Use woven interfacing for crisp tie
Dear Vicki: I need to make ties for all of the men in a wedding party, and I am feeling pretty worried. The bride has picked a cotton seersucker check, and I am worried about what to put inside so that the ties look crisp and fresh. Also, I need a pattern for a little boy since there will be a ring bearer. Can you help me with some information? Thanks. — Frede K.
Dear Frede: Yes, I think you should find a woven fusible interfacing that is a bit soft and fluffy to make the seersucker fabric have the heft of a true tie fabric. Be sure to fuse some onto a nice big swatch and play with it, and fold and tie it.
As to the little boy, here is a pattern from one of my favorite independent designers, Vanilla House Designs. It is called “You’re the Man!” Please try to find it at a local shop, but if you can’t, then send me a check for $10 and I will send the pattern to you. It is also available online at www. vanillahousedesigns.com.
Dear Vicki: Now that it’s summer, I have my usual problem of needing to cover up to go to swimming pools with my children. Shorts and T-shirts are my go-to, but I would love to make something if you have a suggestion. I have seen some really cute, bright summer prints that I would wear if you have a pattern idea for me. Thanks. Nora G.
Dear Nora: I do have an idea for you, and it doesn’t even need a pattern. It’s a pareu. It is like a sarong and just wraps around you. Take a rectangular piece of fabric about 60 inches long by 45 inches wide — just be sure the fabric you choose is soft and drapey — and finish all of the edges with a tiny hem, or use your serger to hem it. After wrapping it around you at the waist, hips or at your bust, then tie the corners and you are done! Cute!
Each week I share a reader’s tip and thank him or her with a set of 100 fine English hand-sewing needles. This week the tip is from Pansy Rawls, of Bardstown, Ky. She writes:
“This is an old tip, but I still feel that it has saved me over and over. When I cut open my machine buttonholes, I place a needle or a pin vertically at the ends of the buttonhole. This prevents me from sliding the ripper too far and cutting through the end of the buttonhole into my garment.” Send your tips and questions to Vicki Farmer Ellis, P.O. Box 220463, St. Louis, MO 63122, or email vickifarmerellis@swbell.net.