Now is the time to plan for winter sewing

Press, 9 April 1981, Page 14

Now is the time to plan for winter sewing

Autumn is the time of year when stores begin displaying fabrics for the cooler season ahead. The Department of University Extension at the University of Otago suggests that it is also the time for those who make clothes for themselves and their families to plan their winter sewing programme. Act nozv There are two reasons why it is best to act now. Selecting fabrics is easier while there is still a wide variety available. If you leave it too long, you could be disappointed with your choice. Sewing takes time — allow for this in your existing schedule. Garments made in a hurry are not always successful. Make a plan It is a good idea to make some sort of plan, whether you are sewing just for yourself or for your family. A written plan is best because it provides a ready check list. It should indicate the following: any new clothes required; whether they will be made at home, bought or remodelled; costs involved, and the time available for such a programme. Wardrobe check Begin by checking through the family’s existing wardrobes, then decide what each person really needs in the way of additional clothes for the winter. . There may be some clothes than can be renovated to give them a new lease of life, while others may need mending or replacing’

Decide which clothes are suitable for passing on to other members of the family. Holiday plans and involvement in winter sports should

also be considered at this stage if they mean that special clothes are required. Equipment check Before starting your winter sewing, check your dressmaking equipment to make sure it is ready for use. Disappointing garments can be the result of using a poorly maintained sewing machine, blunt shears, rusty pins and a worn out tape measure. Maintenance' on sewing machines should be left to the expert, but keepiiig them dust free and lubricated is easy home care. Machine needles should be checked for sharpness — sewing synthetic fabrics tends to dull needles fairly quickly. If shears chew fabric and do not cut right to the tip of the blades, they need to be sharpened. When they have been sharpened, try to keep them solely for cutting fabric. Synthetic fabrics take the edge off shears as do paper and all the other things your family w’ant to cut: It is useful to keep an old pair of scissors for cutting paper. Make sure .you have an adequate supply of fine steel pins, and sharp needles for hand sewing. An accurate tape measure is also important. • Check the. sole plate of your iron to ensure that it is clean. Does the cover of your ironing board need replacing? If the cover is badly marked it can stain fabrics, especially light coloured ones. Is time.'limited? Where possible, set a deadline date by which time a garment is to, be completed. No one can sew well if they are tired. It is better to have part of a garment successfully completed than several poorly 5 made.

If you can only sew in the evenings, ensure that your sewing area is well lit. The cost While it is important to make a clothing requirement plan, it is equally important to plan the money available for the purchase of the clothes or the fabric. Increases in the price for thread, zippers, buttons, add to the initial cost, and may result in a simple garment being quite expensive. You must choose between making or buying. If clothes can be made successfully without undue time or labour cost, then the financial advantage is real. On the other hand, readymades save time and energy, and in some cases costs are very similar to those for garments made at home. The skill of the home dressmaker 'and time available determines the choice between making or buying. Follozv your plan When you decide on the new' garments required, keep their purpose in mind. Select fabrics and patterns which .are within your capabilities to use successfully. The Department of University Extension at the University of Otago has three pamphlets designed to help the home dressmaker: Neckline Finishes — for garments without collars; Choosing and Using Interfacings, and Buttonholes, Zippers and other Fasteners. These are available from the above department. P. 0. Box 56, Dunedin. Each pamphlet costs 50 cents, plus postage. Plan your ’ winter sewing programme now', and do not wait too long to put the plan into action. In this way you will be certain to have your clothing needs catered for by the time winter arrives.