I can’t thank you all enough for the loads of helpful comments on my pressing dilemma, with the fabric that just wouldn’t crease! Of course I’ve now read several discussions about gabardine being hard to press.
In the end I was able to get it to work with a combination of your suggestions. I think the big winner, however, was Rebekah of St. Gemma’s Art & Needlework, who recommended a spray bottle with 2 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. In the past I remember reading that vinegar is useful for removing stubborn creases (like if you lower the hem of a skirt… not that a shortie like myself has ever had occasion to do that). I had no idea it was helpful for setting creases, too. Once I added that into the mix of techniques I was trying I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Behold.
Tools I used to get there:
- one part white vinegar in a spray bottle with 2 parts water
- my non-fancy iron set to wool and lots of steam
- a piece of wood as a makeshift clapper
- a press cloth
- understitching in some places (which didn’t end up helping)
- sticktoitiveness
Yeah, that last one was the most important. I first spritzed lightly with the vinegar and water. Then through a press cloth, I pressed, let the iron up and let it steam the fabric, pressed again, let the iron up again and let it steam the fabric, then pressed again. Then I held the block of wood down on the pressed seam for several seconds (the wood conveniently had a narrow side and a wide side), then let go and let the fabric cool down. I repeated where needed, which in the case of the facing was a few more times. Oh and yes—I tested this all out on a sample seam with scraps, first.
It’s not perfect, no, and there are other things that bug me about how this is coming together, but I can deal with all of them. I wasn’t going to be able to deal with a puffy facing and collar.
100 times better than it was before, don’t you think?!
Thank YOU for helping me get there!
Yay! Don’t you just love the rallying round of the sewing blogger community?!
It’s amazing!!
You are amazeballs! I detest ironing hehe xox
Oh boy, I’m right there with you on that. 🙂
That’s awesome!!! Maybe I will try it again. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! I am very, very impressed. When I first saw your dilemma, I did wonder if this was something you weren’t going to conquer. But you did it! (Plus, remind me not to buy gabardine any time soon…) I am so pleased to see this coming together. I wouldn’t know the two photos were of the same item. Good on you!
Honestly I really thought it would all be going in the garbage can! I’m tickled it worked out. And I’m totally not buying gab again soon, though I have some more stashed to work through…argh!
Yay! I’m doing a happy jig over here for you and am delighted that you found a solution. Merci for sharing this excellent tip with us. Filing it away in the ol’ memory bank for sure.
♥ Jessica
Wow! What an improvement! And what a great feeling when you are able to salvage something you thought was a lost cause.
Thanks Moe! I really can’t believe it worked.
Woo Hoo – it looks great!!! Based on your success, I am going to start putting my questions out there too. We’re just afew clicks away from so many talented, intelligent folks! Hooray!
Do! I’m so glad I thought to consult the sewing minds, I’m that much smarter for it, too!
Wow! I’m starting to think there’s nothing white vinegar can’t do! (I recently used it for the first time to clean my windows, and it was amazing!)
This dress is looking fantastic – really looking forward to seeing the whole thing!
That’s looking fantastic! Well done!
Wow! That looks great!
Thats a super-cute collar!
Thanks Bex! Honestly I wish the collar was a little bigger in the back because I fear it won’t stay down, but I’m just so happy it’s flat I don’t even care right now. lol
Are you going to tack it down? hehe
Fabulous! and much cheaper than the dry-cleaner!
You did it, great top. I just found that pattern at the thrift store, except it’s a long sleeve shirt. Now I have to figure out how to make it?
It looks wonderful! 🙂
good tips with the vinegar and water, must try and remember it.
But I must say your work really did paid off. 🙂
brilliant! and no need to buy a clapper now you have your handy piece of wood!
*gasp* WOW! Bravo on not giving up because it looks AMAZING!!!
WOOHOO! It looks a LOT better, and actually it looks really good NOT in comparison (even if it was a pain ;))
I am glad it worked out!
I love the outcome. It looks great!
I’m so happy to hear that the vinegar worked for you. Glad to help you out!
Looks great!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
It looks SO! GOOD! I really am in awe of you vintage seamstress ladies, this looks like something in a museum but it’s brand new! And even in the middle of a dilemma, look how well it turned out. Kudos! I’ll have to stuff that vinegar tip in my hints from Heloise (and Tasha and Rebekah) for later.
Wow, that top looks amazing! Love it!