Looks great!

Gorgeous!

Fabrics totally inspire me. I peruse a wall full of fabrics and they say things like "retro", "summertime", "fall wedding" or any other number of things. I then take those words and images with me to the pattern books and start putting fabrics and patterns together. It's really a simple process but it works for me.

Also, using a wooden seam roll which lets the seams fall away without impression, is a great way to deal with this issue.

Proper seam pressing is so important but personally, I think if you are going to line something and if it is wool you probably will, you shouldn't serge the seams. They are notorious for leaving impressions. I would do a flat, wide triple zigzag along the SAs to prevent any raveling. That and a strip of brown paper bag or a paper envelope to slide under the SAs while you press and you are good to go.

The Kenneth King article is in Threads #161 entitled, "Fit for Everyone."

This and your top are fabulous, Rhonda!

Your safety pin idea is brilliant. I don't care what the coat looks like. This is a great trick for my toolbox and I know I will use that sewing pin idea at some point. Thanks, once again, Kenneth, for some super inspiration. Do you know how many of your "tools" have ended up in my sewing tool box?

Thanks for letting me know. It should be now fixed and the url is for the first of several posts on the subject. I could not figure out how to make it a hot link. Thanks again.

Love it. You have a great sense of design!

Too much effort. The only patterns I download now are for doll clothes as the pieces are very small and don't require much "putting together". Downloading and taping patterns is not my idea of fun.

I can see that for newbie sewists, who really don't know much different and are so digitally aware, this could be the way to go for them. But there is a part of the learning curve that demands the traditional before proceeding to the more difficult skill set. Learning to master a pattern and all it's idiosyncrasies is learning to sew.

Gorgeous!

Exquisite coat! I think a button with some bling would be great, as in gold background and rhinestones. I have purchased great buttons like this on garments from the local thrift shop, louse clothes with great buttons for a cheap price. Quality bling buttons are expensive but they seem to abound at the resale store.

Gorgeous! Your look is quite sophisticated and totally not home made.

Great party dress! The piping really sets it off. Have fun at the party!

That dominant hand info is brilliant. It is so good to have the couture effect on such small details as findings, something not usually addressed in sewing manuals. Thanks, Susan, and a Happy and Productive New Year to you and all of the Threads staff.

Gorgeous!

I would love for my v. eager grandaughter to win this book. She would just love it.

I love to use HK seams and this is such a wonderful bit of finesse. Thank you again, Kenneth.

I love that this technique utilizes smaller bits of fabric therefore keeping them out of the landfill. Great techniques.

I am still in a quandary about how to clean these items, particularly a natural fiber, such as a wool crepe, with leather, ie, a leather yoke for example. That is what is preventing me from trying this mix of those two.

I would give the following advice:

1. Expect to iron as much as you sew. Pressing properly is a needed skill through every part of the sewing process. Learn it well and use those skills to get professional looking clothing. Expect to do it. Pressing is Sewing

2. Expect to alter every pattern you ever make. You may not be the one in a thousand five foot six woman with the B cup bosom and perfect proportions. Fitting is sewing.

3. Get in the habit of making muslins and taking pictures of yourself in them. It will end wasteful (time and money) wadders and teach you so much about your body and how it needs to be fit. Every muslin I've made has saved me time in the big picture and the final garment fit better. Muslins are necessary.

4. But the best fabric you can. It will force you to focus and do a great job.

5. Go s l o w. You are not in a race. Enjoy the wonderful process and its many twists and turns.

Advice from someone who has been sewing for 52 years.

I am a huge fan of Nancy Zeeman. Her programs on fit, particularly Pivot & Slide, really turned my sewing around. She truly has a gift for teaching this art. I have been watching her since the beginning. I even have a Sewing with Nancy "Fab Felter" and love it. Add to that all my books from her, videos, dvds, and you can see she has a strong presence in my sewing life.

Love it! So fresh and young looking!

