions In and wind up just having two sewing threads going >.>

I figured getting permission from you to very slightly hijack would be best.

[rayedelsol]

MyFroggyStuff posted a nice video on youtube about making a doll sweater. I'm going to have to try this
http://youtu.be/iEoJNKfafYA

[coinoperatedgirl]

That's adorable, and I have a LOT of fleece.

[ebmerc]

Does anyone have any advice on altering Barbie clothes to fit MH dolls?

[Dorriebelle]

Does anyone have any advice on altering Barbie clothes to fit MH dolls?

Most of us just put the Barbie piece on a fitting doll inside out, pinch then pin to fit, mark where we need to sew and remove the fitting pins, sew on the lines, turn right side out, try on, then modify further if necessary. Not difficult, but sometimes tedious. Other times, depending on the garment and fabric, I was able to just move the Velcro or snaps - most Barbie jeans fit MH guys with some closure adjustment.

I've heard some sewists have success shrinking Barbie patterns to about 72%, but I've not tried that yet. Feel free to ask more questions !

[TrixieStix]

This is such a helpful thread. I'm a beginner sewer too and I love that you guys post all your questions and are able to get help and those who are willing to answer questions do so. Keep it up guys, you are all so creative, helpful and amazing!

 

Hopefully I can start up again soon and add to the conversation.

Dorriebelle
I think being thrifty is fantastic and when something works for you, go for it!

[NovelNerd]

Oh off I nevermind Maniah!

Oh so anyone have ideas on this gathering thing?

[coinoperatedgirl]

Oh so anyone have ideas on this gathering thing?

This is pretty much the method that I use.  I've used it for both simple doll skirts with about a 4" waist, and a much larger 3-tiered bustle skirt to fit myself.

[NovelNerd]

Oh so anyone have ideas on this gathering thing?

This is pretty much the method that I use.  I've used it for both simple doll skirts with about a 4" waist, and a much larger 3-tiered bustle skirt to fit myself.

Thanks! That was actually very helpful, and I finished my gathered skirt. I'll redo it after work tomorrow now that I know what I'm making. I might have some more sewy questions along with a different weird confusing skirt. >w<

[CrazyCatPony]

my thrifty thing i do for fabric~~~ i use the old clothes that dont fit my girls any more... some of the cutest fabrics...lol.

i've only made on dress for my witch and i just pinned the fabric around her and hand sticked the dress on her inside out. this method would also work for a sewing machine, by just tacking the line in by hand then removing the dress from the doll and sewing it on the machine by following your pins/tack marks. ( note: i made the dress really tight and had to remove her head and arms to put it back on, but it looks great)

[Melissa]

My local thrift stores actually sell big bags with 3 or 4 different fabrics for like $1.99, so bought some... Just going to leave this here so I can easily find everyone's tips.