Sew-Along #15 - Sketchbook Shirt + Shorts - Preparations

The Sketchbook Shirt + Shorts by Oliver+S

Before we begin the sew-along on Wednesday, July 9^th, you'll want to gather a few items and do a few things to prepare.

Items to Collect

1. You must have the Sketchbook pattern by Oliver+S to complete this project.  If you have not yet purchased it, please do so here.
2. If you do not have fabric for the project you will want to purchase that also.  At the time of this writing we do have a some fabric kits available.  We also have lots of fun fabric selections on our website.  
3. You will need coordinating thread to complete this project.  The project kits did not come with thread, so please make sure you have some.  
4. You will also need 3/8" or 1/2" buttons.  The kits did not come with buttons so make sure to have some on hand.
5. The shirt requires fusible interfacing.  The kits do come with fusible interfacing, so you are all set if you purchased or are purchasing a kit.
6. The shorts require 3/4" wide elastic.  The kits have the elastic included, so again, if you purchased or are purchasing a kit, you are good.
7. Spray starch will be helpful to have on hand for this project.  You can pick some up at any local grocery store.
8. And finally, you will need pins, a sewing machine, a good iron (a steam iron is preferable for sewing), a pair of fabric shears or a rotary cutter and mat, a ruler, and a fabric pen or chalk.  
   
   

Things to Do

1. Make sure to prewash and preshrink all of your fabrics.  I wash my fabrics on warm/hot and then I dry my fabrics in the dryer with no softeners.  I always preshrink this way when I am using fabric for clothing construction.  I would hate to work hard on something only to have it shrink and not fit when I was done.
2. Prewash your fusible interfacing to preshrink it.  This will prevent any wrinkles or waves that might arise when you launder your garment.  To prewash your interfacing simply soak it in a sink for about 5 minutes in very warm water.  You don't want the water too hot to avoid removing the iron-on finish, but you do want it warm enough to shrink the interfacing.  After soaking, just pat it with a clean towel and hang it to dry.
3. Press your fabrics well.  I try to do this straight out of the dryer so that the wrinkles come out easier.  
4. If you haven't already, join our Facebook Sew-Along Group so you can post your progress pictures.
   

Happy Sewing,

Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com