12 in 12: February Pt 2

[need_pins_les]

Progress! Though not nearly as much progress as I'd hoped for, however still feeling confident about the core pieces. I've decided not to get myself too stressed out about this weekend and if it works then it works and if not then I'll live.

Comments

[katexxxxxx]

A couple of tips for working with velvet:

YES! Rotary cutter wherever possible!

Use fine silk pins and silk basting thread. If you are mounting the velvet on the lining rather than lining separately, baste down the center of each panel first, then across in a couple of places, rather than all round the edge. Use LOOOONG stitched - about 2" long.

Baste seams rather than just pinning them.

Sew all the seams in the direction of the pile. Use a walking foot. Also, treat it like a stretch fabric and use a narrow zigzag to stitch it. You'll be amazed at how non-puckered the seams come out!

It's looking good so far!

[need_pins_les]

Thank you!

They have pins just for silk?? o.O How do I miss these things? Basting down the middle sounds like a genius idea, but does it scar the velvet? Or is that the point of using long stitches? My problem is I *hate* hand sewing when it's not the final bits and pieces, and my machine only bastes up to 1/4". Do you think pinning down the middle would also work? Obviously it wouldn't work as well as having everything fully secured, but if I can avoid hand basting...

I basted all the layers together when I finished cutting, but I still pinned everything together before that to see how it lined up. Also, I'll definitely be searching for a walking foot. I keep meaning to pick one up and by the time I get around to going to the store I've forgotten. Thankfully with the lining attached, I didn't have any puckered seams, but I'll definitely keep the zig zag stitch in mind for future projects.

Thank you for all the tips!

[katexxxxxx]

If you use a soft silk basting thread and long stitches, it leave almost no mark, and you can easily steam it out. Far less o a mark than pins. You MUST hand base every bit that is basted. Machine basting is a waste of time. It just makes a mess of velvet and is more bother than it's worth when you come to take it out.

I use these pins for fine silks and velvet: http://www.jbquiltingfabrics.co.uk/shop/images/Clover%20Patchwork%20Pins%20Fine.jpg

[aylwen]

mmmm, silk velvet :) I bought some edwardian silk velvet skirts that I plan to wear one day. It feels soooo nice.

[need_pins_les]

It's hard not to stop sewing and pet it every few minutes...

[mabaslucyfur]

can't wait to see how it turns out!!!