Amiga Plus 1995 #2/Amiga Plus CD - 1995 - No. 2.iso/internet/faq/englisch/textiles

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Archive-name: crafts/textiles/faq
Last-modified: 20 Dec 1994



The following is the first of three lists of Frequently Asked Questions for
the alt.sewing and rec.crafts.textiles.* groups.  I plan to use the same FAQs
for all newsgroups as long as most of the questions remain pertinent to both
groups.

Like most of us, I don't know all the answers, I've just collected the wisdom
of the net.  Many of these answers have been culled for postings over the last
year or so.  Many regular posters have contributed to this list through their
postings and e-mail.  Any additions or comments are appreciated and can be
mailed to me.

  [e-mail]   (Lara Fabans)  [phone]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first list concentrates on general sewing questions and supply information
and restoring antique sewing machines.  The second list concentrates on
costuming and historical clothing.  The third posting contains a list of books
that cover sewing, fitting and pattern drafting.

Some of these answers are fairly lengthy so I have used "ctrl-L" between the
different questions in this FAQ.  Note: within the "rn" news reader you can
use:
      g 1)
at the "More --##%--" prompt to go directly to question 1).


Questions addressed:

1) Where can I discuss xyzzy (weaving, spinning, flower arrangements,
   dyeing etc)?
2) Where can I get material for outdoor gear or windsocks?
3) What's the best brand of sewing machine or serger?
4) What are the addresses of various places?
5) What are the best periodicals and sources for Heirloom Sewing (also known
   as French Hand Sewing) projects?
6) Where can I get natural fabrics by mail order?
7) I've just been given my Great Grandmother's sewing machine.
   Can anyone help me fix it or restore it?
8) Where can I hook up with people to exchange quilt blocks?
9) How do I hem jeans?
10) What are available for children's sewing? (ie patterns, fabric, etc)
11) What are the various patterns available? (paper, computer, services, other)
12) What are the best scissors? What are the rotary cutters? What
are the electric cutters?
13) Where can I get an up to date copy of this FAQ?


Significant changes since posting of 11/94:
    1) Updated address for information on owning your own mailorder
    business.
    2) Added new section for Children's Fabrics by mail order.
    3) Updated address for Gstreet
    4) Sew Natural Fabrics by Mail has be bought out and the new
    address is reflected.





1) Where can I discuss xyzzy (weaving, spinning, flower arrangements, dyeing
etc)?

There are nine newsgroups for various handcrafts.  The original group
alt.sewing            Sewing: clothes, furnishings, costumes,etc.
rec.crafts.textiles.yarn        Yarn making & use: spin, dye, knit, weave etc.
rec.crafts.textiles.needlework  Any form of decorative stitching done by hand.
rec.crafts.textiles.sewing      Sewing: clothes, furnishings, costumes, etc.
rec.crafts.textiles.quilting    All about quilts and other quilted items.
rec.crafts.textiles.misc        Fiber and textile crafts not covered elsewhere.
rec.crafts.marketplace          Small-scale ads for craft products of all kinds.rec.woodworking            Woodworking of all sorts
rec.crafts.jewelry        Jewelry making
rec.arts.theatre.stagecraft    Costume making, set making, lighting, etc.
rec.org.sca            Period costume making, period culture

Below are the charters for the groups that have charters && ones that
I actually have.  If someone could forward me the charters for the other
groups, I'd really appreciate it.

NAME: rec.crafts.textiles.yarn
CHARTER: This group will be for discussions about all aspects of yarn
         production and use not covered by other newsgroups.  This would cover
         selection and preparation of different fibers, their properties, and
         what to do next such as dye, card, spin, felt, knit, crochet,
         nalbinding, weave, some kinds of rug hooking etc....
         Discussions might cover color theory and other aspects of
         design, pattern drafting, fit, specific finishing techniques,
         supplies and equipment, historical aspects etc.

NAME:    rec.crafts.textiles.needlework
CHARTER: This group will be for discussions about needlework, as defined by
         'any form of decorative stitching done by hand'.
         Included will be all variations of stitchery: stamped embroidery,
         counted thread stitching, and canvas work, including needlepoint.
         Discussion might cover different kinds of canvases and fabric grounds,
         flosses, needles and other supplies, pattern design, marking,
         and finishing etc.

NAME:    rec.crafts.textiles.sewing
CHARTER: This group will be for discussions about all aspects of sewing,
         not covered by other newsgroups, whether for for clothes, home
         furnishings, outdoor equipment, costumes,  etc.  Technical aspects
         include pattern drafting and fitting, different fabrics, notions,
         useful books, workshops and shows, inspiration, sewing machines,
         sergers and other hardware, etc.

NAME:    rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
REPLACES: rec.crafts.quilting
CHARTER: [unchanged] This newsgroup is for discussing anything related to
         quilting.  That includes piecing, applique, and tyeing and quilting
         by hand or machine.  Discussions may cover techniques, supplies,
         equipment, drafting of patterns, templates, dyeing materials,
         artistic approaches, exhibitions, shows, books and other
         references, mail order resources, dating quilts and appraising quilts.
         Discussions may include quilts and quilting both past (historical
         quilting) and present, ethnic quilting, quilts to be used in a
         home, quilted clothing to be worn, as well as quilts created
         for display and any other piecing or quilting applications.

NAME:    rec.crafts.textiles.misc
REPLACES: rec.crafts.textiles
CHARTER: [list of appropriate crafts deleted, as this changes too much]
         This newsgroup is for discussing all fiber and textile related
         interests that are not covered by another rec.crafts.textiles
         group. Discussions may cover techniques, supplies and
         equipment, drafting of patterns, artistic approaches, exhibitions
         or shows, books or other references.  Textiles includes both
         textiles to be worn or used in the home or textiles created
         for display.

NAME:    rec.crafts.marketplace
CHARTER: This group will get all the ads for fiber, fabric, crafts supplies
         and so on that otherwise would clutter the other rec.crafts groups.
         This should preferably be restricted to individuals or very
         small companies who really can't afford other advertising.


Fibernet is a bulletin board run by Ron Parker in Henning, Minnesota.  It's a
pretty active boards--there's usually 30-50 messages a week posted, mostly on
spinning, weaving, knitting and dyeing. The phone number is 218-583-4337; the
modems handle 1200-14,400 baud, 8N1.  There are no charges for using the
bulletin board and there is a program to allow you to upload and download
files to read at your leisure for maximum efficiency.  In addition to the
bulletin board Fibernet provides access to several Usenet newsgroups as well
as lots of fiber-related software available for downloading - includinf
freeware, shareware and demos of commercial products.

For a packet of information about FiberNet send a SASE to Ron Parker, Rt. 1,
Box 153, Henning, MN.  If you send him $5.00 and the details about which
computer you use, he'll send you a disc with the off-line reader and other
good stuff on it.  If you have any questions, his voice line is (218)
583-2419, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. central time.

