Today is the day I have swapped my spring/summer clothes over for my autumn/winter clothes. It seems earlier than last year but it needs doing. Everyday I open the wardrobe, dresses that require bare legs are staring back at me and it is just too darn cold. Nearly all of my clothes are handmade now and it has taken about three years to get to that. Some things are past their best so I did some wardrobe weeding too. This is most of what I am keeping.
After finding out my wardrobe wants, I chose some projects for the coming months and got snipping.
Here are a few of my cutting out tips:
1. Always have the pattern to the right of your scissors (if you are right-handed) you get a more accurate cut. If you cut it the other way the paper and fabric separate and you start guessing the cutting line.
2. Measure yourself and key points on the pattern. The crotch on these would have meant the waistband was nearly touching my bra so I made an adjustment. Make a muslin if it is a new shape for you.
3. Stop and think if any of your adjustments will effect other pattern pieces. I needed to also adjust the pocket which was going to join onto the side I had just shortened.
4. Transfer all of the markings with chalk or tailors tacks onto the wrong side of the fabric. You are a fool to skip this and do it at the sewing stage. You will need to get all the paper pieces back out of the packet again. Do it now!
5. Don't ignore notches. I cut mine into the seam allowance but you can make little triangles pointing out or mark with chalk if you think it won't rub off. I cut inwards because I use an overlocker to finish my edges and I can still see them through the stitches whereas if I make triangles pointing out the cutting blade cuts them off and I am non the wiser.
6. If you know it will be a while until you sew it. Label your pieces, especially the ones that look similar.
I have shared this routine of mine before but I like to cut out in batches. Over the last three days I have cut out trousers, a skirt, a jacket, child leggings, child skirt, polo neck top, a dress for Little M and some napkins. I have no idea when I am going to make them but they are all bagged up with the thread and notions for when I fancy a sew.
Have a great week. Jo xx
Ps. the dog has already eaten a reel of cotton since I took this picture. Pesky hound!
Ps. the dog has already eaten a reel of cotton since I took this picture. Pesky hound!
I hope your dog is ok?
ReplyDeleteI don't like cutting out so tend to do it on a different day to the sewing. I don't have the fabric on the right though, I am careful to keep the fabric/pattern flat while cutting and then they don't separate out.
Our dog is fine, I heard it rattling round in his mouth and managed to retrieve a soggy reel of guterman thread.
DeleteHi.thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.You are so clever.I have a sewing machine but need some lessons.i have made a few things for the home but no way could I make something for me lol.Happy Sewing.xx
ReplyDeleteYou've solved a mystery. I was always taught to cut the notches so they stick out. Made sense. Couldn't understand why people cut them in and risked a hole at the seam. I don't have an overlocker. Now I can see how it works with one. An "Ah ha!" moment. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePlease go on the Sewing Bee next year - you'll be fab.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of quick makes when you get around to the sewing. A great idea for the sewers though especially packing it all together ready.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit like you when it comes to being prepared for sewing (but I do sometimes rush and miss a notch). I have nothing cut at all, nothing I want to make except a bra. If only I could find my measuring tape.... I also have some fabric to wash so it is ready to go. Happy sewing. xx
ReplyDeleteOh yes that one... pre-wash your fabric folks!! I am using the tree fabric you sent to make the Louisa Dress for Megan. She loved the last one but it is too small.
DeleteThank you for sharing your tips, Jo. I'm not a skilled sewer/sewist at all, so I'm always interested in learning more. Actually, I used to be much better than I am now, I'm out of practice. It's nice to have reminders of the right ways to do things. :)
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought to cut with the pattern to the right, thanks for that, might explain why my cutting is so bad!
ReplyDeleteJillxo
Well done with the cutting and organizing Jo. At least the dog did not eatt the last ball of yarn of a sweater to be. Oops, hope I did not jinx you by saying that.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine I will ever sew another garment...once was enough. Your cutting out is very organised.
ReplyDeleteCrikey you are right, I went out to the post box earlier and no joke, I wished I'd worn gloves. The opaques/woolly tights will be making an earlier than usual appearance.
I haven't made any clothing for many many years, but you remind me that I used to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI frequently have to rescue thread from bunny mouths!
I haven't made any clothing for a long time and yet strangely when the girls were small I made everything both for them and myself. Great tips.
ReplyDeleteYou are so wise, marking everything now and not whilst sewing! I've never batch cut out but it totally makes sense.
ReplyDeleteYour scissors are so pretty. I have scissor envy just a little!