Working with knitted/stretchy fabrics

Hi, 


Laurie from my sewing class asked me for some pointers on working with stretch/knitted fabrics so I've compiled a little list. 
Hope this helps!
Any questions at all, just let me know? 

There are many different weights/types of knitted fabrics. Here's a very brief overview:

Single knit: Single knit fabrics are made from a single layer of thread loops. This forms a distinct right and wrong side to the fabric. Single knits are generally light to medium weight and very stretchy

Double knit fabrics are made by interlocking two layers single knit thread loops simultaneously. The resulting fabric looks virtually the same on both sides. Double knits are generally medium to heavy weight, sturdy fabrics with minimal stretch.

Most of the really stretchy knits include some synthetic fibre content to give the fabric strength and good "˜rebound' after it has been stretched. Knits are available in 100% cotton and 100% synthetic fibres, and many blends in-between.

Preparation work:

Cutting out stretch fabric can be tricky as it is so easy to stretch it out. I recommend laying out a sheet of tissue paper under the fabric and pinning onto that. It helps add a layer of stability and makes cutting much easier.

Make sure you follow the grain line (parallel to the selvage/fold line) on your pattern to make sure the stretch is going to be in the right direction. This will make sewing the pieces much nicer.

When cutting, make sure you use super sharp scissors too as the fabric can drag or be stretched with a blunt pair.

Sewing:

When sewing a stretch fabric it's important to use a stretch ball point needle in your sewing machine rather than a regular 'sharp' needle. Ball point needles have a rounded tip which allows the needle slide in between the 'loops' of the fabric (and stops cutting/fraying of the fibres)

Use a polyester thread rather than a cotton thread as there is more stretch in synthetic fibres and will work with the fabric better.

Have a play about with some scraps of your fabric to get the best stitch length. I suggest trying a medium length straight stitch or a narrow zig zag. The bonus of the zig zag is that there is more 'give' and this will allow your seams to stretch a bit when you are wearing the garment.

You can buy a special presser foot called a 'walking foot'. This isn't essential for sewing but can give more uniform results.

Make sure you keep the edges of the your pieces even as you are sewing them . I find it helpful to pin across the fabric and stitch over the pins. This stops your 2 layers from moving around and prevents one layer being stretched more than the other when sewing.

Take your time with stretch fabrics. Try to keep your pieces on the table (rather than hanging off the edge) the less pressure you put on the fabric the more likely you are to sew it well!

If you have access to an overlocker, this is a great way to sew stretch fabrics. Follow the advice from above about preparing your pieces and maybe even think about hand tacking your seams before you sew them (then you don't have to worry about removing pins as you go)

Good luck, don't be scared, give it a go!

A moving story...

Dresar Studio is Moving!

Well, almost a year after Dresar Studio was established, it is almost time for us to wave Bon Voyage to our first office at Liberty Business Centre in Dalgety Bay and move on to pastures new.

Dresar Studio will now be making it's home in the lovely (energy efficiant, apparently) village of Crossgates, in Fife.

For those of you who dont know the village, this is the link ot the google map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ky4+8aj&sll=56.084138,-3.375264&sspn=0.008046,0.026178&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Cowdenbeath,+Fife+KY4+8AJ,+United+Kingdom&ll=56.084513,-3.375442&spn=0.007998,0.026178&z=16&iwloc=A

Yikes! Long link...

For those of you who do know the village, I'm at the traffic lights (there's only one set, it's a small village) next to the Hair and Beauty shop, Wax and Relax.

If you are going to be sat-navving your way out to see us: the full address is:

Dresar Studio

8 Main St

Crossgates

Fife

KY4 8AJ

So, that's the where taken care of. Now all I have to do is:

Get a good sign maker (easier said than done)

Get a custom made cutting/sewing area made by a joiner who will not require me to sell my home, hair and several organs.

Get a painter to do the outside (I don't think my slap dash painting method will quite cut it here)

Decorate (the fun bit)

Make enough stock for the new Ready To Wear selection that will be available to buy in store

Fix up, take care and upcycle the vintage stock that will also be available in the shop

Develop a new and exciting range of sewing workshops and courses for all ages and abilites

Organise and host a fabulous Grand Opening Party.

All by the end of May. Better get cracking! 

I'm so excited to be, not only back in my home town, but also watching Dresar Studio grow from strength to strength. When I cast my mind back to this time last year, I can't believe how much things have changed. It's been a tough mountain to climb, full of financial and social sacrifice, but I can say with my hand of my heart it has been the best decision I've ever made. 

Since I'm getting all emotional, I should also take a moment to thank my friends and family who have provided unwavering support, in particular, my Mum and my boyfriend, Steph. It would have been literally impossible to have done this without you guys.

I can't wait to see you all at the party! More details on that to follow. 

Big love, see you soon

Deanna

Must. Blog. Better.

I endeavour to keep a better account of the goings on of Dresar Studio. As most of you know, I am moving from my studio into my very own shop. I have so many decisions to make and things to do that I have been forgetting to do the fun stuff. So! From now on, I promise to keep you all updated (and keep a journal for myself) of this amazing time in my life.

the camera that my lovely boyfriend, Steph, got for me for Christmas will help.

I've had a terrible cold this week but it's given me lots of time to browse the net for nice new (and old) things for the shop. I discovered an amazing antiques warehouse just outside of Auchtermuchty. They have an EBay shop called Abacus Antiques where I got this.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ViewItem&item=110662274366&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2663wt_689
I plan to re-cover it with something pretty. As soon as I have a minute, I'll be off to find some lovely upholstery fabric.... Will post photos ASAP.

