Working with georgette

So I've bought some georgette. I like the way it drapes and I'm hopeful that I can use less structured patterns. But... I'm nervous about working with it. I've seen enough negative comments about working georgette to sink a ship. So I've hit the books (and the blogs and anywhere else I could think of) to research ways to make the experience less painful. This post is a summary of what I've found.

Cutting

• Put a sheet on the cutting table and make it tight using safety pins. Use an old one so it doesn't matter if it gets snipped.
• Lay tissue paper under the fabric to assist in stabilising
• Pin the pattern, fabric and paper backing and cut through all layers
• Use serrated scissors or rotary cutter

Pattern selection

• Select patterns with minimal seams, darts and facings
• Pattern details that are suitable include pin tucks, ruffles and ruching

Construction

• Baste seams
• Use French or flat-felled seams
• Use rolled hems
• Finish seams with sheer bias-cut tricot
• Do not use back stitch to secure threads - the bump can show
• Double-stitched hems work well but they can fray
• Place layer of tissue paper under georgette when sewing - tear paper away when seams are completed
• Keep fabric taut by holding in front and behind the needle
• Use another sheer for facings. Consider self-facing.
• Pin in seam allowances or use weights
• Use tailor tacks not chalk or marker
• Press seams flat before pressing open to meld stitches

Sewing machine

• Use a walking foot or roller foot
• Use a narrow needle plate
• Use 70/10 needle
• Loosen needle thread tension

I'm so proud!

So we were at The Drapery on the weekend. The Princess spent a fair bit of time in the book corner - there were kids' craft/sewing books as well as grown ups'. She has fallen in love with "Sewing School" which is fair enough because it's an excellent book. She has been inspired and came home and planned, drafted, drew, coloured and stitched this version of "your little friend"...



I'm sooooooo proud.

New LFS!

I'm excited! Really, really excited! After hearing a whiff of gossip, driving past the shell of a shop and driving past again (and again), I have finally managed to get to Adelaide's newest fabric shop The Drapery. You can check them out online at their website and Facebook. But there is no substitute for visiting them in person.

Fiona and Jane are the visionaries behind this idea. They have interesting opening hours but both women are mums with plenty of other things going on. And I think they're smart starting slowly. I kinda like the idea of selective opening hours - it makes visiting a conscious decision to visit, not just a "pop-to-the-shops".

They stock beautiful fabrics in a light filled shop. Top quality linens, fabulous knits and lots of beautiful cottons. There is a small but interesting selection of indie patterns. I have been able to hold Colette patterns in my hands (being careful not to leave drool marks). Sigh! A great book selection too. I was pleased to notice a green focus, with fabrics with a % of hemp being included for their reduced environmental footprint (as well as their lovely characteristics), and all purchases packaged in plain bown paper. They also cut fabric beautifully. Nothing better than seeing someone else holding something that is to become yours with as much care as you will.

I came away with a small package. Enough linen to make one of their simple cowls and the Poppy Tunic pattern from Make It Perfect. The Princess (who came along too) is likely to get the first version but I got the adult-sized pattern so we can both use it.