Replies

1. 
   AndreaSews | May 08, 2006 03:09am | #1

   I can see how the crinkle cotton would give you a hard time on that pattern's facings.  I just completed a _similar_ vogue blouse, with facings that crossed the bust.  It seems that pattern would work nicely with something more crisp.  I struggled on a simple tank top(!!) with crinkle cotton, and now I don't use it much.  But one thing that did work nicely was making a bias binding instead of a facing.  Do you think that could work on your blouse? You do have to avoid stretching out the fabric too much when sewing it (I made Lots of tissue paper "sabdwhiches" to help it feed evenly) so it won't cause gathers when it gets washed and dried.

1. 
   nance | May 08, 2006 07:24pm | #4

   thanks everyone. yes i like the bias facing idea. and yes a smoother fabric if i decide to use this pattern again. i seem to have a hard time getting the right fabric for the job. now what do i do with the rest of this crinkle rayon???
   thanks so much for your timely replies!
   nance

1. 
   AndreaSews | May 09, 2006 12:24am | #5

   The rest of the crinkle fabric would be good for something simple:  basics, like a tank top, a plain skirt with elastic waistband....  Good luck with your project.  I guess the only other thought that comes to mind for your blouse is...STABILIZE.  And soon as you press it or handle it, it changes shape (widens), so the less handling the better, until you can get it sewn up!

2. 
   mem | May 08, 2006 03:23am | #2

   I havent had a look at the top but in general I would make sure that you understitch the facing and that you make the facing wider as a narrow facing tends to lead a life of its own I secure facings at seam lines by stitching in the ditch.

3. 
   marijke | May 08, 2006 07:41am | #3

   One thing you might try is to cut the fronts with the grainline running along the diagonal seam that crosses in front.  That way, you attach a facing to fabric that pretty much along the straight of grain (I do like the idea of a binding, suggested by someone else).  I did something like that on a V-neck top (different style and loosely woven, but not crinkle, cotton fabric) and it worked out nicely.  The V lays close to the body.  I used a bias binding that I cut just a little shorter than the neckline seam (1/4 to 1/2 inch) also.

   On a couple of tops for my daughters which I made from cotton crinkle with a silver thread woven in, I used facings that are on the outside (fuchsia pink with orange facing and orange shirt with the pink facing -- favorite colors of my 6-years olds).  I used a lightweight fusible interfacing and this worked out fine.  This is a V-neck style (it's a "That's so Raven" pattern tunic top), which may react differently than the wrap style you are sewing.

   Marijke

4. 
   autumn | May 10, 2006 05:36am | #6

   Yes, the fabric is "lying", NOT "laying". I'm upset to see so many people who don't know the difference between lying and laying.