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Posted by Kate Dicey on May 5, 2006, 3:45 am
Valerie Belcher wrote:
> I used to sew quite a lot (many moons ago), but recently haven't done
> much except shortening things (although that amounts to most things
> since I am five foot nothing!).
I'm lucky - at 5'4" and with a long back, I don't need to shorten tops,
and as I like my skits ankle length... ;) But I sew for others, and I
have to say clothes look and fit so much better when shortened
proportionally rather than just slashed off at the hem.
>
> I have been looking at patterns and thinking of sewing again. I notice
> that people in this group think highly of the Readers Digest sewing
> book. I looked at the current issue at the bookstore and can see that
> the diagrams and details are much better than the Vogue sewing book I
> own. I also noted that most people seem to prefer the first edition to
> the current edition. I guess I could get the first edition at Amazon or
> Ebay - why do people prefer the first to the second edition?
I have several older copies and the new one. There's very little
difference in the quality of the book, except that in the later one they
have removed a truly excellent chapter on tailoring and replaced it with
an inadequate one on serging/overlocking. In my (not very!) humble
opinion you are better off hunting up an old version with the tailoring
section and going to Palmer/Pletch for the basics (and a lot more!) on
serging.
>
> Also, looking through magazines like Threads, I can't help but notice
> that the world of sewing has changed with the notions available. No
> more sewing lightweight material through tissue paper and then ripping
> it off. Are there any publications that detail the newer notions and
> techniques that are available now.
Threads magazine and the Vogue/Butterick/McCall's magazine together are
probably the best places to keep up to date with some of this stuff.
For some fabrics that are ultra slippery or very fine, strips of tissue
followed by ripping out are STILL your best way to go! However, most
DECENT* modern machines have variable presser foot pressure (as did all
the old black cast iron jobs!), and less ferocious feed dogs than some
of those older machines, so the tissue isn't quite so necessary for
protecting the fabric. There are also a whole slew of different feet
available to help you, and sergers /overlockers come with differential
feed to adjust to suit the fabric you are sewing.
Some of the modern fabrics respond better to different types of needles,
and rather than just relying on size you'd do very well to look at
needle TYPE as well! :) I have needles for various levels of stretch,
twin needles, embroidery needles, needles for metallic thread... I like
needles!
Welcome back to the ever-expanding adventure that is sewing in the
modern world! Seen any new horizons recently? We're on the far side,
enjoying the view! ;)
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Valerie
*Avoiding the $60 Walmart specials! ;)
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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