Welcome to Fearless Scissors!  Do stop by and say hello. 

I have a piece of cloth on my worktable which is waiting to become a bag just as soon as I work out what shape of bag I want it to be.  What about you?  Do you have anything on or off the loom which is waiting for the cut-and-sew transformation?

Cally

Comments

trishSA (not verified)

I'm ashamed to say I have a couple of pieces of cloth waiting for scisors and sewing. Part of my fear is finding a pattern I like.

retrogradesonnet (not verified)

I keep saying that I'm just making swaths of fabric, but just today I was at a sewing party and sewed a piece for the first time! I made a pretty simple messenger bag by folding the fabric into thirds, but I did hem the edges, and make a gusset!

 

Now I'm thinking I need an inkle loom to make an awesome strap for it. :D

Woven_Spun (not verified)

I took cloth off the loom on Sunday.  I still need to wash it and then take it to the machine to make a top.

Also have a bag half way completed.  Decided I wanted inkle loom straps, but in making the straps today I determined that the colors and pattern don't match the bag, but instead would make a great dog leash for a friend's dog. So, I need to finish that up, then put another warp on the loom to finish the bag.

 

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 I'm in the middle of baby blankets right now, but I do want to make something for MAFA. I want to try a simple top in bamboo. This time I'll make a muslin first so I'll know how much fabric I really need. Then I'll weave a sample so I know how much shrinkage to expect. I didn't do either when I made a jacket and had to shorten it about six inches and try to make it look as if it was designed that way. 

Cally (not verified)

Handles and straps are my bugbear - not that I don't like them, but that there are so many options to choose from!  One of my favourite outcomes was when I just used a cut off strip of the bag fabric and backed it with denim to make a sturdy tube.  But handle indecision is definitely a problem for me...

Little Meadows (not verified)

I'd really like to get feedback from experienced people here about whether to use a sewing machine or serger for stabilizing the  edges of the fabric pieces when making a jacket or vest. And the best methods to do that.   There is so little out there about sewing and constructing  handwovens, let alone with sergers - most of the books seem to be well before they came to the US.  Are there any resources to look at?  I've been to Daryl Lancaster's site so  know what she sells as far as linings, etc.   I'd sure appreciate any advice,  Liese

Cally (not verified)

A little while ago Leigh posted on her blog about the decision to buy a serger - I am sure she won't mind my posting the link here.  She gives a good analysis of the functions you get from a serger as opposed to a sewing machine.

And are you a member of HGA?  It is worth taking a look at Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot as they have had some very good beginners' articles on the process of sewing handwoven cloth in the last couple of years.  Just been to the bookshelf and the one I was thinking of particularly is in issue 150 (Spring 2007): Stephanie Corina Goddard writes about "Sewing Handwoven Fabric with Confidence" and looks particularly at ways of stabilising edges and seams.

Cally

Little Meadows (not verified)

Thanks Cally,  I just joined HGA this year so don't have that issue of SS&D but I will look for it since those are some of my biggest questions.  I really appreciate you going thru your bookshelf !  Now I'll go read that link.

Deanna (not verified)

I was a seamstress before I was a weaver.  I wanted to weave to sew, but it is amazing how little sewing that I have done and how many pieces of weaving I have waiting for the sewing.  I'm hoping membership in this group will help me get some sewing and "cutting!!" done on my pieces.  And also get some of the pieces that I have tested, on the loom and finished in my closet.

Deanna

 

tien (not verified)

I've been working on my wedding dress! I'm currently weaving up 20 yards of 24" wide white silk in a Celtic braid pattern (my own design), using 60/2 silk warp and 140/2 silk weft. (This will take me awhile - it's sett at 96 epi and woven at 60 picks per inch!) After that I will weave up another 20 yards of a white-and-gold eternity knot pattern for the coat that goes over the dress, and after THAT I will weave up about 6 yards of white-and-gold ribbon with Chinese double-happiness characters woven in, to go down the front of the wedding-coat. And after that, I will start sewing....I'm beginning the first muslins now. Ambitious and complicated, but, well, I like complex projects and I've got a year to do it, since we've agreed to get married next summer sometime.

Cally (not verified)

Let the dress set the date!  Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Dustbunnies (not verified)

I've got a piece of striped very fine wool yardage that is just screaming to become a jacket of some kind.  I have just borrowed a friends serger to try out, so hopefully that will be the impetus to get me going.  It's just downright scary to committ to cutting it.

fantasticfelter (not verified)

 this is wonderful, a group who weaves and sews! i am totally fearless in cutting cloth i have woven but that fearlessness did not come quickly, but painlessly, no bad screw ups yet.

i teach clothing construction and have for 23+years, i have designed wedding dress and sewn for others until a few yrs ago, and have woven for 35+yrs. off and on. i love seams, am not afraid of them, and think that hand woven' can have just as meny seams as fabric, if it is handled right. looking forward to meeting and conversing with other weaver sewers.

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 Hi Liese,

I ran across an article on sewing hand woven fabric today that dealt with stabilizing the fabric before and during sewing. It also recommended how to finish the edges of seams. It was on the Sewing and Craft Alliance site  www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/4_260_sewing_with_handwovens.pdf

I'm not sure I linked this correctly but at least you can copy and paste. I hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

suzyhok (not verified)

WOW!  I am SO impressed by your wedding project!   96 epi and 60 ppi -- EEEK!!!  It will be spectacular and I can't wait to see the photos you post of it!  You go girl!!!

I just completed a summer outfit to wear to my retirement party.  The party was on Friday night and I finished on Thursday night... how's that for cutting it close.  Sounds like you are much more organized!  I hope to post some better photos on my projects page and my blog.  

It took me about 6 weeks from the day I fulled the handwoven fabric until I actually cut into it.  I knew what I wanted to do for the skirt but the top had me stumped.  I finally started cutting and reinforcing the all the cut edges using a zigzap with tiny stitches in it last Tuesday.  But it worked... and I'm 95% pleased.  There are some things I would have liked to change... but it is comfortable and I know I'll wear the top several times.

 

 

Woven_Spun (not verified)

New Blouse and Summer Bag

 

I finished both today.  I hand painted the 5/2 cotton warp and weft for both projects.

Cally (not verified)

Beautiful summer colours!  And I really like the way you have attached the handle to the bag: it somehow looks 'lighter' that way.  Definitely giving me ideas...

Woven_Spun (not verified)

Thanks Cally.  I have more warp on the loom today that hopefully will be another summer blouse.  I just wound several different cones of 2/20 rayon and cotton together (three strands per wrap) in different color combos.  I've woven about a 1/4 of the cloth so far and like how it looks.  We'll see if it turns out to be suitable blouse material or just lots of tote bags.

Little Meadows (not verified)

I'm sorry that I didn't see your post earlier to respond with a thank you - that's a nice article.  Liese

janenedriscoll

Making a muslin sample before cutting into handwoven fabric is a must!  I guess it's kind of like making a gauge swatch when knitting.  If you didn't take the time to do it, and your finished project isn't the right size, you'll really wish you'd make it.  I bought a bolt of muslin so now each time I use it it feels like it's free!

 

Hope your bamboo tops turns out just like you want it to.

Janene

jemwork (not verified)

Running with scissors to catch you all up! Wow what a conversation.

My idea has been to make things with my wovens & I've managed to amass several nice pieces. I'm just moving into a new studio area, which frees up space at home for better working conditions.

This is my work table. I do have one loom there & an old sewing machine. Not in the picture is a rack displaying fabric to contemplate. There are a couple pieces whose time evidently has not come yet ;>

trishSA (not verified)

I'm ashamed to say I have a couple of pieces of cloth waiting for scisors and sewing. Part of my fear is finding a pattern I like.

retrogradesonnet (not verified)

I keep saying that I'm just making swaths of fabric, but just today I was at a sewing party and sewed a piece for the first time! I made a pretty simple messenger bag by folding the fabric into thirds, but I did hem the edges, and make a gusset!

 

Now I'm thinking I need an inkle loom to make an awesome strap for it. :D

Woven_Spun (not verified)

I took cloth off the loom on Sunday.  I still need to wash it and then take it to the machine to make a top.

Also have a bag half way completed.  Decided I wanted inkle loom straps, but in making the straps today I determined that the colors and pattern don't match the bag, but instead would make a great dog leash for a friend's dog. So, I need to finish that up, then put another warp on the loom to finish the bag.

 

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 I'm in the middle of baby blankets right now, but I do want to make something for MAFA. I want to try a simple top in bamboo. This time I'll make a muslin first so I'll know how much fabric I really need. Then I'll weave a sample so I know how much shrinkage to expect. I didn't do either when I made a jacket and had to shorten it about six inches and try to make it look as if it was designed that way. 

Cally (not verified)

Handles and straps are my bugbear - not that I don't like them, but that there are so many options to choose from!  One of my favourite outcomes was when I just used a cut off strip of the bag fabric and backed it with denim to make a sturdy tube.  But handle indecision is definitely a problem for me...

Little Meadows (not verified)

I'd really like to get feedback from experienced people here about whether to use a sewing machine or serger for stabilizing the  edges of the fabric pieces when making a jacket or vest. And the best methods to do that.   There is so little out there about sewing and constructing  handwovens, let alone with sergers - most of the books seem to be well before they came to the US.  Are there any resources to look at?  I've been to Daryl Lancaster's site so  know what she sells as far as linings, etc.   I'd sure appreciate any advice,  Liese

Cally (not verified)

A little while ago Leigh posted on her blog about the decision to buy a serger - I am sure she won't mind my posting the link here.  She gives a good analysis of the functions you get from a serger as opposed to a sewing machine.

And are you a member of HGA?  It is worth taking a look at Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot as they have had some very good beginners' articles on the process of sewing handwoven cloth in the last couple of years.  Just been to the bookshelf and the one I was thinking of particularly is in issue 150 (Spring 2007): Stephanie Corina Goddard writes about "Sewing Handwoven Fabric with Confidence" and looks particularly at ways of stabilising edges and seams.

