Theta Johnson

“ Measuring gauge—You can cut a gauge from cardboard or buy a 4-inch metal one. From the start, learn to measure accurately. On a tape or measuring gauge, locate the 1-inch, 1⁄2-inch, and 1⁄4-inch marks.
Do your shopping Buying cotton fabric
When you start to sew, it is most important that you have a fine, firm piece of cotton cloth. The best fabric for your scarf, skirt, or apron is percale, either plain or crease resistant. Percale is soft and firm, and comes in figured and plain colors. Select a small all-over pattern in colors that you will enjoy wearing. ”

“ It is fun to let others see what you have done. Your club may want to plan a display for your families. You may want to exhibit your work at a fair. If you do, your exhibit will be the main article you made. ”

“ Refold the scarf on folds for hem. You now have a mitered corner.
Stitch around your scarf. Start stitching 6 inches from center on 35-inch side. Stitch all around scarf.
Stop 1 inch from where you started to stitch. Turn and stitch to folded edge of hem. Stitch across hem 7 inches from center of scarf to make other end of slot to hold head band. Finish two top corners by hand. Trim off peak (x) to edge of hem. Insert head band and your scarf is finished.
Make a sewing kit
This kit can be used to roll your sewing in and to cover your work table to protect your fabric while you are sewing. ”

“ Fasten the knotted thread in the fold of the hem. Slip the needle through the fold for about 1⁄2 inch. Pick up one thread in the skirt or, if the fabric permits, split a thread with the needle. This thread should lie at right angles to the hem edge. Slip the needle back into the fold of the fabric, and continue hemming. Stitches are almost as invisible on the wrong side as the right side of the skirt. ”

“ Shoes become damp from perspiration when you wear them. Wearing socks will protect the lining. Allow your shoes to dry thoroughly between wearings. Filling the toes of your shoes with tissue paper will help absorb the moisture. ”

“ Dampen a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze it tight. Do not make it wet. Place it over the cloth you want to press and set iron on it. Steam will form and dampen the cloth.
Always iron or press with the grain of the cloth. Follow the warp or the filling threads. Do not iron on the bias.
7 Sew—have fun
Now that you have practiced using the sewing machine, you are ready to make a scarf, slippers, or sewing kit.
Make a scarf
This scarf may be made larger than the measurements suggested but it will require more fabric. ”

“ Mark the skirt band so the extension or extra length will be on the back of the placket. The front of band will be even with the front edge of the placket.
Pin and stitch band to skirt.
Pin the pieces together, right side of skirt to right side of band. Match dividing marks that you have made. Gently pull on the gathering threads at the side seams, the center front, and the center back. Pull the threads until they are the same length as the band. Work with the gathers until they are even. Baste and stitch along 1⁄2-inch fold on the skirt band. ”

“ PHASE 2 Where to find page Your guide for the project 1 Plan your project 1 Take care of your clothing 2 Shine your shoes 2 Sew on buttons 2 Assemble your sewing tools 3 Do your shopping 3 Buying cotton fabric 3 Learn to use the sewing machine 4 Learn to press cotton 6 Sew—have fun 7 Make a scarf 7 Make a sewing kit 8 Make TV slippers 8 Make your apron or skirt 9 Peasant apron with band 10 Peasant apron with elastic top 12 Gathered skirt 13 How does your apron or skirt look to you? ”

“ Use as fine a needle as will carry the thread you are using.
Thread—White mercerized thread No. 50 is used for basting. Match other thread to your fabric.
Pins—Select smooth fine dressmaker pins so they will not leave a dark spot on your cloth. These usually come in a box.
Pin cushion—Plan for a pin cushion that can be worn on the wrist. You may make or buy this.
Scissors and shears—Scissors have short blades and are used for snipping threads and cutting small pieces of material. Seven-inch blades are a good length. Shears have one long handle for the fingers and one short one for the thumb. ”

“ It will flatten the seam and make stitching easier.
Press your skirt
Press your skirt. Use a dampened cheese-cloth and an iron set for ironing cotton, or use a steam iron. A skirt must be well pressed and fresh looking to be pretty.
Fastenings for the skirt
Study the drawing above. It shows the placing for fasteners on your skirt. Sewing them in this position will keep the placket from gaping. Sew a snap fastener in the center of the placket if it is needed to keep it closed. Do not try to set in a zipper. Use hooks and eyes or buttons for fastening this band. ”