Friday, June 28, 2013

Textile Studio Monaco Shell

I like this pattern so much, I made eight more!




As quick to make as this pattern is, I streamlined it even further. I have always hemmed knits with a twin needle, a drag since you need two spools of thread (or a spool and and extra bobbin) and you have to change the needle. I wished there was an easier way. After some experimentation, I settled on using this stitch:




As usual, I used Steam a Seam to stabilize the fabric. This hem technique worked well on all of these knits: thin cotton and poly jerseys and ITYs.

I think I inovated myself out of that new cover stitch machine I wanted.  Imagine all the fabric I can buy with the money I saved!!

6 comments:

  1. Lovely shells--and congratulations on your sewing discovery. It's amazing the tools we have right in front of us. My Brother has a truckload of stitches I never take the time to explore. Now I'm curious about what I've missing.

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    1. Thanks! My machine isn't even that advanced and it took me 8 years to find that stitch!

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  2. I just want to share with you how much I resent the fact that you can find nice print knits. My local aka only fabric store almost never gets nice knits in. I like all of yours.

    If you do decide to get a coverstitch, be sure to test drive it a lot before you buy it. I have one and I don't like it nearly as much as I feel I should. I got it used and really cheap so it's okay that I don't love it, they behave quite differently from a reg machine or a serger.

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    1. Don't hate me 'cause I have beautiful knits!! All of these came from fabric.com. I got them about a month ago just to make these, so some might still be there. Just look through the knits section.

      I will definately take your advice about the coverstith machine. Right now I'm leaning toward the janome one. I'll take lots of the types of knits I like sewing on to the test drive. But really, I don't "need" one, but one might be nice to have.

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  3. I need to make this top again. I made it several years ago and wore the heck out of it. It is a simple top to sew. Really like all of your versions of this top!

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    1. It really is a nice, flattering little top. And so simple to sew. I'm surprised more people haven't discovered this one.

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