Consider factors before choosing

DECIDING WHICH comes
first, the fabric or the pat-
tern, is like the proverbial
chicken and egg. Ideally,
they’re best when considered
together.

By Freda Krause
’ Contributing Writer

There are some decisions you
will need to make, ; ;
The first consideration is the

type of fabric to use, which will
depend on the garment; a blouse,
or a nightgown, for example.

The style of the garment might
be avant-garde or classic; the
structure may be draped or bouf-
fant; the quality could be casual
to luxury.

Also consider the piece’s rela-
Uonstip to other garments you
already own, and the current
fashion trends,

Think about where it will be
worn, when it will be worn, and

how often.

Look at the fabrics in your
wardrobe, in stores, and around
you.

When choosing a_ fabric,
evaluate its quality, type, struc-
ture, design, weight, care require-
ments, comfort and durability.

Hold the fabric, drape it and
crush it. is it crisp or soft? Thick
or thin? Heavy cr light? Trans-
parent or opaque? Smooth or
textured?

Decide whether the fabric is
suitable for the garment, the oc-
casion, your lifestyle, and your
wardrobe.

Will it look good on you? Do
you have the skill and the patience
to sew it?

Consider the cost of the fabric,
and the cost of its upkeep. Does it
need to be dry cleaned?

Choose a pattern with a silhou-
ette and design that looks good on
you and is appropriate for your
age, size and body shape.

Make sure the fabric you have
chosen is compatible with the
pattern. Review the fabric recom-
mendations on the back of the
pattern package.

Know your sewing skills, how
difficult the design is, the charac-
teristics of the fabric and how
much time you have available.

Often it is helpful to use casy-
to-sew fabrics when working with
difficult designs, and more
challenging fabrics with simple
patterns,

If you like a certain pattern, try
it in different fabrics as great de-
signers do. Don’t be discouraged
by failures; even professionals
have these.

Lastly, don't skimp on the

quality of interfacings, linings,
buttons or thread; these are as
important to a beautiful design as
the fabric.
Freda Krause is a former home
economics teacher who teaches
sewing on the North Shore. She
works part-time at the Thread
Bear fabric store in Dundarave.

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See our Bernina Specialist
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. 2440 Marine Dr. W. Van.

NEWS photo Pau! McQrath

‘THE CHOICE of fabrics Is an important decision, don't make it
hestily. Here Jo Anne Climo, of Fabricland, prepares to cut a
tangth of materiai.

FALL AND WINTER FABRICS
HAVE ARRIVED

Bring this ad to elle fabrics
for 15% OFF all regular

priced merchandise.

Offer expires Sept. 30/93

P.S.We are still accepting students
for fall sewing classes.

elle fabrics

644 Seymour Street
(across from the Bay and the Skytrain station)
Phone 683-7466

Hours: Mon-Wed 9.30am-6pm
Thurs. & Fri. 9:30am-8pm,; Sat. 9:30-5:30 Sun. 12-5pm