An easy way to learn how to sew - and save money

If you are anxious about learning to sew then have you thought of starting off with making dolls clothes? It's how I first learned to sew.

When I was very young I learned to sew by making dolls clothes. I feel that if you have little girls in your family you could also save a fortune as dolls clothes are very expensive Dolls clothes  are easy to make but will demonstrate perfectly how you would make an adult garment   as you use the same processes. Making dolls clothes is a great way to learn to sew for any age as the garments are small enough to be completed in one go.

All about Trousers

 This is a post for Jaycotts.co.uk 

New Look 6544 trousers in Organic Cotton with Lycra 

If there is one garment worthwhile sewing it is trousers. If like me you struggle to purchase the perfect fit in ready to wear then this post is for you. I started sewing my own pants years ago and quite honestly will never buy them again.
My Handmade Jeans in particular are the most perfect fit and I love them. The fabrics I use are high quality like the fabric in this post, but because they fit so well and they wash well the cost per wear is minimal 

The fabric is Organic Cotton with lycra ( stretch Denim)

Simplicity Shirtdress in Organic Cotton Denim from Jaycotts.co.uk

 Simplicity 8014 Shirtdress in Organic Denim Fabric. A Jaycotts post 

To read this blog on Jaycotts web site go to Jaycotts Blog

A Shirtdress is timeless and classic, and I love mine, I wear them in lots of different ways throughout the year.

I wear it as a summer dress or with a pullover underneath and thick tights or leggings  when it's cold.  But my favourite way to wear one,, especially when made in Denim, is to wear it as a coat over trousers and a simple Breton . A Shirtdress is so adaptable.. 

I chose to make view D which is the shorter version with the curved hem. I also made a pair of trousers using the pattern next to it,  but I feel that trouser making merits a separate post, so that is what I will do, look out for the post in a week or two.The fabric is from Jaycotts, and it is a wonderful indigo organic cotton with just the right amount of lycra. This fabric also comes in beige which is fabulous for summer , and in red. These do not contain lycra .

When I was pinning my pattern pieces to the fabric it became clear that I would have plenty left over. With some frugal cutting and omitting the pockets and self fabric belt I was amazed to find that I could make a pair of trousers too, I was absolutely delighted at this.

How to make a Mans collarless shirt

HOW TO MAKE A  MAN'S collarless Shirt

This is showing you how I make collarless shirts, my next post will show you how to add interest with a contrast yoke and piping, and it will include a collar.
There are many mens shirts patterns, all the major pattern companies have one.The one I am using is an old one which I adapt time and time again.

For this project I am going to be showing you how to make a shirt for a man, of course the same principal applies to making a shirt for a lady. Please do not feel daunted, it is not as difficult as it sounds.
I have made plenty of shirts for my other half and he delights in helping to choose the fabric but the buttons are all his own choice!

So, you will need a pattern.i am using McCalls M6044.
Interfacing,  the weight will probably be a medium unless he intends to wear a tie with it when you would choose a heavy weight sew in. For this project though a medium should be sufficient.I am making it without a collar, but will explain how to do one with a collar on the way.
You will need some buttons too.and matching thread.
If you intend using a contrast fabric for the collar and cuff linings you will need a small piece of fabric which coordinates or clashes with the main fabric in the same weight and same fabric composition.
The reason for using the same type of fabric is that you want it to wash and wear evenly, without going limp or shrinking.
                                   

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The fabric has been ironed and pinned together along the selvedge - this makes sure the grain is correct which is so important.
The pattern has been cut out, so I am all prepared to cut it out later this evening. Please look again later for photographs and updates on my progress. Meanwhile find some spare fabric and make the tie, you will find it easy and rewarding.
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Butterick B6655 in 100% Organic Cotton from Jaycotts.co.uk

 Butterick B6655 in Organic cotton From Jaycotts.co.uk 

When you think of Jaycotts what instantly springs to mind? Most people answer sewing machines, patterns or thread. Well yes, that is perfectly  correct , But when did you last look at their website, because they are now major suppliers of exceptionally high quality organic cotton fabric. 

  

The fabric I used to make my dress  is a wonderful organic cotton. You can view the range available on Organic Cotton from Jaycotts  
The photo above shows just a very small selection available , there are more on the link and even more instore

Lapped Zipper Insertion. A tutorial

 

Most garment need a  closure of some sort. This is my favourite 

The lapped zipper Tutorial 

There are three basic  ways of inserting a zipper - lapped, centered and invisible.  I am going to show you how I insert a lapped zipper which is my preferred choice.

There are many different ways of sewing a lapped zipper, over the years I have found a method which works and is easy to sew and I want to share it with you.

The OLISO-TG1600-SMART-IRON from Jaycotts.co.uk, Reinvented for Sewing and Quilting

 A review of the OLISO-TG1600-SMART-IRON 

From Jaycotts.co.uk 

Choosing your iron is as important as choosing your sewing machine. A good sewist will set the ironing board up every time she sits  down at to sew. 

Why is this important?  Put simply if you press every seam and every dart as you sew them you will end up with a far superior garment to one you did not bother to press as you went along. It is the different between Handmade and Homemade . Handmade is special, it is bespoke, and it looks and feels great to wear. A garment which is not put together with care will never look professional. 
It stands to reason that your iron must fulfill all the functions needed to produce a high quality garment, this one hits the spot totally - and more
You will have taken a great deal of time and effort choosing your sewing machine and as your iron is equally as important it makes perfect sense to choose a high quality iron too, 
Your iron is used just as much as your sewing machine so why skimp on quality? 

Easy to sew and fabulous to wear nightwear

 

Very easy to sew nightwear 

What is nicer than cool cotton pj's?  These are fabulous to make and even a total newbie can make them 

Do read on and discover how you can make some too