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For anyone with "how to" se…

Lynn_Garcia | Posted in General Sewing Info on

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If you need any help or advice on any sewing project, I’d be glad to be of help. Just let me know what you’re working on and any questions you have and I’ll share what I know. Ask away! Lynn

Replies

  1. Susan_Morton | | #3

    *
    I want to make a pashmina out of wool crepe. How do I ravel the ends to look like tassles?

    1. Helen_M | | #4

      *This is my first time to post on this board... so hope it ends up where I intended.My question is on fitting; adjusting a pattern. I have narrow, thin shoulders. I usually use size 8 at the neckline and shoulders and move out to a 10 or 12 at the bustline on patterns from the major companies. I am making a dress with cut-on sleeves rather than the set-in type that I usually work with. There are deep vertical folds from the top of my shoulders down through the outside edge of the bustline. Can I correct this? I am thinking it is the sloped shoulder problem, but not sure how to adjust the cut-on sleeve. Any suggestions or references to books or magazine articles will be appreciated. Thanks.

      1. Davie_Hurlbert | | #5

        *I'm am making an easy vogue jacket with no darts of bust seams in the front. When I tested the pattern the jacket seems a little puffing across the chest under the arms. Any suggestions on how to modify the pattern before I cut it out of good fabric?

        1. Therese_Fitzpatrick | | #6

          *Hi To AllI am new to the discussion group, so bare with me!!I am reading the posts on how to's when the answer is posted, will the message appear on the board or will the message be em-ailed to the person whom is inquiring? I hope the answers will be posted on the board so maybe all can learn something new or old.Therese

          1. Hedwig_Piacentino | | #7

            *Hello.... have been subscribing to Threads and Fine Cooking for years, but just discovered Taunton's discussion groups. How wonder-ful and helpful they are!! An added bonus to the magazines.Am working on a reversible winter coat, using a Vogue pattern meantfor a regularly lined coat. Is it feasible to do this? Any suggestions as to where I could look for information and ideas on the subject matter. Hedy

          2. Jenni | | #8

            *Here goes - first timer here.Help with bias binding around kitchen appliances and placemats. I bought a bias binding foot attachment and I am battling to keep the placemat etc in the binding because of thickness - please advise how to do this correctly. Desperate.Thanks - great site.Jenni - Pretoria South Africa

          3. janine | | #9

            *I've been sewing for many years, and find myself teaching sewing to others at a local sewing and craft store. I never noticed that directional sewing, cutting or pressing made that big a difference in my finished pieces. Am a missing something? I did note the artical in this months issue of threads, but never noticed the drastic difference shown in the example. What is the story behind it, and how important is it?Thanks for your help.Janine

          4. Malia_ | | #10

            *I would like to make a reversible cotton/lycra Tank-top......... can anyone reading this offer me suggestions for assembly?

          5. Jennifer_Cipriano | | #11

            *Hi, My name is Jennifer and I would like to make myself a calico patchwork skirt. I have a new machine but have always been too afraid to try to make any clothing on it. I figure the first thing I need to do is peace all my squares together but then I will have one big square made out of little squares and I cannot for the life of me figure out hot to get that to look like a skirt. I have bought some patterns but find them very discouraging and not quite clear. Please Help.

          6. karen_morris_ | | #12

            *Jennifer, you're right that when you piece your squares together, you'll have one big square of pieced fabric. What you're really making is a new fabric that you can use to make your skirt. It sounds like a great idea. I suggest that you start with a very simple pattern, and get some help with the project. Is there an introductory sewing class you can take in your area? You might look into adult ed. classes at the local high school, or classes at a fabric store. Or think of the older women you know; maybe there's a neighbor or friend of your family who has done a lot of sewing and would be willing to help you get started. Good luck with your skirt, and please let us know how it turns out. The second garment will be lot easier!

          7. Sue_Molenda | | #13

            *Can you tell me what the term railroading means?

          8. Tessa_Elston | | #14

            *It is a term usually used in home decor and it basically means turning the fabric so the selvedges run horizontally. (Usually fabrics are used vertically.) Many upholstery fabrics are actually designed this way so you get better usage out of the width and less seaming. eg: envision one length of fabric running horizontally across the back of a 3 seater sofa. If the fabric tag says railroaded it then means they intend it to be used this way. Carefully check the design for one way flowers leaves etc. if you are going to do this.

          9. sweta | | #15

            *hi to all , i just want to know the difference between inwoud oe outward corners of febric

          10. Theresa_El-Issa | | #16

            *"V" Shaped Waistlines I am having trouble with the bottom of the "V" puckering a bit on the skirt. I have followed the directions properly, successfully made one on a muslin template, & on scraps of the fabrics being used, & have tried several thought up options, which all seem fine. However, when it comes time to baste the actual skirt onto the bodice, it just wants to do that pucker thing. I eventually found if I press the top of the prepared skirt hem down on the wrong side, pin it on top of the bodice on my form, then pin it underneath, & remove the top pins, then baste. This works but it's kind of difficult & long. The fabrics I have used on two diff. dresses is satin & organza, & satin & chiffon.Is there an easier way?Thanks so much for any help you can give.Theresa El-Issa

          11. Nancy_S | | #1

            *Help... I am attempting to alter a prom dress. It is a ballet style...corset top with attached skirt (full gathered, not bias, no zipper involved, attached crinoline underslip. all are attached under the top.the dress looks like two pieces, but is really one. I need to reduce the "puffiness"of the skirt . Any suggestions? Also can I leave the crinoline alone as an underslip for a straighter skirt? Plan to use extra fabric from the skirt to create Capped sleeves...will this work on the corset style top (back is not too low, bra strap level)? the gown is gorgeous as is, but my daughter would like it less "poufy"! thanks!!!

