PatternReview.com online sewing community
Online Sewing Class: More Knits
Register Today!
Join our community of 579,234 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,234 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 6/30/05
Posts: 176
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/05 4:26 PM ET
Not sure if this belongs here - but I do - I'm definitely a beginner.

I bought this skirt last year for a dinner - and as you can see from the pics - it suffered when I tripped up the stairs.
(Just what you want to do in front of 1000 people LOL). Thankfully I was sneaking off to the ladies during the speeches, so hopefully everyone was looking at the stage, rather than me providing the comedy element.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a30/Smallbod/jigsawweb.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a30/Smallbod/jigsawalt.jpg


Anyhow, its a very fine silk with silk lining. The outer layer is floaty stuff with no hem but it doesn't fray. I'd like to take it up to 3/4 lengh to fix the rips & avoid future clumsy episodes.

Two things are hampering me:
1 can i be sure that it won't fray if I meddle with it
2 the bottom circumference is about 3 m with a very slight curve - so I'm also worried about how to reproduce that.

Its too lovely to sit in my wardrobe - any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Lisa

------
The queen of velcro - still can't do buttonholes
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2728
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/05 5:11 PM ET
Well, you can't wear iti ripped!!

If the outer skirt doesn't fray w no hem, then I don't understand the problem.

As for the curve, just measure & mark every 2" or so w a seam guage and the line you'll end up with will be exactly like the original one, but shorter.

Nina
  
Contest Committee
Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/05 5:54 PM ET
That looks like it hurt. Ouch.

Most likely, it will fray. You can see how the torn part is already fraying. You will want to be gentle & not handle it too much.

I'm not an expert in sheers or alterations, so please take my input with caution. But some thoughts:

One option is to trace the curve of the bottom hem. Trace out 1/4, & use it as a template for cutting your new, shorter hem.

Alternatively, try the dress on and have someone help you mark at even distances from the floor. Then use that as your new hem or cutting line.

Or do as Nina said, measuring from the existing hem.


For your hem, you might want to try a rolled hem foot. Just don't ask me how to use it; I haven't gotten the hang of mine yet.

What I would probably do, because I don't think I know what else to do, is a narrow rolled hem. Turn up aruond 3/8", then again another 3/8".


------
With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
  
Member since 1/20/04
Posts: 430
Send Message
Posted on: 7/19/05 8:15 AM ET
And if you really don't feel up to the challenge, this might be a good time to find a talented local alterations person and let them do it for you.

Bridget
------
Bridget

It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?
- Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna, 1912
  
Member since 8/20/02
Posts: 3338
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 7/19/05 3:39 PM ET
In reply to smallbod
It does not look like you'll wear it as is. I'd say try fixing it - you have nothing to loose.

All you need to do is to measure how much shorter you'd like to cut it, lay it flat one section at a time, mark the line X" from the hem and cut off. I'd use the soap piece for marking. Before you cut, though, check closely how the hem is finished. With the bottom hem being 3m, my guess is it's a circle skirt? If so, I don't see how it would not fray. If it is silk, you might try applying a very thin layer through and above the new hem line. I would apply and let it dry before cutting. If it's a silk-like poly (do a burn test on a snippet to be sure), cut first and then burn the edge with a lighter VERY lightly and carefully. This would melt the fibers and it'll not fray. I do it on all poly ribbon ends, works like a charm. Whatever you do, try it on a small piece first . You could cut a pice off the bottom, you'll have to shorten it anyway.

You could, of course, do a rolled hem on the serger. Who said it has to be exactly the way it was before? :)
------
We love our fabrics at www.SawyerBrook.com
  
Member since 6/30/05
Posts: 176
Send Message
Posted on: 7/19/05 4:32 PM ET
Thanks for all your advice. I think I'm going to give it a go - so I'll keep you posted as to tears or smiles at this end.

I'll have to investigate a rolled hem further. I went to my local shop today to see if they had a rolled hem foot and was greeted with strange looks.

This is nothing new- but they will get used to the strange woman asking odd questions soon.

Again, many thanks
Lisa

------
The queen of velcro - still can't do buttonholes
  
Member since 10/18/03
Posts: 1115
Send Message
Posted on: 7/19/05 9:03 PM ET
I second AnneM's advice about the narrow hem but with a small refinement. See Georgene's tip about sewing knife-edged baby hems. It's not that hard, I found out.Georgene's tip
Good luck!
Sarah
  
Member since 8/20/02
Posts: 3338
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 7/20/05 3:55 PM ET
In reply to smallbod
You don't need special foot for the serger. You do for the sewing machine. But you could always sew it without special foot. It'll take longer, but you can make it look even nicer
------
We love our fabrics at www.SawyerBrook.com
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics