Dear Eunice Farmer: I want to make a tailored shirt for this winter. The ones in fashion magazines don't seem to have buttons down the front, a dressier look. Is there a pattern with this style shirt? ? Ginny W.

If you prefer a rounded collar instead of the pointed ends, round the corner slightly. I make a template out of cardboard for the exact curve, so that both collar ends will be identical.

You can make this shirt out of printed silky fabric, cotton, linens or rayons. It also has several sleeve variations, including a French cuff. It is a winner, but it takes some tailoring skills!

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Dear Eunice Farmer: I have several events to attend this holiday season. Some are formal, others are dressy-casual. Can one outfit be suitable for all occasions? ? Janet H.

Dear Janet: Today there is a fine line between dressy-casual and semiformal. The only occasion where you need a dressier gown is for a black-tie event such as a charity ball.

You can add a dressier camisole or shell blouse to an existing suit, in lace, velvet or satin. I suggest this season's newest fabric, called Devore velvet or burnout velvet. It is a sheer fabric with velvet designs; it's very elegant and dressy. I have seen it used for pants, shell blouses, unlined jackets and scarves.

It's easy to work with and comes in many glorious colors. You can combine these parts with matching fabrics such as satins and crepes, and have a very dressy, casual look for daytime into evening.

Always choose a simple pattern, preferably one that you know is flattering, and let the fabric tell your fashion story!

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Dear Eunice Farmer: I have a piece of lovely lace with a scalloped edge that I would like to make into a dressy shell blouse. How can I finish the neck edge of the lace and still use the scallop at the hem? ? Doris T.

Dear Doris: Plan to use the beautiful scalloped edge at the hem of the shell and the edge of the sleeves.

For the neckline you have two options: You can cut the edge into a narrow strip about 1/2-inch wide and re-embroider it to the finished edge of the neckline; or you can finish the edge with a very narrow bias fabric in satin or crepe to match the lace. I have seen both finishes in ready-to-wear.

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Winner of the lighted seam ripper and needle threader, for the sewing tip of the week, is Margaret Solebee of Southern Shores, N.C. Her tip:

"My new sewing machine has plastic bobbins instead of metal ones. To find an empty plastic bobbin dropped on the carpet, I put a wide strip on it with a felt marker in a contrasting color, so it instantly shows up. Don't use nail polish; the paint can flake off and get into your machine!"

You, too, could win a lighted seam ripper and needle threader. Send your sewing tips to Eunice Farmer, Box 31729, St. Louis, MO 63131. If she selects your tidbit for publication, you'll receive this sewing notion.

Eunice Farmer is a nationally recognized authority on sewing. She is an author, teacher, lecturer and fashion reporter, and she owns her own fabric boutique and sewing school.

© 2000 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.