Date: 1/30/10 2:29 PM

Hi there. I'm a beginner and am looking into taking some sewing classes. I work from home and run around in shorts and tshirts all the time. I'd like to sew my own shorts, yoga pants, and tshirts. Working with knits has always been intimidating for me, even though my sm manual and sewing book have lots of info on sewing knits. Can anyone point me in the right direction of some books or classes on knits? Any tips or instructions for working with knits instead of wovens would be greatly appreciated! I don't have a serger, just a Brother HS 2000 sm.

I'm also wondering if anyone can reccomend some patterns for knit shorts tshirts and yoga pants for plus size? I would need the 26-32 size.

Thanks,
Paula
-- Edited on 1/30/10 2:31 PM --

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Date: 1/30/10 3:28 PM

Try the Kwik Sew patterns in the plus size range. You can look at and buy them online here on PR. Kwik Sew has really good instructions. HTH

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Corinne

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Date: 1/30/10 4:00 PM

I second that - Kwik Sew have really good instructions for knits (and a plus size range) and I found it not hard to sew knits on my regular machine. I used one row if VERY narrow zig zag and then wide zig zag to finish the edge. Use a ball point needle. A non-slippery knit like cotton-lycra jersey would be a good place to start.
Good luck!

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Date: 1/30/10 4:47 PM

Connie Long's Sewing with Knits is a book worth at least checking out of your library if not actually buying. It used to be kind of hard to find for a reasonable price. I haven't looked for it lately.

...oops! I just looked and the used copies on Amazon.com start at $51.91.

Taunton books are you listening?

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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.

Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer

Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage

St. Augustine

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Date: 1/30/10 11:17 PM

Thanks everyone for the ideas and info! I found a great Kwik Sew pattern for knit shorts and tshirts here on PR! It has lots of reviews, so I know what to expect now! I also requested the book Sewing with Knits by Carol Long from my local library! I'm already learning so much here! Thanks ladies.

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Reply to tlmck3
Date: 1/31/10 0:37 AM

Quote: tlmck3

Connie Long's Sewing with Knits is a book worth at least checking out of your library if not actually buying. It used to be kind of hard to find for a reasonable price. I haven't looked for it lately. ...oops! I just looked and the used copies on Amazon.com start at $51.91. Taunton books are you listening?

Really! Maybe I will be able to afford college for my kids after all! Sewing With Knits is one of my favorite sewing books, I don't know if I can part with it.

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Date: 1/31/10 10:41 AM

I also recommend "Sewing with Knits". I borrowed it from the library and will be copying a few pages. BTW, the pic on p. 78 reminds me of Emilio's winning dress from Project Runway!

Joanne

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Date: 2/7/10 6:04 PM

I'm a begginer too and I think knits are easier to work with!! I hope you post some pics when you are done :)

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Date: 2/21/10 1:15 AM

I didn't know where to post this, but I thought it was a little funny and awesome! I looked at my Amazon wish list with all of the sewing books I want and the inexpensive Brother Serger on it. These are the books I have on it, most of which were recomended to me from my PR sistas here:

1. Encyclopedia of sewing techniques by Wendy Gardiner
2. Encyclopedia of sewing machine techniques by Nancy Bednar, JoAnn Pugh-Gannon
3. Sewing with Sergers by Pati Palmer
4. Fast Fit by Sandra Betzina
5. Sewing with Knits by Zoe Graul (although I'm picking up the Sewing with Knits by Cathy Long from the library tomorrow)
6. Sewing 911: Practical and Creative Rescues for Sewing Emergencies by Barbara Deckert

I looked at my wishlist tonight and all my books were GONE! Just GONE! I thought, now I have to go back through and find all those books again bc I don't remember them! Then my husband came in and saw my disgust. He laughed at me and said "Look under 'purchased items' on your wish list". OMG they were all purchased! My husband bought all those books for me on Valentines Day and they should be here Tues or Wed! Aww, what an awesome husband!
He told me he better see my face in those books if I want the serger for my birthday next month! WOW, I'm such a lucky girl! I just had to tell someone!
I also bought my first batch of knits from Fabric.com today! I can't wait to get started making some cute blouses and yoga pants!

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Reply to paulakiss
Date: 2/21/10 11:24 AM

Oh, Man! You Lucky Duck! Enjoy.

Patti

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FABRIC FASTING

Stash yardage: not yet counted

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