Lately as I've worn a garment, I've looked at the insides differently...trying to assess if I've done the best interior construction that I'm capable of...or if I need to step up my game.
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My hems have recently come under my inspection and I've determined that I can do better. Usually the hem is the last part of the garment that I sew before it's complete. By that time I'm ready to put the garment on, have some photos taken and wear it so I tend to rush my hems.
Now I know better. I know that a hemline is just as important to the success of a garment as the rest of the construction. I also know that a wacky hemline can take a dress from well made to Becky Homecky. I don't think my hems are in Becky Homecky land but I can step it up there.
I once took a class with Cynthia Guffey who advised that a hemline should have three lines of stitching to anchor it and balance out the dress/top/pants, etc. For a while I followed the three line of stitching philosophy but to accomplish that you need to have a deep hemline ~ at least two inches most times more. Over time I've found that I don't like hemlines that deep in my garments. So I stopped using that technique though it worked wonderfully and gave my hems the umph they deserved.
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Generally I do make sure that my hems hang evenly around my garment and on me. Normally I add a rayon seam binding to the hem's edge and hand stitch the hem to the dress. Most times I add a lace binding to my lining (especially in my dresses) to finish the lining off nicely. But sometimes I rush. Sometimes I turn the lining hem up and press not even bothering to encase the serged hemline.
I want to do better. I want to have amazingly finished hems that I can proudly turn up and show to another sewist. Hey regular people don't know the difference, so I need to go with the discerning crowd. *smile*
So what about you? How are your hemlines? Do you take your time and add a lot of important details? Or do you rush through so that you can wear your garment? Also do you have any special techniques that you use to get a superior finished hem? Do tell - because this is the Question of the Day. So talk back to me people!
...as always more later!
Now I know better. I know that a hemline is just as important to the success of a garment as the rest of the construction. I also know that a wacky hemline can take a dress from well made to Becky Homecky. I don't think my hems are in Becky Homecky land but I can step it up there.
I once took a class with Cynthia Guffey who advised that a hemline should have three lines of stitching to anchor it and balance out the dress/top/pants, etc. For a while I followed the three line of stitching philosophy but to accomplish that you need to have a deep hemline ~ at least two inches most times more. Over time I've found that I don't like hemlines that deep in my garments. So I stopped using that technique though it worked wonderfully and gave my hems the umph they deserved.
I want to do better. I want to have amazingly finished hems that I can proudly turn up and show to another sewist. Hey regular people don't know the difference, so I need to go with the discerning crowd. *smile*
So what about you? How are your hemlines? Do you take your time and add a lot of important details? Or do you rush through so that you can wear your garment? Also do you have any special techniques that you use to get a superior finished hem? Do tell - because this is the Question of the Day. So talk back to me people!
...as always more later!