DD: French Hood - sewing the fashion fabric pt II

[sstormwatch]

More thoughts while I am waiting for dinner.

I finally got the base covered in the fashion fabric, and it looks pretty good on the topside. Thankfully, the underside will be hidden from view, because the sewing and fluffy parts coming off are just plain UGLY!

So, here's some more notes on what to do or not do when working on a F-hood.

• Keep the hands clean when working on white silk. The hood is getting messier than I want to deal with. I may add Scotchgard later to keep it cleaner longer.
• It is ok to flatten out parts of the hood while sewing it. I just have to rebend the section when I move on.
• Remember to get another leather thimble. The metal one sucks!
• I am using white silk thread in a single strand, and it likes to fall off the needle a LOT. I finally made a square knot in the thread and it stays on ok. I just have to let it spin off the twist buildup every once in awhile.
• I am pinning a few inches at a time. I found if I pinned more, then more of the silk would unravel before I got there, and the pins are more in the way than the clips are.
• Next time, try cotton flannel instead of dommette or muslin on the wrong side. It will pad a bit more than muslin, and still have something to sew into for the fashion fabric.
• I may want to glue the f-fabric in place along the lower points where it lies near the cheeks. Because of the curve and the lack of pull in the f-fabric, some parts there kinda bubbled, which doesn't look good. It may end up getting covered with the jewels later, so we shall see.
• Silk thread is wonderful! Used a little Thread Heaven on the strand, and sewing was a breeze compared to cotton or poly blend threads.
• It is worth working at a table instead of sewing the hood in the lap. My back isn't as bad after today's work, as it was last night. Having good overhead light is also a must.
  

Well, tonight after Cam sleeps I may work on the coronet next, or finish off the base with the lining material, not sure which. But the smell of dinner is calling me!