I am SOOOOO in love with elastic thread!!!

[Kimberlina]

Had a really tough time finding it- finally found black (they were out of white) it the bead/jewelry-making section.

So this is just a boring old test piece.  I made it out of some of the yards and yards of material I have left from a bridesmaid dress I had to wear once upon a time.

It was supposed to be a shorter dress with straps, but I cut it long (accidentally) and now DD won't let me cut it shorter or add the straps.  She loves it the way it is, black elastic showing and all. It reminds me of something the women who sang on the Lawrence Welk show would have worn, LOL.  Just a few little areas where I should have straightened out the fabric, and now I know how to do it for the next time.

The elastic was SO easy to work with.  Now that I know how to use it, I will definitely be making a few things for DD and myself. I highly encourage anyone who hasn't tried shirring to just give it a try- although slightly tedious, it is uber simple.





BTW, does anyone know why some tutes tell you to steam the shirring after you are done?  I did, but I don't think it made any difference.

Also, I think next time, I will work from where I want the shirring to end up toward the top of the garment, instead of top to bottom, because it is looser when you first start.  Obviously, you want the top to be the tightest part so the garment stays up/doesn't reveal too much cleavage (though this isn't really a problem for DD, LOL.)  I may also try marking the middle of the desired shirred area and working outward in both directions to get a more even tightness.  Any thoughts???

[tuff_as_snails]

I have been wanting to buy some elastic thread ever since I saw vegbee's tute!  Now I REALLY want to do it!!!

Sorry no tips here, Im clueless!

Good job!

[wanna-be-goddess]

Great job! I too am in love with shirring. I have found that the results you get from steaming after you finish your garmet depends on the fabric itself. And maybe even the tension of your elastic thread.

[jasar31629]

Great job starting out!  It's always a plus when you finish and want to give it another go (versus burning the item and vowing never to do that again!). 

I haven't yet tried this though it's on my project list (in my head  ).  I have found the elastic thread though in the thread isle of Joanne's- usually next to the clear thread and such.  Maybe check there? 

Anyhow- props to you for expanding your repertoire of skills!