[KellyNYC]

Thanks for the advice! I unpicked it. I know I would never be happy with it if I left it, and I really want to love this shirt. I was so excited to make it and think it’s the perfect summer blouse pattern. I’ll resew the neckline tonight. I guess I will add some slack in the binding piece when I pin it to the neckline and try decreasing tension/increasing stitch length too. I’ll report back!

[KellyNYC]

I do, thank you…I will try that!

[KellyNYC]

Thanks, Nicole. Unfortunately this photo is after doing just that. I think I should redo. I just hope I don’t botch it given the trimmed and clipped seam allowances.

[KellyNYC]

Thank you both! I will be brave and conquer the buttonholes! And as for the alignment of the front center buttons vs the side seams, it’s supposed to not lay perfectly flat?

[KellyNYC]

Thank you both for your advice! I purchased the clear elastic and will be sure to use that next time on this seam, and the Hopscotch seam. Good tip. Tried the steam and it didn’t make a difference, but I’ll throw it through the dryer and that should help a bit. In any case, it does still look cute on. I just added a photo to the Flickr group. Nobody would likely notice except me. The seam joining the shoulder to the arms looks a bit low too. I think this pattern is supposed to be like that to an extent, but that area may have gotten stretched out as well. Oh well…it is still a cute and cozy dress!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kddonovan/10802504445/in/pool-oliverands

[KellyNYC]

Ok, so can we talk equipment? I don’t have a serger and have steered clear of knits for this reason. Is this pattern intended for use with a serger or can it be done on a regular machine? The tips above about changes to make while sewing with knits was very helpful. But I guess my question is can comparable results and a professional finish be achieved without the use of a serger?

[KellyNYC]

OK I’ll play. I agree with Wendi in that post baby (2), I much prefer stretchy fabrics. I need a little give, and for clothing to not feel tight, or stretched, when I’m doing the mom-contortionist act. I, too, loved the Washi dress but found the neckline needed stabilization that wasn’t provided in the pattern instructions (my bad, I suppose). I also love the Wiksten Tova top, it’s very much my style, and just saw an Anna Maria Horner Rayon version posted by Jenny of Wiksten that I loved. I also prefer longer tops, that hit mid to low hip. My HUGE pet peeve is when tops hit at my waist and I’m constantly pulling them down or monitoring the situation back there when I bend over.

Hard to find pics of myself, but two that I’ve found show a classic t-shirt, from Lululemon, that was pima cotton, and had just the right drape and fit. It was super long, which I LOVED, and wore it a few times a week. The length was key for me. It hugged in all the right areas, and skimmed over the wrong ones. The second is a maxi dress, silk I think, with a fitted camisole top and very loose bodice/skirt. I actually wore this while I was very pregnant and it looked just as good after the baby weight came off. Pics to follow…

[KellyNYC]

Thank you for your replies! I’m inspired enough to just jump in right now, so I will! I can’t wait to read all of your blogs. At first glance, they look fantastic. How nice to read about experiences and ruminations others have had that are so similar to your own! Sarvi, yes, I do think that sometimes I will have shorter snapshots of every day life, and others will be longer chronicles of my sewing adventures, and likely motherhood beyond as well. And as so many of you mentioned, the social aspect is so appealing. I love chatting with you all here, and in a limited capacity on Flickr, but will be nice to engage on a deeper level.

Lighting, I have also just started trying out Japanese patterns! I’m currently working my way through this past sew along: http://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/2012/08/08/sew-along-2-the-balloon-dress/. The series you mentioned from You and Mie sounds great. I will participate in that as well.

Nicole, I know your blog well, you’ve helped me many a time!!

Yes, I think this will be good. As I’m plunging deeper and deeper into the sewing world, I find myself hungry for more engagement and conversation with peers..since, as you mentioned Juliamom, none of my friends or family can relate.

Thank you all!! I’ll report back with my blog when I get it set up!

Kelly

[KellyNYC]

They are west coast, I just checked. Washington. Everything I’ve ordered from there has taken no longer than 3 days, but the weekend might throw things off. I’d maybe order it right now, call them first thing in the morning and beg them to get it in the mail tomorrow. I didn’t turn up too many other sellers that seemed like they’d have fast shipping. Or, appeal to Todd and see if they’ll overnight it to you!

[KellyNYC]

I agree with Todd. Do you have a local printer or a staples/kinkos near you that can print it out on a 36″ sheet? I just got the digital version of Roller Skate and Pinwheel and was not inconvenienced in the least by having the digital instead of paper version. Granted, I had my printer print out the 36″ sheet for $10 to save me the trouble of piecing together.

Otherwise, Pink Chalk carries this pattern, and they’re pretty fast. But I wouldn’t expect it before Tuesday. They don’t have an expedited option and ship USPS: http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10904

This pattern took me a good 3-5 nights to complete both times I’ve made it. I don’t know if I’d chance it and wait til midweek to begin sewing for Sunday.

May I ask which dress you were originally planning on? Would it give you the option to layer a turtleneck underneath and pair with leggings?

Good luck!!

[KellyNYC]

I love the idea of local meetups! Sadly I’m nowhere near Michigan. I live on Long Island, just east of NYC, so would be able to attend a NYC area meetup, and would be happy to host as well.

[KellyNYC]

Thank you for the suggestions! I was going to pick up one of those tools. But I did see that pencil trick somewhere earlier…maybe it was from you, Heidi, somewhere else. The compass would make a lot of sense too. So, I guess whichever way I choose it shouldn’t be that difficult. Thanks for the encouragement!

[KellyNYC]

Those are adorable! I love the pink and gray together. I basically shop for fabric the way Heidi suggested. I buy only when I have a project in mind. Which, lately, is a constant cycle, so that doesn’t help much!

[KellyNYC]

Sarvi, it’s actually an English translation of the Stylish Dress Book. I want to make one of everything. I think I’m most intimidated by having to add my own seam allowances and choosing the right size/fitting issues. Everything, even ill-fitted, looks cute on a 3 year old but not so for a 30-something!

[KellyNYC]

What a nice idea. My first O+S project was also my first endeavor into garment sewing. It was the Music Box Jumper, after I had seen the dress on The Purl Bee blog. I stumbled my way through it and she wore it for Thanksgiving, at 17 months old. My family was amazed! I agree Sarvi – this community has been so much more than sewing for me, even though I’m not a big poster. I began sewing right after I left my high pressure full time job in Manhattan and seeing all the talents in this group was truly inspiring in helping me figure out how to dive into this new hobby. I’ve since expanded to trying my hand at French patterns, and I have my eye on a few things from a Japanese sewing book, once I overcome the intimidation. But O+S patterns have my heart, and I anxiously await the new releases for some “fresh meat!”