Fibernet is echoed on two satellite nodes: Alaksa Pirate Society in
Anchorage, AK at 907-248-9364 and 9365, sysop Patti Johnson; and
Some Sunny Day BBS in Connersville, IN at 317-825-5044, sysop Steve
Read.  Both BBSs accept calles at up to 14,400 bps

>>New Info
Fibernet BBS is happy to announce a new node in the San Francisco Bay
Area.  It is The Kitchen Table BBS, Rachel Holmen, sysop, and can
be called at 510-547-7747.  The Fibernet messages are in message
areas 21 and 22.

The Kitchen Table joins the following net nodes:

The Alaska Pirate Society BBS, Anchorage, AK at 907-562-9364 and 93565

Some Sunny Day BBS, Connersville, IN at 317-825-5044

The Funny Farm BBS, Lake Villa, IL at 708-548-2576

The above nodes and Fibernet at 218-583-4337 have to be dialed direct
via modem.  Sorry, no Internet access.


There is a BBS called Arachne's Web in Alexandria, VA.  The sysop is Karl
Weiss, and they handle up to 2400 baud.  The phone number is 703-765-1288.
Arachne's Web is free.

The Seattle Textile Computer Users Group publishes a newsletter called
"Fiberbits", where they review software available for all types of textile
work - sewing, cross stitch, knitting, quilting, weaving, you name it.  As of
1994, the subscription price may be $18/year.
    Fiberbits
    P. O. Box 17506
    Seattle, WA  98107

There is a listserv maillist called CRAFTS-L available from BIGVAX.ALFRED.EDU.
For more information you can send the command "HELP" in the *body* of a mail
message to [e-mail].

Teri Miller ([e-mail]) runs a maillist for discussions relating to
owning and running a crafts business.  This includes discussions of how to
start a business, and information from people who have already started their
own businesses.  Short ads are welcome here.  Contact Teri if you're
interested in joining.

Historic Costume Maillist:
     Contact:  [e-mail]
     Purpose:  This list concentrates on recreating period clothing, from
     the Bronze age to the mid-20th Century.  Its emphasis is on accurate
     historical reproduction of clothing, historical techniques for
     garment construction, and the application of those techniques in
     modern clothing design.  Other topics appropriate for discussion
     include adapting historical clothing for the modern figure, clothing
     evolution, theatrical costumes, patterns, materials, books, and
     sources for supplies.

Vintage Clothing And Costume Jewelry Maillist:
     Contact:  [e-mail]
     Purpose:  The purpose of this list is to discuss existing vintage
     clothing and vintage costume jewelry, of all eras, but especially
     existing Victorian vintage through to the Sixties.  "Existing" is the
     key word here, and conversations concentrate on how to find such
     clothing and jewelry, where to buy it, how to judge its quality, how
     much to pay for it, how to wear it, etc.  Some restoration topics,
     such as how to use parts of damaged goods in other garments or
     jewelry settings are suitable topics too.  Announcements for estate
     sales, advertisements for sale or wanted, and pointers to shops are
     all welcome on this list.

Fantasy Costume Maillist:
     Contact:  [e-mail]
     Purpose:  This list concentrates on the creation of fantasy costume
     of all eras:  past, present and future.  The imagination is your only
     limitation.  Discussions concentrate on design, motivation and
     execution of fantasy clothing, costume, or wearable art.  Suitable
     topics include techniques of abstraction, theatrical costumes,
     serious Halloween and Mardi Gras costumes, mythological and other
     non-factual historic-type costumes, incorporating mixed media,
     creative and motivational forces, using and finding patterns,
     materials, books, and other sources for supplies.



2) Where can I get material for outdoor gear?

The Rain Shed
707 NW 11th
Corvallis, OR  97330
[phone]
- Also carries reflective fabric and patterns for windsocks.

The Green Pepper
3918 West First Avenue
Eugene, OR  97402
[phone]
- Also carries neoprene fabric.

Frostline Kits
2512 W. Independent Avenue
Grand Junction, CO  81505-7200
(800) KITS-USA
- Also carries down, and down kits.

Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics
2511 Latah Drive
Nampa, ID 83651
[phone]
- Will do wholesale prices if large purchase.

Mountain Mend
1580 Canyon
Boulder, CO
[phone]
- No additional information.

Seattle Fabrics
3878 Bridge Way N
Seattle 98103
[phone]
- canvas, gor-tex, polarplus, etc.

Daisy Kingdom
134 NW 8th
Portland, OR
[phone]
800-234-6688 or 503-222-3817; FAX [phone].
$2.00 for nursery/craft catalogue.
Mastercard, Visa, UPS an Fed Ex.
- They sell outdoor fabrics and also patterns. They
do sell by mail order.

Sewing Sampler Productions
PO Box 39
Springfield, MN 56087
[phone]  or [phone]
- Nylon Supplex

Sew Natural Fabrics by Mail
521 Essex Drive
Lexington Park, MD  20653
<<phone numbers unknown>>
- Ultrex (breathable waterproof microcoated supplex for raincoats, etc)
$2 catelog includes swatches.

Narain's Outdoor Equipment
Berkeley, CA
[phone]
- They are in Berkeley next door to REI.  They carry Gore-tex,
but they are not mail order.

Malden Mills
Lawrence, Mass
[phone]
- Near Mass/NH border.  Factory outlet store with large
discounts on PolorPlus (Synchilla) and PolarLite.  Open Tues,
Thurs, Fri only 10-6.  No Mail Order!


In England:

Pennine Outdoor        Tel: [phone]
Yew Tree Mills        Fax: [phone]
Holmbridge
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD7 1NN
Great Britain

They also export cloth, etc; export price list available on request.
They also sell a few patterns for outdoor clothing, zips and other sewing
notions.


Tor Outdoor Pursuits
3 Fryer Sreeet
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 1ND

They are both good and the service is rapid.  Pennine have slightly more
variety and are somewhat more expensive.


In Canada:

Textile Outfitters Inc.
(see question 6) below)


Books and Articles:

Article by Rochelle Harper in Threads #25 (Oct/Nov 1989) on making a copy of a
Patagonia jacket.

Article in Threads #19 about different water resistant fabrics.  Also
discusses copying a London Fog raincoat.

Artile in Threads #46 about making a mid-weight raincoat with a zip-out lining.

_Sew and Repair Your Outdoor Gear_ by Louise Lindgren Sumner, published by the
Mountaineers, copyright 1988, $14.95 (paper) ISBN 0-89886-057-1.