          12. Sandra_Lee_Cannutt | | #19

            *I'm making a chanel suit with a velvet collar. The collar doesn't seem to have the body I think it should but I'm not sure a stiffer interfacing would be appropriate. Are velvet collars normally soft or stiff.Thank a lot.Sandra Lee CannuttMadrid, [email protected]

          13. Shannon_Gifford | | #20

            *Sandra, I just finished a jacket with a velvet collar and encountered the same problem you are having. I found a layer of "So-Sheer" was just right; the lighter fusible gave the velvet just the beefing up it needed to match the weight of the rest of the jacket (which is Harris Tweed). Why not test a small piece and see if that is suitable for your project?

          14. JR | | #17

            *I am making a dress for a one yr old and I would like some fullest, so I'm thinking about putting some netting in between the lining and the dress what would be the best way to do this. should I do layers. about 2''apart or one layer and should it be the same size of the dress before gathering or more

          15. Wendy_M | | #18

            *JR,I'm assuming that the dress is to be made with a yoke and the skirt coming directly from there (your basic baby dress) I would do the layers, kind of like the "grannie" skirts. Just make sure that the seam where all of this is sewn together is VERY smooth. Baby skin is so sensitive. I think the reason that so many girls and women dislike dresses is that they have unconscious memories of being forced to wear fluffy confections that itched and irritated their skin. I always made sure that my daughter's dresses were very soft and comfy on the inside and that not one scrap of lace, trim, or any bulky seam could bother her, and now she loves to wear dresses and skirts. She has to be forced into "stiff" old jeans when we want to go hiking!Good Luck!Wendy

          16. Tatting_Kathy | | #21

            *I am looking for the instructions to replacing a zipper in a pair of jeans. I know a back issue of Threads had this information, but unfortunately it is no longer available. I know there is a technique that makes it a snap to do. About a 10 minute project. I did do it once, but it was years ago and I can't remember the steps. I do remember that you don't remove the old zipper completely before you start sewing in the new zipper. Please help.

          17. Mary_Mintz | | #2

            *Does anyone know how to alter (shorten) a broom skirt (without ruining the skirt)? I love the look they afford, unfortunately every broom skirt I own is way too long (even buying petite). I am so tired of turning the waist several times to make the garment shorter. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me on this matter.

          18. karen_morris_ | | #22

            *Kathy, we've done an article on replacing a fly-front zipper twice in Threads. The first one is no longer available (issue 51), but the second one still is--issue 66, pp. 54-55. I'll try to describe it, but it's much easier to do with the photos; even though I edited the article, I still pull out the issue to follow the steps (okay, so maybe i'm slow!)You start on the underlap side, and rip the seam at the waistband to release the zipper top. Then rip out that side of the zipper and the bar tacks. Pin the new zipper to the shield and baste. Now pin the zipper and shield to the jeans, tuck the top of the zipper tape into the waistband, and restitch the waistband seam (sew s-l-o-w-l-y across the zipper). Pivot and topstitch the zipper in place, sewing close to the fold.Now on the overlap side, rip at the waistband the width of the facing, then rip out the rest of the old zipper and topstitching. With the zipper open, pin the new zipper to the facing only; stitch. Pin the facing in place, resew the waistband seam, then topstitch the facing from the top to the curve. Resew the bar tacks.Does that make any sense without the pix? If you don't want to wait to order a back issue, you may be able to find it at your local library.Good luck with your zipper.

          19. Marie-Elena | | #23

            *I thought I saw an article in Threads about installing underlining while simultaneously creating a Hong Kong finish for the edges. I cannot find it in their index, does anyone remember this technique?Thanks.

          20. Luka | | #24

            *Lynn musta lost her map.

          21. Pattian | | #25

            *Hi:I am in the process of helping a young bride get her gown and other things together. I would like to spare her the expense of buying as much as possible. I need some direction on making a crinoline for the gown. How do I start? I am experienced at sewing with and without a pattern. I just need a little guidance.

          22. sanderson | | #26

            *Check this thread out. < Theodora D. "Weddingdress with a tulle skirt" 1/9/02 5:24pm>

          23. Sybil_Angela_LEWIS | | #27

            *To Anyone out there:Please send me step by step instructions on how to put in a zipper into a gathered skirt with a fitted waistband.HELP!

          24. Lukeria_ | | #28

            *How do I get pants to fit in the legs and not look like I'm wearing a clown suit? I have to make a 16 or 18 to fit my hips and waist but my legs are a 12 and I can only taper so much. Carol

          25. Jane_Basoco | | #29

            *I am altering a wedding dress and the bride would like to have the train bustled after the wedding service. I have tried this with a couple of other dresses and I have not been real happy with the results. Has anyone been able to do this alteration and have it look nice and how did you do it? Thanks for the help. Jane

  2. ClaireDuffy | | #30

    Hi Lynn

    I've posted this ?? in a few different places so you may have read it before.

    I wondered if there are any rules of thumb when it comes to converting a straight grain pattern to a bias pattern.

    I make my own patterns to fit each customer and I would like to be able to make up bias patterns from scratch.

    Any hints?

    Thanks Claire from Oz

  3. ktullos1 | | #31

    I am trying to sew side slits in some old t-shirts.  I can't find instructions about sewing side slits in any of my books.  Do you know where I can find out something about how to do this?  Thanks.  Ktullos1

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