With celebrities such as Barbara Streisand, Sarah Jessica Parker, Winona Ryder, Sharon Stone, Drew Barrymore and Michael Richards flaunting their trendy wardrobes vintage fashions have become very popular. Whether you want to establish a collection of clothes from bygone eras or you would just like a few unique pieces to add oomph to your wardrobe, it is interesting to know the history of your piece.

How do you know if the 1930’s silk charmuese nightgown advertised on Ebay is really from the 1930’s era? Now if you absolutely love the colour or style well maybe the age does not matter. If you do not want to pay a premium for something that is not as advertised, it is important to learn a few pointers.

There are numerous ways to date garments. You can shop with confidence when you know what clues to watch for.

For instance - How are the seams finished? Are they pinked, Frenched or serged? Sergers and overlock machines have been around since the 1950’s, but were not in homes until around 1964. Inspecting the seams of custom-made items may not tell you for sure when it was made, but it can let you know for sure when it wasn’t made.

Examination of the seams on store bought, mass produced clothing of the 1950’s, shows that most were pinked. Overcast seams, welted seams or Frenched seams were usually only found on very expensive garments. Overlock seams did start showing up in lingerie during the 1950’s. By the early 1960’s all lingerie had overlocked seams, and the use of the overlock stitch was beginning to appear in other garments made of fabric that would frey easily.

A 1965 catalogue ad mentions that a garment featured overlocked seams, while another ad boasts overlock seams in 1960’s lingerie. The term is not a selling point in fashions of today as most attire has overlocked or serged seams.

Another indication of age is the use of the zipper. Patented in 1893 the first zipper was called a clasp locker. These zippers were not practical. Although a zipper was developed in 1913 with interlocking teeth, it was slow to catch on.

Zippers were first put in children’s clothing in the 1930’s and replaced the button fly in men’s trousers around 1937. There were a few zippers in womens clothing of the 1940’s, but most garments still possessed button fasteners, until the 1950’s when they finally became popular.

Catalogues from the mid 1960’s boast about the wonders of nylon zippers. Nylon zippers were thought to be less bulky, easier to hide and more comfortable than the old metal zippers.

Keep in mind that the presence or absence of a zipper and the type of zipper provides clues to the age of the garment but that other factors still need consideration. As zippers can be replaced, metal zippers are not a guarantee that the item was manufactured before 1960. Similarly, a vintage garment may have had a broken zipper replaced by a nylon one.

A Solution To Zippers That Do Not Work

You have just purchased an item of clothing and find that after a short time that the zipper either sticks, slips or the teeth do not connect. Before deciding that you will change the zipper over to a new one - look at the following for a solution.

Sticking zippers can easily be fixed providing that the zipper is metal, use a lead pencil and run the pencil along the teeth on either side several times. Pull the metal tag up and down the zipper until it glides smoothly, however if you have a plastic zipper this will not work.

Metal or plastic zippers can be repaired aligning both sides together and by slipping each tooth into the other using a flat head screw driver, once the start of the zipper is aligned, the housing can be moved the rest of the way to close and open the zipper.

Once you are able to work the zipper, do not slide to the very end because it may disconnect from its path. Sew several stitches across the path of the teeth to create a new stop at the bottom of the zipper.

Do not use a candle or wax paper, to try and get the zipper to glide smoothly, the candle will only cause a blockage between the teeth spaces and it will be harder for the zipper housing to glide up and down.

If the cause of the problem is the fold of material along the path of the zipper and it gets caught every time the zipper is moved along the teeth, then sew a stitch into the fold of the material away from the zipper path.

Is the material connecting one side of the zipper frayed? Strike a match and carefully burn the frayed ends, leave to cool off for a split second, smooth out with your fingers as the burning will cause the material to bubble at the edge, then align both sides of the teeth and feed into the zipper housing, once the housing is attached and able to be moved up and down, then it should glide without getting stuck again. This applies to both metal and plastic zippers.

