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So I decided to forget about the vertical piping and just did the french seams along those lines (I am using corduroy and even with my very thin shirting for piping it would still have been too bulky I think) and attempted binding the curved bodice seam (but I didn’t really know what I was doing so it’s a little interesting). I LOVE the french…[Read more]

What about using french seams on the side and doing either regular or bound seams for the other seams. I would not recommend french seams for joining the bodice to the skirt as it is a very curved seam and trying to sew it twice would be awful.
Rita a corduroy Tea Party sounds lovely.

What about using french seams on the side and doing either regular or bound seams for the other seams. I would not recommend french seams for joining the bodice to the skirt as it is a very curved seam and trying to sew it twice would be awful.
Rita a corduroy Tea Party sounds lovely.

I’ve done the flat piping twice, once in a loose, light gingham with false French seams, and once in a lawn with proper French seams (lawn for both piping and dress). I wouldn’t try it with any fabric heavier than lawn! If I recall correctly, I did grade the piping when I trimmed things back before enclosing the seam– helps to reduce bulk.

Hi pippi,
If you go forward with that idea or if you choose to do only the french seams for that pattern please dont forget to post some pics in the flickr. I have some corduroy and I that pattern is one of my options to use it (I am not sure yet).
I sewed this pattern just once but without the flat piping, it was my 1st Oliver + S, and I used a…[Read more]

Is there any particular reason that you wish to use french seams?
I am with Melanie on this one,I am sure it could be done but it would be bulky.
How about lining the skirt?
~Nicole~

Cotton voile is lovely for a special outfit.
For everyday lining I use a cotton rich poplin.
Lots of pretty colours and it needs little pressing.

Happy to enable!
I blogged the construction so if you would like to ‘try before you buy’ http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/sets/72157625559687392/
My 8 year old Lidia has only just stopped fitting in hers and whilst she is skinny she had quite a broad back and I generally cut the size 7 width in tops for her.
The skirt would be ever so easy…[Read more]

I have seen ALOT of swingsets lately, and i WANT. My only problem is that my girl is a 6 (and obviously will grow). I’m actually having pattern buying ‘hang-ups’ about buying it because it is out of her ‘sizing’.
I’m sure i wouldn’t have much trouble sizing it up from the sz5, but i am thinking i could try to wing it. I usually don’t need much…[Read more]

I most often use cotton voile, eapecially for childs things and summer dresses. I buy it in large quantities in ivory and black and occasionally use other colors. I might use batiste too, depending on the fabric. The other thing I use most often is Bemberg rayon. It’s breathable, washable and slippery so it just glides over my trouble spots or…[Read more]

I am the biggest fan of French seams I know, but I feel a little skeptical about adding flat piping. I suppose you would tuck it into the seam on the second pass? That could be tricky to align correctly. It will definiately add bulk, but if the fabric is lightweight maybe not too much.
Maybe faux french seams, where you tuck the allowances into…[Read more]

Yep I agree that polyester lining is temperamental to sew with but lots and lots of pinning is required to keep it all together – I use a rotary cutter to cut it out so the fraying isn’t as bad. I still prefer natural fibres when lining this dress because of the stubborness of the poly fabrics.

Indeed! But I never get sick of making them! I love the Sarah Jane balloons. Last year I did her birthday in that theme. I think I saved enough of the parade print to make a skirt, not sure if there’s enough for a dress.
Voile is nice for summer too, but this is a holiday dress. Shell wear it for thanksgiving and Christmas. Probably she’ll need a…[Read more]

this is one of my favorite O+S patterns. i’ve made a handful of these in different sizes, and have always omitted the bodice topstitching. i actually like it better without it, and have never run into any problems.

this is one of my favorite O+S patterns. i’ve made a handful of these in different sizes, and have always omitted the bodice topstitching. i actually like it better without it, and have never run into any problems.

Oh this is so funny. I just came back from the fabric store and said to my husband, I am having trouble deciding which fabric I want to use.
Sarah Jane’s balloon fabric is perfect for a birthday party dress.
I am dreaming of a small scale animal print with a contrasting piping around arm neck and waist for a snappy casual dress ala the 1950s.
I…[Read more]

I am planning on making this for my daughter’s very first school pictures (she just started pre-k!) the first week of October, to be used again for Thanksgiving probably; I’m also planning to modify it for a halloween costume/dress-up princess dress.
For her school pictures, I am thinking dupioni if I find any in a nice color, or taffeta in a…[Read more]

I tend to sew at about 12mm ie half way between the 10mm and 15mm on my throat plate for a 1/2″ seam allowance. I use the edge of my foot for a 1/4″ seam. If I see a 3/8″, if it is a basting stitch (as it often is for Oliver and S) I just do it at my 1/4″, or move it slightly further out. I also use my tape measure as it has imperial and metric on…[Read more]

Thanks for the quick reply Todd. I did see the size conversions. I was more thinking about the actual pattern instructions when it calls to sew a 3/8 inch seam? I had the thought of perhaps putting the metric conversion of that following, e.g. (6mm) – I usually just take a guess. ‘Lattemama’ suggested a great idea above of getting a imperial ruler…[Read more]

Lisa – I totally agree with you on growing up metric and I had the hardest time at the beginning of sewing with inches and fractions. It all looked so jumbled.
I would recommend finding a good ruler that has inches and all eight fractions marked and try and not think about if 1/4 inch is 0.6 or 0.7 cm any more.
I found my sewing was a lot more…[Read more]