An article in Sew News July 1991 about sewing boat covers mentions three
books: _Big Boat of Boat Canvas_, _Complete Canvas Workers Guide_, _Canvas and
Rope Craft_.  Available from:
    Northwest Sewing
    Box 25826
    Seattle 98125-1326


For making windsocks the following is also available from Daisy Kingdom:

Let's Make Windsocks
By Valerie J. Lund
Copyright date 1989
ISBN 0-9622405-0-8

Central Coast Creations
P.O. Box 3643
San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93403

Fabric for kite making from the FAQ for rec.kites.
  Into the Wind, 1408 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO  80302
  Go Fly a Kite, P.O. Box AA, East Haddam, CT  06423
  Hang-Em High Fabrics, 1420 Yale Avenue, Richmond, VA  23224
See the FAQ in rec.kites for many more recommendations about books and sources.



3) What's the best brand of sewing machines or sergers?

This question comes up frequently and there are many many answers.  This
summary mentions some of the names that have come up repeatedly, it is not an
exhaustive list.

For sewing machines, Bernina, Pfaff and Elna are all considered top of the
line sewing machines.  However the top of the line new machines start in the
$1500+ range (with list prices typically more) which puts them out of reach of
many non-professionals.

Note that many high-end dealers are willing to "bargain" with prospective
buyers so it can be helpful to shop around and carefully compare packages,
particularly in large cities that have substantial competition.  (The process
is often compared with the sort of "dealing" that is typical when purchasing a
new car.)  Because the margins can be very high, sales or special deals may
have discounts as high as 50%.

For people with a much lower budget a number of people have recommended the
Bernette or Pfaff Hobbymatic.  In the medium range Viking/Husquevarna has been
recommended several times.  Also a number of people have spoken highly of the
New Home machines (e.g. the Memory Craft 7500 and 8000) which tend to be as
much as $600 cheaper than the comparable Bernina, Pfaff and Elna models yet
have almost as many features.

Sew News has a regular column that includes reports about different sewing
machines and sergers. The June/July 1991 issue of Threads includes an article
discussing a reader's survey.  This article discusses the best machines
available under $300 and buying a used machine.  The Novemeber / December 1991
issue of Vogue Patterns lists many of the features of the high end
computerized sewing machines, including machines from Baby Lock, Bernina,
Necchi, New Home, Pfaff, Singer, Viking and White.  This article is a good
place to start when comparing the high-end machines.  The October / November
1992 issue of Threads includes an article explaining the differences between
mechanical, electronic and computerized sewing machines.

Many people favor buying a high end used sewing machine, particularly the
1950's and 1960's Singers (model 400 and 500 series) or a used Bernina, Pfaff
or Elna.  You can often purchase these from dealers in any reasonably large
city.  For example, I purchased a Singer Model 400 from the early 1960's for
about $150 in Seattle in 1990.  The older machines usually don't have
specialty embroidery stitches, but they often are extremely well made and sew
well with a wide variety of material.  Machines made in the 50's and 60's may
not have a stretch stitch; you may need to use a zig-zag when sewing knit
materials or activewear.  If you sew alot of clothing, pay particular
attention to the buttonholer on the used sewing machine.

A serger is a machine that produces a number of special stitches.  Some people
use the name "overlock machine" instead of "serger"; they are equivilent.  If
you look at the inside leg seam on a pair of commercial pants you will
usually find a seam that has been finished with a zig-zag like stitch that
binds the edges of the seams.  This seam was produced with a serger.

A serger is useful for many tasks, including a) sewing and finishing a seam in
one step, b) sewing knits (sergers naturally produce stretch stitches), c)
making a small, neat, rolled edge on items like table cloths, napkins, or
simple curtains and d) sewing *very* *very* quickly!  People who have sergers
often swear by them.  You cannot *replace* a sewing machine with a serger
since a serger can never do things like buttonholes and is not really
appropriate for tasks like topstitching or tailoring.

Home sergers are a fairly new invention; they've been available since the mid
1970's and have gained popularity rapidly since the mid-80's.  There have been
many changes in home sergers in the past few years.  In addition to the
high-end brands mentioned for sewing machines, many people have been happy
with Babylock, Hobbylock, or White sergers. The April / May 1992 issue of
Threads (#39) includes an article comparing many high-end four and five thread
sergers.  The June / July 1992 issue of Threads includes a number of letters
with additional comments about sergers.  The Winter/Holiday 1991 issue of
Butterick has a feature story on sergers, including an extensive comparison
chart.  Sew News regularly has articles about different models of sergers.

Each year Sew News publishes a chart that compares the features of some of the
most common brands of sewing machines or sergers.  The charts are available by
sending $2.00 for each chart (sewing machines or sergers) and a legal-sized
SASE to
    Sew News Machine Chart
       or
    Sew News Serger Chart
    Box 1790
    Peoria, IL 61656

For a phamplet entitled "Serger Update: What to Buy and Why --- A Generic
Guide to Buying or Upgrading" as well as the "1993 Serger Comparison Chart",
send $5 and legal-sized SASE with 58 cents postage to
    Sew News Serger Package
    Box 1790
    Peoria, IL 61656

These charts are somewhat limited. The following comments are based on the
1991 chart for sewing machines. Each chart is updated every other year.  The
chart is a single piece of paper 22"x17" and it contains a checklist of
several sewing machines and their features.  There is no "rating" along the
lines of Consumer Reports.  There is no manufacturer suggested list price.
The chart includes a selection of the most common machines, but only several
models from each company; many models and manufacturers are not listed.  The
1991 chart includes the following features in it's checklist: number of
stitches, max stitch width, automatic needle stop, # needle positions,
disengage feed dogs, reverse stitching (instant or continuous), buttonhole
styles, buttonhole making system, slow speed option, needle threader, basting
max length, low bobbin indicator, number of characters in membory, number of
standard presser feet, presser foot indicator, alphabet, numbers, mirror-image
patterning, single motif patterning, pattern elongation, pattern reduction,
retractable cords, machine weight, limited warranty & special features.

I know of no source that really tests, rates and compares sewing machines
along the lines of Consumer Reports.  CR does rate sewing machines, but
usually emphasizes mid-level machines that often seem to be rated by
average-level home sewers. Most articles in textile magazines (and this FAQ!)
discuss and list features, but do very little comparison or evaluation.  You
may wish to ask sewing instructors about their favorite features on their
favorite machines.




4) What are the addresses of various places?

Note: Unless noted otherwise, all addresses and phone numbers are in the USA.

Publications:

Threads & Folkwear Patterns
Taunton Press
63 South Main Street
Box 355
Newtown, CT 06470-9959
1-800-888-8286
[phone]  (front desk: ask for ordering or subscription;
        for problems ask for customer service)
FAX: [phone]
$24/year in Jan 1992 for Threads, 6 issues per year; $2 for a Folkwear
catalog. Taunton publishes quite a few books, including several books that are
collections of Threads articles.