For zippers that do not remain closed in trousers, this is for metal or plastic zippers, insert a key ring into the metal tag and use this extended ring to hook up to the button at the top of the trousers or hook it up into the belt tongue and close both the belt and button, the zipper will remain closed and will not open on its own accord.

If the metal pulling tag is broken, use a suitable size key ring, safety pin, paper clip or strong fishing line which can be fed into the main housing on the zipper to replace the tag. Loop and knot the end of the fishing line and ensure that the length is short enough to remain hidden from view.

Zippers - History And Facts

The zipper is found everywhere in the modern day world, and is used in myriad applications. But the common zipper was not so common not so long ago:

• Elias Howe, one of the pioneer inventors of the sewing machine, patented an early type of zipper in 1851 called The Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure. His sewing machine took up most of his time, and he abandoned his early type of fastener.
• The next person in the line of zipper evolution was named Whitcomb Judson. A tinkerer and experimenter, Judson invented many labor saving devices, including a type of fastener he patented called The Clasp Locker in 1893. Some of these fasteners were used by 1905 in the garment industry, but proved to be impractical.
• The next step in zipper evolution led to the zipper as it is known today. An employee of Judson’s named Gideon Sundback first patented his Hookless Fastener in 1913, and with further improvements patented the new and improved version as the Separable Fastener in 1917. One of the first large customers for this fastener was the U.S. Army and the fastener was used in apparel and gear for U.S soldiers in World War One.
• How did the fastener get the name ‘zipper’? The B.F.Goodrich company opted to use the new fasteners on its rubber galoshes. An executive trying out a prototype of the galoshes by sliding the fastener up and down, and said, “Zip’er up!”, emulating the sound made by the fastener. Thus the name zipper came into being. The story sounds apocryphal, but B.F. Goodrich registered the name as a trademark for overshoes with fasteners, Zipper Boots, in 1925. Other items began using the fastener, and the name ‘zipper’ stuck. B.F. Goodrich sued to protect its trademark, but was only allowed to retain its rights for ‘Zipper Boots’ and not for the name of the fastener.
• For the first twenty years of the zipper’s existence it was used almost exclusively for boots and tobacco pouches.
• In the 1930’s sales campaigns for children’s clothing that were equipped with zippers stressed the independence the fastener would give children to dress themselves. When French fashion designer in 1937 raved about the zipper being used in men’s pants, the zipper replaced buttons for fastening the fly of men’s trousers.
• Clothing with zippers was seen as inappropriate for women because the clothing could be taken off quickly. Many religious leaders frowned on the use of zippers for this reason, and zippers were found mostly in men’s and children’s apparel for a number of years.
• Zippers today are made not only from metal, but nylon and other materials. They are available in many different colors, lengths and styles.

Sewing machines are of different types, mechanical sewing machines, electronic sewing machines, home sewing machines, computerized sewing machines, and industrial or commercial sewing machines. Of the different types of sewing machines, heavy duty sewing machines are meant for a high production environment.

If you are working with heavy fabrics, then heavy duty sewing machines would be the right choice. Heavy duty sewing machines can perform all sewing tasks such as buttonhole, blind hem, monograms, quilting, as well as decorative sewing. Ideal for continuous applications, heavy duty sewing machines include additional equipments for doing heavy work.

Available in a wide range of models, these machines are well suited for stitching products such as bags, auto, luggage, boat and furniture upholstery, tarps, tents, awnings, outdoor clothing, covers, and much more.

Most heavy duty sewing machines offer stitching speeds up to 1000 plus stitches per minute. They are simple and easy to operate. Heavy duty sewing machines are designed to work with all type of fabrics ranging from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk to heavyweight fabrics such as duck, denim, and canvas. Built-in needle threader, extension bed and free arm design are among the other characteristics of heavy duty sewing machines.

Singer, Euro-Pro, Janome, and Brother are some of the leading manufacturers of heavy duty sewing machines. While purchasing sewing machines, most of these companies offer accessories such as eight presser feet, bobbins, spool cap, assorted needles, twin needles, and much more. Singer 450083 Heavy Duty Professional Sewing Machine, Janome L 344 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, White model 4042, and Brother Sewing Machine PS33 are some manufacturers of heavy duty sewing machines.

A wide assortment of heavy duty sewing machines are available in today?s market. Normally, their price ranges between $100 and $500. Nowadays, it is possible to purchase heavy duty sewing machines online. Websites such as eBay and BizRate make it easier to buy heavy duty sewing machines.

Sewing Tips - How To Sew More Professional Looking Top-Stitching

Here is a sewing tip to add to your sewing techniques book.

Learn how to sew more professional looking top-stitching at the sewing machine using your regular sewing thread.

Use the same thread that you used to sew your garment for a matching top-stitching. Or, use a contrasting thread for more definition.

When you top-stitch with a single thread, it seems to sink into your fabric and is not very noticeable.

For more professional looking top-stitching, try using three threads on the top of the sewing machine.

You don’t need to buy three spools of thread to do this.

Just wind three bobbins of sewing thread and place them on the spindle at the top of the sewing machine where you normally place your single spool of thread.

Try to have your bobbins full to begin top-stitching.

Fill one bobbin as you normally do for the bobbin case.

Thread the bottom bobbin as usual.

Hold the end of each of the top three bobbin threads together in your hand and thread them as one thread through your sewing machine and needle. Moistening the threads first seems to help.

You may need a needle threader to help you do this. You can find a needle threader in the notions department of your favorite sewing or fabric store or you may already have one in your sewing case.

Set your sewing machine stitch for a longer stitch (about 6 to 8 stitches per inch).

Stitch very slowly and straight. Use a stitching guide or tape to help you if you need it.

This makes a very elegant top-stitch. Try it!

Stitch multiple rows about 1/8 inch apart for a high quality look.

Contrasting thread adds more definition. Try using white or a metallic gold or silver thread on a dark fabric or a darker shade of thread on a light fabric. Experiment on scraps to get the look you want.

Check out the finest ready-to-wear boutiques for more top-stitching ideas.

You are the designer! Have fun with top-stitching.

Commercial Sewing Machines

Home sewing machines are sometimes not enough for all sewing tasks. There are home sewing machines offering a wide variety of stitch options and accessories that can make clothing construction very easy and pleasant. Sewing of heavy fabric materials for pillows, cushions or slipcovers make the home sewing machine unsuitable for all sewing tasks. The limitations of home sewing machines were overcome with the introduction of commercial sewing machines. Commercial sewing machines are all-purpose sewing machines designed mainly for the hobbyist or for the artisan trade. They differ from home sewing machines but, carry a lot of features of the industrial sewing machines.

Commercial sewing machines are mostly all metal, but may have some plastic parts and gears. All industrial sewing machines are considered as commercial sewing machines. Commercial sewing machines have machine motors. They are built for heavy-duty, all-day work. But some of them are not recommended for a steady 8 hour work day. They are self-oiling, which keeps the machine in top working condition. Speed is the biggest advantage of commercial sewing machines over home sewing machines. They can easily sew over heavy fabrics and multiple layers of different fabrics. Shoes, gloves, hats, books, upholstery, hosiery, tents, awnings, flags, and sails can also be sewn on specially devised commercial sewing machines.

Commercial sewing machines are available in portable and power stand models. Commercial portable sewing machines can be used for on-site jobs. Most popular brands are Singer, Brother, Juki, and Pfaff. Others are Nakajami, Wilcox & Gibbs, Union Special, Reece, Artisan, Pegasus, Barudan, Rimoldi, Columbia, Fishbein, Kansai, Mitsubishi, Merrow, Toyota, Tajima, Yamato, Consew, Chandler and U.S. Blindstitch. Prices range from $600 to $10,000.

A rug is material used to cover a specific area of floor space in a room. Area rugs are used to dress a particular area of the floor and add a distinct style to the room, for decoration. The rugs could be in a single color, Indian durries or hand made area rugs. They are fashion statements that set apart certain furniture from the rest of the room. The rugs add to the desired look of the room and improve furniture arrangement.

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Area rugs are used to highlight portions of the room and draw focus to specific interior decoration. Handmade area rugs add to the mood and ambience of the room by blending with the various colors and shapes present. It is important to know the effect of the various colors used in these rugs. The light colors are known to bring out the color and size of the furniture, whereas darker colors make the room cozier, inviting and warmer. It is also advisable to choose a rug whose primary colors match the color of the walls.

Area rugs are available in a variety of materials, textures and shapes and colors. These can range in size from 24 inches to 10 feet and can be bought in accordance to the purpose they are expected to serve and the area that is to be covered by the rug. Area rugs are attractive and brilliant decorative creations.

Handmade rugs stand apart from the regular synthetic rugs freely available. These beautifully crafted hand rugs are authentic works of art. It is seen that most handmade area rugs are made from fine quality wool. They are found to be capable of handling the strains of regular use and cleanings. These area rugs usually have a density of more than 750 knots per square inch.

Discount Area Rugs

Attractive area rugs are are very sought after items for the home. However, the high prices of area rugs can make it difficult for some people to afford them. Hence, many companies sell discounted area rugs that are affordable and can spruce up a floor as well as any expensive alternative.

Unlike popular perception that discount rugs are generally inferior, most area rugs offered at a discount can be durable and beautiful. Discounted area rugs are perfect for individuals who do not have the means or are unwilling to invest a huge sum of money on area rugs.

Just keep in mind when buying any rug it pays to go to a dealer who has a good reputation, whether online of in your community. You have to rely on a knowledgeable staff, and depend on a guarantee that the store will sand behind their rugs, discounted or not. You also want a dealer that has a large selection of area rugs to choose from. If your home is new, it’s a good idea to chose your rugs first, and match the walls, furniture, etc. to the colors you’ve chosen for your rugs. There are many new, fashionable discounted rugs available that will give your room the designs and color scheme that you have in mind. If your room is already decorated, take plenty of samples from the room colors with you. There are many discounted area rugs that blend in with almost any color scheme you have chosen.

Discount area rugs are sold at the factory price. Price is offered on the site where area rugs are manufactured and subsequently find a way to the market. Major manufacturers of discounted area rugs supply and distribute them all over the world. Discount area rugs can boast of high quality and are often free from manufacturing defects.

Rustic Area Rugs

Area rugs are used to add grace and charm to a room. They are expected to be sturdy enough to bear daily cleaning and usage. The color of the rug should match the wall color to enhance the overall effect and ambience of the room. Rustic area rugs have motifs and designs that are typically rustic. These are a necessary buy in case the homeowner has a rustic theme layout in any room.

Rustic area rugs are a must when decorating a cabin in the woods, a cottage or a vacation retreat. These rugs add to the soul of the room and enhance the rustic charm. It is possible to match the design and motif of the rugs to the lamps in the room. The projection of the light from the lamps onto specific motifs of the rugs can bring about the desired rustic effect in the room.

Rustic area rugs feature images of moose, bears, cabins and pinecones among other outdoor themes. These rugs come in a variety of products that are versatile, comfortable and at the same time practical. It is also possible to customize the rugs, to suit the taste of individual buyers. There are many manufacturers who come up with new designs and motifs on a regular basis. They provide the customer with a variety of designs as well as texture. The large cabin area rugs can be effectively used under dining or kitchen tables. They can serve as the main carpet in the living room or office too. Rustic rugs are manufactured as braided rugs or hooked wool rugs, with wildlife designs and motifs on them.

The rustic area rugs are created to transport the buyer into the realm of thick forests and timberland, with abundant wildlife. The rustic rugs work wonders in outdoor arrangements

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