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as far as supporting the weight of the dress, it would depend on the size I think, and whether it is very heavy (like with a full skirt or pettiskirt etc.) Do they tie in the back and not at the top? I’m thinking that drooping at the front/sides would be an issue if the bodice is only shirred at the back and not at the front, because the contact…[Read more]

as far as supporting the weight of the dress, it would depend on the size I think, and whether it is very heavy (like with a full skirt or pettiskirt etc.) Do they tie in the back and not at the top? I’m thinking that drooping at the front/sides would be an issue if the bodice is only shirred at the back and not at the front, because the contact…[Read more]

When sewing the Garden Party dress with out the front waist band, what alterations are done to the back? Has anyone modified the back of the dress or do you just sew the front and back without the band but keep the back gathered seam? I was thinking of redrafting the back to eliminate the gathered seam, or would it be better to leave it alone?…[Read more]

Try it Kim. Just baste it so it’s easy to rip out.

Thank you so much! I cut out a new bodice – it looks much better and more proportionate now 🙂

Thank you so much! I cut out a new bodice – it looks much better and more proportionate now 🙂

Thank you so much! I cut out a new bodice – it looks much better and more proportionate now 🙂

Oh this is funny. I gave up Univerals a while ago and totally forgot about their existence. Now that I think on it, I gave up Universals because the machine I was working on “hated” them. It had lots of problems and hated everything.

I got used to using specialized needles and forgot about Universals. But in November, after yet another…[Read more]

Oh, forgot to mention that yes, I did consider having the button closure instead, and in fact our very own Lotta has a tutorial for it, but unfortunately this occurred to me after I’d already cut my fabric, and I didn’t have enough to cut another back bodice. I even thought about Frankensteining an extra button panel or something on there but…[Read more]

Oh, forgot to mention that yes, I did consider having the button closure instead, and in fact our very own Lotta has a tutorial for it, but unfortunately this occurred to me after I’d already cut my fabric, and I didn’t have enough to cut another back bodice. I even thought about Frankensteining an extra button panel or something on there but…[Read more]

I made and finished the size 4 bubble, adding length (about an inch each) to both the bodice and skirt, plus extra width to the skirt for extra pouf. I didn’t realize how much shorter a bubbly bubble is than a deflated one (without elastic) which is the way I usually make them. I don’t know if it’s just that I’m used to longer dresses on her or…[Read more]

I made and finished the size 4 bubble, adding length (about an inch each) to both the bodice and skirt, plus extra width to the skirt for extra pouf. I didn’t realize how much shorter a bubbly bubble is than a deflated one (without elastic) which is the way I usually make them. I don’t know if it’s just that I’m used to longer dresses on her or…[Read more]

Ditto the above — unless a particular needle is giving me problems like the popping/grinding you mentioned, I just use universal needles for everything, including knits.

Sarvi how did you go? Did you get the two made in one day?

@KAREN some of us are known to attempt some crazy things with our sewing, but never in my time on this forum can I remember Sarvi doing anything of the sort!

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just slip our sewing into some portal to get it to the destination quicker, then Sarvi wouldn’t…[Read more]

Sarvi how did you go? Did you get the two made in one day?

@KAREN some of us are known to attempt some crazy things with our sewing, but never in my time on this forum can I remember Sarvi doing anything of the sort!

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just slip our sewing into some portal to get it to the destination quicker, then Sarvi wouldn’t…[Read more]

Sadly I can’t see it being quite that easy. If the fit through the shoulders and upper chest is good then yes, you can take in side seams.
However, any changes involving or above the sleeve area would get messy.
Centre front or back seams that go full length would be easier places to play with removing width.
Sorry not to be more help. Sometimes…[Read more]

This may sound heretical, but I often sew with whatever is in the machine and don’t notice any difference.
When I bought my overlocker it came with Universal needles and I queried the salesman as I thought they should be jersey or ball point needles. His reply was that nothing is “sharp” anymore with the exception of denim needles…
In case I’m…[Read more]

Sorry I can’t be of help, my machine hates ball point or stretch needles so I sew everything with universals. And get great results.
Maybe try a universal needle?