Ars Textrina:  The Art of Weaving
Charles Babbage Research Centre
P.O .Box 272, St Norbert Postal Station
Winnipeg, Manitoba
CANADA  R3V 1L6
Research journal of white papers pertaining to textiles including history of
textiles, study of textile machines, economics in the textile industry,
anthropological studies, aesthetics, the use of textiles in the theature or
as a substitute for paintings, and textile conservation.
(for more information, you can email [e-mail])

Ornament
PO Box 2349
San Marcos, CA 92079-9806
1-800-888-8950
fax: [phone]
$25/year, 4 issues per year; $40 for 2 years


Piecework & Handwoven
Interweave Press
201 East Fourth Street
Loveland, CO 80537
1-800-645-3675
[phone]  8-5 Mountain time
- Piecework magazine, Handwoven magazine and another spinning magazine
(Spin-Off?).  Publishes quite a few books for weavers, spinners and dyers.


Sew News
PO Box 3134
Harlan, IA  51537-3134
1-800-289-6397
Subscription or problem with subscription: 515-247-7569; FAX: [phone]
Advertising or other concerns: 309-682-6626
$17.83/year in Jan 1992, 12 issues per year (no longer in newspaper style)


Textile Fibre Forum
The Australian Forum for Textile Arts
PO Box 38
The Gap
Queensland, Australia, 4061
Three times a year; Basketry, Papermaking, Knitting, Weaving etc. as well as
teaching and making a living in the crafts.


German Language Publications, Inc.
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Burda: $60/year, 12 issues; $6/sample issue.  A number of other Burda
magazines for sewing and knitting (including kids, full figure, etc).  Each
issue of Burda contains many (20+) patterns that you can trace and make.  The
pattern sheets were re-designed in summer 1992 for better layout and more
consistant sizes (e.g.  each pattern available in 4 or 5 sizes; several
patterns on a special "snip and sew" sheet, etc). The sewing directions are
somewhat terse with minimal illustrations; patterns do not include seam
allowances.  Send for a sample issue to see if you like the format.


Vogue Patterns
Altoona, PA 16603
Approx $14 for 6 issues; each issue includes a 2-for-the-price-of-1 pattern
coupon (plus $2 for shipping and handling)


Butterick Patterns
PO Box 569
Altoona, PA 16603
Approx $9 for 4 issues; each issue includes a 2-for-the-price-of-1 pattern
coupon (plus $2 for shipping and handling)


McCalls Patterns
PO Box 3325
Manhattan, KS 66502-9917
1-800-MCCALL
Approx $10 for 4 issues; each issues includes a free pattern coupon ($1.50 for
shipping and handling).


Sewing related notions:

Nancy's Notions
PO Box 683-BK5
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
Business Line: 414-887-0391
- Free catalog.  Runs specials on prices and shipping several times a year.
Check the order form and read the catalog to be sure to find the discounts.
Excellent, thick catalog.  Also sells and rents sewing videos.

Clotilde
1909 SW First Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315-2100
[phone]
[phone]; M-F 8:30 - 5:00 EST
- Catalog costs $2, but they offer it free during certain times of the year.
Great place to find tailoring notions.  Most prices are discounted 10-20%
under retail prices.

The Craft King
PO Box 90637
Lakeland, FL 33804
internet  [e-mail]
AOL   Craftking
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
- Free catelog. Contains craft supplies. (ie paint, fimo, canvas, yarn)

MicroComputer Accessories, Inc.
Los Angeles CA 90066
(A Rubbermaid Company)
-These folk sell those wonderful vacuum cleaner attatchments that are
so very useful for cleaning out sewing machines and sergers. There is no
name, just Vacuum Cleaner. It is electric, and comes with a long nozzle,
a nozzle tip brush and a general cleaning brush. It has a small collection
chamber lined with a filter, which collects the dust.

 The Perfect Notion
566 Hoyt Street
Darien, CT  06820
[phone]
- Catalog costs $1.  Has a good collection of helpful and hard to find
notions.  [As of April 1993, Perfect Notion may be for wholesalers only.  Call
before you order.]

Atlanta Thread and Supply Co.
695 Red Oak Road
Stockbridge, GA  30281
[phone]
[phone]
404-389-9115
FAX: [phone]
- Catalog is free.  Great supply of threads, especially of large serger cones.
Offers professional/industrial pressing equipment and sewing machines.  Hard
to find drapery notions.  Great if you sew for the home.

K. Gottfried, Inc.
959 North Main St
Providence, RI 02904,
tel:[phone]
fax:[phone]
-Ask for Emily.  They specialize in Imitation jewelry stones.  They have chez
and Swarofski crystals, findings for the backs, flat and regular.  Sell pearls,
beads, square, oval, heart, pendants, etc.

Thread Discount Sales
10222 Paramount Blvd.
Downey, CA  90241
[phone]
Fax [phone]
- No catalog, but offers free info sheets on heavily discounted sewing
machines, sergers and threads.  As of 1/92, machines are available only for
Calif residents (sorry!).  Thread available nationwide. Great if you want a
bargain.  Some industrial sewing machines available.  They also have a
few discounted Singer Sewing Reference Library books (Sewing with an
Overlock and Sewing Projects for the Home).  They also have a serger
carrying case and a mini vacuum attachment kit.

The Thread Shed
P. O. Box 898
Horse Shoe, NC 28742-0898
- cotton thread in large cones for quilting.  Many colors, 2000 and 6000 yard
spools.

Sewing Emporium
1079 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, CA  92010
[phone]
- Charges for their very thick catalog, but they'll sometimes send it
out free anyway (just ask!).  Excellent place to get all kinds of
pressor feet for your sewing machine.  They'll design and make any
pressor foot you can imagine.  Reasonable prices.  They also offer a
unique, giant cutting board set-up. Catalog costs $4.95 (Dec '93) and
contains a wealth of hints and tips on sewing.  The Sewing Emporium is a
source of large cutting mats at reasonable prices (they make their own)
and a source for just about any type of sewing machine foot and serger
foot.  Also has many, many sewing machine replacement parts and some
sewing furniture.


Stitch N Craft Supply
5634 W. MEadowbrook
Phoenix, Az.  85031
If you want the catalog, you must join the Club. It is $25.00 the
first year, less after that.  The catalog is a looseleaf notebook that is
chock full of goodies at discount prices.  I have yet to hear of anyone who
did not save the membership on the first order.  Please let them know you
saw them on the internet.

Sew/Fit Company
P.O. Box 397
Bedford Park, IL  60499
[phone] (order line)
[phone]
- various sewing supplies, including many pressure feet.

Home-Sew
P.O. Box 4099
Bethlehem, PA 18018-0099
Good source of general supplies and notions. Send 50 cents for their Sample
Club card. Carries some inexpensive entredeux and embroideries.

Speed Stitch
PO Box 3472
Port Charlotte, FL  33952
[phone]
- Catalog costs $3 and it hasn't been reprinted since 1989.  An excellent
source for machine embroidery products, though.

