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Sometimes they have things on special to remove old stock. Maybe they are releasing a newer version? Bernina seems to have a big price tag attached to all their machines yet some would say this is because of paying for the quality. I can’t be the judge of that as I have never tried and tested a Bernina – although my maternal grandmother loves them…[Read more]

I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t need them–they’re really more of a design detail to define the shoulder/armhole than to hold the two layers together. Just be sure to smooth and pin and you should be fine without the topstitching. Can’t wait to see!

I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t need them–they’re really more of a design detail to define the shoulder/armhole than to hold the two layers together. Just be sure to smooth and pin and you should be fine without the topstitching. Can’t wait to see!

Thank you Corlee,that is so sweet of you and it made my day!
The forum is great and I always try and check in before making an o+s pattern for ideas and tips.
~Nicole~

Thank you Corlee,that is so sweet of you and it made my day!
The forum is great and I always try and check in before making an o+s pattern for ideas and tips.
~Nicole~

nicole, you’re perfectly helpful! it’s so great to have these forums to have input. seriously, even a “i’m not sure” input is better than nothing. so thank you for being so helpful. the support found here in the forums help make the o+s patterns (in addition to the patterns being wonderful themselves) a true pleasure to sew.

It is a bit hard to say……but it can always be added later if you do find it is shifting.
I am sorry not to be more help.
~Nicole~

so the stitching is there to help maintain shape? i’m leaning towards not stitching – i really like the uninterrupted shoulder on this. having said that, your dresses are quite lovely!

It seems like it’s come down to the Bernina 1008 or the Janome HD3000. They both have a great reputation and are often lumped into the same category. But why is the Janome less than half the price? Any thoughts?

I don’t think you have to stitch the seam on the shoulders if you are willing to press it back to shape.
I made these for a dear OS O+S chum and I hand stitched the seam in place http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/7087015835/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/6941047922/in/photostream/
~Nicole~

The only thing I suggest is that you practice changing the threads and sew on scraps first. I’m still new to mine, and I’ve had a few times where I was gung-ho and didn’t make sure my fabric was out of the way, and cut into my fabric and not at the seams 🙁 So I tend to sew without the knives until I need them, and go carefully when I do.…[Read more]

Yes, velveteen is cotton velvet. Nicole nailed it: poly velvet, etc. Should be a really cute dress!

Yes, velveteen is cotton velvet. Nicole nailed it: poly velvet, etc. Should be a really cute dress!

I would call cotton velvet ”velveteen”. Then there is stretch poly velvet,poly mix velour and cotton velour which are all pretty stretchy.
That said,I had some stretch cotton velvet that was a little stretchy……
I love making ‘do-dads’ to decorate clothes.
~Nicole~

I would call cotton velvet ”velveteen”. Then there is stretch poly velvet,poly mix velour and cotton velour which are all pretty stretchy.
That said,I had some stretch cotton velvet that was a little stretchy……
I love making ‘do-dads’ to decorate clothes.
~Nicole~

OK – another question because I am just finally somewhere where I can see a wide variety of fabrics in person. Velveteen is cotton velvet, right? I’m talking about a drapey stretch velvet that is polyester. I do prefer natural fabrics in general but as this is a special occasion dress I told myself I wouldn’t mind if she didn’t wear them for…[Read more]

If it is stretch velveteen and got a good stretch you shouldn’t need the pleat as long as you do not go too long!
I think a pearly stretch cotton sateen would look lovely as a bib. Or use the same fabric and make some ruffle roses from the same fabric and sew them to one side of the yoke like a corsage. You could sew multiple pearls as a centre…[Read more]

The pleat is required in this dress I think if you intend to use velvet. I like Liesl’s idea of using velvet for the bodice also. I can’t think of anything the same weight that would team well with it but I do adore the whole velvet in a colour and a complimenting white to go with it. Whatever the outcome of your fabric purchase for this dress, it…[Read more]

I did a cord version, and it was wonderful- fast and easy to wear, and as she grew, we simply put leggings underneath it for more warmth. http://www.flickr.com/photos/johanna_e_olson/5012677429/
I don’t think a drapey velvet would be weird at all. Make sure you grab enough fabric to account for the nap in the velvet- you might need more fabric…[Read more]

Thanks, Todd. No matter what I do, the test square prints out at about 7/8″. Since I plan to make these dresses for the twins every summer I will request a corrected PDF.
I just love making Oliver +s outfits for these kids. I’ve learned so much.