katybellabug

I think you’re right that you need something at the back. It would look quite odd if a sash came forward from the side seams but the back was bare. Somehow it works the opposite way 😉
If you use a cotton and have a full sash it will be heavy and I’d worry it will sag at the front – unless you tie it quite tight!
You certainly could put the back…[Read more]

No, no additional seam allowance, just marking so you can make your fox.

I have made it more times without a sleeve than with, ha! It’s a favorite for summer around here. Anyway, I just leave the sleeve off and line the bodice. Like Liesl said, the kimono sleeve makes it look short sleeved. In this post I talk about how to line the bodice: https://oliverands.com/community/blog/2015/06/fox-playtime-dress.html

I’m not sure myself, but I think @georgeandizzy has done this. I remember seeing some very cute versions.

I think it would be gorgeous in double gauze. I made the top in a really light weight lawn, and that was lovely. I’ve also made the dress using something horrible and slippy topped with a flimsy nylon with jewels on it (not my fabric choices!!). For this a sewed the slippy fabric and the top fabric together as one. If your double gauze was…[Read more]

Hi Julie @juviboston

If this young lady measures just 22 1/2″ around the chest, I would be inclined to make a size 4 and use the length of an 8 if she is within the height measurements specified for this size. It would make it far too big to make a size 6 as the amount of ease is 2 inches and it is ample.

I would measure her height to find out…[Read more]

The t-shirt is a boxy, cropped style. It’s very stylish especially when teamed with the culottes. But not, I found, on a little girl who insisted on wearing her skirts or pants with the front waistband pulled down below a toddler belly. Ugh.
I’m not sure about the hem length without getting the pattern out, but imagine it would be the same for…[Read more]

Hello there Heidi😄

Thanks for the reply. Yes I think they might’ve felt a little overdressed last year judging from the comments in the newsletter. We didn’t purposefully go looking for dresses over the summer holidays but as we were walking through Myer she made the comment of “I like that one!” To a black and red fit and flare on the mannequin.…[Read more]

The Little Things To Sew Cape has a good already and is probably closer to the swingy shape of your inspiration image.
Or, if it’s a fur/fake fur collar you’re wanting, then how about a removable faux collar. Makes it easier to wash the Cape if needed.
You could use a collar shape from the Building Block Dress Book and have it tie at the back, and…[Read more]

Did you check your seam allowance?

that’s great @poppy_andrew they look perfect!

Hi @grandmak

I honestly couldn’t say why! I have made the field trip raglan many times and have honestly not noticed the instructions not mentioning to finish the seams. I just go ahead and do that anyway. If you have an overlocker/ serger you can opt to use this instead of the sewing machine and this way it finishes the seams as you sew. If not…[Read more]

I’m going to go off course here and say that you should check Yelp and ask around in your local sewing community to see who the most reputable dealer/repair shop is, and look at the brand they sell. If anything goes hinky or you just need service done, you don’t want to have to ship your machine. Also a local dealer will often include a few free…[Read more]

I’m going to go off course here and say that you should check Yelp and ask around in your local sewing community to see who the most reputable dealer/repair shop is. If anything goes hinky or you just need service done, you don’t want to have to ship your machine. Also a local dealer will often include a few free lessons/machine orientation to…[Read more]

I find that I can’t be firing on all pistons at once. If I’m sewing a lot, I’m not knitting. If I’m knitting a lot, I’m not cooking, and so on. I too have been in a non-sewing phase for what feels like a long time. I have had half a Music Blouse on a hanger by my sewing desk for 6 months, no exaggeration. It may well not fit by the time I finish…[Read more]

Maybe sew something small Sharon? Dolly’ clothes? Something for the home even? Just to get you warmed up. Easter outfits for the kids?

Maybe the weather is not helping? When it is extreme in temps, my sewer goes missing. Thankfully it has stuck around this time (but we shall see when school goes back next week and it’s hot as hot can be)

I hope…[Read more]

Hi @fitdoc

I am going to make it no secret how much I like Janome machines. I didn’t learn on one but my first machine was one and I have stuck with them since. I would strongly encourage you to go to a dealer and just have a look. Often they will let you play or they can give you a demo of the ones you like the look of. Websites are also good…[Read more]

That’s fantastic! Perfectly Totoro for those of us in the know, but not at all costume-y.
Now you can stencil paint ALL THE THINGS! 😂