Justine J

Please make a trial run in another fabric.
When I wanted to make Tildy’s silk version I made a cotton version first to check the size.

I made the 12-18mnth width and lengthened at the hem.
She is nearly 4 (sob) and still wearing it.
If you daughter is petite and your…[Read more]

I’ve done this and what I did was just extend the existing line (which is not exactly straight up and down but tapers in a touch) and that worked pretty well. I worry that if you taper from the hip it might end up pretty narrow at the ankle and give a jodhpur effect, which doesn’t sound like what you’re thinking of. Just an idea, I haven’t tried…[Read more]

Spotlight Mt Barker has a huge range.
There is a good bus service from Adelaide.

Sharon,I spoke with my husband who has successfully repaired some small problems with my overlocker.
He suggests that you unthread the machine and,with the side open,turn the wheel by hand and see if the bottom looper is bent and catching or bumping into the needles.
If that is the problem,you may be able to gentle bend the looper back,just a wee bit.

Is there any particular reason that you wish to use french seams?
I am with Melanie on this one,I am sure it could be done but it would be bulky.
How about lining the skirt?
~Nicole~

Cotton voile is lovely for a special outfit.
For everyday lining I use a cotton rich poplin.
Lots of pretty colours and it needs little pressing.

Happy to enable!
I blogged the construction so if you would like to ‘try before you buy’ http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/sets/72157625559687392/
My 8 year old Lidia has only just stopped fitting in hers and whilst she is skinny she had quite a broad back and I generally cut the size 7 width in tops for her.
The skirt would be ever so easy…[Read more]

Lisa – I totally agree with you on growing up metric and I had the hardest time at the beginning of sewing with inches and fractions. It all looked so jumbled.
I would recommend finding a good ruler that has inches and all eight fractions marked and try and not think about if 1/4 inch is 0.6 or 0.7 cm any more.
I found my sewing was a lot more…[Read more]

Lisa, we have metric conversions for all our patterns available on the website. Go to the shop section and find the pattern you are using. You can click on the green tab for “size chart” toward the bottom of the page. This will give you the info in both English and metric measurements.

I buy my McCalls interfacing when I have a coupon,it is usually $12/m.
Well worth it.
~Nicole~

I like that Kona comes in so many colors, it’s not hard to find a shade that matches what I need. I don’t like that it’s SO wrinkly.

Kaufman claims it’s the same, and I imagine that they’d be careful about protecting the reputation of their brand:
http://www.swatchandstitch.com/all-about-kona/2010/9/21/what-is-kona-cotton.html

Bumped -baby baby!

Thank you Corlee,that is so sweet of you and it made my day!
The forum is great and I always try and check in before making an o+s pattern for ideas and tips.
~Nicole~

Thank you Corlee,that is so sweet of you and it made my day!
The forum is great and I always try and check in before making an o+s pattern for ideas and tips.
~Nicole~

It is a bit hard to say……but it can always be added later if you do find it is shifting.
I am sorry not to be more help.
~Nicole~

I don’t think you have to stitch the seam on the shoulders if you are willing to press it back to shape.
I made these for a dear OS O+S chum and I hand stitched the seam in place http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/7087015835/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/6941047922/in/photostream/
~Nicole~

I would call cotton velvet ”velveteen”. Then there is stretch poly velvet,poly mix velour and cotton velour which are all pretty stretchy.
That said,I had some stretch cotton velvet that was a little stretchy……
I love making ‘do-dads’ to decorate clothes.
~Nicole~

I would call cotton velvet ”velveteen”. Then there is stretch poly velvet,poly mix velour and cotton velour which are all pretty stretchy.
That said,I had some stretch cotton velvet that was a little stretchy……
I love making ‘do-dads’ to decorate clothes.
~Nicole~

OK – another question because I am just finally somewhere where I can see a wide variety of fabrics in person. Velveteen is cotton velvet, right? I’m talking about a drapey stretch velvet that is polyester. I do prefer natural fabrics in general but as this is a special occasion dress I told myself I wouldn’t mind if she didn’t wear them for…[Read more]