Show threadAilbheDec 9, 2022

Recycled and washable.

The external velvet, the outermost padding, the thread, and the binding on the internal seams are the only non-recycled parts. The binding is a polycotton because I had some from a remnants bag, but the rest of the new materials are plastic-free. Because it's stuffed with a stack of quilted pads, it can be laundered and line-dried if pets happen to it. I'm tired but pleased. #sewing #recycling

Show threadAilbheDec 12, 2022
Today I ironed my pyjamas. Ugh. But I needed to fauxverlock the seams and stitch down the facings properly so ironing was non-negotiable. I also discovered that sewing the cotton velvet was EXTREMELY FLUFFY. #sewing @sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 12, 2022

I later sewed a bit of a wall covering -- there's a patch of our front wall that's definitely losing heat to the outside and I want to give it a quilted jacket. Mockup One is in situ but I was too wrecked by the time it was finished to take a photo or anything.

I think I'm going to make a rectangle with a hole in it for the guitar hanger, maybe a mylar backing, and attach it to the very top of the wall using cable clips like for the phone wires. #mecfs #warmth #sewing

Show threadAilbheDec 14, 2022
Mended my other warm pyjamas, which will be nice to wear after today's shower, and mended the PE bag and listed it on #OlioApp As a side effect I found two bobbins of synthetic thread and filed them away from the cotton thread so I don't use them by accident. #olio #mending #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 14, 2022
I'm replacing the black straps (as required by the original recipient of the bag) with matching-the-main-fabric straps, so that I can give it to a friend. Today I cut, interfaced, and ironed them into shape. Tomorrow I'll stitch them on. #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 15, 2022
First I have to remove the black straps. I sewed them on really, really securely.
Show threadAilbheDec 15, 2022
Really, really securely. Oh god.
Show threadAilbheDec 15, 2022
That took just under two hours and I'll definitely need a break before I use my hands for anything else.
Show threadAilbheDec 16, 2022
Yesterday was too #mecfs for #sewing but today I'm getting the straps on the bag. I semi-basted them on with big machine stitches because it's six layers of canvas and three of interfacing and pins just don't cut the relevant piquant condiment of your choice.
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
Today I'm tidying up my fabric.
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
I do keep fabric I'm #recycling and fabric I bought new separate, and use them for different kinds of projects. Most of the stuff we stop using and put in the stash is too worn out to make a new garment from.
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
Almost all of this is fabric for #recycling too. Why am I doing this? I did #UFYH, I know not to marathon-clean. But I have to tidy this or I can't rest. #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
I got it all boxed or bagged. It's almost entirely what Middlest Child says Bernadette Banner calls "cabbage" but I call "really useful". #sewing #ufyh
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
As a reward for tidying, I cut out the fabric for a pair of toddler leggings halfway through and promised myself the #sewing of them when I finished.
Show threadAilbheDec 23, 2022
#Sewing the twin-needle topstitching inside the ankle cuffs on toddler leggings is a bit fiddly. It's too small to slip over the machine.
Show threadAilbheDec 24, 2022

The finished leggings, with a button to show which way round they go, and the waistband edges stitched down inside so they don't tickle -- this is a major reason I use a twin needle, I do all my underpants this way too -- all ready to inflict on a child who didn't even ask and may hate them.

I enjoyed #sewing them ANYWAY though and I'm sure someone will want them.

