| I get asked quite often "How did you figure that out?" | | | | procedures to get you back on track. |
| or "Where did you learn all your skills?" I usually pause | | | | Here are 5 basics to get you started: |
| and stammer out an answer about sewing my whole | | | | |
| life and teaching myself new techniques. But I've never | | | | 1. Get organized! Arrange/gather all your supplies for |
| liked that answer as it doesn't really tell you just HOW I | | | | your current project. This includes all fabrics, interlinings, |
| got so good. | | | | trims and notions such as piping cord, thread, hooks |
| I've recently discovered you become GREAT at a | | | | and eyes, boning. Organization is the key to achieving |
| specific skill through the process of perfecting the | | | | your goal. |
| basics. First you learn beginning techniques, the tools | | | | 2. Grainlines -The grain is the lengthwise weave of |
| used, and the general lingo. What is a grainline or a | | | | fabric. The grainline runs parallel to the selvedge |
| selvedge? You learn how to press and become | | | | (factory finished edge) of the fabric. Cutting patterns |
| familiar with basic pattern shapes. | | | | on the straight of grain is crucial for a garment to hang |
| Next you move beyond simple steps and language to | | | | correctly on the body. Remember to measure |
| more specific techniques. You see that there is more | | | | EVERY pattern piece's grainline marking to the |
| to sewing than taking a pattern, cutting the fabric and | | | | selvedge/fold before cutting your fabric. When making |
| following the directions. You spend many hours | | | | piping, cut only on the true bias (45°). Do not cheat |
| studying these new steps and how they relate to the | | | | and cut on the straight or on a slight bias. It will not look |
| principal ones you've already mastered. | | | | good. |
| You learn to fit a pattern, insert boning, and sew tucks | | | | 3. DO NOT ever sew over pins. This will quickly dull |
| in petticoats. You gobble up any information that can | | | | your machine needle and weaken your pins. Also, the |
| help you sew faster and better. By the third stage you | | | | risk of eye injury increases greatly. Why risk loosing |
| don't even think about the basics, you just do it. You | | | | your sight for a costume? |
| study a fashion plate and know how to go about | | | | 4. Review ALL sewing instructions BEFORE beginning |
| creating it. You see the pattern shapes and layers of | | | | a project (you may even have to rewrite them |
| trim. | | | | yourself).On a road trip it's important to know how to |
| As you master historical skills, you realize that your | | | | get to your destination. Read over your map and brush |
| ability is repetition of fundamental techniques. A skirt will | | | | up on those techniques you need so when you get to |
| not hang straight if cut off grain. Finishing that 1890s ball | | | | that step your work will turn out beautifully. |
| gown can only be done with hand stitching (a very | | | | 5. The Basic Thread Set: black, white, cream, navy. |
| basic step). | | | | You can sew most anything with these colors. If you |
| So get a grasp of the fundamentals and watch your | | | | want to expand, add a basic red, medium yellow and |
| creations come alive. Achieve a deeper understanding | | | | forest green. When in doubt on thread color - choose |
| of elementary techniques and you will have mastered | | | | a darker hue than your fabric. |
| them. And when all else stumps you in those | | | | And there they are...some basics to get you on the |
| advanced stages of sewing, return to the fundamental | | | | way to becoming that master dressmaker. |