This week: Racing to the finish

For those in the US, did you have a good midweek holiday?

I chose to celebrate by running another half-marathon, my second this year (or ever). This time I was not at death’s door, the weather was perfect in the early morning out on Sauvie Island, and the course was blissfully flat and pretty.

I feel I’m racing to the finish in more ways than one this week. The two new patterns are being wrapped up for testing — I’m printing out copies for my test sewists as I write this.

Just like distance running, the home stretch is always a challenge. There are so many little things to check and recheck, you feel like you’re never going to get there. Just a little bit further…

Here are some links for you this week:

• Sarah offers some tips on handling and sewing with one of the original synthetic textiles: rayon.
• An article from a back issue of Vogue Patterns magazine by Claire Schaeffer shows some lovely ways to fashion self-fabric trims.
• Forget rick-rack as trim on clothing! Try making some vintage-kitschy rick-rack jewelry!
• Thinking of making the Nutmeg bralette sometime? Check out this beautiful 30s lace bra for inspiration!
• This DIY drying rack is not only a great place to dry laundry or vintage garments, but fabric too!
• Learn the difference between grosgrain and Petersham ribbon.
• This DIY belt made from leather and ribbon would be a lovely addition to many summer dresses.
• A round up of ideas for using up those random scraps you have leftover from projects!
• Great tips on sewing jeans and touches that help them mimic store bought styles.
• A few fun pattern schematics for quick summer garments to whip up from 1948.
• How to neaten the inside edges of a facing so the interior construction is just as neat as the outer!

Have a great weekend, folks!

{image above by Amy Selleck, links research by Casey}