> I've just about had it with the standard pencil type marking instruments > at JoAnn's. If you try to sharpen them enough to make a detailed line,
<snip> I use all sorts things to mark; if I can't risk a mark at all (or have unusual trim or stitching lines, e.g., men's back trouser seams), I use tailor's tacks. Mostly I use a Chakoner chalk wheel; they come from Japan and are little black plastic heart-shaped devices. I like them the best because they are narrower than most chalk wheels and I feel they are more precise. I do use pencils as well, but don't use that junk from JoAnn's. Get professional tailoring pencils (I grab a handful whenever I go to NYC); they have harder leads and can actually hold a point without breaking. I use them specifically for 'dots' on patterns, button placement and other quick marks. A sliver of Ivory soap works quite well, too; that's an old couture atelier tool. If you're working with something that gets handled a lot (and you're not thread tracing it), a soap mark will last longer than chalk and resists rubbing away. It also disappears instantly with a shot of steam or a bit of water. I like using it for woolens because it's easier to get a clean line with it than with chalk. And like they told me in school -- only mark with white. Even on white fabrics. I've seen (and made) bad mistakes by not following that basic rule! Richard in MI _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
