Theta Johnson

“ It takes very little time to trace the markings for darts, seams, and buttonholes from the pattern on the fabric if dressmakers’ carbon and a tracing wheel are used. Trace the markings while the pattern is still pinned to the fabric. Place the carbon waxed side to wrong side of fabric. Both sides may be marked at the same time. Use white or light-colored paper wherever possible. Dark colors have a tendency to work through to the right side. Trace all pattern markings that are essential to making the dress—darts, notches, pleats, openings, and buttonholes. ”

“ The base of any good hair style is a good shampoo. There is no set time for a shampoo. Shampoo your hair when it is soiled. You may want to shampoo it every five days if your hair is oily. Every week may be often enough if it is dry. ”

“ You might like to put belt loops on your dress at the side seam if your dress has a belt. Worked loops are fun to make.
Blanket stitch waistline
1. Use matching double thread.
2. Hold the belt in place on dress and loop thread back and forth across it three or four times. Take a knot stitch each time you sew into fabric.
3. Remove the belt.
4. Work across the threads with blanket stitch. Keep stitches close together.
Select a belt for your dress at your local store or have one made to match your dress. You will learn to make belts when you have had more experience in sewing. ”

“ Stay-stitch around all the bias and curved edges as soon as you remove the pattern.
Remember to press as you sew. Press each seam as it is made. Pressing makes sewing easier and improves the looks of your dress.
Hem your dress on the sewing machine if it has a full gathered skirt or by hand on flared or straight skirts or on plain colored fabric. ”

“ Follow the directions in your pattern for making your blouse. Learn what all the markings mean. Stay-stitch the bias edges. Page 13 tells you how to stay-stitch.
Select cloth for your blouse that will look good with your skirt. Be sure the cloth is firm, pre-shrunk, and colorfast.
Gathered skirt
Select fabric that is colorful and gay for your skirt. Closely woven cloth will be easy to sew and will hold a sharp crease.
You will need from 3 to 31⁄2 yards of fabric for your skirt. The more fabric you try to gather in your skirt the harder it will be to make. ”

“ You will find an arrow on each piece of the pattern that tells you how the pattern is to be placed on your cloth. This mark is called the “grain line.” Learn to recognize marks for fold, seamline, darts, tucks, hems, center front and center back, buttons, and buttonholes.
When you can recognize all the marks on your pattern, trim off the edges and pin it together. Have your leader check it for fit. She will help you make any alterations that are necessary.
Straighten your fabric
Study your fabric. ”

“ Poor health, lack of rest, or poor food can make your hair look dull. But more often, dull hair is due to lack of care. You can add to the luster of your hair by shampooing it often. Brushing will also add to its beauty. ”

“ For the girl of average height cut your skirt as follows:
How to cut your skirt
Cut or tear a 61⁄2-inch strip from one side of your skirt fabric. Measure in from the selvage edge. Use this for the skirt band and pockets. There will be some left over.
Tear off the selvage edge from the large piece.
You may have to cut the band from the end of your fabric instead of the side if you are tall and need the extra length. ”

“ Complete this article before you start your dress or skirt and blouse.
The second article is to be the main part of your project. Here you will learn many new sewing methods. Select something you have not made before. Choose something that will teach you two or three new tricks in sewing, but be careful to avoid dresses with many details such as collars, cuffs, and sleeves on one pattern.
2 Your anklets Buying anklets
It is important that you learn to select your own clothing. Why not start with buying your anklets? You will wear anklets for many occasions—sports, school, and best. ”

“ Gathers for a gathered skirt Laying the pattern on the fabric How to stay-stitch How to thread and use a sewing machine Make a hem for a straight skirt Seams for dresses, blouses, and skirts How to make a swimming bag How to make a head scarf Are you ready for the next project? ”

“ OUTSIDE CENTER BACK OUTSIDE CENTER FRONT OUTSIDE CENTER BACK Pin and sew darts
The purpose of the dart is to shape the fabric to the body. After the dart is properly marked, pin the two markings together and stitch from the large end of the dart to the point. Near the point, guide the fabric so that the stitches will be only a thread or two from the edge of the fold. Fasten the threads by back stitching or by tying the threads. ”

“ Brush your hair regularly with a boar-bristle brush for stimulation and to cleanse your hair. Brush your hair carefully. Too vigorous brushing may break the ends of your hair. The same is true of combing. ”

“ Blends of nylon and cotton or other fibers are also used. Anklets are made of many new and different kinds of yarns and knits to add patterns and stretch. New finishes are also used. Some finishes help to hold the shape and control shrinkage. The finish may require special care and washing.
A good anklet is closely knit, has a top which will hold its shape, and the cuff is knitted to the foot. It comes in colors which harmonize with your dresses or sweaters and skirts. It is “fast color” and will not fade. ”

“ There are many attractive clothing patterns in our current fashion books. Choose a style you like and feel you can make. Be sure it has lines that are becoming to your figure and size. You may need a style that is entirely different from the one your girl friend needs. ”

“ PHASE 3 Where to find page Your guide for the project 1 Plan your project 1 Your anklets 2 Improve your grooming 2 Care of your hair 2 Patterns for you 3 Fabrics you will like 4 Before you start to sew 5 Study your pattern 5 Straighten your fabric 5 Pin and cut 6 Check your machine 6 Practice on an easy-to-make article 7 Drawstring bag 7 Swimming robe 8 Apron or scarf 9 Make clothes for school or play 9 Blouse 9 Gathered skirt 9 Gored skirt 12 School dress 12 How does your costume look to you? ”

“ It is more interesting than a straight one. Always bring out your beauty spots. If you have a beautiful hair line, display it.
Hair is styled for the individual. Try new hair styles. There are many designed for girls your age. ”

“ The pressure foot is a good gauge for edge stitching. It is easy to stitch close to the edge of a hem if you let the edge of the cloth follow the inside of the presser foot. A 1⁄8 inch seam can be made by letting the edge follow the outside of the presser foot.
7 Practice on an easy-to-make article Draw-string bag ”

“ At this point place the plastic under the hem. Pin or baste into position. Turn right side out. Stitch hem. Use long stitches 6 or 8 to an inch when sewing plastic. Small stitches will cut it.
10. Make or buy the cords for your bag. Make two cords 3⁄4 inch wide finished, 1 yard each in length. (See apron sashes—Phase 2.) You may buy cotton or nylon cord. For a small bag use size 100; use size 150 for a large bag.
11. Run cords through casing. Start each cord at opposite ends. Sew ends of cord together or tie a knot.
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