PATTERN MAKING by Jeanne Powell and Carol Foley

Now available at Fabrique! and co-written by our very own Carol Foley, this Pattern Making book is an easy-to-read companion to commercial patterns. Open up your imagination through this book to discover how each pattern piece can be slightly altered to create a whole new shape and design. Each page is filled with helpful information on how to alter an existing commercial pattern to achieve a perfect fit or desired look. Chocked full of useful diagrams and example drawings to reinforce the straightforward instructions, this book will surely be your most useful tool in your sewing room.

To find out more, check out our website: www.fabriquefabrics.com

Hemming Charmeuse

You've just created this beautiful charmeuse gown. The fit is perfect, it drapes beautifully, and now it's time to hem. Don't be afraid!!

Finish off your edge with your serger first. Then a great tip when hemming charmeuse is to iron-on featherweight interfacing or baste organza to your hemming allowance. The additional interfacing gives the fabric just enough substance to make your life easier.

An additional design detail that you can add to the garment would be to use a double needle and your hem will have a cover stitch look.

Any other great suggestions for working with charmeuse? Let us know!

Granny's Sentimental Machine vs. a New Computerized Machine

"I love my great grandmother's sewing machine. Is there a good reason to invest in a new computerized machine?"

Yes! Machines do wear out. They also don't make sewing as smooth and quick as a new model. Here are some points to look for when you are selecting your machine:

--A drop-in bobbin, because they are less troublesome.
--A varied needle position
--Easy to snap on and off feet
--A pretty buttonhole...one that is easy to repeat.
--An invisible zipper foot!

*Note: All of those cute stitches are nice, but they are not used very often.

Be sure to find a good friendly shop where they service on site. If you need service on your machine, you want to make sure that the store will be able to return your machine to you quickly.

Does anyone like linen?

Yes! Linen is one of the oldest fibers. It is from the flax plant. The inner fibers are stripped away and can be as long as 10-12ft in length. Natural undyed linen is organic and allergy problems are minimal.

The common complaint is that "it wrinkles." If you wash your piece and dry it approximately 90% dry, you will love the softness and drapability. It breathes and is perfect for hot climates. The creases in linen are never mimicked in polyester and, therefore, when you sew linen you know that it is genuine.

But there are certain designs and details that look best when working with linen. Gathers and soft pleats will be difficult to maintain after the garment is washed/cleaned, so we recommend darts or architectual lines. Top stitching looks great on linen, and is a fabulous design detail.