Introduction and yearning for expertise

Hi Breeze and welcome to the group. There are lots of people here who can help you. As your questions come up post away. You're gonna love the people here. Juno

Hi, welcome to the group! I am from Canada too, Saskatoon..... People here can answer any questions you have about how to do something, and there are lots of free sewing things online. check out this video zipper tutorial....(english)

Welcome to the group - you may want to check out rec.crafts.textiles.sewing as well ;)

Firstly, if you want to wear draw string pants - then wear them! There is no requirement (in my book at any rate) to follow fashion slavishly.

Secondly, if you want any consolation, it took me YEARS to summon up the courage to actually make trousers rather than skirts - I though they were too difficult! It took me another couple of years to get round to learning how to do proper fly front zip insertations - and I haven't looked back since!

I'd suggest you learn to do a simple lapped zip installation first, and a couple of the variations round that before tackling a fly front - but having said that, once you've susssed how to do the fly front - I don't think its actually any more difficult than any other zip installion.

Get hold of Readers Digest Guide to Sewing, or Dorling Kindersly How to Sew - Or Vogue Sewing. All these 3 (I own one of each!) give good directions and step by step pictures (RD is particuarly good for plain zip installation) on how to install zips - its much easier to understand inpictures than words. The DK book covers fly fronts very well.

My advise is to press open the seam allowances. Pin install the zip and check its positioned correctly. Baste then check zip still looks OK and functions, Then machine sew.

Get an old sturdy zip and some scrap material to practice on - just keep ripping the zip out and reusing it while you practice.

HTH

Sarah (in the UK)

Welcome! I know what you mean about loving to sew when things go right! I've been sewing since I was 8 (I'll be 52 on Monday) and I *still* have problems!!

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Instead of replying to what others have already said.....

Welcome to the group! We have people of all levels of ability. SOme professional, some who sew just for themselves of their families, beginners, experts - you name it, we probably got it :-)

I've been sewing for nearly 28 years (started when I was 5 thanks to both parents teaching me ) and still don't consider myself expert. I mostly sew for my children and myself - sewing clothes for the children is a LOT less expensive than buying clothes that they have outgrown before they even get back into the car!!!!

You are not alone when it comes to zippers, they drove me bonkers as well. Others have suggested specific books, and I would definitely second that advice. I've also found that, regardless of the derogatory name, Sewing for Dummies isn't that bad - have suggested that book and Quilting for Dummies to my one quilt student who is wanting to try things even I haven't done yet!!!.

The best thing to do is keep trying. Oh, and who cares about what others say regarding drawstring pants...if you like them and are comfortable in them...wear them!!!

Larisa

breeze wrote:

Happy Birthday for Monday Irene!!!!

And Welcome Breeze. Way back in the dark ages when I wanted to learn to sew I took my favourite pair of tailored pants (worn to a very bright shine) and just dissected them one seam at a time to find out how to make the exact same thing myself. I used that pattern for years. I admit I did have some very basic sewing skills at the time. But my mother - a highly skilled seamstress - always refused to teach me anyting! She believed that if I really wanted to sew I would figure it out myself. This is just one of the many many things we disagree on, so ask away if you strike a problem. Someone here is sure to be able to help.

Gees I feel so welcome, thank you Juno, Michelle and Sarah for your warm responses! I think I'm really going to enjoy this group. I've made about six pairs of drawstring slacks (for myself), I had visits from two of my nieces one who lives locally and one who lives in Edmonton and they both fell in love with the slacks, so I made my niece from Edmonton, Alberta - two pair before she went home and my other niece who lives locally said "hey what about me". Along came the 'mister' with bottom lip quivering and said "can't you make me some shorts". Got some really great fabric on sale, set out to make him his shorts, decided I didn't want to mess up the great fabric I got on sale and used some stuff that they line drapes with to practise on (thank gawd). The pattern totally confused the heck out of me... I'm either really dumb (which is a possibility) :) or the pattern makers think everyone is an expert. I've been so disheartened that I just put that sewing aside and said maybe I'd better wait till I go to classes in September (my husband is still pouting).

We're presently undergoing home renovations so I didn't want to start any new projects for myself until my husband stops traipsing vendors through the house :) I get quite messy and hate having to clean up every few hours :)

I have a Kenmore Model 385.18330 sewing machine (I'm not very impressed with, bogs down with any heavy fabric) and a Kenmore 2/3/4D serger. Gosh I've written a book here, but just wanted to give you a little info on me and some of the things I've tackled. I really do like the creative aspect of sewing and I love getting information on refining my sewing hobby. I'm bookmarking all the sites recommended and will enjoy expanding my knowlege with the help of this group :)

Thanks, Cheryl! Time really flies....I can't believe I'll be 52 yrs old

- I really don't feel that old in my head! My body, on the other hand....

-Irene=20

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Welcome, Breeze, You have found the right place to get ahead on your sewing skills. I found these groups soon after I went online 8 years ago at age 66 and although I have sewed for 65+ years, I learn something new very often on here. What type of shorts does your husband want? Not drawstring? why not make him a pair of them anyway while you waiting to really tackle other types and yes, pattern instructions are usually seriously lacking being clear and concise. Michelle mentions a taunton site, which is Threads magazine, their tutorials are great and easy to understand. Sarah Dale told you about the Reader's Digest book among others. The old edition is also my 'bible' of sewing, it is always by my sewing machine when I sew. I have the latest edition, but in my opinion, the old is better. Around this area, it is usually on sale for $5-$6 in used book stores. When you get started on a project and have questions, just post them here and someone will help you. Again, welcome! Emily

No need for thanks! You will find people here are very friendly.

Note to Breeze: Drawstring Slacks are in for summer........Haven't you heard! It all has to do with the nautical inspired themes. In fact, I have seen drawstring pants for $400 (silk, mind you, and "designer brand")

Michelle Giordano