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This is a very novice question, but when cutting out the fabric for the straps, is 42″ the width (selvage to selvage) or the length? Does it matter? Is there a standard rule about which dimension is listed first in a pattern?

This is a very novice question, but when cutting out the fabric for the straps, is 42″ the width (selvage to selvage) or the length? Does it matter? Is there a standard rule about which dimension is listed first in a pattern?

GREAT! Glad to hear that it is not something to worry about! I suppose those contrasting colors covering the seam do look nice when a shirt is on a hanger, but hardly worth the effort if you don’t have it on display. 🙂 I used a regular rib knit for my raglan neckline and it came out just right!

GREAT! Glad to hear that it is not something to worry about! I suppose those contrasting colors covering the seam do look nice when a shirt is on a hanger, but hardly worth the effort if you don’t have it on display. 🙂 I used a regular rib knit for my raglan neckline and it came out just right!

Hi Pippi. I’ve been wondering about doing some cotton bias binding around the back neckline too. I’ve made many Field Trip T’s now and only one had a dreadful neckline and it was like that from the start (I blame too stretchy ribbing). None of the cotton/lycra ones have changed with time. So it seems Liesl’s right (as if she ever isn’t!) It’s…[Read more]

Hi Pippi. I’ve been wondering about doing some cotton bias binding around the back neckline too. I’ve made many Field Trip T’s now and only one had a dreadful neckline and it was like that from the start (I blame too stretchy ribbing). None of the cotton/lycra ones have changed with time. So it seems Liesl’s right (as if she ever isn’t!) It’s…[Read more]

Pippi, that tape used to finish the neckline is really for aesthetic reasons–to cover the merrow/serger stitching. I suppose it might also stabilize the neck a bit too, but the fabric itself is mostly responsible for the neckline. A knit with good recovery (it bounces back to its original shape after being stretched) will do fine. Knits without…[Read more]

I haven’t used anything to stabilise neck bands. About 2 years ago I made 2 of my friends kids a tshirt, not Oliver and S, and the neck bands still look lovley after lots of wear.

Really? That is awesome, thank you!
It is a great finish which I use a lot. Its a great way to line a top or bodice.
You have made my day!

Really? That is awesome, thank you!
It is a great finish which I use a lot. Its a great way to line a top or bodice.
You have made my day!

Nicole, I just finished my first swingset tunic and I was totally confused at the underarm stage until I referenced your awesome tute. Thank you so much for sharing!

Nicole, I just finished my first swingset tunic and I was totally confused at the underarm stage until I referenced your awesome tute. Thank you so much for sharing!

Narrow shouldered, large chested, pear shaped women! 🙂

Narrow shouldered, large chested, pear shaped women! 🙂

How about a blazer pattern for narrow shouldered, larger chested women? Just kidding! : )

How about a blazer pattern for narrow shouldered, larger chested women? Just kidding! : )

Alright, sillies. I totally missed this whole exchange last week. Nicole, if you’d like to guest post it for us we’d be absolutely delighted, but I totally understand if you want it for your own blog. Invitation is open, ok? Drop me a line if you want to write it for us and I’ll tell you what we need in terms of photo sizes, etc.
Regarding the…[Read more]

There are a lot of places where there can be a bit of ‘creep’:
when tracing
when cutting
when pinning
when stitching
And it’s partly that you’re dealing with fabric, which isn’t rigid and indeed isn’t even shifty in consistent ways (it wiggles differently on the straight grain and around the bias bits of a curve) and partly that you’re dealing…[Read more]

You’ve probably already considered the weather. It’s always an issue here. My son will make his communion in June, but other classmates do it as early as April. While June will more than likely be warm, April is unpredictable. For June, I would lean toward linen for comfort. Then again, my 3 year old already knows exactly what she wants, so I can…[Read more]

I just made one of these dresses and used satin (same as my outer) to line the bodice but a lightweight polyester voile for the skirt lining. It worked great. If your taffeta isn’t scratchy you maybe could use the same fabric on the inside…?