I was taught in jr. high to was fabric before cutting. Shrinkage of cotton was much more a fact of life then. That little machine was a measurematic. Couldn't easily use them for knit fabrics because it would stretch them out of shape. House of Fabrics quit using them because they were leased, and the expense was more than they were worth.
Pati, > Do you remember the little machine (about 4" wide by 6" high) that stuck up
It could also have something to do with cutting patterns on 45" as opposed to 36". You get more leeway with 45", don't you?
Smee
manufacturers
Not true about not washing. My mom _always_ washed the fabric first. She didn't want my dress to shrink a size after it was sewn. I also learned early on to wash ready-made garments before I ever wore them. I got a nasty case of hives when I was 10 or so from a brand new blouse. So, I wash everything first - clothes and yardage.
Happy stitching, Janet of Gar
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