Home-Sew Canada Inc.
Box 87
St Hubert, Quebec
J3Y 5S9
Tel: [phone]
They have tons of laces, notions, some books, craft supplies. Worth it if
you buy in large quantities. They also have bargain assortments.

Canadian Serging & Sewing Notions
11 Mayfield Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M6S 1K5
Tel: [phone]


Fabrics:

Britex Fabrics
146 Geary
San Francisco CA  94108
415-392-2910
- LARGE collection of fabrics; will send swatches for mail order for
$5.

G-Street Fabrics
11854 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: [phone]

or their new location in Virginia:
5077 Westfields Blvd
Centreville VA 22020
Phone: [phone]
- LARGE collection of fabrics; will send swatches for mail order.

Field's Fabrics by Mail
1695 44th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
- $4 for catelog refundable with first order. Large selection of knit
and woven fabrics for uniforms.

Foxglove Fabric Finders
709-810 Broadway
Vancouver BC
V5Z 4C9
Tel: [phone]
$20 for lots of fabric samples delivered 6 times/year. Some fabric is a
little expensive, they usually have a sale on selected fabrics. They also
sell limited notions.

Grasshopper Hill Fabrics
224 Wellington St.
Kingston, ON  K7K 2Y8
[phone]
1 800 361 8275
They will send you swatches twice a year.

Aardvark Territorial Enterprize
PO Box 2449
Livermore, CA 94551-0241
[phone]; [phone]
- Catalog $2 per issue or for $12 per year.  You get the next 4 issues "free"
with each order.  Huge collection of beads, embellishments, miscellaneous craft
supplies, tools, books.  The catalog includes many tips and alot of
interesting information.

Lacis
2982 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
[phone]
- supplies for lace and bobbin lace

Fabulous Furs
Donna Salyer
KT
800-848-4650
- Fake furs designed to be almost as nice as traditional furs. Also faux
leather and faux suede. The faux leather is so supple and has a bit of
stretch to it. I'm considering making a bikini out of it.

Linda's Silver Needle
Naperville, IL
1-800-SMOCK-IT
- visa, MC carries Pullen and Read 16 row pleaters, Sally Stanley and Amanda
Jane 24 row pleaters and a Read 32 Row Pleater.  Prices range from $95 - 159
with free shipping and handling.

Mother Nurture Apperal and Patterns
Resources for Breastfeeding and Beyond
916 Royal Blackheath Court
Naperville, IL 60563-2304
[phone]
- Catalog cost is $3.00  lots of info to help new moms too.  Nursing and breast
feeding patterns

Elizabeth Lee Designs,
Patterns for the Breastfeeding Mother
PO Box 696
Bluebell, Utah, 84007
[phone]
- Also lots of info and if you buy three, get one free

Great Fit Patterns-SN
2229 NE Burnside, Suite 305
Gresham, OR  97030
- Catalog $1, sizes 38-60

Better Pak
675 Dell Rd.
Carlstadt, NJ 07072
[phone]
- gridded pattern paper, the kind used in the garment industry.  In summer '92,
$39 +s/h for a 600 foot roll of 45" wide gridded paper.  Split a roll with your
friends!


Children's Fabrics
(NOTE: I found these in the advert section of Sew News. I've
had a few requests for OshKosh fabrics; so I've pulled these
as a starter.  If you have any other favorite children's fabric
sources, please email me the details and I'll include it.  Thanks!)

Sew Far Sew Good
848 Dodge Suite 105-S
Evanston, IL 60202
- $3 brochure with swatches. Advertised Disney, OshKosh fabrics.

The Sewing Room
RR2 Box 2015
E. Holden, ME 04429
- $2 catelog.  Advertised Disney, OshKosh fabrics.

Canadian Mail Order Supplies:

Fabric Magic Creations  - beading supplies
10846 - 132A Street     - they also have a video on how you can apply
Surrey, BC                beads using your sewing machine
V3T 3Y3
604-584-9446

A Great Notion Sewing Supply Ltd.  - two day delivery locally
13847 17A Avenue
White Rock, BC
V4A 7H4
604-538-2829 ; FAX [phone]

Textile Outfitters Inc.  - outerwear patterns, fabrics, and notions
318A - 10th Street NW
Calgary, AB
T2N 1V8
403-270-2155; FAX [phone]

Sundrop Outerwear Textiles Inc.
#140 1140 Austin Ave
Coquitlam, BC
V3K 3P5
604-936-5236

The MacPhee Workshop      - inovative outerwear patterns/fabrics/notions
- several locations,        they're into painting, appliques, furs, etc
  head office address is:
  RR 8
  Edmonton, AB
  T5L 4H8
  403-973-3516 ; FAX [phone]

Naturebound     - they sell outerwear/packs/sleeping bag kits with the
PO 1299           pieces cut out for you
Brockville, ON
K6V 5W2
613-345-5487; 1-800-267-5487

Mary Maxim        - needlework, knitting, crochet, plastic canvas,
75 Scott Ave        rug hooking, kits
Paris, ON
N3L 3G5
519-442-2266; FAX [phone]

Canadian Knitting Club  - yarns (yearly fee gets you all the latest samples)
427 Carnegie St
Campbell River, BC
V9W 6N5

Briggs & Little Woolen Mills Ltd.
York Mills, Harvey Station, NB
E0H 1H0
1-800-561-YARN (in canada); phone & fax [phone]


Supplies for Dyeing Fabric:

Pro Chemical and Dye
P.O. Box 14
Somerset MASS 02726
[phone]
1-800-2BUY-DYE
- Catalog is free. Dyes for cottons, wools, silks, marbling, painting,
silkscreen, batik, etc.  Batik wax and fabric.

Rupert, Gibbon and Spider, Inc.
P.O. Box 425
Healdsburg, CA 95448
[phone]
- free catalog. Scarf blanks, dyes, equipment, paints.

Dharma Trading Company
(handling inquiries for Brooks and Flynn who are no longer in business; 3/93)
[phone]
- many different silk fabrics: scarves, clothing and yardage.

Cerelean Blue
P.O. Box 21168
Seattle WA 98111
[phone]
206-323-8600; FAX: [phone]
- free catalog

Earth Guild
33 Haywood St.,
Asheville, NC 28801
1-800-327-8448
- almost all dye supplies, including Lanaset dyes. Competitive prices.
Catalog has useful information.

Test Fabrics
PO Box 420
Middlesex, NJ 08846
[phone]
- very wide selection of prewashed fabrics with no dyes or finishes.  Very nice
fabric, but somewhat expensive.

Thai Silks
252 State St.
Los Altos, CA 94022
[phone] (in CA 800-221-7455)
415-948-8611
FAX: [phone]
- Large selection of silk scarves for dyeing.  Also other types of (colored)
silk fabric for sewing!

Exotic Silks
1959 Leghorn Street
Mountain View, CA 94043
800-845-SILK
415-965-7760; FAX: [phone]
- Low prices; discounts for orders over 15 yards of a single fabric.  Some
(all?) orders require a $100 minimum per order.  I believe this is the
wholesale arm of Thai Silks.  If you do not have a business you might not be
able to order from Exotic Silks.



