April Henry

Hmmm. What size are you making, @cat75? I’ll take a look at the pattern and see if I can figure out what’s going wrong.

Can you explain where you’re not clear so I can help? The skirt gets attached at step 4 on page 144, and then the side seams are sewn up after. But I’m actually wondering if you’d benefit from the Fairy Tale Dress pattern, since it includes a tulle layer as well. It might have everything you’re looking for, and in great detail?

Thanks for the feedback, Pamela! We’ve been changing the format of our PDFs a bit, and it’s nice to know you like it this way.

Thanks for your patience, Peggy. I finally had a couple of minutes to go back and review the FBA instructions for this one (it’s been a long time since I wrote them), and I think it’s quite straightforward. The technique is similar to the Cinema Dress but maybe a little easier? Also, if you’re struggling with fit, I highly recommend the Fit for…[Read more]

Thanks for your patience, Peggy. I finally had a couple of minutes to go back and review the FBA instructions for this one (it’s been a long time since I wrote them), and I think it’s quite straightforward. The technique is similar to the Cinema Dress but maybe a little easier? Also, if you’re struggling with fit, I highly recommend the Fit for…[Read more]

Oh, how beautiful! And how fun that they were used for that particular piece, which is a favorite of mine. I love the graceful cat-like motions. Thanks for sharing!

That’s beautiful! Well done!

I don’t either, @lightningmcstitch! It’s never caused a real problem, and if I get a little nest of threads I just cut them off. No biggie.

I’d probably more inclined to make a separate bow and attach it only via thread chain belt loops at the side seams. That way it can easily be removed for cleaning and pressing, etc. But it sort of depends on the type of bow you’re thinking of, too. You certainly could do it as you suggested as well!

For the dress in the book I did a hem facing with a scalloped edge. To finish the scalloped edge I simple used a basting stitch as a folding guide, then I clipped into the seam allowances where needed to allow the seam allowances to be pressed to the wrong side along the basting line. I trimmed where necessary so they wouldn’t show and then sewed…[Read more]

I’ve seen several version where the sleeve was just left off. Since it has a bit of a kimono sleeve to the shaping, that will make it look short sleeved. A narrow hem to finish it should be just fine. But perhaps someone who has sewn it that way will have additional suggestions?

I agree. Double gauze would be perfect for that style!

I generally suggest starting with the chest measurement, but don’t drop more than two sized below the child’s age or the sleeves and armholes might be too small. We’ve allowed approximately 2″ of ease in the pattern, so if she’s measuring between sizes you might be safe to go down instead of up. And of course I always suggest making a muslin!

I’m no expert in sergers, that’s for sure! I’d suggest taking it to a service center or someone who can take a look at it. They’re quite a specialized piece of equipment, and I’m just happy when I can thread mine successfully.

That sounds like a good plan to me! Definitely test the interfacing (which sounds like it’s amazing) before using it to see if it’s necessary, but it sounds like you’ve thought it out brilliantly.

Sorry for the silence! Yes, the hem for both views is the same allowance. Like Lightning says, it’s a short boxy style. It looks darling on her! It also depends on what you’re wearing with it. The cropped length looks great with the culottes, but it might be on the short side for other styles. It’s all about the silhouette, right?

Hey Diane, I’d suggest lining with lawn. Kaufman makes a nice line of solid lawns that would be a great lining. I’m not sure you’d need to underline the dress, especially if you’re going to include the tulle, which will give the skirt more body for sure. Does that help?

What about using the Building Block Dress book to draft a collar of your own to fit the cape? A fur Peter Pan collar would be adorable!

Hi Martha,

You can use the bodice hem of the basic Building Block Dress pattern as an estimated waist, but you’ll want to check it when doing a fitting with the muslin to be sure it’s accurate. Everyone is different, so it’s helpful to check and adjust as necessary.

Cheers,
Liesl