Replies

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Aug 16, 1999 08:31pm | #1

   *
   Hi Orlaith,

   More info please. What type of taffeta, silk, rayon, poly, blend; what weight, what weave (satin, twill, moire)? What type of skirt? Full or dirndle, sheath/close fitting, pleats and details?

   Right off though, you're going to need silk pins which are extra sharp and extra small diameter for squeezing between the fabric's dense weave. Also consider sewing with a size 70 or 65 needle (for the same reason); you may need to change your needle mid-project too; you want a sharp needle (also nice sharp shears or a new rotary blade). Some taffetas are very slippery and scoot around a lot. Do you have a walking foot for your machine? You'll need to be careful about accurate cutting; consider cutting each piece separately instead of doubled.

   Satin weave poly is probably the most difficult to sew with other satin weave fibers right behind that. I'd say the moire is probably the most forgiving.

   What you need to watch is pulled threads or cut threads while pinning or basting and your machine's tension setting will be very important; make sure you test every stitch you'll use on a scrap.

   Depending on the formal-ness of the skirt you may need to pad the hem or any fold lines.

   Your best best for other advice is bridal wear sewing.

   hope this helps,

   --lin

1. 
   Orlaith | Aug 16, 1999 11:27pm | #2

   *Thanks for the help so far. I do have silk pins that I bought because I thought they would work better with the fabric.Now to show how little I know about my fabric. I bought it a JoAnn's Fabrics in the specialty fabric section. It was 6.99 a yard and 58" wide. I am not sure what weave it is but it is the kind that looks "shot" black and wine colored. It is man made fiber and flameable. The pattern is Simplicity 7935. It's a very 50's kind of style full skirt with a lining that has netting attached to make it "poof" at the bottom. If you look at the simplicity website http://www.simplicity.com/catsimp.html under the special occasions page it is the plaid skirt. I am doing it about knee length (the green version on the pattern front).Orlaith

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Aug 17, 1999 03:27am | #3

   *Hi Orlaith, I looked up your pattern and it seems to be a very simple and forgiving design. Don't worry! Just be careful about snagging the fabric on any rough edges. good luck,--lin

1. 
   Orlaith | Aug 17, 1999 04:26am | #4

   *Thanks Lin, I will let you know how it goes. :)Orlaith