Hi,
I am looking to sew long cushions resembling those ‘absorbent socks’ used in underground stations against leaks. It’s for an art installation and I am currently looking for fabrics, which are either grey or I will dye them grey.
Does anyone have any leads on finding grey fabric scraps and quick DIY cushion lessons? Any other advice on where to get leftover or reclaimed foam as filling?
Thanks so much,
Caro
I usually go to Dalston Fabric Mill for fabrics, plenty of range and if more convenient you can order online instead. For the foam, you might find looking in an upholstery shop might help, else searching for foam scraps may sort you out.
Thanks so much. And am I okay to use the sewing machine without any induction? I’ve never used one before, but would try and learn from a YouTube tutorial.
Yep! There’s a QR code by the wimsew (which I’d recommend using) which links to a YouTube video of a member setting up the machine and walking through how to use it.
It might be worth checking when @textiletechs are around so that you have a helping hand available if needed, but I wish you the best of luck!
Try taking it slow and step by step, it’s a very methodical process and I hope you enjoy using it 
I haven’t tried the Wimsew, but we have a standard domestic machine that is pretty easy to use… the manual is on the tool page, but lookup some YouTube videos, or see if someone in the space can help you get started…
@Caro12 Happy to be about when you attempt this, if you want someone nearby to help. I can do during the day any day but Wednesday.
Also this sounds like loads of fun.
I also would recommend the Jerome. It is probably our best sewing machine for beginner as it does a lot of things automatically.
The wimsew is our industrial sewing machine. Really fast and I wouldn’t recommend if you are not familiar yet with sewing machines.
Hi all, jumping on this thread as I’ve my own Janome machine in the space but I really need someone to show me how it works as I’ve had it nearly four years and not mastered it yet. I would really appreciate a lesson, thanks in advance.
D
Thanks everyone. Shall we say this Sunday during the day?
That works. What sort of time were you thinking?
@Riggerz happy to show you the basics, when you are you next in?
Hi Sam. I am heading to workshop in next half hour or so, and I’ll be there until our appointment this afternoon. Thank you for your help.
D
I’m thinking around 2pm - would that work for you? thanks so much
I hope I can find the materials I need. Is there any place at the makers space where people discard their materials that they don’t need anymore?
See you at 2pm.
There is spare fabric knocking about (and spare wood and metal) but it’s mostly for learning, if you are trying to make something specific you should buy that in advance.
Hi again @Samuel_Pinney, I’ve since found another way of making these cushions without having to use a sewing machine. I found paper-like fabric that was free from the Free Material store at Camberwell Arts Uni (highly recommend for lots of free material).
So, I am no longer planning to come in this Sunday. Thanks so much anyways - very kind of you - and if this technique (stapler gun and pva glue) doesn’t work out, I will check back in for another time.
Cheers,
Caro
Hi,
so the technique didn’t work… I’d still be looking to sew these absorbent socks myself and stitch writing onto them. I like the idea of making them XL. Unsure from which material to make the yellow sign. I will leave another comment in here once I’ve accumulated grey fabric.
Never collected the free fabric bag from here, but this is where I get fabric printed. I used to work there for a few years! They’re based NW10 2DH but deliver.
Wow, thanks!! I just ordered 2kg. Invaluable insight :–)
Hi, just an update: I’ve got my 2kg of free fabric and would love to pop round soon if anyone will be there and able to help a little bit with the sewing machine? Next step though is to get fill material. Any recommendations are very welcome!