I taught classes in "shark's teeth" some years back. This effect is similar but a different type of construction than the traditional heirloom method. I like that this method actually sews and turns the tucks. In the heirloom method they are cut, turned under on the right side to make the points and then then secured by topstitching on the tuck stitching line, not the greatest technique for a beautiful crepe but great for a sharp linen. I really like this idea, Judith, and am anxious to try it. Thanks.

Beautiful work!

There is nothing like a dedicated space, no matter where it is or how rough. It is yours! You will be amazed at how much more productive you become in your own space.

You are a beautiful lady. I am glad your sewing is bringing you such pleasure. I hope all is is overcome now with your treatments.

Fabulous job! You have a very creative vision and I really admire that you find this treasure at a thrift store. You did an amazing job with it. Keep sewing. It will bring you much pleasure in life.

Another tool for my too box! Thanks,Kenneth!

Fabulous information. Ms. Ahles is the queen of "fine machine sewing".

Gorgeous. The subtle ombre color is spectacular. Did you dye it yourself?

Stunning and so original. I bet she stood out wonderfully from among the crowd at the prom.

Love those bias sleeves, too. Great work.

Spectacular! I know what you mean about being disrespectful to the piece of needlework. I had similar feelings over some exquisite liturgical lace I inherited.

Gorgeous and I love the fabric!

Very nice!

This really isn't clear to me. Can you be more specific/clear?

Beautiful!

Adorable!

It is difficult to read which is CB or CF.

Fabulous jacket, Cenetta. It looks stunning on you and the stripes really frame your face beautifully. I bet you win!

While my own two daughters rarely rarely iron for their families, I love to iron and more than that, I love to wear the types of clothing that need ironing.

My mother in law, who could teach Martha Stewart how to run a home, taught me how to iron her son's shirts. First the collar, then all tabs and flaps, cuffs, yoke, sleeves, back, fronts in that order. I have fond memories of her and at least two of her seven sisters arriving at her large colonial home on Mondays. One would jump right in at the washer and dryer, another would look for what to set up for lunch, and MIL would bring out three ironing boards and three irons into her big dining room. The sisters and she would then proceed to iron the morning away, smoke a lot of cigarettes, drink a lot of tea, gossip, and grab everything the minute it was ready from the dryer. Everything got ironed, socks, mens briefs, all linens, everything. I never had to do a lick of housework in my life so this was all very fascinating as well as totally intimidating. I learned so much from her and her sisters and will always be grateful. You have never seen such perfectly ordered dresser drawers and closets in your life as hers and that was for a family of five children.

I am so impressed with our math wizard here. I don't even understand what they are saying, just sounds good so I'll believe it, LOL!

I can't wait to try this lovely trim. Just put it on my pinboard. Thanks again for your expertise, Mssr. King.

The finish looks altered. Are they recovered?

I am so sorry to hear this. Lois Ericson inspired me to not just sew but to see my work as a canvas for embellishment, dyes, and manipulations. I consumed her books and videos, watching and reading them all over and over. I discharge dyed many a yard, all thanks to Lois's inspiration. I went down paths I had never even thought of, all thanks to Lois's inspiration. She contributed a lot to the sewist that I am today and I would love for her family to know that. I am so sorry for their loss.

Thank you, Threads, for bringing us news of her passing.

Is it sewing? Not sure, but I would like to learn how to tat, really.

Sounds like a fabulous issue but the bra making article will be my first one to read. I really want to learn how to do this and am so glad this is being addressed. Thanks, Threads.

Great look! This color works really well on you and I love the belt treatment.

Beautiful work! You are an inspiration.

Rose, you are stunning in your exquisite garments. You have such skill, talent, and grace. Thank you so much for sharing your gallery with us. It's a treat to see.

Congratulations! Great bag!

Gorgeous! What a stunning color!

VERY nice!

Exquisite.

