Replies

1. 
   CarolSewsAZ | Aug 08, 2008 11:46pm | #1

   Hi Vicky,

   I made a shirt that had some corded pin tucks on the front and the free form design really stood out.  For the cording, I just used some crochet cotton threaded up through the hole in the switchplate.  I used a twin needle and threaded the thread through different sides of the tension plate and otherwise threaded it normally.  I used rayon thread that matched the shirt and a normal stitch length.  Before I started sewing I used chalk and just drew a design on the fabric and then just followed that when sewing.

     

2. 
   BernaWeaves | Aug 09, 2008 12:42am | #2

   Fine Embellishment Techniques: Classic Details for Today's Clothing [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

   by Jane Conlon

   This book has some of the classiest looking embellishment I've ever seen.  Nothing tacky here.

   Here's the link to Amazon for it:

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561584967

   The "see inside" option of Amazon just shows some beads, but the book itself has much more than that in it.  Sewing techniques, and edgings, and couture ideas.

    

   Berna

    

   Edited 8/8/2008 5:45 pm ET by BernaWeaves

3. 
   starzoe | Aug 09, 2008 03:54am | #3

   I have used ultrasuede both as an embellishment and for trim (which I guess falls into the same category). It has sort of become my trademark. One of the coats I made last winter got a lot of attention, it was a wool remnant from a cape made years ago which I put in the washer and felted somewhat. I didn't have much to work with so edged the sleeves, pockets and made a design on the back (to match the shape of the pockets - from Threads). To my surprise, my dermatologist (a man) complimented on it - and I thought he was only interested in my psoriasis.Friends work at a thrift store and they save what they can for me. However, they messed up with not letting me know about the bolts of ultrasuede that went for about $5.00 each.

1. 
   rekha | Aug 09, 2008 09:43am | #4

   ultrasuede that went for about $5.00 each Do you want to swap countries with me?

1. 
   starzoe | Aug 09, 2008 07:23pm | #5

   I assume these came from an estate, probably the people who donated the bolts had no idea what they had.

1. 
   Ralphetta | Aug 09, 2008 10:23pm | #6

   wow! That's what we all hope to stumble on when we go to a garage sale or a thrift store.

2. 
   DONNAKAYE | Aug 13, 2008 05:58pm | #12

   I found "Woven Suede" at Hancock's in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this week for $7.99 a yard.  It is a copy, I suppose, of ultrasuede, only a different brand/manufacturer.  Needless to say, I bought the three or so yards that were left on the bolt.  It's a magnificent color -- sort of a cross between burgundy and rust.  It might be worthwhile to check Hancock's or some other fabric suppliers on the web.

2. 
   rosieb | Aug 12, 2008 04:30am | #7

   I volunteer at a thrift store that benefits mentally challenged adults and children. And it is amazing the fabrics that are donated. I don't get paid, but I spend a lot, finding fabrics, unusual buttons on garments that can be used in a creative way, etc.With a little imagination, a tablecloth or drapery fabrics can turn into
   really special.Just found this discussion group - thanks for letting me join in.Rosie

1. 
   sewslow67 | Aug 12, 2008 04:49am | #8

   Welcome, Rosie; it sounds like you will enjoy the group and that others here will enjoy and appreciate you (and your creative talents) as well.  It's a fun group of gals ...well, mostly gals and a few nice guys ...that enjoy a wide variety of sewing, embroidery, knitting, crafts, etc.  Clearly, everyone here has something to teach and/or share and something to learn as well.  And we usually find something to laugh about ...and a day without laughter is a wasted day ...IMHO.

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Aug 12, 2008 06:58pm | #9

   Hi Rosieb. You will find lots of interesting Thread related stuff here. And some not so thread related, as we do go off track some times. It is a lot of fun. Cathy

1. 
   rosieb | Aug 12, 2008 07:20pm | #10

   Hi Cathy:Anything about sewing is interesting to me. I got into a Quilting group after my husband died, three years ago. I needed an outlet and some companionship. Best thing I've ever done. Great women and have learned so much. Right now I'm working on baby quilts for "preconceived" Great- Grandchildren. I have 9 grandchildren and only one is married, but I wanted to be able to leave them something to remember me. So even if I'm not around, I'll be able to give my Great-Grandchildren a gift.Can you tell me how to add photos to my posts? I added a white rick-rack border to the last baby quilt and it really looked good.
   I'd love to share this "embellishment" with others.Rosie

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Aug 12, 2008 07:59pm | #11

   When you hit the reply button, at the bottom of the page is a bunch of other blue "buttons". Use the attach files button. Browse for the file you want to attach, in this case the picture you want to upload. click on the file you want so it reads in the window. Hit the upload button when you have done that. Wait until it finishes uploading. If you are finished press the done button. It brings you back to the page where you type your reply. If you are finished with the message you are writing, you can preview, then post. Really simple. Some pictures come up really big, so keep it in mind when you post pictures that you might want to crop out the background on some of them. Cathy