Costume & Crafting Help

[catinthefunnyhat]

Just be DAMN sure to fold over and finish the brocade so it doesn't frazzleup and moop all over the place.


I find that machine sewing on "edging" is an easy way to contain potential mess and create a clean and THIN edge to then (hand) sew (if necessary) on to the garment. The edging is cheap (dollar store, even, if you're lucky) -- and the different colours can be a bonus.

Fucking brocade. I love brocade. I've learned from my sewing and thrift-store shopping that I might have a bit of a fetish for brocade and velvet. But fuck, brocade is a MOOPy bitch. Other MOOPy fabrics to watch out for: satin, especially if it's lightweight, taffeta, organza. I was complaining to a friend over email about organza, and how while I was crafting something from it, I would find threads of it all over the apartment like cobwebs, and she said something about "organza meltdowns" on Project Runway. I haven't seen it, but I'm not surprised.

Edging is cool and very convenient.

Another trick: Since I am not great at hemming, and I don't have a convenient place to buy edging, I have found that sometimes you can get away with just doing a really dense zigzag stitch (set on a stitch length of about 0.5, so the stitches are right next to each other), right along the very edge of the fabric (kind of overlapping it, like a pseudo-serger). It works great with really heavy fabrics (like canvas), but I have also used it with some medium-weight ones (heavy satin, ultrasuede). I plan to try it on some medium-weight brocade, too.It will, however, just destroy more delicate fabrics: The needle holes actually perforate the fabric, and your stitched edge will tear right off. Testing on a scrap is probably a good idea.

[lazerfox]

Isn't there also a fray preventing spray/glue that one can buy at the craft stores that is applied to the edges prior to sewing?

[Drawingablank]

Would I possibly have to add to the brocade to match the thickness of the wool?...ooohh my poor sewing machine.

I have a love / hate relationship with brocades. I love the rich look and feel so I use it more than any other fabric but it is a royal pain in the ass to use.

First it is hard to sew since it tends to distort under tension (stretch is not really the right word for it). Be really careful that it is laying perfectly flat when cutting your patterns. Avoid putting tension on it when feeding it into the machine as well.

Fraying is also annoying but immediately after cutting I apply a liberal dose of fray check to the entire edge of each piece and allow it to dry before continuing. Note that fray check only reduces the fraying of brocades and does not fully eliminate it.

When working with brocades I always use a lining (pre washed flannel or cotton) to minimize the exposure of the frayable edge. The lining is also handy for keeping the brocade more dimensionally stable making it easier to sew. The inside of many brocades also have a weird feel against the skin and I like the comfort and warmth of soft flannel.

[Drawingablank]

Isn't there also a fray preventing spray/glue that one can buy at the craft stores that is applied to the edges prior to sewing?

Yes, the sprays don't work well with brocades (and might stain), but the liquid Fray Check brand product helps quite a bit.

[catinthefunnyhat]

Yeah, learning how different fabrics respond to tension has been a big part of the curve for me. I like the way stretch fabrics get curled/ruffled at the edge. But it can be annoying with fabrics where you're not expecting it -- suddenly, everything's misshapen and pieces that should fit together don't. Almost everything is frustrating when your piece is cut on the diagonal.

[slvrnmph]

French or encased seams are also used often when working with a fabric that frays to prevent the the fraying. It takes more thread and more time since you essentially end up sewing each seam twice, but it also creates a strong seam and pretty finished look.

This is a pretty good picture tutorial on it http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html

[Drawingablank]

French or encased seams are also used often when working with a fabric that frays to prevent the the fraying. It takes more thread and more time since you essentially end up sewing each seam twice, but it also creates a strong seam and pretty finished look.

This is a pretty good picture tutorial on it http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html

You also need to adjust the pattern for a larger seam allowance.

[slvrnmph]

French or encased seams are also used often when working with a fabric that frays to prevent the the fraying. It takes more thread and more time since you essentially end up sewing each seam twice, but it also creates a strong seam and pretty finished look.

This is a pretty good picture tutorial on it http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html

You also need to adjust the pattern for a larger seam allowance.

Excellent point and reminder (for me). I should get less lazy and post up some of my various creations for you all to see.

[skihikejj]

Thanks for the input. I didn't even think of the moop factor, but once I got to the fabric store I probably would have thought of it. Maybe I'll go for a nice burnt velvet.
JJ

[BoyScoutGirl]

Maybe I'll go for a nice burnt velvet.

Foxfur can help with that.

[Foxfur]

Maybe I'll go for a nice burnt velvet.

Foxfur can help with that.

Hold still! I'm trying to help you.

Backpack Booyah.jpg

I'm staying with Espressodude & Helga tonight. We're goin' to Reno for Compression tomorrow!
He gave me a 20 minute schooling on his sewing machine. Look at me go!
This is fun, I really love it!
I have so many ideas...

Domesticated Fox.jpg

Wheee!

[EmilyD]

Maybe I'll go for a nice burnt velvet.

