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Pictures of fabric and trims in question

OK, here are some pictures of the fabrics and trims I still have.

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As you can see, the two shades of pink hardly contrast with each other. They are both very pale, although you can see a difference when you look at them in real world. The lighter shade is almost white, one see the pink only from certain angles.

The second picture shows how thin they are. Very! I put them both into the washing machine right now, just in case, remembering the 2.0 x 1.4 m of linen knit that came out after washing as 1.5 x 1.1 m, all for the fantastic price of almost 50,- ?.

If you would like to take a look at picture 1, you can see from top to bottom:

1.) tacky poly lace, white, a bit stiff, about 3 inches/ 7 cm wide, got 5 m/ 5 1/2 yards of it. The question is: will the stiffness go with washing as tulle tends to get softer? Can the lace be dyed? If so, which colour?

2.) Satin bias binding, not much of it, perhaps two meters. Doesn't really go with any of the two fabrics but doesn't slap you in the face, either, if you know what I mean.

3.) elastic lace, 18 cm/ 7 in. wide, might go with the darker of two fabrics as an insert around the midriff. Would need to get matching bias binding for the neckline perhaps.

4.) Broderie anglaise, ca. 7 cm/3 in. wide. Definitely dyable; again, which colour? Could be fitted with satin ribbon.

I'm pretty certain about the burgundy elastic lace; that might be used, but I'm afraid I'll have to get something for the paler pink stuff. Dang, and I had hoped to get rid of some of my stashed laces... ;-)

U. - input very welcome!

Reply to
Ursula Schrader
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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.

Reply to
Fran Farmer

Personally I like the bottom one best.

Reply to
Claire in France

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.

-------------------------------------------------- From: "Kay Lancaster" Sent: Monday, August 11, 2014 3:54 AM To: "Ursula Schrader" 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.

Reply to
Ursula Schrader

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

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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