Sewing sustainably, 'making do', collars with collar stands and collars in one piece, and the risks of the Grand Parade

More often than not I choose fabric from my stash, not on adequate length, but on colour etc. Consequently I am often  faced with the dilemma of 'half finished cutting out', and 'a metre short'. This is usually a trigger for optimism as the ensuing creative solution is more often than not, reasonably  successful. Knowing you have used up bits and bobs of fabric is at least as satisfying as preparing a meal from the bottom of the fridge crisper!

There are several options to the 'short of fabric' dilemma.
1. Use offcuts with attention to matching stripes etc, to complete a project.

2. Use a contrast that suits.

3. Be creative and take risks. This was the ball gown that I ran out of curtain taffeta for.  I got away with the bottom inserts as I used piping to separate the two parts. The result probably improved the garment as it gave added interest in detail.

The Royal Easter Show was a great time to head the showground to see the best livestock, riders, produce and crafts. A day at the show requires boots and look alike RM Williams shirts. Although time consuming to make, it is such an advantage to master collars, cuffs etc and have several favourite shirt patterns.How often I hear the frustrated cry of 'You can't buy a tailored white shirt anywhere'.
Over the next few weeks we are making shirts, both men's and lady's ,in the workshops. The choices, patterns and detail are huge so I will use this blog to show alternatives.
Collars are probably the most difficult part of a shirt. You can simplify the process by using a pattern with a collar and collar stand all in one piece.

If the pattern is good, the result will be nearly as good as using a pattern with the collar stand separate.

Finally, a photo of the Easter Show highlight; the Grand Parade. I never tire of seeing the livestock parade in the main arena. Often primary school children capably leading cattle and beautifully turned out riders, traps, heavy horses and champion pigs. The occasions when a bull takes off are always a source of nervous mirth but it is great to see a situation where OHand S is kept to a realistic level.