ADVISING THE AMATEUR DRESSMAKER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17218, 8 December 1923, Page 9 (Supplement)

ADVISING THE AMATEUR DRESSMAKER.

First remember that a good heavy —as a sewing machine. The best workmanship in the world is. wasted if a dress is not properly and well pressed. Woollen materials should always be pressed on the* wrong side with a damp cloth between the materia] and the iron. If it- is found necessary to press on the right side, always place e clean muslin cloth over the material beforehand. Do not press silk materials more than necessary, anti use a cool iron for heat takes the life from silk and sometimes the colour is affected. Never damp silk. Hems, pleats and folds may be satisfactorily pressed by passing them over an upturned warm As each portion of the garment is stitched use the iron, and do not wait until the whole is connected. or an amateurish piece of work will be the result. Silk is usually better for sewing than cotton, except tor rather thick cotton fabrics. Do not skimp tho stuff. A quarter of a yard over and a successful dress is better than a garment that has been ruined for the sake of a few extra inches of material. A piece of tailor's chalk, plenty of needles, a good pair of scissors, a tape measure and a work-basket well stocked with fasteners, hooks, eyes, buttons, and'all other sewing impedimenta will prove a blessing- - Pin the paper pattern together, and try it on before cutting, to see if it fits, and to make any necessary alterations. Always place tho pattern on the material according to -directions, especially if a dress of patterned material is to he made. Pin tho pattern to the cloth with iust. enough pins to keep it secure. Never cut the notches indicated on the pattern in tho material; iust mark them with some chalk.