More on Vogue Fabrics, Jan 2011

Oops - I'm registered on Vogue Fabrics by mail, and some of the links I provided on yesterday's post are for those registered.  It's free:  granted it's another password and username to remember, but it does give you access to the latest fabrics by mail.  I think after a month they are all accessible.  In the meantime I do have some of the pictures up of the fabrics.  What my intention was that if you receive the samples by mail, but are looking for ideas for the fabrics.  Hope that makes sense.

A perfect example is the Parity Tweed.  It looks like a tweed (and is even called a tweed), but when you put your hand on it, it's a lot like a blouse weight.

So you can definitely add backing to the tweed to make it structured like a typical jacket-type fabric, or you can think outside the box and do something a little different, but something that works.

The first idea is to do some sort of blouse look.  (This does not require any backing)

This is BurdaStyle #104 from May, 2010, but you can download it on the Burda site here.  This would be an easy solution, and sort of a "folk" look.

But what about something different (this doesn't require backing either):

This is from the same issue #126 or you can download it here on the Burda site.  This looks much more like the jacket that the tweed is meant for, but it's loose, and would make a really fine look.

For a fun variation a slit up the back taked with an embroidered arrow would also be a neat look:

You can do this one of two ways...you can insert a block pleat with a stay at the waist, or an opening (this would entail you always wear a shell or camisole under the jacket, unless you want a really big raise at work (OK, not funny!)

Following is a short tut on how to make the embroidered arrow tack.  I like to place this so that the flat edge is at the bottom and the point is at the top.  The stay needs to be at the bottom of the tacked area, so that should be where the bottom, not the point of the arrow needs to stay this area.

This is a  beautiful technique that makes a gorgeous stay when you need to tack something, but you do want it to show.  It's traditionally used on Western wear on the edges of besom pockets...referred to as arrow tipped.

Here's how to do it.

First I use Pearl Crown Rayon, you can get it here.  This is a thick shiny thread that will make your embroidered arrows really stand up and look wonderful.  Regular thread is OK, but it will take many more stitches with thinner thread.

Next draw an equilateral triangle, (all three sides equal - draw a straight line and measure it -my triangle is 3/8" each side - then measure half distance from point 1 to 2, then put a pin in at a 90³ angle straight up and down.  Now take the rule and measure from point 1 up on the perpendicular line till you get to 3/8" or whatever length your making your triangle, and mark a spot.  This doesn't have to be exact, but that's generally how you do this.  If you want the exact method click here.)

OK - now you have triangle with 3 equal sides.

Next is bring the needle (I use a #1 embroidery or crewel needle - very big), up through point 1.  Now take a stitch down point 2 and up through point 3.

Next stitch will be down at a point just down from point 3 on the left side, and up just to the right of point 1.  You'll want to follow the lines of the triangle.

Again down just to the right of point 3 and up just to the left of point 2.

 

Then take the next stitch down to the right of 3 and up through the left of 2, till you fill the triangle, which will be half way through each line....like this

 

This is the triangle in black, but in white it easier to see:

 

Comments

[sharon]

What a cute arrowhead, another tip for my sewing knowledge. Thank you.

[Karin]

Neat! I love these little pearls in your blog.

[Theresa in Tucson]

Clicked and saved, thanks for the tutorial, Claire.

[Bunny]

Wonderful tute, Claire. Thanks so much. I will get that thread!