Show threadAilbheDec 24, 2022
Middlest Child sewed the button on for me because I avoid handsewing whenever possible. It does not play nicely with my joint issues.
Show threadAilbheDec 27, 2022
I wanted to do #sewing but it turns out that first I need to do #ironing. I've ironed the paper pattern and cut out the bits I need and folded the rest back into the packet, and I've read the instructions and figured out what fabric I need, and next I need to iron the blasted fabric. This is ridiculous. I don't want an ironing hobby.
Show threadAilbheDec 28, 2022
I've ordered a bag of crushed walnut shells. And I'm trying to decide what to do about binding. The pattern calls for the edges to be bound, but I'm making this from velvet and it's going to be much thicker than the designers intended. Maybe French seams? French seams conceal a multitude. #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 28, 2022
OR I could try to make my own extra wide velvet bias binding, but that's #ironing again.
Show threadAilbheDec 28, 2022
Ok I'm not going to make a new thing until I work through a pile of #mending. I have sewing and gluing both queueing and it will be much less chaotic if I get them done.
Show threadAilbheDec 28, 2022
The #mending also involved #ironing. FFS. I've zigzagged over the edges of some fraying napkins, teatowels, handtowels etc, added reinforcing tape to a shirt collar stand, and pinned the patch on some pyjama trousers but wisely decided not to sew that until tomorrow because I'm still tired. #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 29, 2022
Here's the A1 drawing board I use for my extra table space when I have something bigger than A4 to cut out. It currently also has an ironing mat and a laptop on it. #sewing
Show threadAilbheDec 29, 2022
Today I finished the #mending pile, including the #sewing, glue gun, and stapler subcategories. So tomorrow I'll have to stop procrastinating and just do some #ironing.
Show threadAilbheDec 29, 2022
When I buy fabric for #sewing I do put it through a hot wash and iron it on high before I put it away, because that works better for me than trying to slot it into the household laundry cycle when I want to actually use it, but it still needs ironing before use because it's folded for storage.
Show threadAilbheJan 1, 2023
Okay I ironed *just enough* of my brushed cotton flannel to cut out my pattern pieces and I'll tackle the velvet tomorrow. I think for the velvet I'll treat myself to a new blade for the rotary cutter. (The discarded blades for the cloth-cutter are reused on the paper-cutter, but I haven't found a way to dispose of genuinely finished blades yet). #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 2, 2023
I cut the velvet and I've laid all the pieces out to check the instructions and add the notches etc. I'm incredibly tired now and my heart rate went up from too much standing. #sewing #mecfs
EDITED TO ADD this is for a heat pack you can warm in the microwave.
Show threadAilbheJan 2, 2023
I'm resting now but the next stage is to transfer the marks from the pattern pieces to the sewing pieces, and probably then thread-mark quite a lot. I still haven't decided what to do about the binding the original pattern calls for, because the velvet will give a thicker edge than the dress cotton they intended.
Show threadAilbheJan 2, 2023
Ok I tried transferring marks. First I clipped the paper pattern back onto the cut piece, then I pricked a pin through each end of the "stitching line" marks, then I chalked over the paper and also used a paintbrush to dust some chalk dust over it, then I removed the clips and the chalk WAS visible on the velvet for JUST long enough to mark it with thread. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 2, 2023
Of course then I had to go back and clip the paper pattern back on because I'd forgotten the notches and dots. I did the dots with a pin and chalk again and it worked fine. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 3, 2023
I think today I'll get to do some of the sewing parts of this sewing.
Show threadAilbheJan 3, 2023

So when I cut out the brushed cotton to be the interfacing, it was on my A1 size makeshift cutting table, but the bulk of the fabric was spilling off the edge and so it all cut a little wonky. Like the pieces are stretched diagonally when placed on the main pieces.

It's going to be fine, I'll pin the top edges and lift the pieces so the weight falls where it does, then pin the other edges and trim to match. But I'm glad it didn't happen on the main velvet fabric.

