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Show SUCCESSFUL SEWMANSHIP Sew It In Suede i ? I V - Inn SKINS IN THE LIMELIGHT AT SINGER are sure to make great second skins for you! Pictured here are two suede fashions made from McCall's patterns 2454 and 2455. Patterns made especially es-pecially for leathers and suede, they're sure bets for great fashions looks. The suede used came from Singer where skins can be ordered in eight bright colors for delivery in three weeks. Stitch yourself a second skin with suede. Today, sewing skirts and vests with long, long fringe from suede and other leathers is easy as can be! All you need is a pattern, skins, a good sewing machine and helpful help-ful hints in the How-to-Sew Suede folder (available without charge at Singer stores) to be on your way to a whole new fashion look. mat To Sew Suede skins, which can be ordered from your local sewing center, come in eight mouthwatering mouth-watering colors, including persimmon per-simmon and pumpkin tones, in themselves an inspiration. They cost $8 each, and a skirt can be made from two skins, a vest from one, with plenty of leftovers left-overs for bands, belts, and pouches. When selecting the pattern design, keep in mind the size and dimension limitations of your skins. Pattern pieces should fit the skins, without "patching." Fitting The pattern should be adjusted ad-justed to your figure before you cut the suede because, once sewn, the leather cannot be refitted. re-fitted. Although pattern pieces can be pinned together for a try-on, the best way to assure good fit is to make a muslin shell and then correct the fit on the shell. On the shell, seam al-; al-; lowances should be trimmed to ' -inch for economy in cutting unless you plan to place top stitching more than -inch from the edge, or want to use a welt seam. Narrow seams also eliminate bulk in the finished garment. Cutting Lay the muslin pattern pieces on the wrong side of a single layer of the skin. Skins should not be folded or cut two at a time. Remember to reverse pattern pat-tern pieces when cutting the second sec-ond half so you will have a right and left side. The pattern pieces should be laid in the same direction, direc-tion, the long way of the skin, since the garment should fit your body the same way it fit the animal! Marking Darts, buttonholes, center line and styling points should be marked with chalk on the wrong side of the skin. Tracing wheels are not advised, because they will mar the leather. Lining Suede and leather garments should be lined with synthetic fabrics such as SiBonne, rayon, taffeta or acetate sheath lining. Sewing For sewing, a special narrow wedge-shaped sewing machine needle is helpful; it slides cleanly through the leather and insures a neat, uniform stitch. Use preshrunk straight seam binding for staying seams and points of strain. When sewing the seams, hold the tape gently against the upper side of the leather and against the presser foot as you sew using 12 stitches to the inch. This will strengthen the seam and prevent pre-vent the leather from sticking to the presser foot. After the seam is stitched, slash the edges of the tape at even intervals to keep them from pulling. Press with a damp cloth and hot iron on the wrong side when done. Hints and Tips Singer sewing experts offer additional hints for sewing suedes: Instead of using pins, use cellophane cel-lophane tape and paper clips to avoid marking the skins with pin holes; For anchoring hems, which should be not greater than V2 or 2 inches, they suggest using rubber cement or fabric glue; And, after your fashion has been worn and many compliments compli-ments have been given to the creator (you), remember that when cleaning time comes, professional pro-fessional cleaners do the best job. Sewing with suedes will not only indulge your creative instincts in-stincts and make you one of the "best dressed," but will save you money as well! If the project makes you hesitate, drop in at your local sewing center to get advice directly from the sewing experts. And, while you're there, order some skins, and you'll be sewing your way to great fashion looks in no time. |