Dear Eunice Farmer: I have read that dresses will be big news in spring-summer clothes. I haven’t worn a dress in years. Please give us a suggestion. – Liz P.

Dear Liz: I have selected Vogue 7693, sized 6-22, as a beginning. It has a wrap-type bodice, two versions of a skirt – an A-line or straight skirt – and two lengths of sleeves to choose from. It features a waistline seam; therefore, it fits closer to the body. I see this as dressy or casual, depending on your choice of fabric.

Dear Eunice Farmer: One of the most frustrating experiences for me is rethreading the machine needle. It always comes unthreaded as I begin to sew, and when I remove my work, the tightness of the thread causes it to break. – Susan F.

Dear Susan: This is a common complaint, and has been corrected on new machines. You may set the machine to a “needle up” or “needle down” position, which solves this problem. In the meantime, always be sure your machine needle is in the highest position when you begin and end your stitching. This will release the tension and solve your problem.

Dear Eunice Farmer: I finally decided to use some Ultrasuede that I’ve had for years to make a simple jacket. To my horror, I noticed small holes where I had stitched a seam. What am I doing wrong? – Lucie P.

Dear Lucie: I’m sure your problem is the machine needle. You must never use a leather needle for synthetic suedes. Experiment with a sample of your fabric. A regular needle works perfectly. You can also try a jeans needle for heavier suedes. A leather needle should only be used for real leathers. It will cut synthetic suedes, leaving holes wherever it has been stitched.

Each week, a reader wins a prize for sending in a helpful sewing hint. This week’s winner is Rena Mason of Cape Vincent, N.Y. She will receive a thumb pincushion. Her tip:

“When I am sewing at my machine and have pinned seams together, I keep a magnet on the end of my machine. Then as I come to the pins, I remove them as I go. This eliminates picking up pins from the floor later.”

You, too, could win a thumb pincushion. Send your sewing tips to Eunice Farmer, Box 31729, St. Louis, MO 63131. If she selects your tidbit for publication, you’ll receive this prize.

King Features Syndicate Inc.