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pattern suggestion for a vintage french chore coat : sewing
Main Post: pattern suggestion for a vintage french chore coat : sewing
Start here if you’re new to sewing or have questions about how to start, machines, beginner friendly projects, basic machine troubleshooting, etc.
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Sewing machines. People sewed by hand before sewing machines were invented, so you don’t need a machine to sew most things. (Multiple layers of thick fabric can be hard to sew by hand.) But if you want to use a machine, the linked comment has information about options to consider. New and used machines with fewer options might be more affordable when just starting on your sewing adventure.
Tools & notions. Whether using a machine or sewing by hand, you’ll need a variety of tools and notions to sew. Be sure to buy quality items because inferior items will make the act of sewing very frustrating.
Get to know your machine. Before you start practicing or working on any projects, you need to read the instruction manual, learn how to fill and properly insert the bobbin, and learn how to properly thread the upper thread (spool). Many instruction manuals can be found online if you don’t have the one for your machine.
Practice. First you need to practice to gain some skills. (The link is practice exercises using a machine.) Even when using a machine there are times when you’ll need to do some hand sewing, so you’ll also need to practice those skills. Many hand sewing tutorials can be found online. Here’s a good video about how to use a sewing machine.
Decorative machine stitches & buttonholes. Get some medium weight cotton woven fabric and practice making all of the stitches and buttonholes available on your machine.
Projects. Now it’s time to put into practice the skills you’ve developed. Work your way through these projects to learn and practice different techniques. Make it for someone else if the recommended item doesn’t interest you.
Troubleshooting. If your sewing machine stitches don’t look right, try these simple troubleshooting steps.
Resources. The r/sewing Wiki has lots of good info. Sewing.org also has a lot of helpful information.
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My FIL gave me a 60yr old machine his wife used to use before she died. I’ve wanted to learn how to actually use it. I want to make my own forever clothes since I’m getting old. I want to make about 20 identical Capri length jumpsuits with a few too many pockets. I need something a fat guy can run in. This seems like a good place to start.
Sewing is Cheaper than Buying Clothes
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I don't really understand why everyone says that sewing isn't cheaper than buying clothes in stores. I definitely believe it is way cheaper. For example, here is a flannel I just made (without the buttons and finishing touches), and it cost me $8... No one in this world can tell me that I could buy one of these new for the same price. I self draft all my patterns, so maybe that's why I find it cheaper? I've made a ton of clothes with just one yard of fabric, and if I find it on sale, then it's super cheap. A dress from 1 yard costs anywhere between $5-15.
Other than the up front cost of the machine - sewing is most definitely cheaper for me than buying clothes in stores. What do you think?
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That’s not true... fabric, pattern, the machine , threads etc and your time... I doubt you are cheaper than a sweatshop.
The FBI is on their way to your house, to look for a single sewing needle.
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The full might of the FBI forensics will be at your house in 10 minutes. They will have 3 uninterrupted hours to find this needle, with any technology or technique at their disposal. So where do you hide it?
Your house is the standard 3-4 bedroom suburban home, so not massive but still good size. You can use anything you currently own to hide it in if you want.
For me, in my pantry there is a can of slim Jim's that's pretty much full. I would pick one of them and poke the needle through one end of the slim, leaving a practically imperceptible hole in the wrapper, and put it back.
Do you think they would go through all the food items looking for it?
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I'm giving them the fucking needle so they don't trash my fucking house
1970s Kenmore Sewing Machine + Extras
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After decades with this machine, I'm upgrading to a new one. This one still works, though I have found it hard to dial in the tension when working with thicker fabrics/folds. Was recently serviced and they didn't find any problems, so user error on my part! It's a metal machine, so heavy and sturdy.
Just a couple years ago I bought a bunch of new presser feet, so those and a heap of bobbins go along with the machine. It's got a built-in carrying case. Pick-up in inner NE Portland near Wilshire Park.
I'll do a drawing tomorrow, Monday Dec 2nd at 4pm!
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PDX Buy Nothing encourages drawing-style giveaways. If you can manage it, consider waiting a few days and drawing a random name, to give more of the community time to express interest. Please review the full guidelines here. Thanks for your contribution.
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