Weekend Cheeky Purchases

Hi guys,

So my partner took me on an outing on Saturday and I found The Aladdin's cave which is The world of sewing! 

So retraining myself here is what I purchased: 

These are:

• New look pattern 6125
• Mccalls pattern  M7085
• 5.5 meters of bias binding

So I bought the first pattern because I have a dress just like it from Evans and love it. So want lots more in different colours. 

I bought the second pattern for a wedding I will be attending later this year. 

And finally the bias binding is for the apron I am currently making. All of it needs to have binding round it, so I bought some wider binding to make it easier to attach since it's my first go! 

Course Update: Shrink Test

Hi guys, sorry if I've been neglecting you lately, there hasn't been much to share with you from the course. However today a gem came up and I really want to share it with you!

So today we are going to talk about fabric and seeing if it can be washed using a washing machine or if it needs to be dry cleaned. 

So to conduct a shrinkage test you need to: 

1. Buy the fabric you like from your local fabric store. Remember to get a bit extra to make sure you have enough. 

2. Press your fabric.

3. Fold it in two and cut two identical in size, small squares. 

4. Give them another press. 

5. Take one of the squares to a sink and fill it will a small amount washing powder and some rather hot water. 

6. Place the square in the water and give it a wash. Make sure to squeeze and ball it up a bit. 

7. Empty the sink and turn on the tap and wash all the powder out of the fabric using the running water.

8. Dry the square of fabric. 

9. Once the fabric is completely dry press it.

10. Now get your other square lay it flat and then place the freshly washed square on top. 

11. If the two squares match and the fabric hasn't shrunk you can use your washing machine to keep your garment clean. If it has, it will need to be dry cleaned or a new fabric selected. 

So there you have it, how to test your fabric to see if it will shrink before you make a beautiful garment out of it.