Maggie

Pippi, that tape used to finish the neckline is really for aesthetic reasons–to cover the merrow/serger stitching. I suppose it might also stabilize the neck a bit too, but the fabric itself is mostly responsible for the neckline. A knit with good recovery (it bounces back to its original shape after being stretched) will do fine. Knits without…[Read more]

Alright, sillies. I totally missed this whole exchange last week. Nicole, if you’d like to guest post it for us we’d be absolutely delighted, but I totally understand if you want it for your own blog. Invitation is open, ok? Drop me a line if you want to write it for us and I’ll tell you what we need in terms of photo sizes, etc.
Regarding the…[Read more]

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Keep in mind that 25% stretch is not very much! Cotton jersey will work just fine. Something with a TINY bit of lycra/spandex will have better recovery, but you don’t want a power stretch. We’re not making swimsuits here! I made S’s leggings with ordinary cotton jersey, so don’t worry too much about getting fancy with these. Dry Goods had a nice…[Read more]

I don’t have the pattern in front of me at present, but if memory serves correctly the notch at the top of the sleeve matches the front yoke instead of the shoulder. Hope that helps!

I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t need them–they’re really more of a design detail to define the shoulder/armhole than to hold the two layers together. Just be sure to smooth and pin and you should be fine without the topstitching. Can’t wait to see!

I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t need them–they’re really more of a design detail to define the shoulder/armhole than to hold the two layers together. Just be sure to smooth and pin and you should be fine without the topstitching. Can’t wait to see!

Yes, velveteen is cotton velvet. Nicole nailed it: poly velvet, etc. Should be a really cute dress!

Yes, velveteen is cotton velvet. Nicole nailed it: poly velvet, etc. Should be a really cute dress!

What size did you make? If it’s a larger size, you should just be able to shorten at the top–trim 1″ (for example) off the top edge before sewing the waistband on. If it’s a smaller size, watch for the curve of the rise, since you don’t want to start cutting into it. If you’re starting to get into the curve on the smaller sizes, you may need to…[Read more]

Sorry for the silence during my absence. It looks like this turned out very nicely!

I have one of the Janome CoverPro machines and really like it. I don’t like the combined serger/coverstitch machines because it’s a huge pain to switch back and forth and, quite frankly, I don’t think you save much money compared to having two separate machines. I like to have all three machines (coverstitch, serger, sewing machine) lined up on my…[Read more]

Amy, I’m sorry the economics have been so difficult. I know it’s not any consolation, but I think many online retailers are struggling right now, and dealing with currency fluctuations doesn’t help. Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given O+S, and I’m glad you’ll still be here on the forums with us.

Amy, I’m sorry the economics have been so difficult. I know it’s not any consolation, but I think many online retailers are struggling right now, and dealing with currency fluctuations doesn’t help. Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given O+S, and I’m glad you’ll still be here on the forums with us.

Oh, fun! Here is an old blog post about places I recommend. I need to update it and will try to do so very soon:
http://disdressed.blogspot.com/2006/05/new-york-crafters-resources.html
Note that Purl has moved to a fantastic new location since I wrote this. And have a great trip!

Oh, fun! Here is an old blog post about places I recommend. I need to update it and will try to do so very soon:
http://disdressed.blogspot.com/2006/05/new-york-crafters-resources.html
Note that Purl has moved to a fantastic new location since I wrote this. And have a great trip!

I’m glad you like that style! I agree that it would look great in larger sizes.
Unfortunately, at this point we don’t have plans to re-print backlisted styles in larger sizes, but as we release new patterns we’ll continue to offer them in the expanded size range. We’ve got some terrific patterns in the works, so stay tuned and I’m sure you’ll find…[Read more]