Hello I’m new to the board & have a ?
Hello everyone – I just joined the forum last night. I’ve been sewing for many years but there is a lot I don’t know because I’m primarily self taught (except for a Home Ec class in high school). I don’t know too many people in my personal life that sew so I am excited to speak to other people who share my love of sewing.
Here is my question – I just received my order of a Diane Ericson pattern which was reviewed in the latest issue of Threads (Fault Lines) – I loved the look of it. Now, I have sewn many patterns from many different companies, but these instructions are throwing me off in some places. One thing that I’m not sure about is the 2×6 in. strip of fleece that is to be inserted in the shoulder area. I was wondering – do you do this even if you aren’t planning on using a shoulder pad? Can you use something other than bulky fleece (I understand that it gives a nice structure and shape to the shoulder but fleece seems like it would be too bulky without a shoulder pad)? And I am planning on interlining the fabric, not lining it, so the strip would not be covered by the lining. Is that okay? I am not experienced with tailoring type techniques because I usually don’t like suits (but this wonderful jacket is an exception). Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Replies
Welcome to Gatherings.
The Ericsons have been creating classy garments for quite some time, so there probably is a very good reason for the addition of the fleece.
Fleece sewn in the shoulder seam may be the designer's preferred way to soften the shoulder without the bulk of a shoulder pad.
In an unlined jacket, the fleece could be covered with the fashion fabric so it is not so conspicuous.
Best wishes for a very exceptional jacket.
Maybe someone who is more knowledgeable than I am can correct me. When your pattern calls for fleece I don't think they are using fleece that you make clothing out of. What I have used is a much lighter fleece or lamb's wool. It is used to support the sleeve cap.
TW
Welcome to the forum! Hopefully, this link will assist you as it has me. men's tie interfacing is perfect for sleeve heads. Nothing I have ever used as a substitute comes close to this interfacing for sleeve head perfection. Please let me know if you can't get into the site. Good luck!
http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/pages/interfacings.html#hair
I was able to get into the site and I think I will try the tie interfacing. Thanks for your help.
Sounds like one more good reason to save those old ties! And the interfacing that is sometimes so hard to find.
Edited 7/28/2008 11:45 am by sewelegant
What a fine web=site! Gail
Welcome - we're glad to have you with us. Here's Diane's website
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/homepage/homepage.html
there's contact info there, so perhaps you could ask her.
Katina
Hello and welcome! The fleece you are referring to is actually a strip of lambswool fleece, a loosely knitted fuzzy fabric. It is sewn in the sleeve cap to soften and support the fall of the sleeve cap, in this case, as the garment is bias cut, it will help keep the sleeve cap shape. If you have a book on basic sewing techniques that has tailoring in it, it should be in there. I will try and find my reference book and post fuller information this afternoon. Cathy
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