Many of you commented about some of the tools and supplies that you keep on hand. Thank you, because either I forgot about some of these things or I have them and I don't use them on a consistent basis for every project. Here are some excerpts from the comments and links if possible to the commenter's blog and my own comments:
Myra: " . . .Wright's bias tapes in many colors, lightweight fusible interfacing, webbing and narrow steam a seam 2 for turning up knit hems . . . tracing paper, the large pad, about 11x14, from the architectural section of office depot for tracing off and amending patterns . . ."
Excellent idea on the paper, Myra! I'd never thought about looking at the office supply stores for that sort of paper. I usually use tissue paper, but that's another post!
Vicki: " . . . sleeve roll and a clapper for pressing . . ."
These are tools I don't have, but obviously are very useful. [Note to any reading family members: add these to my Christmas list!]
Stephanie: ". . .seam ripper . . ."
Uh, yeah, I'm sure many of us use this tool way more than we want to or want to admit! I actually prefer my little scissors for this job, especially ripping out 4 thread serged seams. Yes, I've BTDT.
Miriam in KS: "I have one of the "freebie" makeup bags in a rectangular box shape that I put to use as a travel sewing kit. Black and white thread, assorted packet of hand sewing needles, small scissors, water soluble pen, a pencil, an emery board, safety pins, and a seam ripper. A lot of times, it "travels" with me from my sewing machine to the living room so my supplies are contained while I do handwork and 'watch' tv in the easy chair! I put it together back in 1999 while chaperoning my daughter's choir trip. I was the uniform chair and wanted to be able to sew buttons back on if needed or do other repairs."
Now why haven't I thought of that? I'm forever getting up from the chair in the TV room because I forgot my scissors. And thread. And ruler. And . . . whatever. I might have well just stayed in the studio!
ejvc from Stitchers' Guild: "I now have a special long needle for basting, basting thread, a thimble and embroidery scissors that I keep together for doing handwork. The basting thread is like a super thin string and it's really nice to use - two strands of embroidery floss are similar. I use a spool made by Coats but I think there is some Japanese thread out there as well that comes in a skein. Also I keep needles in a needle book - it's two leaves of felt sewn down the middle into a cross-stitched cover (my last bit of cross-stitching!) down the middle. Super simple and gives four felt leaves of needles. And doesn't poke you."
Smart ideas - I do have a very thin shiny rayon thread I use for basting. It doesn't leave marks and is very easy to remove.
Thank you all for contributing and I hope that it will inspire or sparks some ideas for the rest of us!
Parting Shot: Sneak Peek, as promised. Here's the jacket and top worn with jeans and the entire suit by itself. I'll post about the top tomorrow and show you pictures of me wearing the full suit on Monday.
15 comments:
Summerset, the paper I use is a pad of tracing vellum, it comes 11x17 in a 50 sheet pad by Foray from Office Depot. Resources are limited in the nearest large town (Victoria, TX) and non-existent in Yorktown, so I tried this & liked it. Many items have to be on more than one sheet, but at least they are larger sheets & for small items, usually fit on the one. It is easily pinnable and durable. I usually use a blue architectural pencil to trace. BTW, have you ever used FusiForm interfacing & for what? I thought it would be lighter weight, but it seems similar to normal lightweight fusible. A vintage pattern asked to interface the neck tie with sew-in, which I ignored & I think it's too heavy now. I used palencia (broadcloth) for the tie. I am thinking of ripping the interfacing out & going non-interfaced. If you have suggestions, email me @ myrayeretsky@sbcglobal.net
Love the top on you, but curious about the ivory top you have on underneath. Did you make that? If so, pattern info please! (I want to make a mock or turtleneck to layer.)
I love the dress it up/dress it down potential in your suit. Do you think you actually will wear it with jeans?
The colour of the top really picks up the lighter colour in the lace. Lovely together.
Your top looks great on, the colour really suits you.
Your jacket is beautiful! I think I'll pull that BWOF issue and check out that jacket pattern.
I'm loving the versatility of the jacket...it works so well with jeans and a turtleneck and I can tell it will be stunning for more formal events! What a wonderful and hardworking suit to add to your wardrobe!
Fantastic jacket. It looks wonderful with jeans - who woulda thought???? Terrific work.
Wow, I´m impressed...when I saw that jacket in Burda WOF I didn´t like it at all. But on you it simply stunning! How do you do that all the time?
Greetings from Berlin, Germany
Hanna
Summerset .- thank you for all these notes. I congratulate her on the jacket. I always liked this model and even did a version of green when the magazine was published. You look wonderful, really. see you soon, Paco
Hello Summerset,
the color is perfekt for you. The outfit looks realy great.
Best wishes,
Nina
This looks so fabulous on you. The color is so flattering. I can see you getting major miles out of this suit. Great with the jeans!
I love the versatility of your suit. Never would have thought that it would look so good on jeans, but it really does. You'll have a lot of pleasure from this.
It looks even more beautiful than I thought it would! What a great outfit and s versatile indeed.
You look stunning in your new jacket!
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