Mummy decorations will dress up Halloween party

Dear Vicki: Every year it seems like you have good ideas for Halloween costumes or decorations. Do you have any favorites for this year’s projects? I’m having a party and would love something ridiculously fun. Thanks. — Penny M.

Dear Penny: Indygo Junction — one of my favorite independent pattern companies — has really outdone themselves this year with its pattern “I Love My Mummy.” You can make a full-body mummy or a mummy face pillow. Please look for this pattern at your favorite local sewing shop, but if you can’t find it, send me a check for $14 and I will send the pattern to you.

Dear Vicki: In ready-made clothes, I have sometimes found a lovely detail on the inside of unfinished jackets. It seems to be strips of fabric sewn onto the seams to cover them, but I don’t know quite how to do it. Do you know what I am talking about, and if so, how to do it? — Sonja S.

Dear Sonja: You are talking about what is called a “Hong Kong” finish. It’s often found on custom clothing and men’s summer-weight tailored jackets. It’s a beautiful finish, and I use it quite a lot, in fact.

It’s very simple to do. Just cut bias strips of lightweight silk or cotton or lining fabric about 1½ inches wide — you won’t need it all, but it’s easier to handle than a 1-inch strip. Now sew it a bit smaller than inch from the edge of your seam allowance, press the strip carefully toward the edge, and then again fold it over the edge. Pin the folded bias under the edge and stitch in the well —or “ditch,” as some call it — of the seam. You can now trim some of the excess fabric away, but it won’t ravel, so don’t be too concerned about it. And admire your fine couture finish!

I love to use this to finish the edge of facings on unlined jackets, also the hem of jacket sleeves — now when you turn the sleeve hem backward, it’s a cool look.

Each week I share a reader’s tip. This week’s tip is an old one from 2005, but I love it. Sandra Warfell, of Oxford, Ga., writes:

“Many years ago I made quite a number of formal dresses for my daughters. Finding a way to keep the yards of fabric from wrinkling after cutting — especially when I couldn’t finish in one sewing session — was tough. Then I thought of the folding clothes-drying rack. I set it up next to my sewing machine and placed each piece across a rung as it was cut. I now do the same for almost all of my sewing.”