Frances Suzanne

I have made a few baby boy Sketch book shorts, utterly adorable but they were a bit firm for a chubby babies neck. The Music Class would definitely be roomier.

This jacket is quite roomy, my daughter is 11 or 12 in this photo and you can see it fits nicely still.

The sleeves are good and long too as they fold back on themselves in a deep cuff.

@MaggieH absolutely nothing wrong with slow sewing. Far, far better to have one good dress than half dozen rushed, ‘okay’ versions.

I will keep a look out for it and I am very keen to see your lace version.

Perfect your skills and pattern and you WILL have something you can see up for that last minute invite.

Good luck

xx Nicole

I would have definitely put this on my boy.
For up to 2 years I would make it as it is. (2+2 blouse would be adorable too) after that age I would consider leaving off the tucks and trimming the excess from the side and front to match the yoke.
I would keep the width at the sides for a chubby boy or trim the side too for a slimmer child (drafting a…[Read more]

@MaggieH how did it go?

I dismissed this pattern as a bit of a dull sew UNTIL I sewed it.
Very red faced, it is just lovely.

Stay stitching is a support for sewing, once the sewing is done it has done its job.

Clipping the curves is important for a nice neat turn and curve.

On a very sheer fabric, where the clipping will show, I trim the seam very closely and it will curve nicely but you need to be a bit careful.

I hope that helps?

I found by getting a good fit in the bust and shoulders the dress ‘skimmed’ the rest of me. It sort of tucked under my bust and hinted at a waist.

Here I had just had my 6 baby and was quite lumpy https://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/14999667107/in/album-72157636708064826/

See how it has gentle shaping.…[Read more]

@enbee I had forgotten about the cup size, apologies. You shouldn’t have too then.

I wish I has time to start this and do it with you.

I guess what I would do is is muslin the 8 graded to the 12 ( as you suggested). Put in one sleeve and check the bicep, you made need to add some there, check arm movement and check length.
Sometimes I have to…[Read more]

And as always, I recommend the book Fit for Real People, which covers every aspect of altering dresses and blouses, including narrow shoulders, etc. You’ll feel confident making changes when you can refer to it.

Me, me!
Small shoulders, big boobs and a big tummah!

You need to make a muslin. A FBA will be your friend here. I did one here http://fiveandcounting-motherof5.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/mama-gets-her-groove-back.html I have no idea if it is the right way but it may help you get started.

Liesl’s FBA instructions are brilliant.

Let me know how you…[Read more]

I should start a list of stupid things I’ve done while developing new patterns. It would start with sewing a zipper completely closer earlier this week…

Hi Natalia,

I would suggest that you refer to our size chart to determine the right size. You can compare that to the finished measurement chart to determine how much ease you want. The waist can be raised or lowered as needed. You might want to make a muslin, first, if you’re unsure. I sometimes ask S to put an elastic around her waist, over the…[Read more]

Sorry, I just saw this! Yes, with dressmaking muslin you don’t wash it. You can iron it just fine, but the sizing gives it nice stiffness to make it easier for making muslins. It sounds like I really need to do a full tutorial about making a muslin–I’ll put it on my list for a video class, ok?

Well, my all-time favorite needles are a bit pricey but so luxurious to use. Have you tried the Tulip Hiroshima needles yet? Amazingly sharp. Their embroidery needles in assorted sizes (7, 8, 9, 10) are my favorites. But I’m surprised that you can’t find ordinary steel needles at Joann! Yikes!

I’m still not clear where you’re getting stuck. Are you on page 43, step 8? If so, the inside of the placket will show for now, just like it does on the coordinating illustration. Once you’ve sewn the neckline with the neck facing you’ll turn the placket right side out again so it doesn’t show anymore. If this isn’t where you’re getting stuck, can…[Read more]

Hi Jo, Can you be more specific about what’s giving you trouble? The placket starts on page 47. Is there a particular step that’s confusing you?

Yes, do interface both pieces. You’ll want the extra structure.

What you’re seeing in that illustration is the stitching on either side of the set-in placket. Typically a set-in placket is topstitched on either side. If you’re choosing the continuous (cut-on) placket, it is traditionally topstitched only on the innermost fold. You can do it…[Read more]