Some Questions...

...and a few answers

Theresa (Lovely) wanted to know if the lining fabrics I'm using could be used as blouse fabrics ~ yes, definitely since they are 100% mediumweight polyester charmeuses. I don't really wear polyester charmeuse or prints that loud but they were $1.99 per yard and I thought they would make interesting lining fabrics. Also since they are medium weight they add some weight to my fabrics which make the finished garments a little warmer...so that's why I'm using them as linings.

Cidell had some questions about my darts and the construction...
I am not finishing the edges of the darts because they are encased in the lining so there should be minimum fraying. And to make my comment about serging clearer ~ in my FFF days I would serge all of the garment pieces and then begin construction. However, now I sometimes do some construction and then serge finish the pieces. But I always serge/finish the pieces while they are still flat and not sewn to another piece. I have too much respect for my serger knives than to put them in the position of cutting through a piece of a sewn garment!

NancyK had some questions about the black patent leather piping...
I purchased it at Daytona Trimmings and after inserting it into the garment I was very careful when pressing the garment. I didn't use to much steam or a high setting on my iron. I don't know how this will work at the dry cleaners...I guess I am hoping for the best! *LOL* But since I got this idea from Dana Buchman's line, I am hoping that the dry cleaners I use in the city works with other designer gear and will at least know how to clean this!

Christina asked about my fabric usage amounts
You know this is a work in progress. I have no idea if I will stick with this format. However, I treat linings like notions...always keeping a stock on hand in various colors and prints so that I can sew without too much difficulty at all times...so I didn't think to track or add it to my numbers.

I think I got all of the questions...if not, please ask them again and I will answer them. I have been at work for 4 days now and haven't thought about anything sewing! Isn't that terrible....but you know how it is when you come back from vacation, there is just so much waiting for you...and I have been extremely tired when I get home in the evenings. I don't even have any sewing plans for the weekend. The last jacket and lining are laying there forlornly on the cutting table (which is still relatively clean, btw). I guess I will get to them soon enough!

Hope you are enjoying your sewing journeys!