Before you kick off the warmer season with sewing new garments for summer, check out my article in the latest issue of Threads(#143, July 2009) on how to make details like seams, facings, and pockets disappear in summer-weight fabrics like linen.

“Nothing says summer more than a crisp, linen garment, but often, the lightweight fabric allows interior construction details such as pockets, darts, seam allowances, and facings to show through to the outside. If you want to stay cool, lining the garment just isn’t an option, but adding skin-toned backing to those details will prevent them from showing through without adding bulk…

…Flesh-toned facings in a few strategic places will dramatically improve the overall look of your summer-weight garments. With the few simple techniques shown here, you’ll be able to conceal your garment’s inner construction details and get that breezy summertime look in no time.”