Tamara

The last picture is a wrong way go back 🙂 don’t do that.
The raw edges should be aligned. Raw edge of collar band facing, shirt, then collar band.
The dots (1/2″ in from ends) should align with the edges of the finished plackets. Pin those ends first. Then pin the centre notches, then side notches then keep bisecting each section with pins until…[Read more]

Hmmm, not sure quite what you mean. The flat pattern piece is only shown once in the instructions and that’s on the first page where the pattern pieces are shown numbered and named.
The only pattern piece you need for the pants is number 12: Leggings.
It is quite wide as there’s only the one piece to fully around the leg with the single seam at…[Read more]

I don’t have the pattern to hand, but is there any chance you’re trying to attach the collar band upside down?

Hi Rose, congratulations on your soon-to-be-new-baby. A good place to start would be to download one of the free Oliver + S pattern like the Popover Sundress (link: https://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/ ). The size starts at Size 2, but it will be a good beginner project and the perfect way to introduce yourself to the fabulous…[Read more]

@liesl I never would have thought of that, Liesl! Thanks so much for explaining, I’ll be trying the next size up soon!

Hmmm, I just made this pattern yesterday so it’s fresh in my mind…
The placket is the very last thing you do, so I can see two ways you could line it without changing the order of steps.
One would be to effectively underline each front and back panel and have the lining enclosed in the hem. ie treat the lining and main fabric as one when it…[Read more]

It would be an interesting exercise to see if the Bento sleeves don’t fit right on there… But then I don’t have the pattern to hand. Yet. 🙂

I’ve certainly seen people make this coat in cotton laminates. They will be water repellent but have more drape than a home Dec weight outdoor furnishing fabric. However, I think the pattern lends itself quite well to a fabric that has minimal drape. It will be quite boxy but that can be fine, just be aware that it may be a beast to sew – setting…[Read more]

Sorry for the late reply @erechler Erin. Yes, sometimes you will flip a pattern piece in order to have it on the fold. What matters is that all the pattern pieces have their top and bottom ends facing the same way as each other. That way you won’t have upside down print on one or other parts of a pattern.
Cutting layouts are great but feel free…[Read more]

@madelouisville hi Lyndsey, the top corner of the button placket template should line up with the top corner of the finished button placket and then the buttonholes marked from there.
From memory the template doesn’t really have a bottom, it just continues… So long as the lowest buttonhole is well and truly on your placket then you’re right. If…[Read more]

Oh why is this fabric so blue?
I was sure I bought some other hue

It’s hurting my eyes
They’re going cross-wise

Oh why is this fabric so blue?
I was sure I bought some other hue

Yes, I had the same drag line from the shoulder. I pulled out my Fit for Real People book to take a look at how to fix it, but haven’t tried it yet. I’m so glad to see it worked well for you!

Yes, I had the same drag line from the shoulder. I pulled out my Fit for Real People book to take a look at how to fix it, but haven’t tried it yet. I’m so glad to see it worked well for you

I was just thinking of this thread recently. Thanks for refreshing it.
I hope you’ll say hello when you’re in Melbourne, Nicole. If the planets align I might just find myself with time to browse a fabric shop 😉
For three days now I haven’t worked on anything. May and June was like a manic sewing bender at my place. Finally I’ve packed everything…[Read more]

That’s such a wholesale change, I’d probably come at it the other way. Start with a raglan sleeve block pattern, such as the Field Trip tee, then use Building Block Dress Book techniques to create the changes (lengthening, A-line etc) that you want.

Grrr can’t do small images from my phone. Image is uploaded to Flickr. Here’s the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79480359@N03/33955580763/in/dateposted-public/

No, no, don’t force! 🙂
The pocket piece will extend beyond the opening of the pocket to “fill in” the area of the skirt in the top corner.
I’ve attached a photo of my pattern tracing pieces (from the shorts, but it will be the same).
In the image the pocket piece is on the bottom, then the pocket bag, then the shorts/skirt front on top. Hopefully…[Read more]