Replies

1. 
   Tatsy | Sep 15, 2009 05:52pm | #1

   Could you tack the facing to the shoulder seams? Or add a few well-placed seed beads? If you use beads with a muted finish in the same color as the fabric they won't be too obvious, and it only takes a few to control a facing.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 15, 2009 06:18pm | #2

   Ooooooh, great idea for the seed beads!  Thank You, I'll be trying that too! 

1. 
   Tatsy | Sep 15, 2009 06:33pm | #3

   It works especially well for facings on unconstructed jackets. On patterned fabric you can match the colors of the beads to the parts of the pattern and get a subtle effect. On solid color fabrics you can stitch a braid to the jacket front, catching the edge of the facing in the stitching, and either stop at the shoulder seam or go on around the neck. This gives a classy 1930's look to the garment. Seed beads also take care of the problem of hemming a garment that shows every stitch.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 15, 2009 07:13pm | #4

   These are all great ideas.  I have an ultrasuede print calf length vest I love, but the facings always want to roll at the neckline in spite of being stitched to the shoulder seams.  I have the perfect amber beads to tack that facing down with.  Thanks again for this excellent suggestion!  Mary

1. 
   Tatsy | Sep 15, 2009 09:04pm | #5

   You're welcome. It's actually one of those cross-fertilization ideas that come from working in different media. In knitting it's called duplicate stitch and is embroidery done with yarn. When I was cussing at the darn facings on the drapery jacket, the two ideas collided, and embellishing with beads seemed the perfect answer.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 15, 2009 10:58pm | #6

   Nurses call it good critical thinking skills!  He he I loved your cross-fertilization reference, where ever did that come from?  Is that a reference to your past work experiences?  Mary

3. 
   Tatsy | Sep 15, 2009 11:44pm | #7

   I grew up on a farm and had lots of experience with plants crossing.

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 15, 2009 11:50pm | #8

   aha!  Isn't it wonderful, all the various backgrounds and experiences and knowledge we are privileged to share here? 

5. 
   Tatsy | Sep 16, 2009 12:52am | #9

   And being retired is even better. Am working like crazy to get a club directory finished tomorrow so it can be handed out on Friday evening.
   Had to do another reprint when I found grease spots on several printed pages. I was going to blame the manufacturer until I found potato chips crumbs on my husband's desk where the stack of paper had been. It gave me a good laugh and only a few had to be reprinted. In one of my past lives I was a small press publisher so the onus to get everything right feels stronger.

2. 
   Sewista | Sep 20, 2009 05:39pm | #11

   Great creative idea with the beads! I have handled this by ditch stitching in the shoulder seamline to secure the facing. I use a small stitch length and stitch from the neckline to the end of the facing right in the well of the seam. Pull the seam apart as you sew from the right side. It will bounce back and you won't see a thing. Love that bead idea!Bunny
   http://lasewist.blogspot.com/

1. 
   regatta | Sep 21, 2009 06:38am | #12

   Thank you for the "how to wash silk" article on your Blogspot.  Do you know if you can successfully dye silk yourself? 

    I made a confirmation dress for my GD in a style that she can wear again with different belts.  She is quite interested in making it a different colour and perhaps shorter for a party/Christmas dress.  I will try to add a photo - have never done that before - so it may not be successful,

   Marika

   Well that was not too successful - wrong photo and very large - sorry

   Edited 9/20/2009 11:46 pm ET by regatta

   Edited 9/21/2009 6:45 am ET by regatta

   
1. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 21, 2009 04:15pm | #13

   Check out http://www.dharmatrading.com for instructions and supplies for dying silks and other fabrics.  They have excellent customer service and actually do answer there phones and emails and are very helpful.  Mary

1. 
   regatta | Sep 22, 2009 01:58am | #14

   Thanks I'll do that.

   Marika

2. 
   Sewista | Sep 23, 2009 04:51am | #15

   Beautiful little dress. Love that big bow.
   I have dyed silks and they dye beautifully. Good luck with your project. I can't wait to see the results. Bunny
   http://lasewist.blogspot.com/

1. 
   regatta | Sep 23, 2009 12:28pm | #16

   Probably it will be next year, as she is not sick of the white just yet. Thanks again for the washing details.

   Marika

   Sorry - this was meant for sewista.

   Edited 9/23/2009 5:30 am ET by regatta

2. 
   regatta | Sep 23, 2009 12:34pm | #17

   I sent you a message but it went to Krichmond - don't know how I did that - getting to clever by half.

   Marika

2. 
   sewelegant | Sep 17, 2009 11:20pm | #10

   If this were my project I would take it apart, cut a new facing that is 1/8 inch smaller than the fashion fabric so that when it is sewn in it will pull the facing to the inside.  You do not need to cut the whole piece smaller just the edge you do not want to see on the outside, usually the neck and sleeveless armholes.  It works like a charm.

3. 
   sewelegant | Sep 23, 2009 06:20pm | #18

   I like your belt idea and the one already on the dress is perfect!  No wonder your granddaughter likes it.  That is a nice picture.

1. 
   regatta | Sep 24, 2009 02:28am | #19

   Yes I agree, a nice photo and some fabulous grandchildren as well.

   Marika

4. 
   solosmocker | Sep 26, 2009 05:21am | #20

   Very sweet!

5. 
   seamsgreat | Sep 26, 2009 07:20pm | #21

   When clipping the curves of a neck seam the point of the scissors must be right up to the stitches (scissors must cut to the point too many don't). Tendancy of most folks

   is not clipping far enough into the seam. The seam sure won't lay down if it is not cut cliped close enough.

1. 
   Palady | Oct 04, 2009 06:44am | #22

   As to seamsgreat's post on scissors -

   >> ... (scissors must cut to the point too many don't ... <<,

   these on the following URL do.  A bit pricey, but it's matter of choice.  A coupon would reduce the cost a bit.  I use all of the shown three types.  Michael's & A C Moore have them as well. 

   Admittedly, I'm a scissor aficionado.  There are a pair at hand anywhere I might have a use for them.  Having to interrupt myself to "go-to-get-scissors" is unworkable  for me.  

    http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3195&PRODID=prd2888

   Then there's -

   http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=S5VHZ1J0A1PEBLAQBBJCCNNMCAEFGIWE?id=0001094316589a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=0850503&cm_ite=0001094316589a&_requestid=137767

   http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=micro+tip+scissors&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=AhbISvzSMoqzlAfh96ySAw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=4

   nepa