Sign Up | Login | Investor Relations

Grandma Will Be Tre Chic in This Dress at Wedding

2008-05-14 15:40:25

Dear Eunice Farmer: My grandson is getting married late this summer in an afternoon wedding. We are told to wear a short dress. I'm having trouble finding a simple pattern that would be appropriate for an older lady. Please help.

- Judie M.

Dear Judie: I've selected Vogue 7762, sized 6-22. It features three different sleeves, a simple neckline and a semi-fitted skirt. It would be perfect for just about any occasion.

Dear Eunice Farmer: For those of us who have practically changed our wardrobes from skirts to pants in recent years, now I read that we are going back to skirts again. I've never liked dresses because they aren't flattering if you have added a few pounds. What can we do and still be on top of the latest fashions?

- Millie P.

Dear Millie: The easiest solution is to choose separates. In other words, a skirt and a top, and make them in the same fabric so you will still have a one-piece look. You will also notice that so many of the tops are worn over the skirts as overblouses. There are many patterns to choose from. Why not try one?

Dear Eunice Farmer: I've just become interested in sewing and am confused about some of the terms I haven't seen before. What is "stay-stitching"? I found it in some of my instructions on my latest pattern.

- Louise B.

Dear Louise: Stay-stitching is done on a single layer of fabric, stitched about 1/8 inch inside the seam allowance, which will keep the curved areas of your pattern from distorting as you stitch. In other words, it stabilizes the fabric. It is not necessary to stay- stitch all your cut edges, only those areas where there is a curve. Another spot to stay-stitch would be the area from the hip up to the waist on the side seam where it curves, for fitting skirts and pants.

Each week a reader wins a prize for sending in a sewing hint. This week's winner is Kathleen Summers of Albuquerque, N.M. She will receive a collection of 100 hand-sewing needles from England. Her tip:

"I use machine embroidery thread when putting in blind hems by hand or by machine. The thread is finer and will bury itself into the fibers of the fabric. It will never show."

You, too, could win a collection of hand-sewing needles. Send your tips to Eunice Farmer, Box 31729, St. Louis, MO 63131, or e- mail her at the address below. If she selects yours for publication, you'll receive this prize.