Replies

1. 
   Chris_Haynes | Apr 07, 2000 11:46pm | #1

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   Try a soft wool challis... it is usually soft and with enough "stick" to hang on to the shoulders. Last fall I went into the wool section of the fabric store and found a light weight wool with some nubby threads in it. I bought a square, cut up half way through one side... sewed a 3-step zig-zag one inch from all sides and then fringed. Then I had a very nice shawl wrap.

1. 
   Paisley_Stoner | Apr 12, 2000 11:05pm | #2

   *Chris, your email came back to me. I went into Hancock fabrics yesterday and asked for wool challis and they didn't know what I was talking about! Can you tell me what to look for on content?How do you think challis would work?Thanks.

1. 
   Chris_Haynes | Apr 26, 2000 08:12am | #3

   *Wool challis is just a light weight wool. It is often used in shawls and scarves, as opposed to a tweedy suit wool or a heavy coat wool. I thought of wool because it has a bit of "stickyness" that keeps it up on shoulders, as opposed to silk (though some raw silk might work), polyester, rayon or even some fine cottons (though I did find a cotton gauze in the home dec. department, that when washed crinkled up and could work as a shawl, I think it is called "scrim" - I made some gauzy crinkled window coverings with it). I also have a couple of wool challis scarves that tend to stay tied much more than other scarves I have.Actually I wouldn't ask a sales clerk (unless you go to store that employs underemployed costume designers... and I know where those are) about specific fabrics. I would just browse around, and perhaps ask if they have a lightweight wool... then I would feel if it had the right "hand" (or feel), if it were too slick, etc. You might find what you want in any of the summer weight fabrics (and in September, look for something in a heavier weight).I did buy a square of wool which was actually appropriate for a casual suit/skirt to make a "ruana" shawl (take a square...like 54" by 54", cut up halfway through a side and finish the edges, I used a fringe). It was a lightwight plaid with nobby threads woven through, not a true challis (which has a more even weave), but it works... and I got lots of compliments for $18 worth of fabric.Actually the fun of sewing is going to various fabric stores and exploring what they have. That is why many of us have these incredible stashes!Chris,Seattle