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Post by lastbloom on Aug 2, 2010 10:32:19 GMT -5
I'm making some progress on my Kannik's Korner regency shift. I decided to sew it by hand using the "traditional" cutting and construction methods and sewing with linen thread.
I have noticed that the linen thread is slubby, which explains why the Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing recommended beeswax. I thought it was unnecessary until I started this project -- oops! The thread does have a tendency to get stuck and to tangle, a bit more than with a modern, smooth thread.
So far I have the two seams the run up the back of the shift felled, and I am getting ready to cut my tube open this afternoon to create separate front and back pieces. Sheesh!
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Post by Anna on Aug 5, 2010 0:09:51 GMT -5
Beeswax can very much improve handsewing even with modern threads. The very hard cotton threads made specially for handsewing (Gutermann has a quilting thread and Yli has one, I think it's the "special") don't need it very much, but the kind of thread that goes in your sewing machine will always take well to waxing before handsewing.
Also, do you know the trick of waxing and then ironing over it? That's even better.
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Post by lastbloom on Sept 27, 2010 0:03:45 GMT -5
Still stitching away on this thing. I set it aside for about a month, but I picked it back up 2 nights ago and the shoulders are put together, eyelets are made, and I just finished hemming the neckline. It is amazing how long this is taking -- a very active little boy under foot really cuts into my sewing time! Has anyone else made any garments by hand? I'd love to see your projects! I could use some inspiration to keep my going  |
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Post by Anna on Sept 29, 2010 20:10:41 GMT -5
I have. The white voile dress and underwear for my first ORS ball was entirely handsewn - I didn't want the machine to eat the fabric. I very much enjoy hand sewing - it's very meditative.
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Post by lastbloom on Sept 30, 2010 11:22:16 GMT -5
Do you have any photos of your dress? It sounds lovely!
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Post by lastbloom on Jan 24, 2011 22:32:57 GMT -5
Finally took a couple of snaps of my shift. Unfortunately, this photo doesn't really show off all the hard work because I was trying on my muslin for my short stays over the top. flic.kr/p/9cUFxB |
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Post by kingdomkm on Jan 26, 2011 1:25:03 GMT -5
I am currently handsewing my S&S chemise. I do not own a sewing machine so it takes a while. I am not sure about the meditative part but it can be relaxing.
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lyric
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Post by lyric on Jun 25, 2012 10:59:27 GMT -5
Also, do you know the trick of waxing and then ironing over it? That's even better. I read this somewhere but have not tried it. I am thinking it's one of those things to do is easier than the thought. I can see myself getting wax everywhere with my SAD iron. We're off grid and I am still learning how to control the amount of heat on the iron. I need to just do it. |
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lyric
Shopkeeper
Posts: 30
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Post by lyric on Jun 25, 2012 11:01:55 GMT -5
I have. The white voile dress and underwear for my first ORS ball was entirely handsewn - I didn't want the machine to eat the fabric. I very much enjoy hand sewing - it's very meditative. Recently I read about using tissue paper to add stability under sheer fabric (Jennifer Rosbrugh has a booklet about sewing with sheer fabrics). Have any of you tried this technique? I'll be making a couple of gowns in July and I'm depending upon that technique (or I'm up the river sans a paddle if it does not work). |
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