Liesl Gibson

I made and finished the size 4 bubble, adding length (about an inch each) to both the bodice and skirt, plus extra width to the skirt for extra pouf. I didn’t realize how much shorter a bubbly bubble is than a deflated one (without elastic) which is the way I usually make them. I don’t know if it’s just that I’m used to longer dresses on her or…[Read more]

I made and finished the size 4 bubble, adding length (about an inch each) to both the bodice and skirt, plus extra width to the skirt for extra pouf. I didn’t realize how much shorter a bubbly bubble is than a deflated one (without elastic) which is the way I usually make them. I don’t know if it’s just that I’m used to longer dresses on her or…[Read more]

Ditto the above — unless a particular needle is giving me problems like the popping/grinding you mentioned, I just use universal needles for everything, including knits.

Sadly I can’t see it being quite that easy. If the fit through the shoulders and upper chest is good then yes, you can take in side seams.
However, any changes involving or above the sleeve area would get messy.
Centre front or back seams that go full length would be easier places to play with removing width.
Sorry not to be more help. Sometimes…[Read more]

This may sound heretical, but I often sew with whatever is in the machine and don’t notice any difference.
When I bought my overlocker it came with Universal needles and I queried the salesman as I thought they should be jersey or ball point needles. His reply was that nothing is “sharp” anymore with the exception of denim needles…
In case I’m…[Read more]

Hi Rebecca, I sew with merino jersey quite a lot and find it behaves quite well with steam ironing. Better behaved than cotton Lycra in my hands.
Steam press it into submission!

Try this…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cybele727/sets/72157643953253724Eyelet dress

I did a family reunion color block in probably the same pink circle eyelet. The challenge with any lining/underlining etc is the seam allowances being visible through the eyelet. If you are going to line the eyelet and then have the tulle and then the lining, I am going to recommend that you take and cut out the pieces in both and sew them…[Read more]

I think my lining layer is more opaque, but the top layer is sheer enough that you could see this rectangle beneath it, but using fusible web and a scrap of thin fabric worked really well. I added a scrap to the bottom of the (white) zipper as well. It’s not perfect — is 1am sewing ever — but nobody’ll notice from the cheap seats 🙂

Thanks, Heidi!

D’oh! Good catch, Heidi! I only have *white* interfacing, not black. Oh brother, that was a very confusing question, wasn’t it. THanks so much, I’ll go check out that link!

I don’t think anybody else would have noticed, but I know it feels nice to have them tidied!

Well I wound up making two dresses that came out rather well, I thought. When she was 3, she had a size 3, when she was 4, she had a size 4, so now she’s 5 (and 6 in October!) I made size 5s. Nope!! All her growth has been tallifying and enskinnying. She…[Read more]

I don’t think anybody else would have noticed, but I know it feels nice to have them tidied!

Well I wound up making two dresses that came out rather well, I thought. When she was 3, she had a size 3, when she was 4, she had a size 4, so now she’s 5 (and 6 in October!) I made size 5s. Nope!! All her growth has been tallifying and enskinnying. She…[Read more]

Thanks, Karen! I only spotted one or two typos but I know it can be annoying to see them so I fixed them for you. 🙂

Thanks, Karen! I only spotted one or two typos but I know it can be annoying to see them so I fixed them for you. 🙂

Not sure if this will be of any help? http://fiveandcounting-motherof5.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/a-christmas-fairy-tale-tutorial-part-i.html?showComment=1358649417151

Have a peep if you like.

I would underline using something like cotton voile or even a single cotton gauze. Just thick enough to stop your seam allowances being visible.
Then line in a lightweight cotton, or maybe bemsilk lining.
Cut the skirt as one piece so you only have the centre back seam and then you could get away with not underlining the skirt, but I’d do it…[Read more]

I really, really wish you lived closer and could touch this fabric. Photos don’t do it justice as it’s a plain black silk, no patterning or funky texture, but *gosh* it’s nice.

I have not yet made it in eyelet, but I’ve made it with a lace skirt, and made the Pinwheel in eyelet and many of the same tips that apply to sheer fabrics apply here as well. The area where you want to take special care is in how you handle your seam allowances — both for the eyelet and for the lining. Normally you don’t have to go to tons of…[Read more]