stirwatersblue
Intermediate
KS USA
Member since 12/13/08
Posts: 2468 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 7:19 PM I want to make Vogue 8581, which was recommended by a fellow PR member and has gotten good reviews. I have some lightweight rayon jersey I'd ultimately like to use, but I understand it can be a little bit tricky to work with. I am a TOTAL RAW BEGINNER when it comes to knits (although I know how to operate my serger), so I'm thinking I ought to give something else a try first, maybe...? Any suggestions?
The pattern calls for two-way stretch knits: cotton/lycra, rayon/lycra, etc. But it looks like PR members have made it out of a variety of fabrics--one even used a lightweight woven!
Ideas?
Thanks!! ------
~Gem in the prairie |
Skittl1321
Advanced Beginner
IA USA
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 1043 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 7:55 PM I think you would be good with anything that isn't slippery. Cotton/lycra is probably a good place to start.
I've found knits to be incredibly forgiving. They are difficult to hem (I seem to either have to use a zig zag/lightening stitch, which doesn't look RTW, or a longer straight stitch, which you have to be careful not to break) but otherwise- knits are so much easier to fit and sew than wovens. |
marjoriekh
 
Intermediate
VA USA
Member since 8/28/10
Posts: 547 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 8:30 PM I second a medium weight cotton lycra. The only caveat is that the edges sometimes have a tendency to curl, so look for one that doesn't do that, if you can. Girl Charlee has a selection of solid cotton lycras right now at very reasonable prices, and I'm sure Heather would help you out by finding you something that doesn't curl, if you email her. (NAYY) I just noticed today that under the Merchant Gallery above she has a code for PR members to get 10% off, also.
I am working with a dream of a rayon lycra right now -- mid-weight, no edge curling, behaves beautifully under the rotary cutter and the needle, presses well. Something like that would make a good starter fabric, but I find that it's more hit-or-miss with the rayons than the cottons. ------
marjoriekh |
sewsally
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1197 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 9:43 PM Go ahead and use your rayon knit. It will look good in this style if its drapey.
And its only fabric. |
diane s
Intermediate
OR USA
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 3885 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 10:28 PM that pattern has alot of gathers, look for one on the thin side, or it will be too bulky.Your lightweight rayon jersey will be pefect. ------
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since. |
marjoriekh
Intermediate
VA USA
Member since 8/28/10
Posts: 547 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/20/12 10:44 PM Oops -- I forgot to look at the pattern. Yes, you need something thin for that style.
Were you asking primarily for fabric advice, or pattern advice? As a first knit garment all that gathering/binding may be a little challenging. But you are an experienced sewist. ------
marjoriekh |
Nancy K
Advanced
NY USA
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 7578 |
Login to reply to this post
In reply to stirwatersblue
Date: 2/21/12 10:23 PM Rayon, if it doesn't have a lot of lycra is fairly easy to use and has good drape. I have found that cotton lycra blends have a big tendency to curl which is a pita to sew with. Cotton without lycra is very easy to sew but may not be drapey enough for this pattern. But, I am going to say I think that the top is not a good choice for a rank beginner no matter what fabric you use. It has a lot of gathering that is sewn to a narrow binding. This can be rather tricky. I'd pick something a little simpler to start with. ------
www.nancyksews.blogspot.com |
stirwatersblue
Intermediate
KS USA
Member since 12/13/08
Posts: 2468 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 2/22/12 4:26 PM Thank you all! Definitely appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I'll have a go at fondling fabrics later this week and see what I can come up with.
I know the gathers are a little tricky, plus I need to experiment with fit, which is why I was hoping to do a practice version first (not on my lovely orange rayon print! ;)). Several reviewers sewed a casing for elastic instead of doing the binding, which is the direction I'm leaning in, as well.
What is *likely* that will happen is I will work myself into a state of great excitement over this, go out and get all the fabric and supplies... and then not make it. LOL But at least I manage to talk myself into things that I might actually wear/do!
------
~Gem in the prairie |
|Login|Help]
Printable Version
