I've been making a new tunic top, using a gorgeous fine cotton lawn I've had sitting in my stash for a few years. When you're sewing something in several colours, it can be hard to decide what colour thread to choose. I ended up going with one that doesn't actually match any of the colours, but somehow seems to sit unobtrusively with all of them. I decided to French seam everything; it's a much nicer finish than overlocking (serging). With such a fine, stable fabric, that's very easy. On each seam, you start by putting the wrong sides together, as opposed to the right sides, and stitch very close to the edge. I keep the edge of the fabric lined up with the middle of the side of the foot. You do have to be careful that you are catching both sides, so make sure they're lined up exactly. If the edge is a bit frayed, trim the stray threads away, or they'll end up … [Read more...]
