Comments for Clothing Engineer

Comment on Burda 4/08 #113: Cargo Pants Pattern by sagewillow

sagewillow — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:51:18 +0000

Please change your description to say Burda 4/08. I got really
excited at first because I do have the April 2007 issue, but not the
2008 issue. Now I’m bummed and I want to save someone else that
disappointment.

Comment on Burda 9/06 #114 by Jhon S

Jhon S — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:27:26 +0000

Oh! Great job!

Very interesting and actual post.

Thx, your blog in my RSS reader now

Comment on A Dry-Clean Only Cotton Shirt? by Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:32:01 +0000

That dry clean only label is a legal thing. Not everyone knows the
properties of fabrics or how to do laundry. If there is a “dry clean
only” label on the garment, both the manufacturer and the retailer are
protected from financial loss and nuisance lawsuits . If somebody
washes, say a rayon, garment in hot water and throws it in the dryer,
it will be ruined and she will return it to the store. More problems
for everyone. It’s easier to use a label which the dry cleaner, the
supposed expert, will understand.

I wash “dry-clean only” garments all the time, with no ill
effects…but…I know what I’m doing and I know I have no recourse
should I ruin something. I have only ruined one garment in 20 years and
it was cheap, so cheap it did not pay to dry-clean it!

I will wash some, but not all, wools I am about to sew, so that I
may wash them in the future, cashmere sweaters (gentle cycle with cold
water) with never a problem, light-colored silks (only if shrinkage is
not an issue) etc. I could go on. In the past people did dry-cleaning
in the backyard with gasoline. Old sewing books give instructions on
how to do it. A neighbor of my father’s blew up the back porch of the
house, doing this. We have safer solvents now!

I always dry-clean anything with a lining, anything tailored, dark
silks, anything made of multiple fabrics or with indeterminate trim.

In general, if you want to take a risk on washing a “dry-clean only”
garment which does not fall into the above categories, simply wash it
in cold water and hang to dry. You’re right, that shirt could most
likely be washed at home!

Comment on A Dry-Clean Only Cotton Shirt? by Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:00:37 +0000

It might also be that the manufacturer didn’t test their fabric for
shrinkage after washing, so they slapped on “dry clean only” to get
away with not testing.

Comment on Patrones Magazine by Christine

Christine — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:54:07 +0000

That is an outrageous price!!!!! Burda at $80/year isn’t looking so bad now lol

Comment on Wool Diaper Covers by Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:59:00 +0000

When I used cloth diapers on my children I had a few wool covers and
they were fabulous! Mine were made of felted wool jersey and were
my favorite diaper covers. They were nice and soft and kept the
wetness away from my children’s clothing. I also liked that they
were breathable and didn’t retain oders like the plastic ones do.
Plus they were super easy to care for - just hand wash and air
dry. Is this more than you wanted to know??? LOL

Comment on Working With Burda Magazine Patterns by Anne Kowalski

Anne Kowalski — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:42:30 +0000

Loriz - you’re welcome. I think you’ll really like the Burda
patterns. They have some of the most accurate and consistent drafting
around. The hardest part is working with the instructions! But once
you’ve got that down you’ll find that they are a pleasure to work with.

Comment on Working With Burda Magazine Patterns by loriz

loriz — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:45:22 +0000

thanks for the tips. I am just about to embark upon my first BWOF sewing adventure. Today I traced a bunch of patterns but haven’t yet added seam allowance. Baby steps!

I found your site by g00gling about the Sullivan tracing pencils.

Comment on Vogue V2904 by tami

tami — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 19:52:59 +0000

LOL! Oh Yeah! I concur!