Like you, my most used foot is the edge stitching foot. My machine was in the shop recently which forced me to use my backup which doesn't have this foot. I was lost and just gave up till my good machine came back from the shop. I use this with every garment I sew. I use it for understitching, edge stitching, top stitching, ditch stitching, trim placement. I have even used it to install zippers as the blade lines up beautifully with the zipper coils.You can take away a lot of things but don't take my edge stitching foot!!!

Great technique. Thanks. Just curious, is that weft insertion interfacing underneath the binding on the corner?

Exquisite!

Gorgeous!

I show how to do the flowers on my blog, http://lasewist.blogspot.com/2011/08/felted-wool-flowers.html
They are very easy and quick to make and anyone can do them.

The lining is a poly brocade from Joanns. Thanks for the lovely comments.

Adorable!

Very nice, particularly the edge treatment.

Very pretty. I bet it was perfect for the evening. Love the shoes!

Fabulous jon jon. You did a beautiful job uniting all the details.

Its unfortunate someone seeking free advertising hijacked this comment area of the Reader's Closet. They didn't even comment on you beautiful work. Bad them!!! How good is that for business?

Beautiful, Ann!!!

Love it!

Like another mentioned, I have no UFOs. While that may qualify one for sainthood, it won't in my case. When a downsizing move forced me to re evaluate a lot our possessions, the UFO pile was shameful. I chucked them all out and pledged there and then to only work on two projects at a time until completion. One project would be purely machine sewing, and the other project would be primarily a hand work project, ie, a smocked dress for a child. This has served me well, keeping me more focused and definitely completing more projects than previously. It also has made me face fit and technique issues head on. I won't jump to a new project when the fit is a bit off. Instead I am forced to face how to make it work. This combined with making muslins has really helped tame the UFO monster. I would say the biggest way to get rid of UFOs is to begin making muslins and to also confine yourself to one new technique per garment. Go muslins!

While I am sad to see Sue Hausman out of the picture, this is wonderful news. Hopefully my channel will carry it. I can't wait to see Gertie in action.

This is brilliant. I can't wait to use this technique on a child's garment. Fabulous!

I'm a bit of a voyeur when it comes to sewing spaces. I would love to see the over the top, won the lottery, type of spaces as well as the tiny, highly organized rooms as well. I am always on the lookout for highly functional and good looking organizational remedies. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

I have a dedicated 10x11 foot space with a BIG area beyond for storage of my mannequin, hanging fabrics, many books, etc. Can it ever be large enough?

Wonderful tutorial! Your expertise is always appreciated as well as inspirational. Thanks!

Brilliant and sure beats my one inch dowel! Now, where did that roll off to?

My favorite fabric to sew is linen. I love how it responds to stitching embellishment, whether by hand or machine. It is a perfect canvas for drawn thread work, madeira applique, smocking, and so much more. As a child I was taught techniques like hemstitching on linen. That learning adventure was pure joy and that memory has been reinforced many times over the years. To love linen is to also love its wrinkle and I don't apologize for that!

My head is spinning! I'd also appreciate further clarification. I do like how the sleeve ends in the bias ruffle.

Fabulous, a real work of art!

Make mine linen! I love the way it responds to my needle. It is a wonderful canvas for all sorts of stitch embellishment from pulled threads to hemstitching, etc. I like its wrinkles and I like it crispy. Just my favorite. I don't think I have ever made a linen garment I didn't wear to death and love.

I use the Pivot and Slide method to go up to a C bust and have been very pleased. It's easy and doesn't change the shape of the armhole.

This technique is fabulous and I preach to every sewist I know.

LoursPolaire, your buttonhole trick is brilliant. Thank you!

For the Minister's Wife, the zipper is left long until the waist band is installed. Once that happens the seam secures the zipper and the excess can be cut off. Always use a zipper longer than needed. It prevents that little hole that can happen at the top of a zip on skirts and pants. It is also WAY easier to install as you do not have to stitch around the zipper pull.

Impressive!

Great shirt!

