Cheri

Ha ha! I go out of my way to avoid all celebrity gossip and even I haven’t been able to avoid that news! What about something inspired by one of William and Katherine’s kids’ outfits? (I hope I got their names right?) I’ve seen a few photos of some really cute clothes–and they qualify and prince and princess, right?

Lucy, I was hoping to make a video to demonstrate this step but haven’t had a chance yet. The trick is to sew only one shoulder at a time and then turn it right side out before sewing the other shoulder. If you reach in through the sewn shoulder you can pull the dress right side out through the shoulder–it sounds crazy and will feel wrong when…[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.

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]

I would suggest that you check the finished measurements and compare them to your boyfriend’s measurements. A muslin in an excellent idea. This post might help get you started with making adjustments. (I know it’s written for a toddler’s belly, but the technique would be the…[Read more]

Hi there.

Answering on the fly here. Yes, it looks like the interfacing is missing from that illustration, sorry. We’ll issue an errata for that.

I’m not quite sure what you mean by your second question. Do you mean both center-front pieces for View A? If so, yes. And yes, edgestitch the innermost fold. Most of the illustrations show View B,…[Read more]

I forgot that existed, @Enbee! thanks for the link.

It’s really difficult to tell from small photos, but from what I can see it looks like a dropped shoulder adjustment would be the first thing to tackle. Keep in mind that this pattern is designed to fit loosely, so don’t take too much out! And if your library doesn’t have the book it’s a great investment if you can afford it. I refer to mine all the time.

I agree that jersey might be too casual. That’s a gorgeous dress! Are you sure you want to take it apart? If so, you could use the fabric from the original bodice for part of the new bodice, like @Enbee suggests. I suspect that you could match the color and texture of the original fabric pretty closely, especially if you sent a swatch to Farmhouse…[Read more]

The instructions to convert to a gathered skirt with a straight hem begin on page 74 of the book.

I’d suggest taking a look at Fit For Real People for this one. It will show you how to adjust the shoulders, sleeve width, etc.

Which version of Annie are you going for? This one?

http://missnombril.m.i.pic.centerblog.net/589f9f4d.jpg

All of these are very do-able! I think you’ve got the gist of it, for sure. I hope you’ll show us when you’re done!