Q & A

From the last couple of posts, there have been some inquiries. So, gather 'round, it's Q& A time:

• anonymous writes, "Is the Anna Sui silk a panel 44" wide X 28" long? If so, I'm curious what you plan to make with this and how you work with fabric that comes in panels."

You are correct on the fabric dimensions. As far as what my plans are for the fabric, I must sheepishly admit that I have no clue right now. I bought the fabric because the price was right ($4.99 for silk charmeuse!!) and I like the colours. I hope to become inspired when I have it in my hot little hands. I figure if worse comes to worse, I can use it for lining a jacket or skirt.

• miss twist writes, "Refresh my memory--RPL is rayon-poly-lycra? As I recall, you use lots of it. What do you like about it?"

Yup, RPL is rayon, poly, lycra. Normally, I prefer to use natural fibers, like wool, silk, linen and cotton. I love these fabrics because they are a dream to sew and manipulate, they are easy to care for and they breathe (I hate being hot in my clothes). However, I always make an exception to the" natural fiber only rule" for a good quality RPL. Each of the ingredients in RPL imbues the resulting fabric with a few wonderful qualities. The rayon, although not technically a natural fiber, behaves like a natural fibre. It is made synthetically from cellulose (plants) and thus, it breathes, dyes well and can imitate many other fibres, like silk and linen. The polyester makes the RPL easy to care for and wrinkle resistant. My RPL clothes are always ready to go straight out of a warm dryer. Finally, the lycra gives the fabric some stretch- as a teacher, I move a lot all day long and the bit of stretch provides an increased comfort factor.

One caution however, do not buy cheap RPL - you will regret it. It will pill, stretch out of shape and snag easily. I normally expect to pay between $10 and $15 per metre for a high quality RPL fabric. Also, be gentle with this fabric - it does not like high heat. So, iron on low and hang to dry (or put in a warm, not hot, dryer).

• sisidaboom writes, "But what will you do with the first skirt? I keep them around like little trophies of my defeat that drains my creative juices."

I wish I could say that I finished the skirt and donated it to a resale charity like many other seamstresses do. I, however, cannot abide the sight of a failed project, so I chuck it. Immediately. Without regret. I figure, why wallow in remorse that zaps my creative energy when I could be working on the next great project?



***On the sewing front, I have a few projects that I hope to post about over the next few days. I still have a dress, a skirt and a top to show y'all. None of these garments are a part of my wardrobe plan, but when inspiration strikes, it is not mine to question why!