Blanket- Opinions?

[Mizelenius]

First of all, let me give a big THANK YOU, mamas, for the advice you've already given me. I'm new to this forum and new to the crafting/sewing world (read: clueless), so your advice has been invaluable and inspiring!

So, what do you get for a mom of (soon to be) three who has everything? I was thinking a silk blanket. I'm planning on dyeing a silk square myself, and then sewing on a backing of organic cotton fleece.

Here are my questions:
(1) Where is a (relatively) cheap source for organic cotton fleece? I've found some sites, but I wanted to make sure I'm getting the best deal.
(2) How hard is is to sew silk with a machine? I bought special pins for silk, but do I use a special needle for the sewing machine?
(3) Do I hem the cotton fleece first and then sew it to the silk, or do I hem/sew it to the silk as one step?
(4) Anything else I should know?

THANK YOU!

[kathryn5kids]

I'm a very new sewer so I couldn't answer any of those questions, however I can answer the what to get a mom who has everything? I have 5 kids and one more on the way, and I think your blanket idea is fabulous! I love personable gifts that you can pass on down.

[AahRee]

I'm not sure where to get organic cotton fleece, but I can say that sewing with silk is a pain. I'd go ahead and just sew the two together without heming either first, but I'd use a seam binder or something to ensure that the silk doesn't unravel. And be prepared for the silk to want to slip around all over the place while you try to sew it. It can be a real headache... but I think the end result will be worth it. The blanket idea is fantastic!

[Mizelenius]

Originally posted by AahRee
I'd use a seam binder or something to ensure that the silk doesn't unravel.

Thank you, mamas, for the responses! The good news is, I'm buying a silk scarf that is already hemmed . . .makes things a bit easier! (Someone posted this link on the playsilk thread: Silks Scarves ).

[Kari_mom]

I think this blanket sounds like a great idea! If I were sewing it, I would place the silk and the fleece wrong sides together, sew almost all the way around the edges about 1/4 inch from the edge, turn it inside out, then topstitch (sew again) about 1/2 inch from the edge, closing the opening with the top stitching and slip stiching the fold edge together. This will be very durable and easier than binding the edges.

Hints? Be sure to wash both fabrics and iron them before sewing, they are pretty much guarunteed to shrink, and they will shrink differently. Use a brand new sharp style, not ballpoint or knit style machine needle. A finer needle, which is a lower number, is better. Go slowly while sewing and watch for puckering and pulls in the silk. Try basting ( a loose running stitch by hand) before machine sewing to keep everything perfectly in place. If your stitches look funny, try adjusting the top tension. I hope this isn't too much information, I think silk is doable but definitely different than other natural fibers to work with. Using fleece for one side will make it easier, IMO.

Now I want to make one for my new baby coming in May! How are you dying your silk square? My friends and I are planning a big kool-aid dying party in February. Good luck with your project!

[Mizelenius]

Originally posted by Kari_mom
I hope this isn't too much information

Nope, not too much information at all! Like I said, I am VERY new to sewing, so the more information, the better. Very,very helpful-- thank you!

As for dyeing the scarf, I'm going to use Kool-aid, too. I've never done it before, so I got some small scarves to experiment with. Your dyeing party sounds like so much fun!

[OTMomma]

Here is a tip from my Grandmother when sewing with slippery fabrics like silk and satin: put a piece of tissue paper beween your layers of fabric while you are sewing- it helps to keep the silky fabric in place and it tears out of the seam pretty easy when you are done- just make sure to pull this out when you turn it right side out. I hope this makes sense. You might not need the tissue since you are sewing it to flannel, but you can try it if you need to. Good luck! This sounds like an awsome project!

[Katambra]

I would place the silk and the fleece wrong sides together

I think you mean right sides together. If you sew it wrong sides together and then turn it inside out, the wrong side will be facing out.
Kat

[Kari_mom]

Oops! You are right. Thanks for catching this mistake.