From: fred@eng.umd.edu (David Young)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Rayon/Sand-washed Rayon
Date: 30 Aug 92 01:30:04 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: College of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park
Originator: fred@coke.eng.umd.edu

Hi everyone!

Since my last post about making bras I have had
the opportunity to use sandwashed rayon.

The following is in response to the postings on sandwashed
rayon, rayon, and plaid pants.

Two summers ago, I made some pants from tan and white glen plaid
rayon fabric.  I used a Vogue designer pattern which is no longer
available.    The pattern had  pleats, pockets, a waist band with
belt loops, a 'mock fly' front, and rather wide legs.

I cut one layer at a time, checking very carefully for straight grain
and proper plaid position.

I don't remember if I cut the front or the back first.  Then I cut
the pockets, the waist band and the belt loops.  I do remember
making mistakes and having to re-cut a pocket section to match.

I have the pants in front of me.  (I make no claims about the
correctness of my matching)  Here is how I matched the plaid:

1.  horizontal threads match at inseam and outside seam of leg.
2.  horizontal threads match at the crotch seam.
3.  horizontal and vertical threads match between the pocket and
the front leg.  It looks like a continuation of the front fabric.
4.  I placed the waist line seam in a 'light' area of the plaid, so
it isn't quite so obvious that the waistline seam is curved
relative to the grain of the fabric.
5.  I centered the plaid on the center back of the waist band.
(probably a waste of time)
6.  The crease in front follows the center thread of one of the
'dark' areas of the glen plaid.

I am very happy with the pants except for the fact that the rayon
seems to be wearing out faster than an equivalent wool.  Two
summers seem to have done them in.

Now, for the subject of sandwashed rayon.

I have made a slip-type dress out of the stuff, and some boxer
shorts for my boyfriend.

1.  the lovely sandwashed feel disappears when it is machine washed
and hung to dry.

2.  the sandwash process leaves the fabric very thin in some
places.  I don't think it is a very durable fabric.

3.  it wrinkles like crazy, and slides easily on the table. (I use
a rotary cutter, so this is not as serious as it might be)

4.  I experienced the same 'pull marks' problem while sewing that
some other people mentioned.  I managed to minimize them by using
a fine needle and FINE THREAD.  Coats and Clarks extra fine is
available in a few basic colors.  (like black and white)

5.  It frays.

My opinion is that you can get better fabric for the money.
However, most of us sew for the fun.  It was fun to play around
with, and I still like to paw the bolts when I am in the store.

QUESTION FOR EVERYONE ELSE:
My local Minnesota fabrics now caries printed rayon jersey.  It is
much thinner and drapes more than wool jersey.  The prints are
mostly the large floral and 'paint splash' types.  Has anyone tried
to sew this stuff??  How does it compare to wool jersey? (which I
like a lot)  Is it available in solid colors?

Thanks in advance for sharing your sewing adventures.

Sylvia 


-- 
David Young              ||Delusions are often functional. A mother's
fred@eng.umd.edu         ||opinions about her children's beauty, 
eng=128.8.133.70(Approx) ||intelligence, goodness, et cetera ad nauseam, 
U of MD Mech Eng Dept.   ||keep her from drowning them at birth.