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'Formal' dresses hike their hems

By EUNICE FARMER, Special to the Times
Published March 8, 2007

An exciting season is coming up, bringing many events traditionally held in late spring and summer, among them weddings, graduations and proms. So, during the next few weeks, I shall be focusing on patterns for these social events.

I have checked with schools and learned that many girls have decided to go "short" this year, instead of planning to wear the more formal long gowns. I have selected Vogue 8072, sizes 6-22, as a perfect solution. It features soft, tiered ruffles on the skirt and a very flattering neckline. Be sure to select a fabric such as georgette, soft crepe or any fabric that will work with the ruffles and not look stiff. Prints are very popular this year too.

Give sheer fabric body

Q: Please help us with interfacing for sheer fabrics and lace. They need a bit of stabilizing, but heavy interfacing changes the feeling of the delicate fabric.

A: I love organza as an interfacing for sheer fabrics. If the garment will be dry cleaned, use silk organza; if it will be washed, you may use poly organza. Usually a nude shade works best.

Bound to be optional

Q: I'm from the old school, which made bound buttonholes on everything. Today, I rarely see them on ready-to-wear. Please give us your opinion.

A: Today's clothes are much more casual than years ago. Unlined garments, shirt dresses, blouses and casual jackets are now using machine buttonholes. If you want to make an elegant jacket or coat, there is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly bound buttonhole. The choice is yours.

This week's winner

Each week, a reader wins a prize for sending in a helpful sewing hint. This week's winner is Floydeane Hunter of St. Petersburg. She will receive a collection of 100 hand-sewing needles from England. Her tip:

"When I purchase interfacing by the yard, I always roll it on a tube that I have saved from wrapping paper. For smaller interfacings, I use empty paper towel tubes."

You, too, could win a collection of hand-sewing needles. 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.

[Last modified March 8, 2007, 06:26:18]