Jacket with raglan sleeves doesn’t take long to finish

Dear Vicki: I would like to make a simple jacket, but I have so little time and energy. Is there a super quick pattern that you know of? Thanks. — Margaret P.

Dear Margaret: You all know how I love independent designers, so here is one from Karen Nye; her company is called CNT Pattern Co. This pattern has an overthe-top name: Start After Breakfast Finish Before Lunch. This jacket has raglan sleeves, so you will have no worries about setting in sleeves. The sides have pockets, a nice detail. The directions are clear and short. The fronts turn back to show the detail of a different fabric, if you so choose. The back has a nice, deep inverted pleat to give you ease and swing. I think you will actually finish it! Please try to buy this at a local store, or you can order it online at cntpattern.com.

Dear Vicki: Just curious, one of my sewing friends swears you must always prewash or dry-clean fabric before sewing. Is this old fashioned, or do you agree and why? I love to read your column. Thanks for the information. — Matatryee B.

Dear Matatryee: I do think that dry-cleaning is probably not needed, unless you are using a wool crepe — have it preshrunk or do it yourself. To preshrink, dampen the fabric with a spray bottle and roll it up in a sheet and let it dry, then press lightly. Prewashing your fabric will help remove excess chemical, sizing and odors. This helps to prevent your machine from skipping, and if your fabric shrinks at all, it saves you from disaster. To prewash knits, baste the two cut ends together to help prevent distortion.

Each week I share a reader’s tip and send him or her a set of 100 fine handsewing needles from John James of England as a thank you. This week’s tip is from Shirley Lucas, of Buffalo, N.Y. She writes:

“A hint that I just discovered that really helps me thread the needle of my sewing machine — hold a piece of white paper behind the needle, and the hole is so much easier to see.”