Serger Scarf Class with Pamela Leggett

If you've been reading since May you'll know that I've become a huge fan of Pamela's Patterns by Pamela Leggett  Pamela's website  She teaches at a beautiful store 2 hours north of me, Steve's Sew and Vac in King of Prussia, PA.  When a special sewing BFF was ready for a road trip, we signed up for a class and got in the car.  Since we were already making the drive north to PA,  we couldn't miss making a stop first at Fabric Mart.  I had remarkable restraint and only bought two pieces.   

The highlight of the day was taking this class with Pamela.  The serger scarf class is based upon the instructions from her article in this month's issue of Threads.  

Serger ruched scarf

The basic directions are quite simple.  Cut a piece of silky fabric 2 yards long and 25" wide.  I used a silk chiffon from the Anna Sui collection at Fabric Mart a few summers ago.  Use your serger to make a rolled edge on all four sides.  

Rolled edge from front

Major tip from Pamela.  I usually use Sulky water soluble stailizer for my serger rolled edges.  But Pamela taught us to iron 1/2" or 3/4" of fabric to the wrong side, then serge just along that folded edge.  Afterwards, carefully trim off the remaining fabric.  Wow, very nice rolled edge with some weight.  

Rolled edge from the back with that overlap to be trimmed

Then draw a series of parallel (or random, if you prefer) lines with chalk and coverstitch across the width of the scarf.  I used 3" parallel lines.  By using the serger's highest stitch length and highest differential feed, you create ruching.  Bring the coverstitch threads to the back, knot all thre threads and dot with seam sealant. 

Ruching from the front

Ruching from the back

I like how my scarf turned out and think this would look especially nice in a wider version for a shawl with texture.  

I loved having time with creative, talented women who love fabric, color and design.  Those are the things that make a class like this so wonderful and energizing.  We didn't get back to my house until 11pm but we talked and laughed the whole way home.  Great sewing karma day.