Page:A complete course in dressmaking, (Vol. 1, Introduction) (IA completecoursein01cono).pdf/120

 cloth or sponge will not shrink material sufficiently so that it can be properly handled in tailoring. Material that has not been properly shrunk is sure to shrink and pucker under the iron when pressing.

You will find several strips of muslin about three yards long a great help in keeping your work clean. For instance, if you stop working when a garment is half cut you can cover your cutting table with one of these pieces of muslin. The same thing applies to the machine.You need not always take the work out of the machine, but can throw the muslin over the machine to keep the work clean.

There are many good adjustable dress forms on the market, but you can make an ordinary form answer your purpose. If you are sewing just for yourself, buy a size as near your measurement as possible.

Make a muslin French lining that fits you and slip it over the form. If it is too loose at any point, pad it out.

If you are making a business of dressmaking, buy a medium size form and pad out muslin linings for larger sizes, making them detachable so you can slip them on and off the form.

The Fig. 61 gives an idea of the type of curved ruler to buy.