It's Fun to Sew a Cotton School Dress

Plan your project

You will have fun making and buying clothing for school or play. Plan this project with your leader and your mother. Remember that mother is a partner in this project. Talk to her about what you want to make and show her this project book. She will be glad to give you suggestions and help you make a wise selection if she knows what you are to make.

First you will study how to buy and care for your anklets.

The first article you will make is to help you review what you learned in your last project and to help you get the feel of the sewing machine again. There is a wide choice—select something that you can make in a short time. Complete this article before you start your dress or skirt and blouse.

The second article is to be the main part of your project. Here you will learn many new sewing methods. Select something you have not made before. Choose something that will teach you two or three new tricks in sewing, but be careful to avoid dresses with many details such as collars, cuffs, and sleeves on one pattern.

Your anklets

Buying anklets

It is important that you learn to select your own clothing. Why not start with buying your anklets? You will wear anklets for many occasions—sports, school, and best. Select them for the occasion for which you intend to wear them.

You will find anklets made of many fibers—cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, or a combination of these fibers. Each of these fibers makes the anklets feel and wear differently. Cotton anklets are soft and absorbent. They are comfortable to wear. A good quality cotton anklet holds its shape and wears well.

Rayon anklets are not as soft or as absorbent as cotton and may not wear as well. Nylon anklets are made of staple yarn (silk-like) and of spun yarn (wool-like). They give long wear but are not as comfortable as cotton. This is because they are not as absorbent. Wool socks are usually worn by athletes and people whose feet perspire a lot, because they are absorbent. They will hold a lot of moisture and not feel wet.

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Read the labels

A combination of cotton and nylon makes a desirable anklet. You will find anklets made of cotton with toes and heels reinforced with nylon for longer wear. Blends of nylon and cotton or other fibers are also used. Anklets are made of many new and different kinds of yarns and knits to add patterns and stretch. New finishes are also used. Some finishes help to hold the shape and control shrinkage. The finish may require special care and washing.

A good anklet is closely knit, has a top which will hold its shape, and the cuff is knitted to the foot. It comes in colors which harmonize with your dresses or sweaters and skirts. It is “fast color” and will not fade.

Buy the right size anklets

To be comfortable anklets should be one half inch longer than your foot. Short socks are injurious to your feet. They do not wear as long as properly-fitted ones.

Visit your store to study the newest types of socks for teenagers.

Care of anklets

Good care will help your anklets to last longer. Wash your socks after each wearing. Use a mild soap or detergent and warm water. Have the water as hot as you can comfortably hold your hands in. Rinse the socks thoroughly in clear water and hang them by the toes to dry. White socks may be washed with the family laundry. Always wash dark-colored ones by hand.

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