I bound the neckline and armholes with 1/4" finished binding. Sandra Betzina, in her Power Sewing book,
suggests stabilizing near the seamline with a strip of something lightweight. I used Seams Great.
The top (and binding) turned out nicely but has to be washed to get rid of the spray starch. Right now, it can stand on it's own!
ShirleyAdams is retiring at the end of this year. She has been such an inspiration, and I've learned so much from her. Her pattern line, called Alternatives, are phasing out, so I bought a few that I wanted before they are gone.
Also, I bought a couple of CuttingLineDesigns patterns.
I love the color blocked coat. Pulling together three colors of wool is not going to be easy. I've searched online stores for a couple of days, trying to find the right combo. I had my heart set on a dark and a light olive along with a maizey-toned yellow. I can see I'll have to give that up and try for another color-way.
Meanwhile, I've cut a muslin of the My Hearts a Flutter overblouse. It runs very, very large, which is ok, knowing that in advance. Louise Cutting prints the finished measurements on the pattern envelope. Genius! Shams made it, and it is as cute as can be. The muslin is ready to sew. I have hopes for it. We'll see.
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Spray starch is a good tip for controlling miserable fabric, I've made a mental note of it! Finding coordinating fabrics is difficult, good luck!
Your binding looks very nice even though the fabric was so slippery. Thanks for the reminder about spray starch. I am going to be sewing some poly soon.
I remember Shirley Adams's TV show. She made beautiful garments! I've never purchased any of her patterns, though. Now may be a good time to do so!
Many of our sewing mavens are retiring or passed away. I so hope we have others coming up to take up the challenge. Certainly Sandra Betzina stands out but we need more!
Binding with that fabric is not easy and you did a great job. Now go wash!
It certainly is a shame to see sewing teachers pass on, retire. I hope to see her on the current ongoing sewing shows. I did buy Shirley's red book on sewing, but didn't know about her pattern line. I recently bought the Simplicity patter for the tops. It's nice to see that it will be a good pattern for woven T tops. I preordered a couture DVD that I'm anxiously awaiting.
I use spray starch too. I love that color blocked coat and I'm anxious to see what colors you decide upon. I'm sure your combination will be perfect!
I must remember your spray starch solution when working with difficult fabrics - thanks for that! I like the look of those patterns - it's nice to see patterns from smaller companies.
I hope you enjoy the LCutting patterns. I've made the hearts a flutter and pure and simple shell numerous times. Re the Shirley Adams patterns - it's always good to get the "good stuff" before it's too late. Enjoy them all!
I need some shells too. Thanks for the spray starch tip.
I never knew about the spray starch tip! Thanks for posting that. Your binding turned out perfect. I also like that color-blocked coat!!! Good luck with finding the colors you love.
The binding does look really nice. I am picturing the blouse standing on its own--very amusing.
I never thought of spray starch but I hate the stuff so I would be reluctant to use it. I use Wonder Tape to control ravely, slippery fabric.
Linda T
Spray starch--what a great idea! I hope you have some luck finding good wool colors. I'd love to see it in the colorway you are envisioning, too.
You have another award at my blog.
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