Sources For Books, including Out of Print Needlework Books:

Hard-To-Find-Needlework-Books
Bette Feinstein
96 Roundwood Rd.
Newton MA 02164
[phone]
- Used books in a wide range of textile subjects.  Some remaindered books, but
most of the books are used.  Sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting, etc.
Catalogs for specific crafts are available one or two times a year.


Wooden Porch Books
Lois Meuller
RT1 Box 262
Middlebourne, WV  26149
- Charges $3 for next 3 catalogs.  Used books I believe.


R.L.Shep
Box 668
Mendocino, CA 95460
- 1990-91 catalog has 1000 items.  $2.50 catalog.  Books, magazines and
reprints.  Books related to the costume and textile arts, including out of
print and hard to find books.  Shep has also reprinted a number of older
clothing books, including a couple of books of patterns for Victorian and
Edwardian clothing.  Catalog warns that Shep is sometimes slow at shipping; I
believe it suggests 4-6 weeks to fill orders.


Unicorn Books
1338 Ross St
Petaluma, CA  94954-6502
1-800-289-9276 (1-800-BUY-YARN)
707-762-3362; FAX: [phone];
Hours (as of 3/93): 9am - 5pm Pacific Std Time, Mon - Fri
- Includes basketry, business of crafts, color, costume, dyeing, embroidery,
fabric decoration, fashion, history, ethnic, hand and machine knitting, lace
making, quilting, spinning and weaving, tailoring, pattern drafting, plus even
other stuff. A 48 page catalog of closely-typeset descriptions (newspaper
style), all of fiber-related books.  As of 1992 there appear to be separate
catalogs one each for sewing- and weaving- related crafts. Unicorn has
reasonable return policies, cheap shipping, and extensive descriptions.  Most
(all?) of the books are new, but many of the books are no longer listed in
Books In Print and are difficult to find elsewhere.  There are rarely discounts
given.


Purchase for Less
231 Floresta
Portola Valley, CA 94028
- $2 for catalog.  Current sewing and textile books heavily discounted.


Dover Publications
31 East 2nd St
Mineola, NY 11501
- Dover reprints older books that are no longer covered by the original
copyright.  Most of Dover's books are low-priced paperbacks.  You may wish to
request the Needlework Catalog and the Pictorial Archive Catalog.


Taunton Press
(see address above)


Interweave Press
(see address above)



Discontinued Patterns:

Sandra Betzina notes that most pattern companies retain copies of their
patterns for about a year.  You can check with your fabric store or call the
pattern companies to check their discontinued stock.
    Vogue and Butterick              814-943-5281
    McCalls                 212-880-2624
    Simplicity, Style and New Look         1-800-223-1664
    Simplicity                1-800-334-3150
    Burda discontinued patterns are not available


EZ Patterns
118 Florence Ave
Evanston IL 60602
See comments in "Questions" column in June/July 1992 Threads (#40). EZ
Patterns buys and sells discontinued patterns.  Send them the pattern number,
company name, sizes and a brief description or sketch.  Note that pattern
numbers are reused, so you'll need to include the name, number AND
description!  If you know the year of issue and/or original price this will
help.  EZ Patterns discourages sending in a request without a pattern number.

Several people have mentioned checking Thrift Stores and estate sales for
old patterns.

For out of print Folkwear patterns, Taunton Press recommends that you call or
write to:
    The Yardstick
    P.O. Box 912
    Ketchem, Idaho  83340
    [phone]
or
    Two Bobbins Full
    323 Main Street
    Polson, Montana  59860
    [phone]
and include pattern info.  Apparently both places say they have a "drawer
full" of old Folkwear patterns.


See also:

The New Fiberworks Sourcebook by Bobbi A. McRae. copyright 1993 by
Fiberworks Publications. ISBN 0-944577-06-7  320p. $15.95 + shipping
Available from the publisher:
        Fiberworks Publications
        P.O. Box 49770E
        Austin, TX 78765
    (512)  343-6112
Mail order sources for all types of fibers and crafts, including weaving,
spinning, dyeing, knitting, basketry, quilting, basketry, sewing, paper
making, etc.

The Fabric and Fiber Sourcebook by Bobbi A. McRae.  copyright 1989 by Taunton
Press.  ISBN 0-942391-18-7 $12.95.  Out of print.  See New Fiberworks
Sourcebook (above) which is the latest edition of this book.


The Quilter's Catalog by Vicki Brooks and Linda Stokes. Copyright 1987 by The
Main Street Press. ISBN 1-55562-003-5 $12.95
- Often available as a remaindered book.  This book contains lots of sources
for quilters, but the info in it is getting a bit dated.


Designer Source Listing: $19.95 (ppd) from:
    Carikean Publishing
    Box 11771
    227 E. Ontario St
    Chicago, IL 60611-0771
    312-728-6118
Sections include Beads, Books, Buttons and fasteners, Feather fur and leather,
Notions, Labels and tags, Laces and lacemaking equipment, Millinery supplies,
Paints and dyes, Patterns, Services, Software, Threads and yarns, Video,
Workshops and seminars.  I have not personally reviewed this book and I do not
know when the current edition (Vol IV) was published.

Look through the ads in Sew News or the back of Threads.


5) What are the best periodicals and sources for Heirloom Sewing (also known
   as French Hand Sewing) projects?

Heirloom sewing beganas an attempt to recreate some antique clothing, usually
the white dresses with lace inserts all over the place.  There are many new
patterns available. You use fine, lightweight fabrics like cotton voile or
batiste, silk, or the "baby" wale corduroy.  You add ruffles made from fine
imported French laces, and maybe a touch of delicate hand embroidery. Bullion
knot roses and shadow embroidery are very popular.  About half the patterns
have smocking on them, usually on the yoke of a dress.

It helps to have a good sewing machine, that can handle delicate fabrics and
do some fancy stitching. Originally heirloom sewing was all done by hand (e.g.
French Hand Sewing) but there are several books out now on how to do it by
machine. Using a machine is a slow process, but it is faster than doing the
work by hand.

Periodicals Recommended:
    Sew Beautiful
    Subscription Dept. 518
    Madison St.
    Huntsville, AL 35801-4286
    (205)-533-9586

    Creative Sewing
    Box 99
    Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
    1-800-443-3127

Both of these publications cover heirloom sewing, and also include other types
of sewing techniques. Lots of how-to articles and inspirational photos. Both
also include one or more free patterns bound into each issue.  The Singer
Reference Library book _Decorative Machine Sewing_ includes a section on
Heirloom Sewing.


Mail Order Sources for Fabrics, Laces and Supplies:

    The Unique Needle
    539 Blossom Way
    Hayward, CA 94541
    415-727-9130
    Rumor has it she has a mailing list.

