FOR SALE Click on the photo and you will get a much larger photo.
I am making my daughters formal dress- why do I do this???? It's all cut on the bias and one of the seams that should sit straight isn't sitting straight- but because of the bias cutting it's creating a nightmare- it's in a satiny silk ( quite light weight) so it's slipping sliding everywhere and I have already spent way more time than I can afford on it- any suggestions?????
I don't think I ever posted a pic of the completed Extreme Conditions quilt that I made for A Change in the Weather Exhibition- it recently came back from New Zealand. Not sure what I sahll do with it now- it's entirely hand stitched, because that was when my machine was playing up- it is for sale but the price is high because of all the hand work. Because the piece is long it's really difficult to get a good photo.
And this is my 900th post- I am also getting close to 250,000 visitors. I know the Neoworks counter shows a different number but I put on Sitemeter earlier than Neoworks and it is sitemeter that is getting close to 250,000 visitors.
7 comments:
You have my sympathy!
I have tried narrow double sided cellotape inside the seamline, or you might have success with a light spray of temporary adhesive - I think it's called 505 - but of course test washout first!!
I've also successfully used the walking foot on my Bernina with difficult fabrics.
Good luck.
This is a very beautiful piece Dijanne. I wanted to read the text but unfortunately couldn't make it out on my small computer screen.
I have just done a workshop with Olga W. and she recommended your book '72 MORE Ways not To Stipple or Meander'. I can't find a link to purchase it though. Am I missing something?
I'm curious too - have you decided to make a flying visit to Syria? I read your post with wide eyes, thinking that you are a wonderful mother to consider doing that for your daughter. I certainly hope she gets into the course. What a wonderful opportunity she has (that,and a supportive mother!). I envy those who had/have the gumption to pursue their creative dream at a young age, rather than do the 'sensible' thing and become a teacher, nurse, secretary etc. I fell into one of those categories and am now making up for lost time. I'm having a ball in the process mind you. It's not a regret - I love my life and my family that have eventuated as a result of my path travelled, it's just a bit of wisdom that I hope to impart to my own children. Follow your dream kids! (Just hope it doesn't back-fire and I end up supporting three creative adult children who can't make a living from their passion!!!).
Very pleased to have found your blog Dijanne. Hope to hear back from you soon regarding your book.
Penny
I too have used the double sided tape to good effect. I haven't used my walking foot, but that should help. I've also used a teflon foot which works well, but if you have the walking foot, use that first.
Good luck and start out with a clear mind and with affirmations that you can do this. I actually enjoy working on my daughter's formal things....I've made countless costumes with satin and other slipperies, and two flower girl dresses....I'm a little sad that she won't let me make her formals now that she's older....
Hope this helps. Lisa
I made all my daughter's formal dresses in Jr. High and High School, so I know what you are going through. If you can wet the fabric when you are done, the easiest way to contol fabric that wants to misbehave is with starch. I made a dress with circular ruffles from slithery woven synthetic (heavily starched)and put narrow hems in the ruffles with no trouble. Also a life-saver with chiffon. You don't have to wash the garment later, just soak it a bit, gently hand-agitate, and drip dry. You can use a little mild soap if you wish, but the starch pretty much comes out with water.
You already got lots of good suggestions for how to deal with the silk dress, but here are some others. You can use a stabilizer along the seam (water soluble or lightweight tear-away) -- that helps with the slippery quality of the fabric and will reduce the bias stretch. Quite frankly, sometimes I find it faster to hand baste difficult seams and then sew them on the machine (be sure not to stretch the fabric as you baste). Don't forget to hang the dress for a day before sewing the hem, as the bias will stretch unevenly and you will probably need to even up the bottom edge before hemming.
Good luck!
Your quilt is stunning Dijanne, I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to Wellington to see the exhibition in person. I don't have any helpful hints - so good luck with the dress!
Jane
Extreme Conditions is breathtaking! Love the rich colors, the writing, the handstitching--just gorgeous!
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