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Member since 8/19/06
Posts: 177
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Posted on: 9/7/06 6:49 AM ET
Hi all, Newbie here! I just made a skirt that I really like except for the fact that the interfacing is too stiff and uncomfortable. I used a light fusible interfacing that was recommended to me for the fabric I picked and I just don't like the way the yoke turned out. Looks good, but feels icky. Is this normal? I've only been sewing for a short time, but have had some great success with the 10 or so garments I've made. I'll post some pattern reviews here in the near future when I get the pics downloaded.

I will probably take the class offered here on interfacing, but in the meantime, I just wonder if skirts are generally more comfortable WITHOUT interfacing. Does anyone else skip this step with skirts? I'm considering redoing the yoke without it, even though it'll be a pain in the rear since it took me forever to get the back zipper right. lol

I appreciate any input! :)
Kara
  
Member since 6/23/04
Posts: 4892
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Posted on: 9/7/06 7:52 AM ET
In reply to KaraKai
Hi Kara,
Interfacing is used for a reason. On a skirt yoke the interfacing is used to prevent the fabric from stretching as you wear the skirt. If the fabric stretches, the yoke gets bigger and it's hard to keep your skirt up.

Just as there are many different fabrics, there are many different brands and types of interfacing. I'd say you simply selected the wrong one for your project. This will come with experience. With this skirt you learnt what you don't like. Next time try a different interfacing and keep trying. With time you will learn want you do and don't like, just as you will learn what fabrics you do and don't like.
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 9/14/02
Posts: 2707
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Posted on: 9/7/06 8:30 AM ET
There are some very soft and lightweight interfacings available.

I don't know specifically what type of interfacing I would use for a skirt yoke, but what I would definitely do with any new interfacing, is to make a small sample where I fuse the interfacing to a scrap of fabric I'm planning to use, to see how it affects stiffness of the fabric.
  
Member since 8/19/06
Posts: 177
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Posted on: 9/7/06 1:20 PM ET
Thanks for your quick replies! I suppose the learning part is half the fun! It just bums me out that it won't get worn. I like clothes to be comfy and fashionable.....shoes, on the other hand, I will suffer to an extent, but a skirt that the yoke feels like cardboard. yikes. I am definately going to sign up for the interfacing course....and sample the interfacing too.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2728
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Posted on: 9/7/06 1:37 PM ET
In reply to KaraKai
Is it too late to add a "lining" piece to the yoke so that the interfacing isn't touching your skin? Probably.............

If it was a chain store that gave you that advice, you've already learned something really important!! LOL!

When you're choosing interfacint, try to lay a bit of it on your palm and cover w the fabric and see how that looks and feels. If it's going to be next to your skin, rub it on your cheek:-)

Nina
  
Member since 6/23/06
Posts: 3135
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Posted on: 9/7/06 3:31 PM ET
In reply to KaraKai
Have you washed the skirt? Sometimes the interfacing "softens" up after washing & drying.

At any rate - Welcome aboard!
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Sewing is my therapy!
  
Member since 7/11/05
Posts: 3783
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Posted on: 9/7/06 4:05 PM ET
Taking the class is a really good idea. So is buying small amounts of different kinds (when on sale for 50% off) and experimenting.

I hate the stiffness of regular non-woven fusibles. I almost never use them. But there are some good woven and knit fusibles--like the armowefts and fusible tricots (French Fuse, fusinet, etc.) And then, there is silk organza and old-fashioned muslin, tailor's canvas and sew ins--not as easy, but much nicer in the end.
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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.

Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer

Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage

St. Augustine
  
Member since 8/19/06
Posts: 177
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Posted on: 9/11/06 7:38 AM ET
Yes! I've already learned a lesson about asking for advice from a "chain" fabric store! lol.....lesson learned! At any rate, I will attempt this again using a different method. THanks for the advice and happy sewing! :)
Kara
  
Member since 9/14/02
Posts: 2707
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Posted on: 9/11/06 8:29 AM ET
You can find Armo Weft at Jo-Ann's. The tricot interfacing (which is very smooth and soft against the skin) at Jo-Ann's is called "knit-fuse". There are even softer types but I don't think I've seen them at Jo-Ann's.
  
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