Well, that's all for now, really just wanted to check in and pledge to be better.

My 2 studio sewing classes are now in full swing and the ladies (and one guy) have all started on their projects. So exciting. Will start a gallery of all of their work.

Night night (sniff sniff)

Back soon.

Beginners 6 week Sewing/Dressmaking Classes in Fife

Dresar Studio has been a busy place of late. We're halfway through our first 'term' of sewing classes and the results are looking great!
The newest course dates have been announced.

We are running 2 Evening Classes, running from:

Thursday 24th March until Thursday 28th May - 6:30 - 9:00pm
And
Tuesday 5th April  until Tuesday 10th May - 6:30 - 9:00pm

Classes are held at: 

Dresar Studio

Sybrig House

Ridge Way

Donibristle Industrial Estate

Dalgety Bay

Fife

KY11 9JN

Contact us for more info!

Tel: 01383 828994 or 07780331548

Email: deanna@dresarstudio.com

'Like' Dresar Studio on facebook!

Felt Christmas Tree Decorations

It Felt right to get Festive...

This has been a crazy 6 months. Dresar Studio, is now very much up and running and I have been super busy getting many Christmas brides ready for their big day.
Now, all the work is done and I wanted to relax and try out some fun, crafty ideas I've been thinking about. What better time than to rope in my lovely boyfriend and teach (force) him to make some felt Christmas Tree Decorations with me.





Here's a step by step list of how to make your very own!

1. We started with a basic penguin shape template, traced it out onto felt and cut two out (one for the front and one for the back)

2. Then we cut out the white inner body piece and stitched it on by hand. Your sewing doesn't have to be great here, in fact the more 'hand done' it looks, the better the result.

3. We then decorated the front body piece with stick on eyes, and sewn on pieces of contrasting felt and coloured buttons to create the beak and little accessories.

4. Next, we cut out 2 sets of feet (front and back) and a small piece of wadding to place between the two layers

5. Now, we hand stitched the two layers together with the wadding inside (a blanket stitch looks good here)

6. We then cut out 2 wings and tacked them onto the penguin main body

7. Then tack the feet onto the main body

8. At this point, we cut out a piece of wadding which was just smaller than the body piece

9. Using a blanket stitch, we attache the back piece to the front, with the wadding inside, making sure it was neat and any raw edges were hidden on the inside.

10. lastly, we cut a small piece of ribbon and hand stitched it onto the top of the decoration and we were ready to proudly hang it from our tree!

Mrs Penguin

Mr Penguin

 This project can be as easy or as complicated as you want but if your new to it, try something really simple. Seeing the fab results will inspire you to go on and do something trickier.... Or, if your like my boyfriend, quit there and reward yourself with another mince pie.

I couldn't help myself and made another one... it's a lot of fun and is a great way to introduce someone to basic hand sewing skills. Enjoy and have a Very Merry Christmas!

Felt Owl

Bag Yourself a Treat!!

Yesterday, Dresar Studio held it's very first themed project workshop. 'Bag yourself a Treat' was created to teach all the skills needed to transform an old pair of jeans into a funky, fully lined, over the shoulder bag. The participants of the workshop were Jodi, Fiona, Laura and Pauline.

The first part of the day was spent showing the girls the basics of using a sewing machine, including how to thread up and how to sew using different stitches. Once everyone was happy with this we set about getting creative and designing our bags, choosing lining fabrics, trims and accessories.

Pauline (a self confessed butter fingers) was shocked at how quickly she picked up the all of these new skills after spending years thinking she wouldn't be able to learn to sew a button on!

As you can imagine, all this creativity is thirsty work, so we downed tools for a cup of tea and a fantastic home made cupcake supplied by the lovely Jodi. What a treat! The class was certainly living up to it's name... Refreshed, everyone was raring to get back to work and thoroughly motivated by their bags, which were really starting to take shape.

The afternoon section of the workshop focused on completing the denim outer of the bag. At this stage, I could see a huge improvement in the girls confidence and skills, so we set about adding the lining, the strap and all the decorative touches.

There was a lot to learn in a short space of time but as the maximum number of people in a Dresar Studio workshop is 4, everyone is guaranteed the individual attention and support they need to complete their project.
I was thrilled with the results, as were all the girls. Fiona said she found the class 'extremely therapeutic' as it had been a long time since she'd done something creative for herself. Laura told me she had no idea she would enjoy the class as much as she had and will be booking up for the 6 week Dressmaking course which will be starting soon at Dresar Studio.

The 'Bag Yourself a Treat' workshop will be running again in November and you can book your place now. The other workshops available are:

‘Cushion the blow’ - Making your very own cushion is fantastic introduction to sewing and to unleasing your creativity

‘Skirting Around’ - Learn all the basics of sewing then show off your amazing new skills by making a fab A-Line skirt.

Group discounts are available, please get in touch for more details.

Dresar Studio:
Tel: 01383 828994  or  07780331548
Email: deanna@dresarstudio.com
Web: www.dresarstudio.co.uk
Address:  Sybrig House, Ridge Way, Dalgety Bay, Fife, KY11 9JN

Home textile obsession....

After all the home textile challenges I've been doing lately, I decided to update a few of my own! I found this amazing heavy weight, textured upholstery fabric when I was in Glasgow a few months ago and they have resulted in a beautiful set of winter curtains and cushion covers. If you are looking for a cheap, effective way of jazzing up a room, this could be the answer. Contact me on deanna@dresarstudio.com for more details.