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I
always find inspiration for fashionable new outfits by trying on clothes in department
stores.
They may not fit perfectly, but I can determine if the style flatters my figure.
It's very motivating, I always come home full of enthusiasm to make a similar garment at a
fraction of the cost!
Pressing
A piece of pure silk organza
makes an excellent pressing cloth. It is used to protect right side of fabric when dry or
steam pressing.
Organza is useful because you can see through when pressing detailed areas such as
pockets and buttonholes.
Available by my mail order, price £2.00.
Hand
Sewing
For easier threading... .use
embroiders crewel needles.
They are a good length, fine needle with longer eyes.
My preference is a crewel
no 8.
The larger the number the finer the needle.
Pressing Board
You can easily make a pressing board from ½"
(1 cm thick block board or MDF measuring approximately 30" X 36" (80cm X 90cm).
Put layers of an old folded blanket and cover with an old cotton sheet.
This will make an excellent pressing surface for large areas.
I find this very useful when fusing
interfacing too large area e.g. Jacket fronts.
A "Tailors Ham" is a valuable pressing aid. This
is a firm not hard egg shaped pad stuffed with hard wood saw dust.
A ham is used when pressing, moulding and shrinking darts and shaped areas,
for example princess seams and darts.
It is also extremely useful for raising and isolating sections of garments that
require pressing.
NB A range of
pressing equipment including a ham is made on my Professional
Pressing day - you also learn how to use the ham.
To improve the wear of loosely woven fabrics fuse with polyester fine sheer
fusible interfacing. This will control unravelling and make sewing easier. The soft, loose
look of the cloth is maintained.
Pre-wash fabrics before you begin your projects if they are going to become
washable garments.
This pre-shrinks fabric and removes finishes which can cause stitching difficulties.
Making a toile to prove a garment fits is well worth the time and effort.
Once you have made adjustments to personal fit you are aware where the patterns require
alterations.
Always tissue pattern fit. Pin a pattern together and try it on before
cutting out fabric to avoid style and fitting disappointment.
To achieve the same look garment as the pattern envelope use a
similar fabric as recommended by Pattern Company. If you select fabric with a
different drape, you may have to adjust pattern for fluid fabrics and for firm fabrics.
Never cut a pattern on a size until you have measured key areas it may be useful to have
extra pattern paper to make adjustments.
Cool dry iron a pattern before placing on fabric to remove
wrinkles and folds.
To repair or preserve the life of your favourite pattern....fuse ultra soft iron-on vilene all over.
Cut strips can be used when joining pattern pieces
or making adjustments instead of using sellotape.
To ensure successful sewing eliminate guesswork...
Look at your favourite garments that are comfortable
and flattering...
take the key measurements bust, waist, and hips.
Measure the pattern and compare the two measurements to discover correct pattern size.
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