Question:
Originally Posted by cupcakelove very nice Miss-G-
I have a vintage mannequin and its invaluable! Me too - It's an old Diana, who has a tiny waist and is shaped like she's wearing a 1950's style corset, but I find it make the cut of my clothes quite classic. Must invest in a modern mannequin
MissG, what is this double needle? Can you do it on a normal sewing machine, or does it need a special attachment?

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love that donna karan one! I always have trouble finding decent patterns!
I did have a 5 hour pattern makingclass this arvo though so i am learning!

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A double needle is just two needles on the single shank so should go into any machine. A normal needle just goes straight up into your sewing machine with the flat side at the back (depending on the machine). A double needle still has that bit that goes up into the machine but has two needles on it. Most machines have a spot for a second spool. On my machine, you thread the right needle first, and then the left with the corresponding threads. It's also called a twin needle, here's a pic:
http://www.sewingmachine.com/sesewin...dles/S1777.jpg
Make sure you get one that fits in between your sewing foot though, generally 2.5-3mm is fine but dont try any zigzagging with it like I did Check your sewing machines manual, I have a very basic machine and it has a page on how to thread it up for a twin needle (its basically just threading it twice), and both threads are used to pick up the bobbin thread.
I also have to get a modern mannequin...my hands smell like metal everytime I adjust it!
Kitten - a pencil skirt should be fun to make, if it has a waistband just make sure that the side seams of the skirt part, and the sideseams of the waistband match up when you put the two together. Mind you, I've seen plenty of retail clothes that are shocking in this regard

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Great, thanks MissG! I had no idea, I thought you needed a coverstich machine, or a really straight hand to sew two rows on your normal machine I'm heading out the Janome centre ASAP to pick up some needles - this will definitely come in handy when sewing knits and stretch fabric.
Now for my tips
Smart Thread. It is absolutely my favourite sewing secret. You put it in the looping reel of your overlocker (or you can do a close zigzag stitch on a regular machine), and use it to sew to outer edge of hems, then fold up, press it with a hot iron, and Wallah! Instant invisible hems. I even use it along the inner side of bias binding
Also, a trick I learnt recently to change the thread on my overlocker... it used to be my most HATED chore when sewing. Now, I just chop off the existing threads at the reel, tie the new reels on to the threads already there, loosen all the tension knobs to zero, lift the foot, and pull on the threads at the bottom, and it re-threads itself (all except for the last bit - the two tops threads that go through the needles, you have to re-thread those because the knots don't fit through).

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Hey Kitten- a couple of pencil skirt patterns I like:
http://store.sewingtoday.com/cat/200..._img/V7937.jpg
http://img.makeupalley.com/0/5/4/5/276848.jpeg
Why yes, I do spend too much time looking at patterns on the internet I'll never have time to make

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What is smart thread?? Is that the fusible thread?? Oh yeah I forgot to say as well that twin needles come in both universal and stretch, I have both! Which leads me to another tip (which I'm sure you all know but I've met people who dont):
Use a universal or woven needle on wovens (including stretch wovens), and a knit or stretch needle on knit fabric! It makes all the difference between a nice line and skipped stitches.
I do that on my overlocker too...so lazy of me!
I do too Topaz, my boyfriend thinks I have a problem

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Would anyone know how to stop edges of material fraying (apart from sewing the edges which i do....)

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Yay!
I love sewing! I am constantly altering and changing my clothes! A tip from me on getting the right fit is to grab a piece of clothing you already have that fits you well and lay it on top of the item of clothing that you're sewing and see how it compares. Works well if you're not using a pattern and just taking something in. Works great every time!

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I ended up buying an overlocker cupcake I was so fed up with it! Also because I was too lazy to zizag the edges. You can get some pinking shears which cuts the fabric differently and does help to prevent fraying. On stuff that was really important to me I'd zizag the edges AND pink them. There's also stuff you can buy called fray-check which you can paint onto the fabric and that stops it but it might make the fabric stiff.

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Originally Posted by Kitten [dbh] haha yer those dress makers dummys are cool....except mine is still too big at its smallest adjustment and it scares me alot when i walk past my room thinking its someone standing in the corner i think thats why i havent got one yet. id scare myself too many times