Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pleating, Pleating and More Pleating

Making 4.5 yards of fabric fit a 28 inch waist isn't hard. It's time consuming, to say the least. And it's just gorgeous when it's done. How do you get 13-15 linear feet of fabric that small? Cartridge pleating!! 
There are several tutorials on youtube that show you how, but I learned from the costume diva of the Dickens' Fair, Ms. Liz Martin and company. When you have an evenly spaced plaid, it's easy and a thing of beauty.
I consider myself a near professional after pleating 7 skirts. LOL And now that I have attached two to the waist bands, I'm an intermediate there. LOL I have some seriously sore fingers since it's all hand work. If anyone really wants a tutorial, I'll make one, just let me know.

This is the pleating sans waistband

 Inside view of pleats tacked to waistband

                                 
                                        The pleats on the ''show" side of the waistband
 

Skirt showing how much fabric is really there. 13' 6"  length by 40" height

Not too shabby for a beginner!!!
Next time you need a period skirt, try cartridge pleating. Heck, use it on anything that needs a lot of volume in a small amount of space! it's a good thing!

Happy Sewing!!

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