Pictures of fabric and trims in question

On 11/08/2014 1:26 AM, Ursula Schrader wrote:


In my opinion, any of those would work depending on where/how you choose  
to use them.  The satin bias binding, I'd use in combination with one of  
the others.

And my default position when I'm in doubt is to use trim in a band  
across the front of the chest between the armhole edges in some way.

Personally I like the bottom one best.

Hello again, Kay,

since this mail doesn't contain any delicate intimacies, I didn't see any  
reason to withhold it from the newsgroup and took the liberty to post your  
reply here. I hope you don't mind.

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Sent: Monday, August 11, 2014 3:54 AM
Subject: Re: Pictures of fabric and trims in question



By this time, I have made up my mind to use # 3 in combination with satin  
bias binding in a matching colour for the darker pink.



Actually, yes, after the method described in 'The Complete Guide to Sewing',  
which I personally think is nothing short of ingenious. However, in this  
case I'd rather take the easy way out since you can get bias tape for little  
money in many colours while for making it myself, I'd have to get the fabric  
first. Too much work in this case.



A good idea, too, but I'm afraid I need the bias tape for stability. I made  
a sketch of what I have in mind and will scan and upload it as soon as I get  
round to it. Then you will see what I mean.



Funny that you mention it; I had bought that lace for a nightgown in the  
style of a peasant blouse on which the neckline was intended to be just that  
way. And I think I'll do it, too, in the near future.



Interesting idea, bookmarked in my mind for future use. ;-) However,  
fortunately, the fabric didn't shrink too much. Still, I wish I hadn't done  
it, it lost pretty much shape and will be one hell to cut, I'm afraid, and I  
won't starch it.

Well, again, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I love input from  
experienced people, although I do take the liberty to modify it to suit my  
taste and needs. I'll keep you posted where this all will lead me.

U.
  

Not at all.  I just accidentally set it up for mailing to you instead of
replying to the group.



Ah, the commonly available commercial bias binding here is a cotton/polyester
broadcloth, fairly coarse, and not as many colors as I seem to recall from
my early sewing experience.  I usually reserve commercial bias binding for
jobs like putting binding around the edge of a potholder.  

There are also bias tape folders available: cut the bias strips, feed them  
through the folder, and iron the emerging tape as you pull more through.  
Those I use more often than I buy bias binding.


Shell tucks, even though they're soft, do tend to firm up an edge.  Perhaps  
not as much as piping does, but a fair amount firmer.




Lay out the knit single ply on paper and let it crawl around for several hours
so that it relaxes and goes on grain.  Then pin the knit to the paper and cut
all layers together. You'll be able to get accurately cut pieces that way.  
This is an excellent technique for stabilizing soft fabrics for cutting,  
knits or woven.

Whenever possible, I buy a little extra fabric so I can prewash a large square
(15-20 cm on a side) and then calculate the shrinkage of that square.  Often,  
it's easier for me to alter the pattern to adjust for expected shrinkage  
than it is for me to deal with having to press and lay out fabric that
no longer has sizing in it.
  


Of course you should modify to suit your needs and tastes!   That's the fun  
of sewing!

Kay