    Sweet Child of Mine        or    Sweet Child of Mine
    139 East Fremont Avenue            3720 Miramesa Ct. Bldg 116
    Sunnyvale, CA 94087            Santa Clara, CA 95051
    408-720-8426
    Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed from 11-4:30; Sat. 12:30-3:30 pm

    Home-Sew
    P.O. Box 4099
    Bethlehem, PA 18018-0099
    carries some inexpensive entredeux and embroideries.  Might be good for
    practice for someone who is just embarking on heirloom sewing.


Nancy's Notions (address above) sells entredeux.
Carolea's is a well known place in Sunnyvale, California, but the laces
    and entredeux there can be a bit more expensive than mail order
    sources.

For patterns for clothing for the American Dolls from the Pleasant Company:
    Fancywork and Fashion
    4728 Dodge Street
    Duluth, MN  55804
    [phone]
    $2 for catalog

A nice nightgown pattern called "Julie's Gown" is available from:
    Susan Oliver
    A Work of Heart Studio
    P.O. Box 1477
    Nevada City, CA 95959
    [phone]

Also check some of the speciality pattern companies such as Campbells (see the
FAQ on historical costuming).


6) Where can I get natural fabrics by mail order?

Sewing Sampler Productions
PO Box 39,
Springfield, MN 56087
[phone]  or [phone]
Retail and mail order. $3.50 UPS shipping charge (USA) per order.

Regular line of Cotton Club interlock and French Terry (100% Cotton) with
matching ribbing. Excellent quality; seems to equal Hanna quality. Interlock
and French Terry are $9 yd (1992); supplex is 5.50/yd. They carry Oshkosh and
Healthtex fabrics as well as notions like snaps, collars and woven patches.

Three catalogs (basics, fashion fabrics, kids). Two swatching services for $10
each.  Several newsletters also.  Please mention me (Grace Sylvan, Lewiston
Drive, San Jose, CA) if you decide to subscribe to the swatching service (and
I get a small credit, thanks to you, and you get wonderful swatches delivered
to your door).


Sew Natural Fabrics by Mail
521 Essex Drive
Lexington Park,  MD  20653
[phone]

This company was recently bought out by new owners.
Their catalog with swatches will be available in January
1995 for $2.


Cotton Express
P.O. Box 221
Apex, NC  27502
[phone]

I have ordered from Cotton Express a couple of times.  Their fabrics
are nearly exclusively 100% cotton (*always prewash* -- I do it 2 or 3
times), and after I sent for samples and then made one purchase they
continue to send me samples on a regular basis.  They have interlocks,
lingerie jerseys, polo jerseys, cotton mesh, French terry ($6.50/yd
last mailing), fleece (100% cotton!), corduroy. Ribbings are of
cotton/lycra and cotton/poly.  If you see something you like, order it
right away -- their stocks are not huge.


The Sewing Room
Rural Route 2, Box 2015
East Holden, ME  04429
1-800-275-3822

I recently sent for their swatch set.  They have OshKosh and Healthtex
fabrics, and they suggest coordinating fabrics and ribbings available
from them.  Interlocks (50/50) are 7.25/yard, OshKosh print corduroy
is $7.95/yard.  100% cotton interlock is $7.25/yard.  These are
examples from the swatch set I just received.  They have sale items in the
back, about 15% off.




7) I've just been given my Great Grandmother's sewing machine.  Can anyone
help me fix it or restore it?

> Gosh, the machine I have must be about 60 years old.  It's a
> treadle machine that has been motorized.  I do not know if I
> want to remove the motor or not.  Also, the veneer on the
> cabinet is in pretty bad shape.  I'm going to have it replaced.
> Do you have any suggestions?

Well, first of all, anything you do to the machine lessens its
value as an antique (so I was told) so the first thing to do is
to decide whether you want the antique value of the machine or
just a really nice, spiffy looking treadle.

In my case I wanted a really nice, spiffy looking treadle that
could double as my everyday sewing cabinet and also be a nice
showpiece.  I don't care about the supposed antique value.  My
Grandmother had abused her treadle and it had been stored for 40
years in my Dad's workshop so you can imagine what it looked
like!  Gouged, paint-splattered cabinet, dust everywhere, rusted
grill work and the head was covered in black grime.

The first thing I did was take lots of photos of it from all
angles so I would know how to put it back together after taking
it apart.  Next I took it apart.  Then I used very mild paint
stripper (3M special gel-type) to remove the varnish from the
cabinet pieces and the paint from the iron grill work.

I should state right now that you should TEST ALL CHEMICAL YOU
PLAN TO USE ON THE MACHINE IN AN INCONSPICUOUS PLACE FIRST!!  The
paints and varnishes of yesteryear are quite different from those
that exist today.  Often today's stuff is far too strong for
those old finishes to handle.

After removing all the paint, I washed the whole thing off with a
water-dishsoap mixture and rinsed it all thoroughly.  Then I
dried everything and let the grill work ``age'' for a few days
(lets the iron ``set'' properly).  Then I spray painted the iron
work with a rust protector followed by a black acrylic gloss.  I
then sanded the cabinet and ``varnished'' it with a cherry wood
urethane.

I should mention that most veneers in those days were cherry wood
veneers, whereas most today are of oak.  Cherry wood is very
expensive these days so you might have problems replacing the
veneer.  I filled in small holes with wood filler and large ones
with a combination of glue, wood chips and wood pieces and sanded
carefully.

Now for the machine head:  I should put in here that whatever you
do, DON'T clean the machine head with alcohol!!!!  The old paints
and varnishes that were used at that time are very sensitive to
alcohols and such.  DON'T USE THEM TO CLEAN YOUR MACHINE!!!

I used wd-40 to work through the top layers of grime.  Boy was I
surprised to find gorgeous gold decals of phoenix's rising from
the ashes and such.  I VERY GENTLY scrubbed away the rest of the
grime using water and dishwashing soap.  I let the whole thing
dry for two days and then covered the head (brushed on) with
several coats of future floor polish.  Then I oiled the heck out
of the insides using sewing machine oil.

Voila!  A mear 4 months later (and I thought it was going to be a
weekend project! :-) it looks gorgeous!  Of course the antique
lovers are horrified but I'm very, very happy with the project.

Now, if you want to keep the antique value of your machine you
are going to have to take a different tact:  immediately go to
the library and get as many books as you can on restoring
antiques.  Talk to antique dealers.  Etc.  This is what I did at
first and is what helped me decide that keeping the antique
``value'' was too much work and bother.  It can be very rewarding
for the right person and the right project, but it just wasn't
for me.

Singer Service Centers actually still do repair and restore
antique machines -- the _real_ service centers (the ones run by
Singer, not the ones running in back of a sewing store) have to
service and repair all machines made by Singer, not just the
current batch.

