These stays are certainly the most complex cording project I've done, so I wanted to share how I've been going about it! First off, I'm using a totally different cording method than the ones shown in my Making a Corded Petticoat post. In both methods shown in that tutorial, the cord was put in place first and its channel was sewn around it. Those methods work just fine for a corded petticoat, but won't work very well for these stays. Instead, I'm sewing channels into the fabric first, then inserting the cording afterwards. As a reminder, this is the pattern I'm working with: Fabric Prep Since the criss-cross cording is the most difficult part of these stays, that's what we'll focus on. Each of the squares that make up the criss-cross pattern are only 0.25" wide, so they're very small and difficult to sew accurately. The space between each square forms the channel that the cord threads through. I'm using a green shot cotton as the pretty outer fashion layer of the stays, with two layers of thin but tightly woven white cotton as the strength layers. My stitches will go through all three layers of fabric, but the cording will be run between the two white layers of cotton. The first challenge was figuring out how to mark the stitching guidelines on the fabric. I could have made all the markings on the back of each piece, but I find that the top side of my stitching often looks a bit more precise than the back, so I needed a way to mark the green fabric so that I could stitch accurately, but not have the markings visible later. Squares marked with water soluble pen, with a penny for scale. At first I tried using a water soluble fabric marker that had a relatively fine tip. It showed up very well on the fabric, but since it is a marker and the fabric wicked the ink out a bit, the line it left was fairly thick. The thicker line made it very hard to see where exactly to stitch. Some of my test squares were more parallelogram than square, and the width of the squares varied between 5/16" and 3/16" wide. It may seem like I'm being overly picky, but that is a difference of 1/8", which means I was off in some areas by the width of half of a square! When working at such a small scale, even a little bit of deviation becomes extremely obvious. Wibbly wobbly stitching due to wide fabric marker guidelines. I considered using a fine mechanical pencil to draw more precise, accurate lines, but there were two potential issues. One, I was worried it wouldn't wash off well, leaving me with pencil lines all over my stays. Two, it's actually pretty hard to draw an accurate line on this fabric with a mechanical pencil, as the pressure of the lead warps and distorts the fabric as you're trying to draw. Can't draw a straight line b/c the pressure of the lead warps the fabric. Luckily, I was able to solve both issues at once with my favorite secret weapon: Mah super-sekrit weapon. Shh, don't tell! Starch has saved my butt on many a sewing project. Here, it serves two purposes. First, it stiffens the fabric so that it is almost paper-like, so now I can easily draw on it using the mechanical pencil without the fabric distorting. Now I can get perfectly straight, thin, highly accurate stitching lines! With starched fabric, no distortion! Comparison of marker lines vs mechanical pencil lines. Second, thanks to Lifeofglamour's various experiments with tinting starch for use on ruffs, I know that very often, pigments and dirt that are mixed in with or sitting on top of starch wash out without staining the fabric. When I tested this theory on my fabric, washing the starch out washed the pencil marks down the drain too! You can buy spray on starch or the liquid kind you dip your fabric into from the store, but thanks to Frolicking Frocks (dude, check out those petticoats!) I'm a convert to making my own out of cornstarch. My test stitching proves much more straight and accurate with the pencil guidelines, and after washing all evidence of the pencil lead is gone! Now that I've got that settled, the last step before stitching is to use a lightbox to trace my design onto the fabric. Stitching My original plan was to hand-stitch the stays, but I came to my senses after attempting a sample. I tried using my modern sewing machine, but it's very hard to stitch a line precisely 0.25" and stop in exactly the right place using the pedal control, so I pulled out the little Singer 99 hand crank machine I refurbished a few years ago instead. Remember this one? Isn't she pretty? With a hand crank, it's really easy to stop right at the exact number of stitches you want. A lot of fiddling and several tests later, I settled on a stitch length calibrated to precisely 1/16 of an inch, giving me squares that were 4 stitches wide on each side. Getting the correct stitch size is no mean feat on these old machines, since you set the length by screwing an unlabeled knob in or out as needed. That knob is the stitch length regulator. Notice the distinct lack of numbers or any useful markings of any sort? Now that I've got the length set, sewing each square is now as easy as starting the needle in the right place, sewing 4 stitches, sinking the needle on the 4th stitch, raising the presser foot, turning the fabric, putting the foot down again, sewing 4 more stitches, etc, all the way around the square. This leaves a bunch of thread tails all over the place. Of course I can't just trim them because the stitching would come out, so the loose threads are pulled to the back and tied off. Since I'm a bit paranoid about the knots coming undone, I put a dot of Fray-Check on each to prevent unraveling. Remember to test the Fray-Check on an inconspicuous spot first! My layers are thin, and on the first few knots I used too much and it soaked through to the front. Threads pulled to the back for tying. At first I was tying the threads after each square, but it's more efficient to sew several squares, then flip to the back and start pulling through/tying off. The problem with doing it that way is that those loose tails get in the way of stitching, and if you sew through the tail of a square a few rows down it's a mess to untangle. Luckily, I'm owned by two exceedingly furry felines, and thus have a clothing de-furring brush that doubles as a way to clear all my loose threads off to one side with a single swipe. Guess the fuzzbeasts are good for something. There's something like 200 tiny squares on just ONE front panel, plus more on each side panel, so you can see why this has been taking me a while! Cording After washing the starch out, drying, and pressing each piece, it's FINALLY time to stuff some cord in there. I'm using the same Sugar n' Cream cotton cord that I used in my corded petticoat. You'll want a cord of a width that fits fairly snugly in your channels, so choose accordingly, or stitch your channels to accommodate the cord you wish to use. I'm using a thick, blunt needle with a wide eye. Tapestry needles are perfect. The eye should be large enough that the cord just fits through it, but not so big that the needle won't fit through your channels with the now doubled cord in tow. I also have a pair needle nose pliers, because despite my best efforts, the eye of my needle still gets stuck in the fabric sometimes. When I made my last pair of corded stays, I broke the only good needle I had and swapped to one that was nearly the same, only sharp instead of blunt. It sorta worked, but the sharp tip kept shredding the fabric on both sides, and those scrapes later unraveled into larger holes, allowing the cord to poke out. I wouldn't have minded if they were all on the inside, but most of them were on the pretty outside! If all you can get is a sharp needle, grind the tip down. Holes in channels caused by sharp needle shredding fabric. Sadly, these are on the front, so they show when I wear it. On the backside of the stays, I poke the needle through just one layer of fabric right at the start of a channel. Since the needle is blunt, with some fabrics an awl is needed to start the hole. It takes a bit of practice to get the tip to go through just one layer of fabric, but practice makes perfect, right? Using an awl to start the hole. Threading the needle into the channel. Once inside, the needle is pushed down the length of the channel, dragging the cord behind it. It's tight, and I have to moosh (super technical term) and manipulate the fabric around the needle to move it along. Sometimes the pliers are necessary to pull the needle through the channel too. The eye is stuck at the entry to the channel, so I use pliers to help it along. At the opposite end, I poke the tip of the needle back out through the back fabric and pull it out, taking care to not pull all the cording out with it! The pliers are also super useful here, as the eye of the needle generally gets stuck on the way out. All the pushing and pulling on the needle is pretty rough on my fingers; using the pliers instead solves that problem. The downside is that I'm more likely to break a needle when pulling on it with the pliers. It's easier on my fingers to just use the pliers to pull the needle out. I don't trim the cord close to the fabric just yet; instead I cut it so there's about 1" still hanging out, then move on to the other channels. The places where the cords cross are a bit tricky to get through, but it's doable. Eventually I end up with a small forest of cord ends growing out of the back of the stays. Well that's a right mess. Once I've got a whole section done, I start trimming the stray tails. I cut the cord pretty close to the fabric, but not right flush with it. There are till some tiny tails hanging out. Trimmed close, with just a little bit hanging out. Then, without holding onto the cord, I tug on both ends of the channel, stretching the fabric slightly. Most of the tails pop back into their holes and disappear. A few are still sticking out a bit, but this is the inside of the garment, so I don't care overmuch. Gently stretching each channel. There are still holes at the start and end of each channel, but again, it's the inside, and they close up a little with time anyways. No more tails! Wow, that got lengthy! If any part of this tutorial isn't clear, let me know and I'll try to unmuddy it a bit. If you've got a cool cording project you're working on, show us in the comments! I've still got a few panels to go, so I'm off to the sewing table again for another late night.
The Ox Pants from TOGA PULLA arrive in a grey. Made in Japan from a woollen blend, the mid-rise trousers fall to a relaxed fit with a voluminous taper. Front pleats and turn-ups at the cuff give the trousers their shape. A rear welt pocket and patch pocket sit below a shiny fabric detailing at the back of the trousers. Fit: Relaxed fit Voluminous finish Model is 5'9.5" and wears a S Details: Mid-rise trousers Belt loop Front pleats Rear fabric detail Rear welt pocket and patch pocket Turn ups 70% Polyester/30% Wool COO: Japan Colour: Grey
The Polar Fleece Stitch Vest is crafted with our ultra-cozy Polar Fleece fabric, featuring mother of pearl buttons, stitch detailing, front pockets and a slightly boxy fit. Set it up with — The Polar Fleece Stitch Scarf and The Polar Fleece Stitch Jacket Made in LA
Second-skin comfort. Crafted from our signature Soft Active fabric that moves with your body for all-day comfort, these lightweight and moisture-wicking leggings are designed to sit high on the waist. They’re detailed with shaping seams that create a contoured effect and are finished with a silicone Bo&Tee logo at the side. Soft Active leggings Elasticated high-rise waistband Contouring seam detailing Embossed Bo&Tee logo at side Lightweight and breathable Soft Active jersey fabric (68% Polyester, 32% Elastane) Full length, inseam approx. 69cm based on a size S Product code: BT1176 We do our best to ensure that our photos are as true to color as possible. However, due to inconsistencies in monitors, digital photography, and product variations, we cannot guarantee that the color you see on your screen accurately portrays the true color of this product.
small Bust: 38 in Length: 32.5 in
Hazel - Original Completed Hoop Item Details: - 7” Bamboo Hoop - White cotton fabric - Stitched using DMC threads - Metallic thread detailing
Add the perfect pop to her wardrobe with these popper joggers. Crafted from a soft cotton jersey fabric, these trendy joggers feature stylish popper detailing with a stripe design. Finished with an elasticated waistband, they make a great addition to her loungewear.
From jaw-dropping to downright bewildering, the Emmy red carpet has seen its fair share of fashion statements that left us either awe-struck or scratching our heads.Get ready for a wild ride as we take a look at some of the most over-the-top outfits in Emmy history that have entertained and amused audiences over the years.
12 oz cotton canvas Direct woolen chainstitch embroidery 2-way anti-nickel zipper Pleat detailing Waist adjusters Corozo buttons Enzyme washed
Just as functional as it is fashionable, this wear-anywhere bag is featured in an oversized, sling silhouette with adjustable shoulder strap, mesh piecing throughout, and bungee detailing for a true utility-inspired finish. **Features:** Sling style, adjustable shoulder strap, bungee detailing, zip-top closure, fully lined interior, versatile wearability, interior zip pocket **Why We ❤ It:** Sure to be your go-to activewear accessory to pair with absolutely any fitness ‘fit.
Derived from a 19th century Indienne wood-block printed linen, this design draws on the stylised motifs and jewel-like glazes of decorative ceramic tiles. Printed on a soft washable linen/cotton ideal for curtains and soft furnishings.
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Essential active layers. Made from our buttery smooth Soft Active fabric, the Rally jacket is cut to a standard length complete with a functional full length zip fastening, and features detailed panelling designed to sculpt your silhouette. Soft Active zip up jacket Panelling detailing Set in sleeve Tight cut fit Full length zip fastening Soft and lightweight polyester Spandex fabric (68% Polyester, 32% Spandex) Standard length, approx 50.5cms based on a size S Runs small, please size up for a more relaxed fit Product code: BT0698 We do our best to ensure that our photos are as true to colour as possible. However, due to inconsistencies in monitors, digital photography and production variations, we cannot guarantee that the colour you see on your screen accurately portrays the true colour of the product.
Style No. 92653690; Color Code: 048 So femme and fun, this billowy mini is featured in a soft cotton fabrication and shapeless silhouette with contrast embroidered detailing and puffy short-sleeves. Fit: Shapeless silhouette, A-line style Features: Soft cotton fabrication, scoop-neckline, short puffy sleeves with ruffled trim, contrast embroidered detailing Why We ❤ It: Perfect paired with your favorite flats or a cool pair of sneakers, this mini is a versatile addition to any collection of dresses. Care/Import Machine Wash Cold Import
Add the perfect pop to her wardrobe with these popper joggers. Crafted from a soft cotton jersey fabric, these trendy joggers feature stylish popper detailing with a stripe design. Finished with an elasticated waistband, they make a great addition to her loungewear.
So bold barrel jeans from our We The Free collection featured in a mid-rise fit with subtle distressed detailing and wide-legs that taper at the ankle. The details- Fit: Mid-rise, slouchy, relaxed fit, wide-legs, ankle-length This style runs slightly large so we recommend sizing down one size Features: Button closure, rigid denim fabrication, belt loops at waistband, 4-pocket style, subtle distressing, tapered bottom hem, seam detail throughout Machine wash cold 57% cotton, 43% lyocell
Designed for everyday styling. We love staples that transcend occasions, which is why we created the Cyra trousers. Crafted from our signature jersey fabric made with TENCEL™ Modal fibres that are naturally soft and smooth to the touch, they’re cut to a universally flattering flared silhouette and are elevated with unique twist-front detailing at the V-shaped mid-rise waistband. Mid-rise V-shaped elasticated waistband Twist-front detailing Pull-on design Flared silhouette Full length, inseam approx. 79cm based on regular size S Product code: 9861 We do our best to ensure that our photos are as true to colour as possible. However, due to inconsistencies in monitors, digital photography and product variations, we cannot guarantee that the colour you see on your screen accurately portrays the true colour of this product.
Style No. 90182155; Color Code: 000 The perfect funky finishing touch to add to your drinkware collection or gift to the hostess in your life, this stand-out napkin set is featured in a vintage-inspired design with french quote detailing at center and contrasting trim for added dimension. Features: Set of 4, vintage-inspired style, embroider detailing, linen fabrication Why We ❤ It: Sure to be the ideal detail to add to any tablescape, these super cute napkins are great to keep by the bar cart or on the buffet table. What’s Care FP? This product was consciously made to reduce our footprint and supports our mission to be a little bit better every day. Specifically, this product is a Tool for Sustainable Living. This thoughtful product will help you reduce your carbon footprint by encouraging reuse instead of single-use. Care/Import Import
Chenilling is a brilliant and simple textiles technique that can be used in a whole range of applications. If you wanted to make a suit jacket more interesting and tactile you could add chenilled pa…
The Husk Contrast Linen Pant by Zulu & Zephyr is effortlessly wearable, to be dressed up or down, featuring a high fixed waistband with back zip closure, a loose tailored leg, and contrast piping detailing. Fabric: 100% European Flax Linen Features: Soft tailored pant Fixed waistband Contrast piping detail Invisible zipper closure at side seam Unlined Fit: Model 1 (Height: 172cm/5'7.5", Bust: 81cm/32"/B-C cup) wears size 8Model 2 (Height: 175cm/5'9", Bust: 86cm/34"/A-B cup) wears size 8
Components of Fine Upholstery Detailing Home is where the upholstery is. Okay, so upholstery might not be able to replace...
Learn unique techniques that will enhance your next quilt! These vintage sewing techniques will raise the surface of your quilt and truly impress. We’ll learn heirloom smocking techniques, t…
12 oz cotton canvas Direct woolen chainstitch embroidery 2-way anti-nickel zipper Pleat detailing Waist adjusters Corozo buttons Enzyme washed
Essential active layers. Made from our buttery smooth Soft Active fabric, the Rally jacket is cut to a standard length complete with a functional full length zip fastening, and features detailed panelling designed to sculpt your silhouette. Soft Active zip up jacket Panelling detailing Set in sleeve Tight cut fit Full length zip fastening Soft and lightweight polyester Spandex fabric (68% Polyester, 32% Spandex) Standard length, approx 50.5cms based on a size S Runs small, please size up for a more relaxed fit Product code: BT0698 We do our best to ensure that our photos are as true to colour as possible. However, due to inconsistencies in monitors, digital photography and production variations, we cannot guarantee that the colour you see on your screen accurately portrays the true colour of the product.
intriguing possibilities 0815-008
Style No. 91687103; Color Code: 040 Essential for throwing on and heading out, this hoodie from our We The Free collection is featured in a double-layered fabrication and hip-length style with contrast seam detailing and exaggerated drop-shoulder sleeves. Fit: Structured fit, hip-length style Features: Fused double-layer fabrication, front-zip closure, hooded-neckline with drawstrings, contrast seaming, pockets at front, drop-shoulder sleeves with elasticated cuffs, ribbed hems Why We ❤ It: Perfect for layering up or down, this hoodie is a versatile wardrobe staple. We The Free Heritage inspired and lived-in staples. We The Free is an in-house label. Care/Import Machine Wash Cold Import
Made from soft denim with slight stretch, the Anessa shorts are cut to sit high on the frame with a self-fabric belt. Seam detailing and pockets detail the front for an urban mood. High rise Self-fabric belt Angled front pockets Front-seam detailing Paige applies fabric technology, expert fit know-how and a Los Angeles style sensibility to create unique denim-wear and lifestyle garments with enduring appeal.
Introducing our elegant and stylish top with ruched detailing and back tie-up. The ruched detailing adds an extra layer of texture to the top, while the back tie-up detail provides a customizable and comfortable fit. The V-neckline adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the top, making it a must-have. Gauzy fabrics, characterized by their lightweight and open weave, can pose challenges when it comes to maintaining seam integrity. The loose weave of these fabrics makes them prone to fraying and the seams may come apart more easily compared to denser fabrics. Please be aware that these styles are made for a loose fit to avoid any stretch on the seam.
Wrap yourself in chic comfort with our Crochet Lace button v-neck knit sweater blouse. Featuring a delicate crochet lace design and a flattering v-neckline, this sweater blouse is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Layer it over your favorite tank top for a stylish and cozy look. 85%Cotton+15%Polyester
Cold weather has nothing on these leggings, featuring a warm fleece fabrication with adjustable waistband and reflective detailing. **Fit:** Fitted silhouette; high-waisted style; adjustable waistband **Fabric:** Heavyweight fleece fabric at the back of the leg keeps you warm on the run; four-way stretch fabric **Features:** Zippered pockets and zippered ankles; warm fleece fabrication; reflective detailing; adjustable waistband **Why We ❤ It:** Perfect for cold weather runs, these leggings have secure pockets and warm fleece lining
For lasting flexibility and support, nothing beats the 4-way stretch fabric of Tempo Leggings. Designed with sweat-wicking technology and fabric that moves with you, rep after rep. Sweat-wicking technology to stay dry and comfortable Quick-drying material to stay dry Rib texture panelling Piping detailing 4 way stretch for freedom of movement High supportive waistband Pocket for storage to back waistband To inhibit the growth of odour causing bacteria this item is treated with an antimicrobial finish which keeps your item fresher for longer. Inseam 70cm Main: 81% Polyester 19% Elastane Mesh: 85% Polyamide 15% Elastane Rib: 77% Polyester 23% Elastane Inseam: 70cm MP uses recycled, post-consumer polyester which is made from plastic drink bottles, giving them a second life and reducing the carbon footprint compared to if we used virgin polyester made from fossil fuels. Our Recycled Polyesters are certified by Textile Exchange with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). Follow the carelabel instructions - we also recommend the below: Machine wash cold with like colours Wash inside out Do not bleach Do not dry clean
I have been finishing up projects right along, so it only seems fitting that I start one this week. I know, I still have more I could finish up, but really a girl gotta have some fun. This quilt started by cleaning/organizing some fabrics. I just loved the colors. It's not done, I've got to sew on the teal/white strip and I want another border of the dark grey. What I have done though is stitch out a couple of samples of what quilting I want to do on this quilt. Leah Day always quilts some samples to test out her ideas, I thought I would do the same. Infinity Tree - Leah's design # 365 I have always liked Leah's Infinity tree design. I think it will look good in the citron yellow blocks. This wood grain design is for the dark grey areas of the quilt. I think the medium grey will be paisley of some sort - to look like leaves. I'll have to play with that too. My own wood grain design. Hopefully, this will be a tree that hugs back. ;) Linking up today with Today, I'm linking up with Leah Day for FMQ Project Friday Color Me Quilty! Pat
Our 90's inspired Jessie Sweater is made from a natural terry back cotton sweater fabric in purple, orange, green and yellow hues. It is an oversized vintage style featuring a crew neck, ribbed trims on neckline, hem and sleeve cuffs, extra long full length sleeves and embroidery, patch and tape detailing throughout. Style your sweater with denim or pair with bike shorts! Designed exclusively by Sabo.
This mini skirt features light chiffon fabric, lace up detailing on the sides, side zip closure and a mini length.
So sporty in a slouchy silhouette, this long-sleeve is featured in an oversized fit and classic pullover style with ribbed trim and striped detailing. **Fit:** Slouchy, oversized fit; longer length **Features:** Soft fabrication, crew neckline, ribbed trim, long-sleeve style, striped detail **Why We ❤ It:** This easy long-sleeve is perfect for pre- and post-workout layering.