Show threadAilbheJan 3, 2023
I am really tired but the pieces are all basted to the interfacing and I can start assembly tomorrow.
Show threadAilbheJan 5, 2023
Two days later I think I might be able to sit at the machine and sew. Yesterday was a write-off.
Show threadAilbheJan 5, 2023
I did a bit of sewing but I'm tired enough to have sewn the collar pieces right sides together instead of wrong sides together so then I did LITERALLY AN HOUR of unpicking.
Show threadAilbheJan 5, 2023
I watched #CallTheMidwife with my youngest daughter instead of doing more #sewing, because I'm just too tired.
Show threadAilbheJan 6, 2023
Today I stuffed and attached the collar, and swept and hoovered a lot of spilt crushed walnut shells off the floor and clothes. I used a zipper foot to get close to the stuffing and it worked ok but I did break a needle at one point, where I was going through eight layers of fabric. I got it out of the garment with a magnet and pliers. #sewing
EDITED TO ADD this is going to be a microwaveable heat pad for neck and shoulders
Show threadAilbheJan 6, 2023
Tomorrow I think I get to make velvet bias binding. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 7, 2023
So far today, I've finished stitching the channels to fill with crushed walnut shells, and I've removed the thread-marking. I'm still trying to figure out how to make velvet bias binding. I can procrastinate this for ages though. Watch me.
Show threadAilbheJan 7, 2023
I need 280cm of 6cm wide binding, which is 1680cm², so I need a bit of velvet about 40x50cm to cut strips from. This is my first go. I've started by cutting along the diagonal centre of the rectangle and I'm going to take all my other lines from that.
Show threadAilbhe
I've made almost 3m of velvet bias binding by finger-pressing it and rolling it around a drink can. I'm hoping that this will keep it in shape long enough to apply it, because I'm afraid to iron it.
Jan 8, 2023 at 5:16pmWeb
Show threadAilbheJan 8, 2023
I also filled my vest channels with crushed walnut shells. The pattern said 2¼ litres of rice and that was about the amount of powder it took to make the channels fairly nicely filled. I'm looking at it now in case I decide to increase or remove any. Once the binding is applied, that's final.
Show threadAilbheJan 8, 2023
I'm a little concerned because the back is definitely heavier than the front.
Show threadAilbheJan 8, 2023
Ok, I checked my bobbin, swept all the fluff out of the machine, and started #sewing the first side of the binding. I used a zipper foot to get right up close to the stuffed parts.
Show threadAilbheJan 8, 2023
I had to stop before I'd finished because it's incredibly fiddly to manage the WEIGHT of all the crushed walnut shells in the stuffed channels, and the BULK of them doesn't help either. If I ever do another one, I'll apply the binding to almost all of it before I stuff ANY of it. Live and learn.
Show threadAilbheJan 9, 2023
Ok one side of the binding is on but I need daylight to hand sew the other side so it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Show threadAilbheJan 10, 2023
I'm handsewing the binding today but between needing daylight and my ridiculous hands, I got only about a tenth of it done. This was partially because figuring out what I'm doing is slow, so tomorrow will be a bit better. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 11, 2023
I think I'm about a third of the way through handsewing the binding. It's not very exciting but I'm probably getting better as I go along.
Show threadAilbheJan 12, 2023
I've almost finished the handsewing but I have to stop. Tomorrow will definitely be the last day of sewing this thing though, and then I can hoover it and give it to its actual owner. I'm not sure whether it's a heat pack or, like, a weighted blanket, though.
Show threadAilbheJan 13, 2023
This is when I started this project. For me, this is quick work.
https://mastodon.art/@artbyailbhe/109587452443901441
Ailbhe (@[email protected])

I wanted to do #sewing but it turns out that first I need to do #ironing. I've ironed the paper pattern and cut out the bits I need and folded the rest back into the packet, and I've read the instructions and figured out what fabric I need, and next I need to iron the blasted fabric. This is ridiculous. I don't want an ironing hobby.

Mastodon.ART
Show threadAilbheJan 13, 2023
Finished! One microwave heat pad for neck and shoulders, cotton velvet outer, filled with crushed walnut shells. I'm not delighted with the corners on the bias binding and if I make another I'll just curve those. I'm too tired for alt text but will try to fix later.
Show threadAilbheJan 14, 2023

The heat pad was a Simplicity pattern and I'm hoping that my next project will be an Ellie And Mac Slow Sunday t-shirt. I'm figuring out sizing by using Marks and Spencers to turn a UK dress size into bust inches and the Ellie And Mac chart to turn inches into a size. It will either work or not but at least with M&S it shouldn't come out much too small.