As for whether or not to remove the motor:  most early treadles
were indeed ``motorized'' aftermarket.  That's how the first
machines were ``upgraded'' so the owners didn't have to go out
and buy one of the ``new'' motorized ones and junk their old
machine.  You'll have to look at the job very carefully as
removing the motor and restoring the machine back to its
treadle state might not be as easy as you think.  That's where
pictures and information about the original machine would help.

> Are there any books on this stuff?  My treadle doesn't have a
> manual.  Is there anything I can do?

Singer Company itself can get you a copy of the original manual
if you know the model number.  Not a catch 22 like you think; a
call to your local Singer Service Center and a brief description
of the machine results in a model # in most cases (for example,
the woman in charge asked what kind of bobbin my machine used and
how it loaded (front or side of machine) and from that said ``oh,
you have a #128 vibrating shuttle model.''  The charge for an
owner's manual is generally around $4.  Singer can be reached at
1-908-287-0707 to get the number of the offical service center
nearest you. (In Canada call [phone].)

You can also look in the library for books about old sewing
machines.  There's a book available through the Santa Clara
County Library (Cupertino branch) called _Machine Sewing_ by the
Singer Sewing Machine Co. and published in 1923 and updated to
contain all Singer machines through 1938.  It tells you
everything you'd ever want to know about those machines and their
attachments.  Get it on interlibrary loan if you're interested.
(Santa Clara County library system, Cupertino branch, Card
catalogue # 646.21 SINGER)


8) Where can I hook up with people to exchange quilt blocks?

Read rec.crafts.textiles.quilting.  They regularly have quilt block exchanges
as well as numerous tips on how to make the perfect blocks.


9) How do I hem jeans?
(thanks to Ingrid Verbree-Barnes)
(1) A good needle is important.  Some people even suggested needles
which are made specially for jeans and denim.  The size in No. 16.

(2) Flatten the humps with a hammer before you begin to sew.

(3) Prepare the hem differently. The three suggestions given for
this approach were: (i) Trim excess fabric away from the humps,
(ii) sew seam tape (or bias tape) onto the hem edge and fold this
under instead of denim, (iii) cover the raw edge with "Seams Great"
(a tricot nylon cut into thin strips) and complete the hem.

(4) Get a tool which raises the presser foot to the height of the hump
created by the seam.  Some suggested tools were: (i) a jean-a-ma-jig,
(ii) a jumper humper, (iii) a freebie from Nancy Zeiman of Oxmoor House
called a plastic point turner, (iv) cardboard, wood, plastic or folded
fabric placed under the presser foot.

10) What are available for children's sewing (ie patterns, fabrics, etc)?

Baby and Children's Pattern Catalog
Box 11693
Champaign, IL 61826
- $2 catalog refundable with first order. Buy four, get fifth one free. Includes
apparel, home decor, stuffed toys, nursing garment, and children's accessories.




11) What are the various patterns available? (paper, computer, services, other)

Paper
-----
Obibirim Fashions by Akweley
Box 44211
Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Offers patterns for traditional African clothing. Designed by Akweley
Ishangi. Reflect West African heritage and culture. Styles for men, women,
and children. For color brochure, send SASE size 10

Vogue Patterns
Altoona, PA 16603
Approx $14 for 6 issues; each issue includes a 2-for-the-price-of-1 pattern
coupon (plus $2 for shipping and handling)


Butterick Patterns
PO Box 569
Altoona, PA 16603
Approx $9 for 4 issues; each issue includes a 2-for-the-price-of-1 pattern
coupon (plus $2 for shipping and handling)


McCalls Patterns
PO Box 3325
Manhattan, KS 66502-9917
1-800-MCCALL
Approx $10 for 4 issues; each issues includes a free pattern coupon ($1.50 for
shipping and handling).

Folkwear Patterns
Taunton Press
63 South Main Street
Box 355
Newtown, CT 06470-9959
1-800-888-8286
[phone]  (front desk: ask for ordering or subscription;
        for problems ask for customer service)
FAX: [phone]
- $2 for a Folkwear catalog.

Computer
--------

Services
--------

Unique Patterns Design Limited
1-800-543-i-sew
- I saw their advertisment in a sewnews. I have called and will be
receiving information in the mail RSN. They have you get measured by
a professional (40+ measurements) which are then stored on their
computer. You can be remeasured as often as needed. Then you order
a pattern from their catelog. It gets printed on their 72" plotter
and mailed to you. So, in theory, it's pre-altered for you. More
as I get it.


Other
-----
BonFit

12) What are the best scissors? What are the rotary cutters? What
are the electric cutters?

Best Scissors
-------------
The best are really what works for you. Some commonly used scissors are
gingher, fiskars, and
Electric Cutters
----------------
Sew-Rite Pro Cut
- Electric rotery cutter that is cordless. Built in blade sharpener.
Tacony corporation. No review available. They claim that they're
available at ClothWorld, Fabric Centers of America, House of Fabrics
and Northwest Fabrics. Price seems to vary. One ad was 99.95. One
ad was $89 postpaid at Maryland Sewing Machine Center; 6280
Branch Ave; Camp Springs, MD 20748 (301-899-7200)



13) Where can I get an up to date copy of this FAQ?

There are three textile related FAQs that I maintain. The first concentrates
on general sewing questions and supply information and restoring antique sewing
machines.  The second list concentrates on costuming and historical clothing.
The third posting contains a list of books that cover sewing, fitting and
pattern drafting.

There are other FAQs available.  Please post a query to the newsgroup
asking about them.  There currently exists a Fabric Shop FAQ that I
know of.  There are numerous others available.

When looking for an FAQ list, first do the obvious and check the relevant
newsgroup for articles with "FAQ" in the subject line.  If you don't know how
to check articles marked as read, your sysadmin can tell you. Next, try the
group news.answers since this FAQ is crossposted there.  Again, your sysadmin
can tell you the commands to use in searching.

If you cannot find the FAQ on your system, you can retrieve a copy from
Jonathan Kamen's archive of periodic postings.  For general instructions on
the server, send email containing the commands "help" and "send index" (no
quotes, separate lines) to
    [e-mail]
For a list of all periodic postings that are archives in news.answers, email
the command "send usenet/news.answers/index" to the server.

via anonymous FTP:
Periodic postings including FAQs are archived at "rtfm.mit.edu" in the
directory "/pub/usenet". The textile FAQs are:
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/faq
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/crafts/historical-costuming
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/books/part1
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/books/part2

via email server:
The address of the server is [e-mail].  To retrieve files,
send email to the server with a blank subject and one or more of these lines
in the body:
    send usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/faq
    send usenet/news.answers/crafts/historical-costuming
    send usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/books/part1
    send usenet/news.answers/crafts/textiles/books/part2

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  /\ /\       |   [e-mail]   (Lara Fabans)
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  =   =       |Silicon Graphics Customer Support Division
    v         |
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