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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Jul 28, 2008 11:42:28 GMT -5
I was agonizing during my 'I'm too broke to even look in the general direction of a fabric store' period (which is anytime, really). I had one pattern for two frock-coats, two gentlemen of different size. So I needed tracing paper. Of course, I was broke, as I mentioned before. Then I was at Walgreens picking up an Rx, and on my way out I walked through the gift-wrap aisle--stopping short as an unoriginal light-bulb popped into this dimension right over my head. For a whopping 99¢ a package was white tissue paper. DURR!!! Two packets, some clever taping for large pieces, and the problem is solved... Cheaply. The pieces are cut, and slipped into sandwich bags with the size written on them.... With two packets, I've patterned out the bodice of the crossover dress for Tara, the bodiced petticoat for my sister and the full frock-coat for Kevin. There is still almost a full pack left (minus 1 or 2 sheets). So much cheaper! just as efficient, and if they rip.. I won't have any regrets because it came off of an $8.00 roll of paper. Just thought I'd share.
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Post by dawnluckham on Jul 28, 2008 12:16:12 GMT -5
Good plan, Steph! I used to do this too.
You will find that the re-use ability of these tracings is slightly lower – that is, they start to rip and shred and look shabby sooner because of the paper choice. (Though, I will say that my favourite shortgown pattern was traced on wrapping tissue over 10 years ago. Admittedly, it’s VERY shabby looking!)
Keep your eyes open in your neighbourhood to see if you have a medical supply pharmacy (where they sell walkers, wheelchairs and bed pans and homecare type products). I purchase exam table paper from this type of pharmacy and the roll of smooth paper is 18”x 225’ (believe me, 225 feet of paper lasts a long time!) I pay between $5 to $8 per roll for this paper. Or, if I feel I’ve got enough cash to “invest” I can purchase a case of 12 at a savings.
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Jul 28, 2008 12:33:12 GMT -5
I wouldn't recommend doing it for patterns that you down actually own. I just think it's a great way to make garments, and save them if you can; but since you have the original patter, it doesn't really matter if they deteriorate, rip or shred.
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Post by lauren on Jul 28, 2008 12:57:15 GMT -5
I love using tracing paper, especially when I'm altering patterns. :-)
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Post by Anna on Jul 28, 2008 17:26:12 GMT -5
I like canary trace paper. It's pretty cheap, and I like the color, and you can get it in rolls. The exam table paper sounds like a fantastic idea, though.
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Post by momghoti on Sept 4, 2008 1:58:46 GMT -5
I like the exam table paper idea. I've been using a large roll of freezer paper. I've found that tissue paper pieces will stick to the freezer paper if ironed to the shiny side with a warm dry iron. Big pieces aren't practical, but little pieces like plackets or doll clothes are a lot easier to handle. Just make sure to use a press cloth--it peels right off of the freezer paper. The iron? not so much
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Lady O
Commoner
Any Occasion for Ornamentation!
Posts: 9
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Post by Lady O on Jan 1, 2012 7:19:45 GMT -5
Again...I am ressurecting old posts- but I too have used tissue paper.
I also have some patterns that I used a plastic shower curtain for - it is larger than tissue paper, and sturdier.The cheap ones from the dollar store are quite see through (I stick with pastels or white). I am lucky enough to have a glass sliding door, and that makes a wonderful place to trace out patterns! Just be sure to find a marker that wont rub off!
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