Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Types and uses of thread


*extra fine cotton wrapped polyester
Is a strong thread great for general sewing, including machine stitching, basting, zippers and buttons?
*silk buttonholes twist
Is a heavy thread made of silk and is good for use on buttonholes and button stems. Choose this thread for use on medium to heavyweight fabric.
*skeined basting cotton
Is a loosely twisted thread with a soft finish? It does not leave an impression when pressed which makes it great for basting. It breaks easily which makes it ideal for lightweight fabrics. The best uses for this thread are basting. Tailors tacks, and thread tracing.
*mercerized cotton
All-purpose thread may fade. This thread is good for basting, hemming, and can be used the same way as basting cotton.
*silk line stitch
This is a medium weight thread that is slightly stronger than a silk machine thread but is similar in make. This thread works well on light to medium weight fabrics. It can be used in threaded chains and topstitching. 
*silk machine thread
This is a thread that is best used for machine stitching but can also be used by hand. This is the strongest of all threads so use on heavy fabrics. This thread can be used for closures such as hooks and eyes, zippers, button stems, and buttonholes.
*Fine machine embroidery
 This is lightweight mercerized cotton for lightweight fabric. It can be used on basting, hemming, buttonholes.


*Glazed cotton thread
Is strong and has a starched finish. Don’t use for basting because it does leave an impression when pressed. Use for gathering and long seam lines.
* Silk basting thread
This is a very fine lightweight thread. Good for lightweight fabric. It rarely leaves and impression when pressed so it is appropriate for use in basting. It is also good for rolled hems and machine stitching chiffon.
           

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hand Sewing Needle Types and Uses


*Sharps are medium length with a round eye and are good for basic sewing.

*Crewel Needles are medium length with an oval eye and are best for embroidery,  short stitch basting and general sewing techniques.

*Glovers are best on animal fabrics such as suede leather or fur. These needles are short and have a knife like point, for cutting such heavy fabric.

*Beading needles have round eyes, fine points and are lengthy.  They are best for fine fabrics, beading (hence the name) and are great when making long stitches.

*Betweens When quilting use betweens for tailoring, finishing and short basting. These are short with a round eye.

*Chenille If you like to embroider by hand your best bet is a chenille needle, which is a thick, short needle with a blunt point and oval eye. This needles is also great for hand worked buttonholes.

*Cotton Darners for stab stitching and long basting use cotton Darners, which have an oval eye and are long.

*Milliners if your needle is long with a round eye it is probably a Milliner’s needle. It use for the same purpose as a cotton darner needle.

*Tapestry needles when doing needle work on home décor fabric use tapestry needles which are long thick with an oval eye and blunt point.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Dresses for the Hourglass figure

The Hourglass figure looks great in dresses. The wright dress can highlight the waist showing off that sexy S shape. However there are few things to remember when shopping for the perfect dress.
   Pick a style that skims your body and nips in at the waist.
  Simple styles are best. As I've said before you don't want to throw off your proportions.
  Wrap, sheath, and A-line dresses look great because they follow your curves.
   Try dresses cut on the bias they will skim your shapely body.
   Try a shirt-dress accessorized with a wide belt to emphasize your Hourglass figure.
  Avoid boxy shapes such as trapeze dresses.
  Strapless is not a good look when you have a full bust. The girls need support. (I know mine do). You can't get support with strapless unless you are under a C cup. 
   Avoid over-sized prints which will hide your curves, instead keep prints subtle or wear solid colored items.
 A fun thing I like to do is to play with color. Try mixing different complimentary colored pieces together to add interest. For example I love the way turquoise looks with butter yellow so I will wear a yellow dress with a bold turquoise necklace.

Hey, leave me a comment. I would love to have your input! I will respond to every comment.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Pants and Skirts for the Hourglass Figure

Hourglass figures are perfectly proportioned but it is easy to throw those proportions off with the wrong pants or skirts. Its also easy to look amazing and show off your sexy Hourglass shape.
  Pencil skirts are perfect. They highlight your shapely derriere while not adding too much width to your hips.
Tulip skirts are shaped just right for the Hourglass. The flared hem and fitted body will exaggerate your silhouette and make your waist look even smaller.
A-line skirts are flattering on everyone but for you they draw attention to your small waist which is great.
Avoid pleats, they make us Hourglass girls look bottom heavy,  but darts and curved seams are your best friend.
As far as pants go you want to avoid anything too wide, which will only make you look wider.
Try a slightly flared, bootleg which will balance your hips.
Another great pants style for your Hourglass figure is straight legged pants which will make your legs look a mile long.
 Drapey fabric looks amazing on our Hourglass figures because it highlights all the right places.
Remember to love your figure and dress it to show off what you have. The Hourglass figure is amazingly feminine


Comments are always welcome!!!