Ana Sofia

I’ve been using the denim the Robert Kaufman makes and I love it, but I’m not sure where to tell you to get it? They make many different weights, so it’s helpful to know denim or have access different types so you can feel it. Sadly, the Cone Denim mill in the U.S. has closed, but they make absolutely lovely authentic, durable denim if you can get…[Read more]

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!

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

Glad it worked out ok!

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?

You can reduce it as much as you want as long as you can still get it over your hips. I would suggest keeping an eye on the side panels so they stay at your sides and don’t pull too much toward the back or front.

I would suggest altering the neckline to suit her preferences and then using the Peter Pan Collar instructions in the Building Block Dress book to develop a new collar. This will be much simpler than trying to alter the collar that comes with the pattern. I hope that helps!

Sure, here’s a blog post on the topic to help!

lengthening and shortening a pattern

No, unfortunately, the creation of layers is something that needs to be done when the original pattern is created. There’s no way to take an existing file and add layers to it. The file needs to be completely remade from the ground up. That’s why we’re creating new patterns with layers (it’s a completely different process to develop the pattern so…[Read more]

It’s just a matter of adding length to the collar as you add length to the neckline. Adjust your neckline (lowering, widening etc) then measure the new neckline at the stitching line. Compare that to the original and add the same length to the collar. They’re curved lines so you end up freehand drawing it.
The good thing is that collars are only…[Read more]

Hi Becca, if you lower or scoop out the neckline then you would need to make adjustments to the length of the collar do that it still fits.
I wonder if perhaps what your daughter needs is a Forward Shoulder Adjustment (FSA). This moves the shoulder seam forward and helps prevent the front neckline from falling backwards and feeling like it’s…[Read more]

Hi Susan,
If you ever want to find something relating to a particular pattern then the easiest way is to go via the “shop”. Click on the pattern you’re interested in, and you’ll find tabs that will take you to forum discussions, blog posts, or sewn up examples of that pattern.
Here’s the sew along which I found via the blog posts tab in the Extra…[Read more]

Hi Tricia, yes the waistband is just one long piece (pattern piece 6).
The only other pattern pieces are the skirt, and the front and back plackets.
Maybe sleep on it and just follow the instructions in the morning. I always find Oliver + S patterns work perfectly if you don’t overthink them, and just do as Liesl says! 🙁

There isn’t a list available. It’s something we have started doing within the last couple years. Older styles will not have the PDF layers built in, but newer styles will.

In the full description of the pattern, you’ll see a sentence mentioning that the pattern has layers to print only your select size if the pattern has been produced that…[Read more]

Hi Phyllis, here’s a lining tutorial that is perfectly adaptable for the Extra Sharp Pencil Skirt:

how to line shorts–or any pair of pants

Phyllis, you will cut two of piece number 13 with your fabric folded. (See the cutting layout.) That will give you pieces for both sleeves.

Those bags look like fun, and a great way to use up scraps – assuming your scraps are better co-ordinate do than mine!
Fun to see an old thread bumped up, thanks.
You’ve inspired me to put the waistband on my Hollywood Trousers and finish them off.

I think it would be quite easy. When you sew the trouser front to the pocket bag you’d simply sew it at an angle – a bit like the Art Museum trousers.
Then you just need to ensure that the pocket stay (which would then form the side seam above the bottom of the pocket opening) is wide enough that none of the pocket facing shows.