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Member since 2/7/04
Posts: 568
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Posted on: 1/16/05 11:04 PM ET
I went to Joann today and found beige microfiber with some print from the homedec dept. It looked like it would be good weight for a lined trench, so I bought it ( it was 75% off, so $4 per yard)
I have sewn regular (not home dec) microfiber years ago. This one has some backing (looks like a white woven fabric is glued on the back) and the right side is very suede-like. It definitely won't need intefacing.
I wonder what needles, thread, stitch should I use, what about topstitching and buttonholes?
More importantly - how should I press since sewing a trench involves plenty of tailoring and pressing?
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http://theprincessseam.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 9/19/02
Posts: 931
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Posted on: 1/17/05 1:43 AM ET
The only advice I can offer is to use a microtex/sharp needle. These fabrics are very dense, so you need the sharp point. Good luck! What pattern are you using?
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2662
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Posted on: 1/17/05 11:49 AM ET
How do you plan on cleaning the coat? I think you should pretreat it however you plan on cleaning it. You could test a swatch in the washing machine. I've found that home dec fabric has a ton of sizing and other chemicals to help it resist stains. When washed, the fabric goes froms stiff to limp. If you aren't going to wash with water, this won't matter. I don't know if dry cleaning affects the stain resistance.
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Neefer aka AgitProp and Village Churl Sewing Blog: http://www.oaktrees.org/blog/

Bonny lass, bonny lass, will you be mine?
You shall neither wash dishes nor serve the wine;
But sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam,
And feast upon strawberries, sugar, and cream.
  
Member since 1/28/03
Posts: 1979
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Posted on: 1/17/05 1:29 PM ET
In reply to Eli
Quote:
I wonder what needles, thread, stitch should I use, what about topstitching and buttonholes?
More importantly - how should I press since sewing a trench involves plenty of tailoring and pressing?

The only advice I can give you is do a lot of test using different needles, threads etc. Also test with pressing because that is the only way to find out with such a "new" fabric for garments sewing, how much heat and steam can it handle so you can be satisfied with the result.
I do the same when using a for me new piece of fabric, and will keep the test samples for reference for later use, in my test plastic bin.

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http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 2/7/04
Posts: 568
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Posted on: 1/17/05 4:39 PM ET
I am thinking of using a walking foot and sharp needles. The Normal presser foot does not feedboth layers equally, it is always like this with my machine on napped fabrics, except on corduroy. It seems to press normally. I actually (now that I have looked closer) will have to interface probably the lapels but don't know with what kind of interfacing, probably sew-in but what exactly?
As far as the pattern, I am trhinking of mixing up few Burda WOF patterns. I have a Vogue pattern for trench coats but it is a fairly loose fit and I want something semi-fitted, definitely not loose.
I am now washing&drying a piece of fabric to see what will happen.
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http://theprincessseam.blogspot.com/
  
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