Cally

Little Meadows (not verified)

Thanks Cally,  I just joined HGA this year so don't have that issue of SS&D but I will look for it since those are some of my biggest questions.  I really appreciate you going thru your bookshelf !  Now I'll go read that link.

Deanna (not verified)

I was a seamstress before I was a weaver.  I wanted to weave to sew, but it is amazing how little sewing that I have done and how many pieces of weaving I have waiting for the sewing.  I'm hoping membership in this group will help me get some sewing and "cutting!!" done on my pieces.  And also get some of the pieces that I have tested, on the loom and finished in my closet.

Deanna

 

tien (not verified)

I've been working on my wedding dress! I'm currently weaving up 20 yards of 24" wide white silk in a Celtic braid pattern (my own design), using 60/2 silk warp and 140/2 silk weft. (This will take me awhile - it's sett at 96 epi and woven at 60 picks per inch!) After that I will weave up another 20 yards of a white-and-gold eternity knot pattern for the coat that goes over the dress, and after THAT I will weave up about 6 yards of white-and-gold ribbon with Chinese double-happiness characters woven in, to go down the front of the wedding-coat. And after that, I will start sewing....I'm beginning the first muslins now. Ambitious and complicated, but, well, I like complex projects and I've got a year to do it, since we've agreed to get married next summer sometime.

Cally (not verified)

Let the dress set the date!  Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Dustbunnies (not verified)

I've got a piece of striped very fine wool yardage that is just screaming to become a jacket of some kind.  I have just borrowed a friends serger to try out, so hopefully that will be the impetus to get me going.  It's just downright scary to committ to cutting it.

fantasticfelter (not verified)

 this is wonderful, a group who weaves and sews! i am totally fearless in cutting cloth i have woven but that fearlessness did not come quickly, but painlessly, no bad screw ups yet.

i teach clothing construction and have for 23+years, i have designed wedding dress and sewn for others until a few yrs ago, and have woven for 35+yrs. off and on. i love seams, am not afraid of them, and think that hand woven' can have just as meny seams as fabric, if it is handled right. looking forward to meeting and conversing with other weaver sewers.

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 Hi Liese,

I ran across an article on sewing hand woven fabric today that dealt with stabilizing the fabric before and during sewing. It also recommended how to finish the edges of seams. It was on the Sewing and Craft Alliance site  www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/4_260_sewing_with_handwovens.pdf

I'm not sure I linked this correctly but at least you can copy and paste. I hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

suzyhok (not verified)

WOW!  I am SO impressed by your wedding project!   96 epi and 60 ppi -- EEEK!!!  It will be spectacular and I can't wait to see the photos you post of it!  You go girl!!!

I just completed a summer outfit to wear to my retirement party.  The party was on Friday night and I finished on Thursday night... how's that for cutting it close.  Sounds like you are much more organized!  I hope to post some better photos on my projects page and my blog.  

It took me about 6 weeks from the day I fulled the handwoven fabric until I actually cut into it.  I knew what I wanted to do for the skirt but the top had me stumped.  I finally started cutting and reinforcing the all the cut edges using a zigzap with tiny stitches in it last Tuesday.  But it worked... and I'm 95% pleased.  There are some things I would have liked to change... but it is comfortable and I know I'll wear the top several times.

 

 

Woven_Spun (not verified)

New Blouse and Summer Bag

 

I finished both today.  I hand painted the 5/2 cotton warp and weft for both projects.

Cally (not verified)

Beautiful summer colours!  And I really like the way you have attached the handle to the bag: it somehow looks 'lighter' that way.  Definitely giving me ideas...

Woven_Spun (not verified)

Thanks Cally.  I have more warp on the loom today that hopefully will be another summer blouse.  I just wound several different cones of 2/20 rayon and cotton together (three strands per wrap) in different color combos.  I've woven about a 1/4 of the cloth so far and like how it looks.  We'll see if it turns out to be suitable blouse material or just lots of tote bags.

Little Meadows (not verified)

I'm sorry that I didn't see your post earlier to respond with a thank you - that's a nice article.  Liese

janenedriscoll

Making a muslin sample before cutting into handwoven fabric is a must!  I guess it's kind of like making a gauge swatch when knitting.  If you didn't take the time to do it, and your finished project isn't the right size, you'll really wish you'd make it.  I bought a bolt of muslin so now each time I use it it feels like it's free!

 

Hope your bamboo tops turns out just like you want it to.

Janene

jemwork (not verified)

Running with scissors to catch you all up! Wow what a conversation.

My idea has been to make things with my wovens & I've managed to amass several nice pieces. I'm just moving into a new studio area, which frees up space at home for better working conditions.

This is my work table. I do have one loom there & an old sewing machine. Not in the picture is a rack displaying fabric to contemplate. There are a couple pieces whose time evidently has not come yet ;>

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