Great use of your embroidery machine. Classiest denim garment I've seen in a while.

Keep folding those wrappers! love it.

Great use of your new toy! The monotone embroidery is very pretty.

The work of Norma and her fellow sewists is incredible. What an honor to work on such a garment. Tell us more!

Very pretty!

It has always amazed me how these shows manage to avoid the Northeast where the population is so dense. Is the rent too high or what? I would love to attend one of these shows but until it is in New York, Boston, or in between I can't manage it.

Exquisite! Your mastery of the various techniques required is obvious. Stunning.

Wonderful use of the smocking technique! I am so thrilled when I see fiber artists take smocking beyond the heirloom sewing realm and you did this so successfully.

Is this a Taunton publication?

Beautiful! I am sure she was an angelic vision in this dress.

Very clever! Love the keyholes.

Congratulations! Your win is well deserved. The scarf is gorgeous.

This is a sweet little dress. I am wondering however if it is OK to sell your garments from the Reader's Closet, albeit by inference. I know everyone loves to see them but I have noticed lately there are readers clearly using the board to move their product. I am not saying this is right or wrong. I am saying that on other boards I frequent this is definitely not allowed and am just wondering what Taunton's take is on it. It might be a good idea to get their opinion out in the open.

Lovely! and clearly beautifully constructed.

Fabulous!

My favorite article was the collage jacket by Bird Ross. I made so many of those jackets and have used her techniques over and over. Could we have more Bird Ross?

I must say a very close second was the Susan Khalje article on Chanel Jackets. That issue is well dog-eared at this point and worth its weight in gold!

I'm heartbroken! I gave a much loved and well worn red melton pea coat to the GW. If only I had know!! Your solution is brilliant and thank again for your always clear and clever instruction.

Mind boggling beauty and craftsmanship. Thank you ever so much for sharing this with the sewing public. It is such a treat to "eye ponder". I bet you looked fabulous in it. Wear a cape with it?????

Has anyone made the form and the put it on top of an existing dress form? My dress form goes really small so this would be easy to do. Any problems with the bust?

I have to see my fabric to be inspired so bins don't work for me. I have a 3x12 foot well lit closet that opens on the sewing room with double doors. In it are wire shelves to hold my fabrics. I don't as big a stash as many. The fabrics have all been folded around a 5 inch acrylic ruler so are all the exact same size and stack beautifully. I sort them by type. My patterns are in those black and white boxes you get from the chains. When recently building my space, I made sure that to the left and right of my machine are large shallow drawers that I can reach into while sewing. They have in them numerous cutlery trays and in those I separate zippers, scissors, needles, etc. I like being organized and find if I am I am much more productive. I don't do well with mess and disorder. It totally sucks out my inspiration.

Oh, my! I can really photograph and share that big shouldered, tailored, pin stripe suit I wore so much in the eighties? I'm on it!

Kenneth, thank you so much for this lesson. I have wanted to know the "right" way of doing this for some time. Thank you so much for your generosity as well. You are a gift! My dream is to attend a class with you one day, maybe soon!...Bunny

Brilliant! Now where did my macrame book go?

While I totally respect Louise Cutting and her abilities, these are not ANY kind of pleat. They are tucks or pin tucks. Before we correct anything lets do some research and get it right Threads.

Excellent! Judith, your delivery is so clear and definitely holds one's interest. Super super job!

For many years I was a sewist with many UFOs. About 6-7 years ago I took a pledge to only sew two garments at a time. One is a machine sewn garment, the other is one requiring a lot of handstitching. So whatever time was available I could work on something. If I was only up to watching TV on the couch, it was time for my hand sewing project. If I had time to scoot away to my studio, time would be spent on my machine project. I do not cut a new project until a current one is finished. This formula works for me. I also look at the purchase of fabric as a reward for finishing my current project. I have disciplined myself to stay with the formula and am glad I do. There is a piece of grape colored good quality patent leather that I would love to buy and make into a bag. I won't buy it until my current project, a dress, is finished.

