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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: CraftyStitcher
Date: 01-15-2007, 07:23 PM (1 of 8)
I've seen many fairy costumes for sale and I would like to try and make one for my daughter. A lot of the costumes have a gathered bodice and I was wondering if you can buy this fabric by the yard? If so what would it be called?
User: CraftyStitcher
Member since: 06-11-2006
Total posts: 14
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-16-2007, 08:00 AM (2 of 8)
I don't know about the fabric but yesterday on television I saw some thread that you sew in then hit it with steam and it shrinks and makes the fabric gather up.
It comes in cones or smaller spools.
The lady I saw used it on the serger with a chain stitch but you can use it on the sewing machine too.
They said it was new to home sewers but the garment industry has used for a long time.
Of course, the show could have been 10 years old and it may be old news. I'd never heard of it before.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 01-16-2007, 09:56 AM (3 of 8)
I haven't seen the costumes so I don't know if the fabric is sheered all over like with elastic thread (or Dorothy's thread) or if it is gathered top and bottom. Chances are that one of these techniques have been applied to something like Organza or Chifforn or even Tuille to make the tops of the costumes...like I said, without seeing it is hard to be sure.

Sorry, it has been a while since my kids wanted to dress like Faries...and if my son wanted to do it now....well...at 6'4 1/2" and 19 with beard.....it conjures up quite a picture. His sister...well, at least she could pull it off.

So I, for one, just don't know a lot about what is being done in this catagory.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-16-2007, 10:52 AM (4 of 8)
I think I've seen something similar to what you are talking about at Joanne's. This was a polyester with a sheer over it that was gathered. I really haven't pulled it out and looked closely at it tho. It was in the clearance aisle and was something I was going to look at the next time I needed to make a princess, etc outfit. For princess, fairy, or what ever dressup costumes, I mostly just use a silky polyster or whatever is on hand and inexpensive. This is when thrift stores and yard sales come in handy. Also, look at Halloween fabric at Joanne's. Around us it's still on sale for 80% off.

laura
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006
Total posts: 72
From: beachgirl
Date: 01-17-2007, 09:56 PM (5 of 8)
Dorothy, I saw that show also. It was on America Sews.I taped that program & have tried to pause the thread box with the name of the thread on it. This may not be totaly correct but close. CHIZIMIM. The last letter could be an n, not sure. They said Jo Ann's Fabric has it. Hope this helps some. It's a shrinking thread when you hold a steam iron above the fabric.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: CraftyStitcher
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:21 AM (6 of 8)
Beachgirl, do you know what the episode of America Sews was about? I found their website and want to try and track down some more informations.

Thanks
User: CraftyStitcher
Member since: 06-11-2006
Total posts: 14
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-18-2007, 05:47 PM (7 of 8)
I was recently searching through some of the old posts in "Sewing for Children" and found the following -

Here is how I do it and have done it this way for many years.. Probably longer than you have been around.. LOL.. I machine wind my bobbin very slowly with elastic thread..
Put bobbin in machine..
sew on right side of fabric.. Make rows about 1/2 inch apart... Sew as many rows as you need.. Leave all the threads long at the ends temporarily. Now the fabric is not shirred very much , if at all, yet.. But, voila, here comes the magic.. Heat the iron ,, make sure it has plenty of water, you need lots of steam.. Hold the iron about an inch away from the fabric and steam, steam, steam... Shirring happens.. Now, I always sew my seam to finish the circle with the stretch stitch.. Two forward and 1 back, This secures all those threads, and now you can cut all those loose ends off.. You can take a square of fabric, do a tiny rolled hem at the top and a one inch hem at the bottom, do the shirring , then sew the center back seam, add straps and in less than an hour, you have a little girls sundress..
__________________
Sew With Love
Libby


Libby has answered several shirring questions in that category and from the sound of it - the standard elastic thread used for shirring will do this shrinking thing Dorothy was talking about. Maybe the new thread is better and different though? I keep meaning to try shirring (I have an 8yo girl) but haven't got to it yet.

I'm guessing most pretty shiny fabrics would be okay for the bodice and then tulle or something for the skirt. Why not go and look at a couple of RTW in the shops and then head off to your fabric shop for a look.
Pauline
User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006
Total posts: 901
From: beachgirl
Date: 01-20-2007, 12:04 AM (8 of 8)
Beachgirl, do you know what the episode of America Sews was about? I found their website and want to try and track down some more informations.

Thanks

That was episode 2203. Sorry, I should have put that in my post also. If you find out what the thread is called for sure, please post it for me. Thanks in advance. I'll also look for it at Jo-Anns.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
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