[Roos_Girl]

I have been busy. I finished up the blouse I was making myself. What started out as a free pattern for a tank top ended up with flutter sleeves. I also didn't like how short the pattern was, so I took it apart and added a 3" drop.

I've finished several other girls skirts and boys shorts. On the shorts I modified the pattern to have inside pockets instead of the patch pockets that were included with the pattern. I really like how those turned out. The main fabric is a light brown chambray. Flat front, elastic in back.

Now I'm working on a pattern for a girls ruffle skirt.

It seemed like maybe every other week was a more appropriate timing for our thread so I skipped last week. So that brings me to our question for the two weeks. What way do you use to get a straight edge on your fabric?

[Roos_Girl]

Thread thread ping!

[Monkey Face]

I don’t know about today’s fabrics, but back in the day, I used to make a small cut, about 1/2” long into the selvedge edge of the fabric and rip it to the next selvedge. You can then follow the tear for a straight edge.

Cheaper fabrics might not be straight, so fold the fabric in half cross-wise to see if the edges and corners meet before you tear. Just remember that however the fabric leans is how your article will lean after the first washing.

[Red_Devil 232]

Question about Blue Jeans, can they be altered by an ordinary sewing machine? I can’t find the proper length for my waist size. I am only 5’8” with a waist size of 32 and need a 29 in length. Shortest I can find off the shelf is 30.

[goodnesswins]

Just wondering if I’m paranoid...but, after I joined this thread a few weeks ago....I got a PINTEREST email about SEWING....I have a PIN account, but I NEVER go there....are they snooping on FR too??? Or am I just pnoid?

[Albion Wilde]

Thanks for another great Thread thread, Roos Girl!

Here's an article from the UK of possible interest to this group:

'I can dress well on the cheap!' Meet the anti-fast fashion designer turning 'ugly' thrift store finds into chic new outfits

[NoExpectations]

"What way do you use to get a straight edge on your fabric?"

I learned to pull a thread from the selvage to selvage - #2b

[Library Lady]

Have you ever found a pattern that is just wrong? I have been trying to make a lounger. I cut the first one exactly by the pattern and had to put elastic around the neck because the it was too large and too far off the shoulder. I cut the next one by the smallest size and had the same problem. I then did a tracing of an old lounger I really like and that fits well. When I compared the tracing to the pattern, the pattern seems off (crooked?) by about and inch and a half. I won’t be using it again. It was inexpensive material but a total waste of time.

[timeflies]

Please add me to your ping list.