Hi! My name is Sue; I’m Judy’s sister. I love sewing too – have been sewing garments since 5th grade; actually a bit earlier, but started perfecting my skills in 5th grade Home Economics class. While I love quilts and anything made with brightly colored fabric pieces, I still steer toward clothing. LOVE LOVE LOVE looking at patterns. Right now I’m making a dress for myself for my daughter’s wedding on October 5. Everyone cross their fingers for me that it turns out BEAUTIFUL. Below is a picture of the pattern and fabric I’m using. The dress is the one on the left. The fabric is a brocade; it feels rich and “creamy”. It’s slightly heavy, but there are so many BEAUTIFUL designs and colors that I’d encourage you to try making something. Many look oriental; but they are not! Brocade Fabrics are from the Italian word for broccoli “brocatto”, or “embossed cloth”. It is distinguished by a secondary, non-structural weft pattern which creates a raised appearance similar to embroidery (“weft” is an over-and-under weave of fabric threads). Brocades can be made from Silk, Cotton, Rayon, Polyester or metallic synthetic fibers. Brocades often have striking floral, geometric or animal patterns woven into color-intensive backgrounds, sometimes with metallic highlights. I will comment on my progress with you here; to help you with tips or just to show off how the brocade dress will look! You can make a beautiful bag, or a scarf to accent a sweater, or a skirt without a complicated pattern – the fabric will sell its beauty on its own.
TIP: A brocade can look like it has a “nap”, though it’s smooth. Holding it in one direction may make it appear lighter, and holding it upside down may make it look darker. So determine which direction makes it look better to you, and cut everything in the same direction!
My Fabric and pattern –
