Sew4u Project #11: Progress Report

zigzagger · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 54 Location: Massachusetts

Today, we finally got started on our next sew4u project, a summery nightgown out of Parfum du Jour in turquoise. Just as we began to lay out the pattern to cut, though, it started to thunder, and the wind (from an open window) blew the pattern pieces everywhere! It was a rough start, but at least we made some progress....

Because the fabric is silk, it was very difficult to lay it out according to the cutting diagram on the pattern. It required that you fold it so the edges meet in the middle. When doing this, it is very important that the ends are even and that the width of each side is the same from the middle to the edge (both sides don't need to be the same, as long as they are both consistent). An easy way to do this is to line up each fold with a repeating pattern in the fabric; we used the sides of the upside down purple perfume bottles. This ensures that the print will not be crooked in the finished product.

Also, when pinning down our pattern pieces, we used silk pins. They are thinner than regular pins, which can snag slightly delicate fabric like this.

What We've Done So Far:

-Cut out and ironed necessary pattern pieces
-Laid out fabric, pinned down pieces and cut out
-Threaded a bobbin and the sewing machine
-Tested interfacing on a scrap to make sure it wasn't too stiff
-Started to interface the pieces that need it

What We Still Need To Do:

-Sew!!!! Very Happy

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 84

Zigzagger,
Next time ignore the layout suggested by the pattern instructions. It will make you life much easier. I don't even look at it anymore. I bet you can do a better job in laying out than any pattern company software. Especially when you need to match a pattern.

I prefer to cut silk in one layer on a grain board. It doesn't slip around as much this way, but it is a longer process. I also find that I usually need to hand baste it if I want accurate seams. It is too slippery for pin basting. It's slower, but it guarantees no ripping.

Silk is hard to cut and difficult to sew. It's luxurious to wear and compensates for all the hassle of sewing it. I am starting on a top for DD from blouse weight silk. It's pretty wild two tone blue with black leopard print. I bought it from Sawyer Brook a few years back "Exotica". She has be eyeing this fabric for a couple of seasons now. She loves the feel of silk. I am probably foolish making silk top for a 7yo, but she really wants it.

Good luck and keep us updated.

scubagirl608 · Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Dallas

Lois · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject:

I've heard cutting wiggly fabric on top of paper works really well. Can us Dr. Examining Table paper, Tracing paper, Clean newsprint paper. I got a box of that at a box supply store. The clean unprinted sheets are quite large. I believe you pin directly to the paper and cut through both layers. I haven't done this myself but others on the website might be able to offer personal experience.

I've cut silks and wiggly rayons by using a rotary cutter. I use it exclusively for all my cutting. It's very accurate but you do have to be very careful to avoid mishaps with fingers.

Barb · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

Pattern paper works very well for this technique. I have used paper with serated shears with good results. I've also used glue sticks instead of pins. Dot the glue on the paper and gently press the fabric in place. It holds just enough to allow you control without damaging the fabric. Of course, test the glue on your fabric scraps first...it could be risky for some fabrics.

valc · Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 1

I find that starching the bejesus out of slippery fabrics makes them much easier to handle. Of course, test the starch on a scrap to make sure it comes out ok. Lightly press -- no pulling it off grain. I use pattern weights (a fancy name for the canned goods I pilfer from the pantry) and a rotary cutter with a new sharp blade. I find it also helps to layout and cut large pieces one at a time. Hope this helps.