Replies

1. 
   raven2run | Jan 07, 2006 09:08am | #1

   Cynthia~I hope you can find a better reply than mine because I can tell you don't want to hear any of it. Even if you were able to steam the wrinkle out, the collar would likely never lay flat because the bias is not placed where it should be and will pull the collar slightly..or alot. I would take it apart carefully to free the lining enough to place it back properly and hand stitch back in before sewing so it doen't move again. You'll need to iron your open seams before you start over. You may even need to iron the lining once it is open to move the bias back into its original shape. But the nasty truth is, I have had to cut a whole new lining when sewing a French seam because I have cut into too much of the cloth to be able to catch it all in the seam again. Grrr! As its organza you're working with you may need to use Fray Check (liquid seam sealant which is clear) on the open seam where you may see you need it before you stitch it by hand or with the machine again. This is one of those hair tearing projects that often ends up in my "pile" unless I'm really bent on seeing it finished. But the up side is, if you take the time to do it right it is very satisfying when you're done, and is a real accomlisment you will learned a few important things in the process. One is, some things are worth sewing by hand the first time..especially when working with bias of any size in a light weight..or work slowly and keep a good eye and busy fingers on that bias. Good luck but I hope you find some answer I never knew.

1. 
   cynthia2 | Jan 08, 2006 02:30am | #2

   Thanks.  I was afraid that would be my only option.  I usually learn far more from my mistakes than my failures anyway, so this will be a chance to learn more patience and care when dealing with bias pieces.

   Thanks for responding.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jan 11, 2006 02:19am | #3

   Do you have enough of leftover fabric and facing to cut and sew an entirely new collar? Or could a new collar be made of different fabric, perhaps lace or ornamented if your organza is plain or plain if your organza is patterned or embroidered? I agree that anything short of re-sewing or replacing is probably going to disappoint you.

1. 
   cynthia2 | Jan 11, 2006 06:48am | #4

   Unfortunately not enough fabric left over to cut a new facing.  I've been carefully removing the stitching, though, and I think I'll be able to resew the section and get a better result.  I've certainly learned a lesson with this one!

1. 
   Catherine2 | Jan 11, 2006 02:57pm | #5

   Try hand stitching a very fine thread through the part of the collar that is stretched, ancoring it at the beginning and then use the thread to ease the collar back into shape, you can then steam press the collar and it should hold its shape. A very old tailor showed me this trick and although it is a cheat it has got me out trouble on a couple of occassions. To stop this happening I now stableise the stitching line with tissue paper (toilet paper is good and come in long rolls ....:-)....) and then sew, press the seam and then carefully remove the paper and you should have a flat seam.

   Good luck  Cathy

   Edited 1/11/2006 7:01 am ET by Catherine2

2. 
   cynthia2 | Jan 16, 2006 01:40am | #6

   Thanks Cathy.  I tried the technique, but it didn't work terribly well on this particular piece.  The organza was probably too stretched to save.  It's a great idea, though, and I'm sure it will be useful in the future.

   Cynthia