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Member since 1/17/06
Posts: 15
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Posted on: 4/26/06 10:48 AM ET
1st of all - I thought I already posted this msg - but I can't find it on the board - sorry if it's already here. If you can find the Spg 2006 Burda Easy Fashion, I highly recommend it. I picked one up in Germany last month when it hit the stands there, and I have made a tiered skirt and a wrap dress - both are my new favorite items of clothing. But those stinking seam allowances! There must be a better way than pinning down the pattern, tracing around it, then going around with a ruler and marking the seam allowances. Any tips on making this easier or is do they all go to so much trouble over there?
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 4/26/06 10:59 AM ET
In reply to bowhows
The reason you can't find your first message is because you added it to an ongoing thread instead of starting a new Topic. An easy mistake.

There have been lots of threads about your question but darn if I can find one right now.

Most people trace the patterns onto something else (Pattern Ease, doctor's exam table paper, Swedish tracing paper, soil separator paper, wrapping paper, whatever) and then:

(a) Use a double tracing wheel with dressmakers carbon to trace both the pattern and a seam allowance at the same time;

(b) Use an attachment for rotary cutters to add a seam allowance while cutting;

(c) do it like you mentioned.

I also wrote a tip a while back for another "measure-less" method. While I still think it's a good idea I now just use the rotary cutter attachment while I'm cutting out.

Click here to read the tip.


-- Edited on 4/26/06 11:28 AM --
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
  
Member since 9/16/04
Posts: 96
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Posted on: 4/26/06 11:01 AM ET
I just made my first Burda WOF pattern yesterday. I did the exact thing you described and kept thinking "there has got to be a better way." But I have no idea what that way is. I do like that I mark the pattern sewing line, it helps me sew a straight seam But if you just mark the cut line and you you do not cut so straight, ooops, you have wavy seams, and possible the wrong size. So I think both lines are necessary, but it is so much work (and hard on the back).

Terri
  
Member since 1/17/06
Posts: 15
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Posted on: 4/26/06 11:05 AM ET
In reply to Debbie Cook
I didn't realize those gadgets existed - what a fine excuse to go shopping! Haberman's here in Detroit is supposed to be awesome, now I'll find out (I'm a newcomer). Thanks so much!
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 4/26/06 11:12 AM ET
Here are some tools:

Double wheel pattern tracing thingie.

Rotary cutter attachment. This is what I use.

A Burda chalking/tracing tool, which I've read is (a) hard to find, (b) difficult to use, and (c) not well made and falls apart.

Taping or rubberbanding two pencils together works quite the same as this gadget.



-- Edited on 4/26/06 11:22 AM --
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
  
Member since 9/16/04
Posts: 96
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Posted on: 4/26/06 11:26 AM ET
Debbie, Thanks so much! I have never heard of either of these products. I just did a quick Google search. I found the OLFA cutter at JoAnn's and assume I will be able to find a tracing wheel with a little effort as well. Great tips, thanks again...Terri

Guide attachment
  
Member since 9/16/04
Posts: 96
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Posted on: 4/26/06 11:30 AM ET
Debbie, you are too fast for me and so resourceful. Thank you so much. Thank you BOWHOWS for asking the question. Terri
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 13492
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Posted on: 4/26/06 12:59 PM ET
One more trick that I use a lot: Many (not all) measuring tapes are 5/8" wide, and I just lay mine against the edge of the pattern and chalk along the edge of the tape. It works quite well for most straightish lines, and I always have the tape around my neck anyhow.
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Elona
  
Member since 6/17/04
Posts: 362
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Posted on: 4/26/06 1:48 PM ET
I think Debbie is one of our think tank here. I got great help from her from time to time.

I use the 4th method as Debbie illustrated, the only difference is that I rubberband 1 pencil and 2 dried ball point pens together, that gives 1.5 cm seam allowance. I think I'm going to add one more pen to give 2 cm seam allowance, so that after serging, I still have 1.5 cm seam.
  
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