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Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952
Posted on: 2/20/05 9:37 AM ET
I've just finished pre-shrinking a lot of interfacing that I bought at Joanns sale, and I have wet interfacing everywhere. Why doesn't this stuff come pre-shrunk? It always has to be pre-shrunk so wouldn't it be more efficient for it to be done at the factory? If somebody has a rational reason for this please tell me, because at the moment I feel seriously taken advantage of.
Jennifer (whose DH is wandering around trying to find a bathroom that isn't already occupied by interfacing.)

Jennifer (whose DH is wandering around trying to find a bathroom that isn't already occupied by interfacing.)
Posted on: 2/20/05 12:25 PM ET
This is so funny! I have to laugh out loud. 
Once I went through a factory where they made (fine) men's fine suits. The process all started at this huge machine that shrunk the fabric. It looked like a paper making machine with all its rolls and long expanses of fabric whirling along. It was hot and steamy and at times breezy. The guy that operated the whole affair had a job title that was a carry over from days gone by. They called him
"The Master Sponger."
Maybe the interfacing factories should be "sponging" differently!

Once I went through a factory where they made (fine) men's fine suits. The process all started at this huge machine that shrunk the fabric. It looked like a paper making machine with all its rolls and long expanses of fabric whirling along. It was hot and steamy and at times breezy. The guy that operated the whole affair had a job title that was a carry over from days gone by. They called him
"The Master Sponger."
Maybe the interfacing factories should be "sponging" differently!
Posted on: 2/20/05 2:24 PM ET
Right On!!
Manufactures *take notice*!!! Almost 30K sewist agree and would seek this product out if you made it
Manufactures *take notice*!!! Almost 30K sewist agree and would seek this product out if you made it

Posted on: 2/20/05 2:42 PM ET
You got that right! I end up forgetting which I have preshrunk & which I haven't; I need to develop a system for that.
Linda, that tour must have been very interesting.
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Linda, that tour must have been very interesting.
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 2/20/05 2:58 PM ET
Well, occasionally you will see fabrics labelled as "preshrunk" or "needle-ready". Does that mean you shouldn't still preshrink them? I wouldn't take that gamble. As fabrics are rolled onto tubes or bolts *by machine* it is stretched a bit. Not only does the preshrinking process shrink the fabric it also returns it to it's original, unstretched state.
Manufacturers send their interfacings out to be professionally preshrunk. That being said I've still had some bad experiences in RTW clothing with interfacings shrinking after cleaning.
Even if an interfacing was labelled "preshrunk" I would still pretreat it at home. The one exception being Palmer/Pletsch's Sheer interfacing. It's a poly knit so I just steam it bit before fusing.
Manufacturers send their interfacings out to be professionally preshrunk. That being said I've still had some bad experiences in RTW clothing with interfacings shrinking after cleaning.
Even if an interfacing was labelled "preshrunk" I would still pretreat it at home. The one exception being Palmer/Pletsch's Sheer interfacing. It's a poly knit so I just steam it bit before fusing.
Posted on: 2/20/05 5:57 PM ET
I have never, ever pre shrunk interfacing
Do you pre shrink even if it is the fusible kind?
How do you do it? By hand or in the washer?
Boy, do I feel like a doofus tonight!

Do you pre shrink even if it is the fusible kind?
How do you do it? By hand or in the washer?
Boy, do I feel like a doofus tonight!
Posted on: 2/20/05 6:01 PM ET
I've heard that the Pamer Pletsch stuff is manufactured in France. These people know about sewing.
Posted on: 2/20/05 6:04 PM ET
Yes, that tour was fantastic. Would you guess? I can't remember what the name of it was either. It was in Chicago. The thing that really impressed me the most, though, was the cutting process.
It was done with computerized laser. I sure would love to have a laser cutting sit up. That is my least favorite task.
It was done with computerized laser. I sure would love to have a laser cutting sit up. That is my least favorite task.
Posted on: 2/20/05 6:21 PM ET
pre-shrinking interfacing thread
storing interfacing thread (with pre-washing discussion as well)
Wow, laser cutting? Doesn't that sound sci-fi.
-- Edited on 2/20/05 7:23 PM --
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storing interfacing thread (with pre-washing discussion as well)
Wow, laser cutting? Doesn't that sound sci-fi.
-- Edited on 2/20/05 7:23 PM --
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 2/20/05 8:43 PM ET
it was "Trekie"...but they didn't make Klingon suits.
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