[Marsha Ronald]

I have a short shoulder to bust length and may need to raise the V neck a bit. Will I also need to modify the shawl collar? If I raise the neckline 1” should the collar be shortened by 2” ? Retaper the center front points?

Thanks so much for your advice. I can’t wait to start on this new design.
Marsha

[Liesl Gibson]

If you raise the V-neck (which you can absolutely do, no problem) you’ll want to shorten the collar at the center back so it fits correctly. Again, easy to do–just measure at the seam line and shorten at the back seam by the same amount. I hope that helps!

[Savta50]

I will try this way of shortening the collar in order to raise the v-neck. So, I will also have to adjust the facing at centre back by same amount, right? Then what about matching shoulder seams and notches? (Sorry if this should be obvious!)

I’m also having trouble handling all the bulk at the point of the neck: dress front, wrong side of collar, interfacing, right side of collar (all of this X2) and then the neck facing and its interfacing. First time around I ended up with a big lump! Trying again, so any pointers would be appreciated.

[Liesl Gibson]

Yes, you’ll do the same with the facing.

You’ll definitely want to trim some of the bulk from the neckline as you go, yes. That’s where the basting stitches come in handy, to help you line up everything to the point of the V neck.