skirt as top

Hi Anne, do you have notches or pattern markings present but not lining up?
If the markings are all present then you might have the wrong size, or an error somewhere.
If there’s no markings to line up then I’m guessing you’re trying to attach the facing upside down.

Check your pattern pieces, then check you’ve transferred all the markings…[Read more]

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My reply disappeared…

In that case use the button markings and edge of buttonholes to create a vertical line that you’ll then match your pattern to.

Don’t forget that the buttons sit to the edge of the buttonhole, not the centre.

I’ll try and attach a picture without losing the reply again 🙂

Do you want it to match when it’s buttoned closed?

You need to mark the centre front on each pattern piece as a vertical line. I think there’s a notch at the neck line to indicate where this is from memory.
Then, when you cut, you make sure the centre front lines hit the same part of the plaid pattern, not the edge of the pattern piece.

If you…[Read more]

Hi Debra,
Can you post a photo as that might help spot where the problem is.
Here’s how I troubleshoot this kind of problem:
1: notches missing or not matching at all?
– I’m trying to attach something upside down
2: centre back and shoulder notches good, one front ok, but all the length missing on the other side?
– I’ve mucked up one placket…[Read more]

@lrnbckmn, do you have an old shirt in your rag bag that you can salvage the buttons from?
Or you could try an Op-Shop?
Maybe ask around your friends? Many of the mass produced shirts have those little collar buttons as standard.

Ok, from the look of these photos the armhole seems to be quite small for you, and I think that’s why it’s pulling. Can you drop it a bit or trace a larger size for the arm? I think it wouldn’t hurt to go up a size overall if that’s easier, too. You don’t want this style to be too fitted.

Hello, and good for you, sticking to it! Your muslin is looking very good. Do those drag lines go away if you move them over your bust? From the photo it looks like you raised your arms and the extra fullness got “caught” above your bra, so I’m wondering if it’s just that the fabric is sticky. To a certain degree there will be drag lines due to…[Read more]

@macaronquilts Out of interest I got my 23 year son to try on his sisters. Way too short (I had shortened the leg) but they fit in a low waisted way.
He is not overly tall and an average muscular build.

He, too, liked the pockets and said he would happily wear them.

I hope that helps!

You can always access your past orders by viewing your order history. You’ll find any past download links on the sales receipt pages for your orders.

To do that, go to this page and either log into your account or look up orders by email and zip code.

https://oliverands.com/shop/find-past-orders/

Hello James,

As it happens, we have a blog tutorial specifically for this topic! I hope this helps:

fitting a muslin

Hi Kate (@matuhart), I’ve just moved house and everything is in boxes, so I don’t have my book on hand. But…

There is a free felt bow pattern here on the Oliver + S website under the Free Patterns tab.

If you want to use your dress fabric, you can still use this pattern. I’ve sewn it in fabric by adding a 1/4″ seam allowance, stitching and…[Read more]

Depending on the weight and thickness of the lining I think it could be great! Would love to see it when you’re done.

For question 1 it very much depends on your arms. If you have fuller arms you may want to go with a larger size armhole. Otherwise start with the standard size and see how it goes with the muslin.

Regarding #2, I’m not a big believer in the body map concept because it’s not nearly as simple as the authors of the book try to make it. Each pattern…[Read more]

I think I’ve made it in knit with the placket and it wasn’t a problem, but it’s been a while. And I know several people have eliminated the placket without problems, too. There have been many versions of this pattern–you could check the Flickr group or the Facebook group and probably find lots of examples.

That looks like it will be a very nice fabric for this pattern! I would say the underlining is completely your choice based on your fabric. If you’re concerned that the fabric isn’t substantial enough for this pattern I’d say go for it. In general, I tend to skip it and instead allow the fabric to drape. This coat is designed to be somewhat…[Read more]

Hi @jlrobinson1220gmail-com Joan,
The best way to work out what size a finished garment will be us to draw the stitching line on your pattern piece.
The crown circumference measurement will be taken at the opposite end to where you’ve marked.
Draw a line 1/2″ in from that longer curved edge. Stop the line 1/2″ from each end
The length of that…[Read more]

I agree that the second muslin is just not hitting it. What about altering the pattern piece to lower the neckline so it hits below the bust? That would be relatively easy, I think.

It’s looking good to me! The bodice is definitely too long in the back, and maybe a little long in the front as well? But I think you’re on the right track.