Q&A

I've had quite a few questions over the past week and haven't been able to keep up with them, so I thought I'd just answer them in one post. So, here we go:

Regarding my SWAP photos, from Sherry in Little Rock, AR: "I love every piece and especially love the last outfit and those gorgeous, baby-doll wedge shoes!!! Are they vintage?" Alas, no they are not. They are a pair of BCBGirls that I picked up last year. I can't resist a shiny shoe, especially a pair of red ones!

Tara asks, "I have been looking for people's information and opinions on linings and underlinings and have found some good tutorials, but I'm still looking for advice on types of fabric to use. Any help would be most appreciated!" There is no straight forward answer to this one. You should use the type of lining or underlining that works with the fiber content of the fashion fabric and the type of drape you are hoping to achieve. Underlinings can dramatically effect the drape of a fabric and make fabrics unsuitable for a project due to too much drape or fragility usable again. I routinely use cotton batiste and silk organza as underlinings. You will have to do some experiments and drape one fabric over the other to see if you like the effect. Use the fabric that matches the look you're trying to achieve, whether soft or more structured.

I received some questions concerning the sequined buttons:

Vicki - "Do you have any tips for threading those small eyes? Do you use a needle threader?" This is a good question - the eyes of the straw needles are very small! I do not use a needle threader, although this would probably be a good application for one. I do cut my thread at an angle rather than straight across, which sometimes helps to be able to send the thread through the eye.

Designdreamer - "How exactly do you "Bring needle up through the fabric"? Isn't that button form metal?" Yes, the button forms are metal. The beads and sequins are stitched only to the fabric covering the button form. Because of this, the needle actually goes between the fabric and the form to complete every stitch, not actually through the metal button form itself.

Paco (this has been translated and the syntax has been corrected) "Do you collect buttons? I like searching the Barcelona market for vintage buttons, there are some true wonders. Some of those I have found in the market, I have sewn to the clothing that I make." I do have a small collection of vintage buttons, although I like to collect all sorts of vintage sewing notions. Shown below are some of my other notions. The real prizes are when I find the old belt kits that have all the supplies to make a belt, complete with buckle to cover to match a dress. I don't think Dritz makes these anymore, if they do, I haven't seen any for sale in the United States. Some of these notions are used when I make vintage patterns.

Parting Shot: More green! These are the irises. By the beginning of June, I will have beautiful blooms.