I'm staying with Espressodude & Helga tonight. We're goin' to Reno for Compression tomorrow!
He gave me a 20 minute schooling on his sewing machine. Look at me go!
This is fun, I really love it!
I have so many ideas...

Domesticated Fox.jpg

Wheee!

WHY...is the image of a man sewing SO DAMN SEXY!?! -->>>> http://www.wannasnuggle.com/index/

[thk127]

I trick my cheap sewing machine when I'm sewing faux fur. I put a strip of paper below and above the fur, adding paper as I go. It keeps the fur from getting stuck in the boot. After my sew is finished I rip the paper off. Just make sure you use a thin paper like tracing paper or you will rip out your stitch.

[Ratty]

Thanks Thk127, that's a great idea. I also trim the fur off before I jam it through my cheap 'box-store' singer. It can handle it if I use a fresh needle.

[EmilyD]

I trick my cheap sewing machine when I'm sewing faux fur. I put a strip of paper below and above the fur, adding paper as I go. It keeps the fur from getting stuck in the boot. After my sew is finished I rip the paper off. Just make sure you use a thin paper like tracing paper or you will rip out your stitch.

Excellent technique, a fur sammich! Wax paper can work too for this.

[EmilyD]

Hey Y'all, The costumes I'm making are requiring a fair amount of duct tape to reinforce joints on the armature. Will the glue hold up on the Playa? I haven't really tested this much duct tape before. Thanks for your experienced input.

[Savannah]

Hmm. I have found that duct tape falls off fabric on the playa. (Tents, specifically). I don't know if this is the same for duct tape wrapped onto itself, or on something harder, like metal.

[Drawingablank]

We used duct tape on pvc and it bonds pretty damn well. We used duck tape brand because its available in a wide variety of colors and prints. You will probably want to avoid bargain brands though.

Edit - we also used it on rebar to snug up our solar lights slipped over and that is still wrapped tight nearly a year later - so yes to bonding well to itself also.

None of our uses was really under much tension though.

[EmilyD]

We used duct tape on pvc and it bonds pretty damn well. We used duck tape brand because its available in a wide variety of colors and prints. You will probably want to avoid bargain brands though.

Edit - we also used it on rebar to snug up our solar lights slipped over and that is still wrapped tight nearly a year later - so yes to bonding well to itself also.

None of our uses was really under much tension though.

Thanks that' helps. There won't be much weight or tension and I'm globbing it on really heavy.

[MisaBlue]

I just wanted to tell you guys that you are very very awesome!
Not only you really perform great costume job here in general, but thanks to two of you - catinthefunnyhat and wh..sh - I have beautiful and rocking costumes as well.
As soon as I get it in hand...I will post a picture so you can admire the work.

This made me very very happy and it once again prove how awesome burners are!

My sarcastic black humored heart is touched and melting.

I really do love you guys!

[jella]

Drawingablank ....I found a tute for a nifty mad hatter that appears to be foldable..not sure but had to share.

Carry on...

[jella]

Ooops http://craft-with-confidence.blogspot.c ... l?spref=fb

[kiss-o-matic]

I think the adult version of this would be a good idea... assuming you they have adult diapers in your area.

[lazerfox]

Jella - that tutorial is so helpful! I've been scouring my local thrift stores trying to find a top hat (not mad hatter per say) but this is something I could totally make instead. Thanks for sharing!

[Drawingablank]

Thanks Jella, that seems to fit the requirements. It never occurred to me to use interfacing for the hat.

Sadly, it will probably have to wait till next year since I have a bunch of stuff to complete and I leave in 22 days.

[jella]

I seem to wait until the end of July and do this mad sewing marathon thing :/.

I am "helping" mrPotatmoto make a top hat and that was one of the ideas I found..He doesn't need to pack his so we're going for the whole Buckram form route ..should be interesting

[EmilyD]

I seem to wait until the end of July and do this mad sewing marathon thing :/.

I am "helping" mrPotatmoto make a top hat and that was one of the ideas I found..He doesn't need to pack his so we're going for the whole Buckram form route ..should be interesting

It will be interesting to find out how it holds up in a big wind too. Let us know eh? And hey, Jella, will you be bringing your cute little trailer this time? I never did get to see it.

[jella]

My first thought !! He plans a chin strap of sorts I'm told. Ah the pedicab turned out great..super cute too but I just couldn't relax and let Figment pedal . We sold to to a nice couple in palm springs and it has a real job now

[EmilyD]

Oooooo, very exciting package was waiting for me at the post office. Thanks so much to catinthefunnyhat for the PURRRFECT filmy turquoise fabric. It fits in so well with the other fabrics I'm using on the waterboats. I hope you get a chance to wear one...or at the very least to see them. THANKS!!! Are you still on the lookout for some white fur trim? I'm still searching for you.

[BoyScoutGirl]

How much white fur trim is needed? I still have the vest portion of the jacket that spawned the cricket shin armor (pictures in the archives of this thread). I'd be willing to ship it if cutting it into strips would be enough fabric.