juliamom2009

I just finished another pair in linen and I’m really happy with the result. One piece of advice I’d offer for linen trousers is that you press the rise seam allowances to one side and edgestitch the rise seam to strengthen it and to prevent “grinning” when the weave opens up because of stress on the seam. Does that makes sense? I can post a photo…[Read more]

The Swingset Skirt has been really popular because it’s quite full and can also be reversible… That might be a good place to start?

Hi Bonnie, I’ve only ever made the jacket in stretch fabrics and from memory I’ve just used a straight stitch everywhere. I’d certainly use a single straight stitch at the shoulder dart so they press flat more easily.

Hi Brenda, can you be more specific? I’m not sure what you mean by View A? Which sleeve are you making?

I wrote a whole blog post to explain. I hope this helps!

finding your correct pattern size

Hi Figen, as one without much “up front” my experience with bust measurements is limited, but:
I believe the bust measurements as per the chart will be the B cup.
A nice shirt fit is often all about the shoulders, so I’d suggest choosing your size based on your upper bust measurement and then using the C cup pattern tissue which saves you having…[Read more]

Hi Paige. Because the front placket helps to form the collar it needs to be wide enough that there’s no chance it will roll out or fold on itself.
It certainly works out very nicely if you sew it as instructed, so my suggestion is not to worry and let it happen. Enjoy the sewing

Hi Liz, the breezy blouse is lovely, but it’s very essence is its sleeveless was, no?
Adding a sleeve to a sleeveless pattern is tricky. I’d focus on going the other way:
What is it you like about the breezy blouse?
It would be much easier to copy the neckline, the side panel blocking or the hem shape onto another pattern that already had…[Read more]

I wrote a blog post about this which should help to clarify:

how to raise or lower a dart

As I responded on Instagram, you just need to find the template for the placket, which is separate from the pattern piece itself and is located right next to it on the pattern sheet.

Erica, thanks for your reply! And indeed, since this style doesn’t have shoulders I wouldn’t worry about that. Look at the bust measurement. If you need to do a full bust adjustment for the shelf bra you could also add room through the front (maybe just move the fold line out a bit from the fold to keep things easy), and the shelf bra will keep it…[Read more]

Hi Violet,
There’s a sew along for this pattern on the blog. Perhaps this will help: https://oliverands.com/community/blog/2016/02/gallery-tunic-dress-sew-along.html

Is it possible you’re trying to attached the wrong side of the armhole facing?

Maybe you could add a picture to help illustrate what’s going wrong

Hi Katie,

The front of the Cappuccino dress is a bit tricky as it’s made up of three pattern pieces.

Do you like the current fit and dress length but want to raise the pockets on the dress?

Or do you want to shorten the whole dress? Then the question becomes where? Through the body or at the hem or both?

Sliding the pockets up the dress…[Read more]

Hmm, I’m looking at your photos and you’re right; something is pulling the dress back. I’m wondering if it could be the neck neck? Because it’s designed to be quite high I wonder if it’s being forced lower and that’s causing the entire dress to pull back. Let me think about this a little more and if I have any other ideas I’ll tell you. I’ll also…[Read more]

Dawn, all seam allowances are 1/2″ on that pattern.

Hi Kanataji, you sound confused! It’s difficult to make suggestions without seeing how the muslin is fitting on you. Is there any way you can post photos?

Hi Wonderly, is this where you are?

4. Keeping the edges of the outer yoke folded, align and pin it to the yoke lining (the unfolded yoke) with right sides together. Stitch the neckline and the sleeve edges with a 1/2″ seam, backstitching or lockstitching at both ends.

5. Trim the stitched seam allowances to 1/4″. Turn the yoke right-side out…[Read more]

Hi there, I’m both the designer and the model in the photos. The two tops are the same size but made from different fabrics. The blue is cotton with spandex and the yellow is rayon with spandex, which drapes more and looks more clingy. In both tops the shoulder actually fits at the shoulder, but I think for the blue top I just didn’t adjust it…[Read more]