Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: abcameo
Date: 03-15-2006, 12:16 PM (1 of 4)
|
I bought two pretty remnants yesterday and plan to turn them into light shawls for spring/summer. Both fabrics are very loose weaves with edges that fray very easily, and they are somewhat see-through. The pieces are wide but only about a yard long, so I cut one down the center and need to attach it to to the end to turn it into a much longer, luxurious length. The seam will be in the middle of the shawl now--but I didn't think that would matter too much since it'll be the center back. I could use suggestions on (1) what would have been the best way to handle this center seam to make it look more attractive (French seam?) (2) I now have side seam with a selvedge, but want to finish the bottom edge, preferably taking advantage of the natural fraying to leave a tiny fringed effect on the lower edge. I also need to finish the two side edges. Looking for ideas on how to make the most of the innate qualities of these fabrics. One more thing--I tried to sew a decorative scallop edge stitch on a swatch and found out I definitely need to use stabilizer. I've got some Solvy dissolvable, but that reminded me, when I use tissue paper as backing for sheer fabrics, how to I get rid of the tiny fragments that remain after I tear it away from the completed piece? I tried soaking them in water one time, thinking the soft paper would disintegrate but that didn't work. Many thanks for any solutions, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-15-2006, 12:32 PM (2 of 4)
|
Amy, If it were me I'd do a French seam for the center back then topstitch that flat. It's a finish I like the look of from both sides and it is very strong too. Secondly, if you can still get rid of that selvage edge I would. Sometimes there is no problem but you never know what the selvage will do -- especially in the wash. It is woven tighter than the rest of the fabric and may act noticeably different. I've never done the fraying fringe thing -- well not deliberately anyway -- so I'm not much help there. From what I've read you do a couple rows of tight stay stitching then ravel the edge. Or you can cut a strip, do the stay stitching and ravel it leaving a bit to sew to the edges, Then you might attach the strip with a French seam and top stitch that down like in the center back. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: abcameo
Date: 03-20-2006, 11:02 AM (3 of 4)
|
Thanks for the suggestions, Dorothy. I appreciate your reply. I actually read it when you posted this, but I was waiting to see if a few more people would respond before I replied. I checked back a few times, but then I forgot to write back to thank you. I forgot to check the "intant email notification" option below... I see no one replied re getting rid of tissue paper backing once you're done with it. I guess I'll try asking a different forum. Best, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-20-2006, 11:45 AM (4 of 4)
|
Amy. Try Tweezers.. Sorry it took a second reading to find that problem. It was sorta lost at the bottom.. I always use tissue or wax paper and I have no problems with it.. For lace, I use a roll of adding machine paper, so I don't have so much waste.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-18564.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft