Sleeves

Sleeves are the primary components of the bodice that covers all or part of the arm. Sleeves have been used as a means for changing the silhouette of the garment throughout the history of fashion. In early times sleeves were cut as a part of the main garment, as the clothing construction techniques became sophisticated in the late Middle Ages, the sleeves were cut separately and set into the armhole of the garment. Today's garments are designed with a wide variety of sleeves which differ in the way they are made and in looks. A garment may have armholes that are merely finished to produce a sleeveless look.

Basic Types of Sleeves:

Set-in sleeve - Are the most widely used type of sleeves. As the name suggests, the sleeve is a separate piece of fabric that joins the bodice at the armhole. A properly made set-in sleeve allows enough ease for free arm movements.

Raglan sleeve - It is another type of sleeve that is attached to the garment. Unlike the set-in sleeve, which is inserted to the armhole, a raglan sleeve is joined to the garment in one continuous seam, which runs diagonally from the front neckline to the underarm and up to the back neckline. Raglan sleeves are comfortable to wear and ideal for hard-to-fit shoulders, making it popular in sportswear like hoodies, t-shirts and also in casual jackets like trench coats.

Kimono Sleeve - It is one of the easiest types of sleeves to construct as it is merely an extension of the main bodice. The sleeve is cut as one piece with the bodice with a deep 'armhole' opening for a relaxed and comfort fit. 

                                       

Invisible Hair Comb Clips

The invisible hair combs or hair clips are hair styling tools typically made of flexible metal wire and are used to secure updos, bangs, puffs, buns or control flyaway. They can also be used to achieve the princess hair style. The U-shaped design helps them to be inserted into the hair and conceal within the style. It comes in size 3.5cm☓3cm and the wavy design helps to grip the hair firmly. The clips are primarily used as an alternative to traditional bobby pins to provide a non-slip hold and to be invisible within the hairstyle. They can also be used as attachments for wigs or veil trimmings and are useful for both daily use and special occasions like parties and weddings. Ther are convenient to carry and use.

Rangoli

 

                           

Shirring Foot

A Shirring Presser Foot also known as a gathering foot is a specialized foot with a heavy metal piece on the front which helps the fabric gather as it is sewn. The shirring foot is used to achieve fullness, soft ruffles and textured effects in garments. It is also ideal for adding stretchy texture to necklines, waistbands etc. where elasticity is necessary.

Using shirring foot one can gather a single layer of fabric or join gathered fabric to a flat second layer simultaneously. This foot works best for soft light weight fabrics. The foot comes with a slot in the front which is open on the left and closed on the right. The bottom of the foot comes in contact with fabric to lock in folds as you stitch. For elasticated shirring, an elastic thread is used in the bobbin and a regular top thread.

To Use It: The gathering foot comes with its own shank so it's necessary to remove the machine's presser foot holder and then attach the gathering foot with the help of a screwdriver. To gather a single fabric set the machine to straight stitch and longest stitch length (around 5) and increase the upper thread tension (to 6 or 7) to control the tightness of gathers. Move the needle to left position with the widest seam allowance. Place the fabric to be gathered under the presser foot and start sewing at moderate speed.

To gather a fabric and attach it to a second flat fabric, first place the fabric to be gathered under the presser foot, lower the foot to hold it in place then insert the second fabric inside the slot to the left side of the foot. Lower the needle into the fabric and then start sewing

Tiered Silhouette

Tiers refers to several layers of ruffles or flounces placed one above the other and overlapping. A tiered silhouette in fashion refers to a design where the garment is made with multiple horizontal layers or tiers of fabric which gives a ruffled appearance adding volume and fullness to the garment. The tires can be of different lengths and sometimes different fabrics or colors which allows wide array of design possibilities. Used mainly on skirts, dresses, full sleeves or pants the style was popular in 1840s, 1860s, 1950s and at intervals since and also remaining popular today.