Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

CJ · Last edited by CJ on Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

I picked my first garment pattern to sew. Very Happy

It's the Dortje trousers by farbenmix. See here:- Dortje and :-
PDF instructions here.

Rather foolishly (according to my mum Rolling Eyes

) I'm trying the version with different coloured sections. I'm stuck though. How exactly do I tack up the middle section to the top and bottom to middle etc. When I place the wrong sides together the "u" sections seem to be up the wrong way and I can't work it out. Embarassed

I've tried my mum, but only got I told you so, and why are you trying a complicated foreign pattern etc etc?!! (actually it's because I didn't order enough fabric to make them all the same colour. Wink

)

Can someone more intelligent than me help? Mr. Green

I've already put in my first ever pockets - sucessfully - surprisingly.

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

harrysmum · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 468 Location: Leeds UK

This is much easier to show than to tell - so bear with me whilst I wave my hands at the PC!!

OK, you're stitching two curves together - one curve in & one curves out.

I'd start with pieces 2b & 2C as the curves are more gentle.

Place the pieces right side facing and match the middle of each piece with the raw edges even. I'd generally have the concave piece (curves in) underneath and the convex (curves out) bit on top. Put a pin in at right angles to the edge to hold the two pieces together.

Then match the raw edges of the seam you're sewing and pin, again at right angles) at each end of the seam. - there will be a flattish piece of fabric on the bottom and a wavy mess on top.

Line up the raw edges along the edge you're sewing and pop a couple of extra pins in, again at right angles to the seam.

Now, ignore anything your neddlework teacher told you about tacking - she was an old dragon and I give you permission to ignore her. There are no sewing police!!

Now sew the seam - you're going to sew a little bit at a time, concentrating on keeping those raw edges even and lined up with the guage on your machine for whatever seam allowance you added. When you get to a pin, you slip it out or if you're feeling brave you can sew right over it. Take your time and adjust the fabric so you're sewing along a smooth edge with no wrinkles.

When you get to the other end press just the seam allowance with the right sides still facing, then open up the piece and press the seam allowance towards convex piece - turn it over and admire your handiwork!
Now do the same for the other piece.

I find the best way to deal woth curved seams is to use a small seam allowance and remember it's your seam that needs to be smooth and wrinkle free - the seam allowances will want to pull whilst you're sewing, but once you've finished they'll all be on the back Wink

Alternative instructions, if you really struggle......

Sew a basting stitch (normal sewing machine stitch through one layer of fabric) a millimetre inside the stitching line on the concave piece. Make lots of little snips to the basting, but not through it. Follow the directions above but the snips will allow the fabric to lie flatter.

Shout if you need more help!!

Liz
xx

CJ · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:51 am Post subject:

Thanks a lot, I think that makes sense. Very Happy

I'll give it a go. Although last night I did cut out the pattern for a plain pair, so not sure whether to try those first, as never stitched a crotch before. Laughing

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

Hope you manage it ok! Good luck. Also - I don't think there's anything wrong with challenging yourself - it's surely better to have a go at something you like. You go for it! One of the first things I tried to sew was some pyjama 'shorts' - the pattern made very little sense to me and they did end up too big - but it's all a learning experience Wink

and I did learn a lot.
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Sharon

CJ · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject:

well it won't matter if stuff for DD turns out too big anyway, she'll just grow into it. Laughing

my mum reckons I should sew burda or simplicity patterns but I've not found any I like yet, and I love continental clothes. Rolling Eyes

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

You do what you like Smile

As long as you're enjoying it - that's the main thing.
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Sharon

harrysmum · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 468 Location: Leeds UK

CJ · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:13 pm Post subject:

well, a big thanks to you Liz, I've got on with this pattern. Laughing

I did go for the plain version to start with so I can get the idea of shape etc. Wink

Here's a couple of photos and some questions .... Embarassed

Next I have to do the hem on the bottom of the trousers. Which is the best hem to do for a curved bit, as my book has several choices? Embarassed

Then, all I have to do know is add a waistband - there's no template on the pattern, it only says 4" wide. Then you add the elastic. Any ideas as to what length to do the band (at the mo the waist is 25")? Also, the instructions on the pattern aren't too clear on how to attach it to the trousers or add the elastic - unless it's just me being thick. Laughing

Sorry to be a pain. Twisted Evil

thanks a lot, DD is going to go potty when she sees these, she already ran away with the fabric today shouting mine mine. Mr. Green

Oh phew, it's not just me then being fussy about the English patterns. Wink

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Glynis · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:20 pm Post subject:

They are looking fantastic CJ ! I love that fabric Smile

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Yes I can!

pictish · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject:

Wow!!! I want some of them now Laughing

What fabric is that? Is that the Amy Butler?

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Ali xxx