Lyla Messenger seminar ASG

I attended an American Sewing Guild workshop seminar led by Lyla Messenger yesterday. Lyla is a designer of her own line of patterns and is the behind the scenes lady at www.TheSewingPlace.com.

She showed just about all of her designs and variations of them in a trunk show, then showed us several techniques using Fleece, boiled wool, sheers and Knits. The Knits were my favorite, so I paid close attention here... But to share those tips with you requires transcribing of my scribbled notes. I'll share those another time.

One invaluable tip and item I learned how to use is ultra soft double sided fusible tape. Wow! it makes the hardest fabric managable! and with knits is really a huge step forward! I may be able to keep the hems from rolling now!

The Fleece tips are below.

Use test samples as often as possible to test a look or new technique.

Use size 75 or 90 ballpoint or stretch needles.

Lengthen stitch length

Lighten pressure on pressure if your machine has adjustment

Serging or overcast stitching helps reduce bulk in seams

Stabilizing fleece is necessary when you notice an instability in the fabric (it stretches out of shape and won't recover with steaming)

Using fusibles assists in construction and decorative techniques, but requires caution.

Never place iron directly on fabric

Use a press cloth to protect fabric

Steam on lowest temp steam setting of iron, several inches above the fabric, then finger press or press with wooden iron.

I purchased the following pattern and have made it once last night. It went together so quickly! However I don't think my girls will wear it much as it looks a bit matronly on them. From Lyla's examples, I didn't think it would. But maybe I just picked the wrong fabric...