#sewing

Show threadAilbheJan 14, 2023

Stage 1: print pattern
I did this when I bought the pattern, I sent the file to a printer and got it all on A0.

Stage 2: print instructions
That's 72 pages? What? I'm printing pages 12-25 and hoping that's adequate. I'm pretty sure it would be cheaper to get it done by a professional if you were going to print the whole file, first the instructions and then the whole pattern divided into A4 pages.

Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023

✅ Ironed tissue paper salvaged from shoe and lingerie packaging

✅ Traced first part of pattern from A0 printout onto tissue paper taped together

Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
Ooh, tracing drew to my attention some fairly subtle shaping on the back. Cool.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
I'm definitely too tired to tackle fabric cutting today. I might put some hanging loops on hand towels instead.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
No, I do not know what's good for me and I did the cutting. Tsk. I could not make the sleeve caps match without wasting yards of fabric but I think I did make them balance.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
I've looked through the instructions I printed out and what I actually need, from the 72 pages, are 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 26. I've stapled the extra instructions for the variations together in discrete sections to make it easier when I go back and do other things but six pages with two steps per page is a lot less daunting than the tome I started out with.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
Since it's too late to sew and I'm too tired, I'm trying to decide if I can make this top (designed for stretch fabric) from plain woven if I cut it on the bias.
Show threadAilbheJan 17, 2023

I've been sewing this today but forgot pictures and now I'm too tired. This was from before I started; my thread collection only has greens which almost match so I chose pink. And then I pinned things in the easiest way for *inserting* the pins, which was the most ridiculous way for *removing the pins while sewing*.

Later I must iron and topstitch hems.

Show threadAilbheJan 17, 2023
Here it is before pressing and hemming and topstitching.
Show threadCreative! Queer!! Autistic!!!Jan 16, 2023
@artbyailbhe I’m following, and I’m excited to see how this project develops!
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
@n69n so am I, I bought this pattern in 2020 and planned to make this for someone's birthday in May 2022 so this is a lonnnnng time coming
Show threadOrjanJan 9, 2023
@artbyailbhe It looks great, but I must ask: why walnut?
Show threadAilbheJan 9, 2023
@cunobaros it's easy to buy online for stuffing pincushions and tailors hams, and might be less inclined to go mouldy than rice I hope.
Show threadAilbheJan 9, 2023
@cunobaros I didn't like it much so I'll try something else next time, but I don't know what.
Show threadOrjanJan 9, 2023
@artbyailbhe But this is a jacket? Bolero?
Is it for hugging hedgehogs? Is it based on some historical armoured garment?
I didn't know walnut- (or rice-) stuffed clothes were a thing.
Show threadAilbheJan 9, 2023
@cunobaros oh -- it's microwave heat pad for neck and shoulders
Show threadOrjanJan 9, 2023
@artbyailbhe Oooh! That's really neat.
Show threadAilbheJan 9, 2023
@cunobaros it's big though, the pattern has an even larger one but I can't imagine a domestic microwave that would do it.
Show threadOrjanJan 10, 2023
@artbyailbhe Yeah, I can see that becoming an issue.
Show threadKincaidJan 10, 2023
@cunobaros @artbyailbhe the ones that can fit it, can't be used near airports...
Show threadRandom_cJan 10, 2023
@kincaid @cunobaros @artbyailbhe uhm. Is that different to the wlnut husks I use for dyeing?
Show threadAilbheJan 10, 2023
@random @kincaid @cunobaros I dunno, but it's not supposed to get wet. It's sold for pincushions.
Show threadRandom_cJan 10, 2023
@artbyailbhe @kincaid @cunobaros fair enough. If I remember it needs soaking/fermenting to become dye.