[SarahGreen]

Sorry, I don’t have dimensions. I’m guessing you might have already come up with something, but I think an obi/kimono-style belt would be adorable with the culottes.

[SarahGreen]

Sorry for all the typos! I’m currently sitting outside (i’m blaming the sunlight!)and on my phone.

[SarahGreen]

I’ve made the firefly jacket, which is reversible, and for that one you leave a small opening at the bottom hem and turn the whole thing through it. I think it’s best done slowly.

Not sure if that helps you?

[SarahGreen]

Great ideas! I’m glad I asked. Although my seam ripper and I know each other too well, I think I’ll go the hand stitch route. Shouldn’t take too long, and it’ll make a tv program seem productive.

I think in this case a voile or batiste might work better. I live in Costa Rica and I’ve done away with all my tights. 🙂

Thank you so much!

[SarahGreen]

Last time we were in Paris we stayed in an apartment on the Rue de Mulhouse near Rue Montorgueil. There were fabric houses up and down our street. Although I think most wee only open to wholesales, it might be possible to find a few to sell to an individual. I was drooling at the windows. There are many other fabric art boutiques in the neighborhood as well. And, there was an arcade off the big road that heads toward the Garnier Opera House that also had a few shops with some cool vintage things.

I hope you can find out something more helpful with that bit of information, and I wish you bonne chance!

[SarahGreen]

Upon closer inspection (and another cup of coffee!) I’m going to do the hinge thing at between the two notches, which I think will give more room in the seat, while keeping everything else working.

I’ll post them on Flickr when I get them done.
Thanks for all your help!

[SarahGreen]

Thanks, Lightning! That is a helpful and well-diagrammed tutorial.

So, the after school pants have separate pattern pieces for the back, front and side panels. I am thinking it might simply be a matter of increasing the back inseam. I’m not sure how to tell if I should increase from the top, middle or crotch. Or maybe it won’t make that much difference?

My inclination is to increase at the top, as it doesn’t come up high enough for the yoke piece to sit right, but, i suppose by adding length in the inseam anywhere it will come up higher?

Sometimes don’t you wish there was a cozy sewing room where we could all just work through such dilemmas together? I do!

And thanks, i am overall pleased with how the pants look. The fabric is a stretch twill and she picked out the pocket stitching. Just hoping to get a nicer fit this go round.

[SarahGreen]

This is a pic in case it helps.

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[SarahGreen]

Actually, you are a help. I quite appreciate being able to bounce ideas off someone who knows something about sewing and thinking out loud is mostly what I’m doing— until I cut!

[SarahGreen]

Some width, yes. And specifically to make the opening of the neck larger.

[SarahGreen]

My concern over keeping the look of the top is a contributing factor to my hesitation!

My daughter wore the size 6 until she was 9, but now she’s got broad shoulders! How did that happen so fast??!

Are you suggesting adding to the the back at the center seam AND from the shoulder- hem?

I will go use my visualizing powers on opening the front from its center to add to the neck opening. Hadn’t considered that, I guess because it’s asymmetrical.

[SarahGreen]

I also think the croquet dress as a top would be cute, and a fast sew. Or even as a dress. She could extend the life of it by wearing it with leggings.

[SarahGreen]

What about a music box jumper done in a tunic length? I would use a solid, lightweight fabric for the bodice lining. Could look cute with a white collared blouse underneath and jeans.

[SarahGreen]

I think I understand. I am feeling confident enough to try it out this weekend. Will update with a photo!

[SarahGreen]

I understand the inverted pleat, and slashing the sleeve to add width. Not sure about “drop the armhole.” I think that would mean to increase somewhat the size of the armhole surface area, by cutting away some of it. I think I would measure from the top of the side seam down an amount half of what i need to add and then blend from that point up into the original line.

Does that sound like what you are talking about?

I really appreciate your help!