I learned all of this the hard way. Until you have moved and gone thru every nook and cranny of your sewing room and found all of the good intentions and unfinished objects hiding in so many corners, you maybe can't appreciate it. That's what turned me around. I have to say since taking this strategy I complete many more garments and complete them more successfully.

Exquisite!

Absolutely gorgeous jacket! Beautifully executed.

You have done justice to this exquisite fabric. Beautiful!

Lovely. You've done a beautiful job with the appliques.

Congratulations! You look fabulous in a fabulous dress.

Beautiful.

Exquisite.

Fabulous! You are red carpet ready!

Beautiful.

My sewing room has a built in area with my machines. To the left of where I sit and sew is a good sized drawer. In it is are a couple of cutlery trays. They hold all of my neutral threads, black, white, navy, gray, beige, and brown. I reach in that drawer VERY often. All of my other threads are in clear plastic containers stacked in a cabinet close buy. I like to keep them from the dust and sunlight. Last year I decided to go thru my ageing thread stash and sat and yanked on every spool I own. If the thread broke easily it got tossed. It it resisted strongly, I kept it. This eliminated half of the stash as well as sewing with old thread destined for dry rot.

Stunning jacket! That fabric is incredible and you have pulled all the details together so wonderfully. Congratulations.

Two things inspire me. First, it is always the fabric. With uninspiring fabric, I cannot sew.

Then, most importantly at this stage of my life, it is my beautiful grandchildren. I love to decorate them like a I would a perfect Balsam fir on Christmas eve. They are all beautiful and so accepting of my designs. My daughters know that they never know quite what I will come up with next, but that it will be a show stopper for their little ones. I just love to dress these little angels.

Darling outfit! Your daughter is a little stunner! This is one of my favorite color combos.

The foot I use the most, after the basic zigzag, is my edge stitching foot. It is the one with the blade down the middle. I have found this priceless for quality topstitching and invaluable for sheer hems. It also is a great ditch stitcher. I used it one way or another with every garment I make and don't know how I lived without it. After that, my 1/4 inch, one hole foot is used and loved a lot. It keeps those fabrics from "flagging" and is awesome for stitching on lightweight chiffons and such.

Beautiful little dress and the lace shaping is wonderful!

I have seen this pattern made up a few times over on PR. But, I must say your plaid version is fabulous and has them all beat. It never would have occurred to me to make this up in a plaid and a silk one at that. Love it!

Thanks so much, Vicki. Appreciate the quick response.

Very cute!

I love piping and use it a great deal in my garments. I think the biggest contributor to ripple free piping is the type of fiber used. Inevitably a synthetic fiber gives me ripples and hassles while the all natural fibers cooperate wonderfully in their construction. I am going to my stash now to look up what appears to be a great article by Khalje. She is such a wonderful teacher and mentor.

Very classic and beautifully constructed. Your bias sleeves are awesome.

Beautiful jacket and it fits you amazingly!

Absolutely love it! Those shoes are perfect for you great design.

Fabulous! This just blows me away.

Thanks so much, Vicki. I have uploaded a couple of garments. There is some great competition here.

Love it! Your execution is very creative. I really like the one legged stitching on the pants.

If I have posted about a linen garment I have made on my blog does it constitute "being published"? TIA, Bunny

The directions say the garment must be unpublished. Does this include something I have made and have posted in my blog? I don't have a huge following. In my blog I document the construction of all my garments. Will this exclude me? I hope not. I am anxiously awaiting your reply.

I love the unconventional and beautiful use of the tricot. Some heirloom sewist would flinch at this idea. I find it lovely and refreshing. You did a fabulous job on this gown.

Gorgeous jacket!

Outstanding jacket! Love the denim trim and how it's body holds up the pleats so beautifully.

Love it. By using a monotone scheme and not too much or too heavy an embroidery this is just right. Lovely job.