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Hi Kathy, there’s a tutorial that shows how to make any bodice sleeveless here: https://oliverands.com/community/blog/2014/04/customizing-the-layette-sleeveless-bodysuit-tutorial.html
Do you have the Building Block Dress Book? Changes like this are also well described in there.
I think the shirts will look great without sleeves. Have fun!

Thanks so much. I am thinking I will give this a go but may hack the pattern to remove the back pleats and keep the front. I will sew down the front pleats (great advice!). I have tried on a RTW skirt out of very similar material and that was one way to minimize the volume so I think I will give it a go! Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

Thank you. That makes a lot of sense.

I was hoping someone would reply to tell you they had tried this, but you must be the first one! I’ve lengthened the skirt to midi length and see no reason why it won’t work for maxi length. There’s plenty of sweep so you’ll be able to walk. Two words of advice: one, I would suggest checking the drape of your fabric to be sure it’s not TOO…[Read more]

Phyllis, there are two reasons we do this. The first is because, with so many sizes, the buttonholes get confusing when they’re laid on top of each other. The second is because I think it’s easier to transfer the markings once the placket is finished. Otherwise they get rubbed off during the sewing process or you might forget to include the seam…[Read more]

No worries, that’s what I’m here for! But thanks for the kind reply and I hope you’ll show us how it turns out. xo

Hi Leisl

Sorry for slow reply and thank you for yours. I took an inch off each side of back panel and it didn’t make a lot of difference. I think if I take much more off it will start to pull the side panels around. I haven’t time now to try but wanted to thank you and let you know I was in process of trying.

Joan

I have made dozens of clothing items for my kids, including hats, bags, backpack, stuffies, etc. Also probably more than 100 costume pieces for my kids’ plays, all on my Janome mechanical Sewist. Increasingly, I found that the Janome was not up to the more rugged projects, such as the back pack and I turned to my Singer 301 for that. Suddenly,…[Read more]

Glad it worked out ok!

The muslin was successful and the shirt hung normally. After a few tweaks to the length, I’m well into the final product.

Thanks for your prompt response!
K

It sounds like you haven’t done anything wrong! Keep in mind that the back has extra ease (pleats) for better movement and comfort. Once you try on the muslin I think it will be fine. Keep us posted, ok?