TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

One of the fun outcomes of attending a sewing workshop is the opportunity to learn from each other. Midnight Oil Smockers are blessed to have many talented and skilled members who share generously their tips and ideas. One member choose not to use the typical treatment of lace or piping on the angel wing sleeve of her dress. She created a darling edging using the same fabric as her dress and has shared how it was constructed...

Using the fabric of the dress, cut a 1 inch bias the length of the angel sleeve

Press the bias in half firmly without stretching the fabric.

Using the blind hem stitch on your machine, you will sew down the length of the bias and ensure that zig-zag stitch sews over the folded edge. These are the settings from her machine. 

This stitch will create small scallops along the folded edge.

Sew the scalloped edge bias onto the angel wing sleeve as you would piping.

The completed look is dainty and the perfect trimming.

The finished garment!

Some of the other tips shared by members:

When using twin needles to create the tucks, thread the right needle of the twin needles with the thread from the spool that is on the main thread holder. - Gail Doane

Use a wash away tape to position the bodice on the smocked inset, some product such as 'Wash Away Wonder Tape' that is double sided. - Roberta

To make piping, the button hole foot is an excellent tool. - Kathleen

For better points on collars and sashes, try the method described on the blog http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.ca/2012/10/perfect-collar-pointsa-shirtmakers.html 

SEWING WORKSHOP

Our VP of Education has DONE IT again, a workshop that was organized, educational and FUN! Several months ago, one of the members shared a darling dress and many members voiced a desire to learn how to recreate it for themselves. Leslye, our VP worked with Roberta, President and Ann, seamstress of dress to launch a sewing workshop. As you can see from the pictures, everyone had a great time creating their own version of the dainty dress applying their own personal touches.

Roberta sharing a tip

Teresa adding her special creativity

Kathleen with a finished dress...anyone surprised?

A few of the ladies sharing what they accomplished in just 2 days!

The inspiration for the workshop.

Dress A Girl Around the World

The Midnight Oil Smockers Chapter is uniting with Lezette Thomason of Children's Corner Patterns. This project is part of the ministry of "Hope 4 Women International". Lezette has asked volunteers to create and sew dresses using the "Jane" pattern and to include at least one pocket and a size label with each dress. Below is a picture of our our President, Roberta holding the 5 dresses made by Susanna for donation to this project. If you would like to participate, please contact Roberta as she needs to have them ready for shipping by June 20th.

For more information about "Dress a Girl Around the World" visit their website dressagirlaroundtheworld.com 

To find out more about the Midnight Oil Smockers chapter, contact President Roberta at midnightsmockers@gmail.com