I used several different types of sewing paraphernalia to get the faux leather accents to work just right on my recent dress. First up was my silk organza pressing cloth. This allowed me to press with steam the leather without ruining the fabric...yet I was able to add enough steam to mold the leather around the dresses neckline and the sleeve hems.
My duckbill scissors were also very helpful with insuring that I cut only the excess fabric from the seam line. I didn't want to cut away any of the underlying fabric or cut too closely to the seam line. I love these scissors whenever I need to clip or cut in close quarters.
So when you're sewing your next fabulous outfit, think about how many tools you use to get that outfit to look just so...and remember that using the right tool for the job is what really makes it easy to achieve that look!
...as always, more later!
You are so right about the tools! You can do without them, but it is such a pleasure to have the right tool for the job! Yesterday I used my seam allowance attachment for my rotary cutter to add an inch when cutting out a pattern I knew was just a little short. So cool!
ReplyDeleteI'm really bad about investing in specialist tools but I think you're so right. It's definitely on my christmas wish list to get a few items that will really make all the difference!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I think I am going to put duck billed scissors on my Xmas list!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed by how many different tools and gizmos I seem to have collected since starting sewing - I agree with you that having the right tool for the job really can make a difference. But I haven't got a pair of duckbill scissors - they look really cool - I am thinking that I really do need a pair of those!
ReplyDeleteDuckbill scissors are going on my Christmas wish list!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lesson I have learned thru the years. You need all the toys if you are going to sew right and exact. The more I buy the easier it gets
ReplyDeleteLet's see - no, only 3-4?, because "hammer" isn't always the answer, woodworkers have clamps - we have pins.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can sew without many of the tools we have, but they make it so much easier. Like the duckbill scissors or the steam press - I don't use them often, but when I do, I'm really glad I have them.
Our ancestors sewed for centuries without many of the tools we have and had no problems, but they didn't have to deal with things like pleather and other man-made fabrics, either.
I've asked for a pair of scissors for working in tight places for Christmas. After trying to cut the seam allowance on a narrow hem from sheer fabric... I want something that does it better.
ReplyDeleteIn the last year I have realized that having the right tools make such a difference. The last 2 items I need to add to my arsenal of sewing notions is a point presser & clapper and mini-iron.
ReplyDeleteI'd ordered sewing notions from ebay and received the duckbill scissors as a thank you for buying from them.
I really do need a pair of duck billed scissors. I agree that you have to have the right tool to get the job done. I'm just still wondering where to store it all.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to use a lot of specialized tools (partly a lack of storage space, partly too lazy to learn how to use them) but I recently started using a tailor's ham and have been really amazed and happy with the results.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for sewing tools but I have to say I love using different feet for my sewing machine. The right foot makes all the difference.
ReplyDelete~Sewjourner
Wanted to write and let you know that I'm so very Thank-ful to God for You, Your blog, and for the Inspirational Insights you give to others and myself weekly! Thank-you!!
ReplyDeleteWishing You and Your Family the Most Wonderful of all Thanksgiving Celebrations!!!
I LOVE my left-handed duck billed scissors! They are worth every obscene dollar I paid for them!
ReplyDeleteLike you I have a tool for every job and one of the things I love about sewing tools is that most of them are built to last. My pressing ham must be 35 years old! The same with my point presser/clapper. I bought most of my tailoring tools when I made my first tailored jacket, 35 years ago. Not bad for my investment.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy Thanksgiving.
I'm not ashamed of having lots of tools. We need them to sew well. Duckbill scissors are next on my purchase list.
ReplyDeleteSo VERY true! I don't know where I'd be without my tools. They can never be overrated:)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn I was admiring your color-blocked, faux leather trimmed dress -- excellent design!
ReplyDeleteI want to use some faux leather (also from FM) to edge a cardigan jacket as you did the dress. Your application looks so professional.
Do you have any other how-to tips for sewing this to the knit as you did? I like the width you used and don't want to do the skinny piping look. Did you just stitch in the ditch on the RS and then trim on the underside?
Many thanks for any advice!
True, I own tools that use to be owned by my grandmother, mother and grand aunt.
ReplyDelete