To Trim, or not to Trim?

[b15erk]

I'm slowly wading my way through the Amelia Teadress, and I have added piping to the shoulder and waist of the bodice, and I'm debating with myself about trimming the sleeves to match.  I thought a narrow strip binding in the apricot might tie it all together, but it could, on the other hand look too much... 

Any opinions?

Jessie

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I think I like it with the apricot edge - or make even more work for yourself and add piping then a floral fabric narrow cuff?

[b15erk]

 

Thanks Bodge!  More piping trim is Not Going To Happen!  The piping foot on the Pfaff has a mind of its own and meanders off all over the place!  Bias strip at the most will be added!

Just want this one done now... 

Jessie

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Or just do a plain hem as it has enough detail elsewhere    Yup, I reckon that's the answer (much less work!)

[UttaRetch]

Well since you asked, I think the piping looks lovely.  Adding a bias trim might be overkill.

[Surest1tch]

Or just do a plain hem as it has enough detail elsewhere    Yup, I reckon that's the answer (much less work!)

I agree

[BrendaP]

If the skirt hem is plain I think the sleeve hems should be plain too.  The shoulder and waist piping together with the shirring is enough.

[Fiona M]

That is very pretty!  I like it with the bias trim myself.

[eclectic]

@b15erk that's looking lovely I would have gone with the piping but as that's not going to happen then plain will look fab.  how did you do the shirring ?

[b15erk]

I did the shirring on the old Singer 611g eclectic, the Pfaff wasn't playing nicely.  I wound the shirring elastic loosely on the machine, upped the tension a bit, and used a long stitch to sew the rows.  I used the foot width as a marker, but the foot on the Singer is quite narrow and I should have made the rows a little wider.  I always stretch the fabric out as I'm sewing, but the magic happens when you blast the steam over the shirring and it tightens up!

Magic!

Jessie

[eclectic]

I'm being a bit thick here @b15erk when you say wound it on the machine ..do you mean the bobbin or on top as if it were a thread ... the elastic cord I am thinking of would be too big for the needle but perhaps there is a narrower one?

[b15erk]

Sorry E, I wasn't clear.  Some people wind the shirring elastic onto the bobbin by hand, but I did it on the machine.  I wound it slowly and just held it loosely.  The 611g has a drop in bobbin, so I dropped the bobbin in, and made no adjustments to the bobbin tension at all.

Hope this helps.

Jessie

[eclectic]

yes that's great thanks Jessie ... I am going to order some elastic and give it a go 

[b15erk]

Bear in mind eclectic, that your machine may need handling differently.  My Pfaff didn't want to play shirring, but the Singer had no problem.  Have a look at your manual for their advice.

Jessie

[eclectic]

I just pressed the thumbs up sign under your name and have no idea if it did anything  but thanks i will have a play and see how my machine behaves