Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jun 14, 2006 12:06am | #1

   I've always pressed the seam as usual, then spritzed the area with a spray of bottled or filtered water to let the fabric spring back to its usual puckered look. Let it air dry, pop it into the dryer, or use a blow dryer if you need to continue working soon after doing this.

1. 
   Constance | Jun 14, 2006 04:58am | #2

   Thank you for responding.  I suppose I should try it on a scrap piece of the fabric first because I don't know if this is "real seersucker" or not.  Apparently, if it's not the real stuff the pucker won't come back.

   Connie

2. 
   rekha | Jun 19, 2009 02:26pm | #3

   Does one sew this material like stretch fabric or are there other ways?

   I normally iron the cotton fabrics after giving them a quick wash; does this also apply to cotton seersucker fabrics?

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Jun 19, 2009 03:52pm | #4

   The beauty of seersucker is it's texture. Washing often makes it look more textured. Pressing may take this out. Steaming gently will remove any large wrinkles, but seersucker is usually a no iron fabric, depending on the look you want. I would test press a sample, and see what you like. I would treat the fabric like a stretch woven. Use the fabric's give as added ease. Otherwise, sew it as you would a woven. When pressing seams, be careful not to press too hard, and use steam to set your stitches. If it is all cotton, it won't take much to hand press open your seams as you work, and is great and easy to sew with. Test a scrap, and you will see what I mean. Cathy

1. 
   rekha | Jun 19, 2009 04:39pm | #5

   Thanks for the much needed advice, Cathy. I bought a bolt of shibori from ebay and am going to completely ignore the fabric suggestions in Ralph Rucci's shirt pattern. I like the 3-piece sleeves so it should be fun to do.

   BUT, this Sunday I am going in to the hospital for spinal fusion and decompression which will make life somewhat interesting. I have a feeling I didn't evolve much from the 4-legged mammals - I should stay on my fours to avoid further spinal problems. In any case, I have carers helping me so hopefully should be able to sew a few minutes at a time.

1. 
   jjgg | Jun 20, 2009 05:18pm | #6

   Oh Rekha,
   Good luck with the surgery, I'll send my prayers your way for a speedy recovery and back to sewing
   Judy

2. 
   rekha | Jun 20, 2009 08:24pm | #8

   Thank you for the thoughts, jjgg and kharminj

3. 
   sewslow67 | Jun 21, 2009 07:04pm | #11

   Hi Rekha,

   Happy Birthday (a day late ...sorry about that); and I shall send up prayers for a good recovery, and one that does not take as long as expected.  Surgeries are always a challenge as well as an inconvenience.  And as to your request:  I'm sure we will all do our best to have something special to share with you to brings some sunshine to your recovery time.

   Hang in there, my dear; and blessings to you always.

   PS:  I just remembered that I found a Website that suggests putting your sewing machine at an angle - which takes the stress off the spine.  They also had some sort of special foot rest, and a back brace as well.  I wonder if that might help.  Perhaps it would be worth checking with your doctor to get his opinion.  Also, others on Gatherings might use this already and share some comments.  If I can find the Website again, I'll post the link.

   Edited 6/21/2009 12:10 pm by sewslow67

4. 
   KharminJ | Jun 20, 2009 07:20pm | #7

   Indeed, Rehka, Bunches of Bright Blessings to you! Check in when you can, and be gentle to yourself! Kharmin

5. 
   ThreadKoe | Jun 22, 2009 02:46am | #12

   Belated Happy Birthday to you, and I hope the surgery goes uneventfully, and your recovery is quick! Keep us posted. Cathy

6. 
   rekha | Jul 03, 2009 08:21pm | #13

   Thank you both, Cathy and sewslow67.

   Before I went for surgery I was terrified of being paralysed as a result of the surgery. As it turned out within 4 days of surgery there is no pain or soreness in my back but there is intense focal pain in the buttock, outside of thigh and calf, which is being relieved by morphine. I have been given a months' supply. And I am glad I did go for the surgery, the alternative was paralysis as the sacral nerve had been pinched too much by the the vertebral disc that it was just a matter of time the nerve 'fell off'

   I am on to my new Pfaff 2058. It requires learning new ways to thread the machine and 'pfaffy' to set up the stitch pattern. I had to ring the dealer because I couldn't get to thread the machine - it turned out that the bobbin feeder was in the incorrect position - I wouldn't have worked that out in a month of sundays

7. 
   jjgg | Jul 03, 2009 10:46pm | #14

   So Glad to hear your recovering well, give it some time and the pain should ease off
   Have a Happy 4thJudy

8. 
   ThreadKoe | Jul 04, 2009 05:50am | #15

   I am happy to hear the surgery went well. Isn't morphine a real kicker??? :P Hope you don't need it for too long. I am glad you have a new toy to play with and enjoy as you recuperate. It will take your mind off of your problems for sure! Cathy

9. 
   rekha | Jul 06, 2009 11:35am | #16

   You are all in my thoughts as well. Thank you

2. 
   sewelegant | Jun 20, 2009 10:21pm | #9

   I notice from your profile that June 20 is your birthday!  So, Happy Birthday and also good luck with your surgery, hope you'll soon be back to sewing, good as new.

1. 
   rekha | Jun 20, 2009 11:38pm | #10

   Thank you very much. I am feeling pretty positive else my stress hormone levels will be so high that my recovery would be delayed. When I get back I want to see nice pictures of people's work to cheer me up