Pinking
I have never used pinking shears to finish my edges before, because I've never owned any. Then I won some from Sew, Mama, Sew and decided to give them a try. I just find it hard to trust that pinking will prevent unravelling, when a zigzag stitch is *clearly* so secure, not to mention French seams, or bias binding . . . .
On the other hand, I've come across a few vintage dresses recently with pinked seams and they look okay even though it's been sixty years or so.
Anyway, I brought out the shears for my project, the Beignet skirt from Colette Patterns. I thought it would be a safe test run since all of the seams are hidden by the lining anyway.
And. Not only is pinking quite functional (at least on this reasonable fabric), it looks absolutely adorable!! Now I want to pink everything. Such delicate little pointies!
16 comments:
lol pink on!
Mine are so dull - I was just telling myself that to buy new pinking shears once every 25 or 30 years is not an extravagance.
French seams.......Oh how I love them.I have purchased 2 pair of pinking shears.Both went home with each of my daughters.At those prices I just couldn't bear to buy another pair.So french seams will have to do for me.Have fun with your pinking shears!
My mother, the queen of sewing, pinked everything that could ravel. She kept her shears carefully tucked away and had them sharpened only once that I know of. She really knew her stuff. You will love pinking!
In the 18th century they had special pinking tools that weren't just cute little points. They had scallops and scallops with points and various other raw edging details for the ends of their ruffled cuffs or ruffles on petticoats, etc.
I'm a novice sewer (got a new machine last Mother's Day) making mostly simple items, but one of my first purchases after getting the machine was a pair of pinking shears......I love, love, love them on my simple totes, etc.! They do add a cute touch!
My mother always used her pinking shears on everything she made. I now do the same with my seams, except when I want to do a french seam. It's how she taught me!
It is amazing how well the seams hold up to repeated washings.
I got a pair a couple of years ago, but then I lost my courage and still haven't used them! Maybe my summer sewing projects will have to involve experimenting with them...
I inherited a pair of pinking shears from my grandmother and I admit, they ARE addicting! :-)
Oh, I love pinking shears!
~Kara
I also love pinking shears - great for wool felt! My favorite simple pinking project is to take two squares of wool felt, stuff with good smelling stuff (or just plain old stuffing), stitch a heart shape seam, and pink outside of the seam. Make a bunch of pinked felt hearts in various sizes and colors - a great love note.
Heidi, you just gave me a great idea for some of the wool scraps I have!
I bought some at Hobby Lobby a few years ago for less than $20. Hardly extravagant, even at my house!
Carol
I, too, love my pinking shears and use them all the time. I inherited two pairs that were my grandmothers and she was an expert seamstress. I have only had to have them sharpened one time over the past 20 years. They are great!!!!
And, it's FUN! We could all use as much fun in our lives as possible . I still remember using my Grandma's heavy but reliable pinking shears. Mine are around here someplace, and now I miss them.
I love pinking so much I bought a pinking blade for my rotary cutter!
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