Summery sheer fabric suits semicasual dress
Q. I am invited to an informal wedding this summer that will take place on the beachfront. I want something appropriate for the time and place. Please help.
A. I have selected Butterick 5175, sized 10-24. It would be great in a soft, summery sheer fabric. Be sure it is also drapable. This is a pattern that can be extremely dressy or semicasual. It all depends on the fabric. I think it's gorgeous. I hope you like it.
Q. For financial reasons, I purchase most of my clothes from charities that sell discarded clothes in good condition. My pet peeve is that although many of these clothes are beautiful, to my horror, most of the buttons have been removed. Nice buttons are very expensive, and I can't afford to replace them. Can you pass the word along to your generous readers?
A. This isn't the first letter I have received about removing buttons from clothes you give away. I know you always think you will use them yourself, but seldom do. It's a good thought to pass along!
Q. My young daughter is dying to learn to sew. Last summer I wanted to get her your favorite booklet, "Simply Sewing." But you said she was too young. What is the right age to begin to learn to sew?
A. "Simply Sewing" is a fabulous booklet written by Judy Ann Sadler for beginning young sewers at least 8 years old. I think it is the best-written booklet I have ever seen for this age. It opens the door to the wonderful world of sewing.
It begins with the basics of a sewing machine, then continues to the basics of sewing secrets for success. It is easy to read and well illustrated, and it includes many projects that make sewing fun. It is the best booklet I have seen that prepares you for working with patterns.
"Simply Sewing" is available in limited numbers. I advise you to send for your copy as soon as possible. Please send a check or money order for $10.95 (includes shipping and handling) to Eunice Farmer, Box 63131, St. Louis, MO 63129, and allow a few weeks for shipping.
Remember, there are many long weeks of boredom for all children in the summer; this will fill in the gap! Questions and comments may now be sent via e-mail. Please write to Eunice Farmer at info@eunicefarmerfabrics.com. Also see www.EuniceFarmer.com.
Helpful hint: Each week, a reader wins a prize for sending in a helpful sewing hint. This week's winner is Mary Babin of Gonzales, La. She will receive a collection of 100 hand-sewing needles from England.
Her tip: "I do a lot of quilting for different charities and found a great way to keep my fingers from getting too dry! I take a flat jar lid and add some small cotton balls that have been moistened. I touch the cotton, and my fingers have just the right amount of moisture!"
Sew Simple appears Sundays in Home & Garden. Send your questions and sewing tips to Eunice Farmer, Box 31729, St. Louis, MO 63131 or via email to info@eunicefarmerfabrics.com. Visit her Web site at www.EuniceFarmer.com
(c) 2008 King Features Syndicate Inc.
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