Use Old Fur Collar to Create New Look
Question: I have an old black coat with black fox collar and cuffs. I don’t think there’s much hope for the coat, but the fur still looks presentable. Any ideas for a fashionable use of the fur?--T.T.
Answer: Put your fur cuffs on your favorite pair of leather or knitted gloves, as illustrated here. This idea comes from Milan designer Keith Varty of Byblos, who uses the look to great advantage in his current fall-winter collection. Use your collar as is to fill in the necklines of winter coats and suits. If these suggestions seem more suited for someone who lives in colder climates, use your collar fur to create a peplum on a black velvet sheath dress, and sew your cuffs on your favorite black sweater.
Q: My husband has Alzheimer’s disease, and I’d like to start a home business so I would be able, financially, to care for him at home. I am an excellent seamstress, but I need to know where I can purchase beaded fabrics, wool blends, yarns for knitting and beads at wholesale prices. I also knit and crochet beautifully. Can you help?--S.Z.
A: The American Home Sewing Assn. is sponsoring a show Oct. 6-8 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Fabric, yarn and notions suppliers from all over the country will be present for this sewing show, and among those who may provide guidance will be Simplicity Patterns’ vice president Judy Raymond. In this way, you will be able to get an idea of what is coming up in the spring fabric market. In general, it is difficult for dressmakers to get things wholesale, because fabric suppliers do not want to handle the small orders involved. However, the suppliers of more expensive fabrics are more attuned to small orders and just might be able to help you.
Q: In a recent Clotheslines column, a reader was looking for double-face wool fabrics for use in making a winter coat. I am enclosing a brochure from a company I use frequently and a sample of the double-face wool coatings they offer. The company is called Leiters Designer Fabrics, and it carries fabrics and patterns as well as a tremendous variety of sewing aids. All these things are available from representatives who will come to your home on an appointment basis. The woman I deal with is Mary C. Strazdas, and she can be reached at (714) 528-8215.--A.C.
A: Strazdas reports that Leiters’ fabric selections include those used by European couturiers. The company also offers knitting yarns, bridal fabrics and patterns by Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, Simplicity, Folkwear and Bridal Elegance. S.Z. might also want to check out the Leiters offerings as she prepares for her own sew-at-home business.
Q: Please recommend a sewing book that will teach me how to fit pants correctly.--J.R.
A: Here are three books on the subject: “Pants for Any Body” by Palmer-Pletsch ($5.95), “Pants Fit for Your Figure” by Louise Bame ($9.95) and “Pants--Make Them Fit!” by Jane Shaner ($10). All can be ordered through Roberta C. Carr’s Sewing Tool Catalog, P.O. Box 1083, Los Altos, Calif. 94023.
