Pattern marries elegance, options
By Times Wires
Published December 14, 2006
Q. I know it's early, but I need your help. I've looked and looked but can't find the perfect dress for the mother of the bride at a summer wedding. It could be either long or short, not too bare, but elegant. I'm lucky; I have a fabulous dressmaker, but we can't decide on a pattern.
A. I have selected Butterick 4451, sized 6-20. It features a straight skirt or you could add a skirt that you already love. The shirred bodice is sleeveless, but the pattern includes a short bolero-type jacket with sleeves. The pattern is just as lovely with a short skirt.
I would select a silk shantung or a blend of fibers in your favorite color. The shirred top could be in the same color but a lighter-weight chiffon or georgette to match.
Practice sewing without thread
Q. As a beginner sewer, I have difficulty sewing a straight seam without marking it first. Is there an easier way for accuracy?
A. I always have my beginner students practice sewing with an unthreaded sewing-machine needle on a lined piece of tablet paper. After you have practiced, you will begin to sew accurately on any straight seam of your garments. The same trick holds true when working on any detail that you haven't sewn before.
This week's winner
Each week, a reader wins a prize for sending in a helpful sewing hint. This week's winner is Katheryn Gardella of Springfield, N.J. She will receive a collection of 100 hand-sewing needles from England. Her tip: "When hand sewing some closely woven fabrics, the needle doesn't sew easily. I stick the needle into a bar of soap several times. Then it will sew smoothly and easily!"
Send your sewing tips to Eunice Farmer, Box 31729, St. Louis, MO 63131, or info@eunicefarmerfabrics.com If she selects your tidbit for publication, you'll receive this prize.
Eunice Farmer is a nationally recognized authority on sewing. She is an author, teacher, lecturer and fashion reporter, and she owns her own fabric boutique and sewing school. Send questions and comments to info@eunicefarmerfabrics.com.