Nicole

I’m also trying to follow what’s happening, and I think the bit that’s throwing me is the bit where doing the FBA changed the size of the sleeve opening — it shouldn’t, I don’t think? Am I misremembering? I made this in both a 10 and an 8, with and without an FBA — I found in the end that although I do a 3/4″ FBA for the Cinema Dress, I liked…[Read more]

You sound very frustrated, @lotuspeachblog. Let me see what I can do to help now that I understand more about the situation.

First of all, I’m going to suggest my favorite book which I think will be very useful to you: “Fit for Real People” by Pati Palmer. She covers all sorts of fit situations for every body shape, and I think you’ll find it to…[Read more]

I’m not sure I’m following your changes, @lotuspeachblog. You’re using one size sleeve, another size armhole, and a different size neckline, and still another size side-seam/width? This sounds too complicated to me!

I’ve gotten my book and am looking forward to going through it.

Overall, I’d say you’re getting a pretty good fit now. I’d have to agree with @mama_knowles that I think the style looks better with a wider neck, but the beauty for sewing for yourself is that you can alter to your preferences, so if you’re happy with the narrower neckline, go with it! Otherwise, it looks as it should, so your alterations have…[Read more]

I guess I’d be inclined to alter the Building Block Dress skirt, but that’s just me. You’ll get a very different effect if you use box pleats, in large part because the black sections between the candy corns will be wider and won’t taper to points at the hem. Does that make sense? I think it would be easier to get the same look as the original if…[Read more]

Hi @lotuspeachblog. Sorry to hear that you’re having trouble! Without seeing photos or knowing the type of jersey (the amount of stretch, especially), it’s difficult to say what’s happening with your muslin. This style is designed to have a dropped shoulder–the sleeve seam sits further down on the shoulder/upper arm. Is that what’s throwing you?…[Read more]

I’m always surprised at the size of trick-or-treat bags! But then, we never did much trick-or-treating. I think a lot of bags are larger than the pumpkin buckets, so the drawstring bag won’t be too large at all. Yikes.

I think it would be fine as is Fiona. Volume wise it’s probably about the same as the pumpkin bucket things you can buy.
And remember, everything is bigger in the states, so by the time your bags arrive there they’ll look normal sized!

Hi Mollie, that skirt is very sweet!! My suggestion would be to use the 2+2 skirt pattern. It has pleats that could be adjusted for the candycorn look; it also has an adjustable waistband. Another pattern that could be adapted is the Music Box pinafore using the pleated version of the pattern. Good luck.

My book(s 😉) arrived today. So many ideas!

I don’t remember, but I seem to recall that the “patch” was sewn to the pants leg at the top and bottom edges. I’d be inclined to avoid interfacing or fusible because I think it would show through if holes wore through the first fabric, you know?

I’m not in the Facebook group:(
I have now ordered a copy of the book 🙂 It was frustrating that unfortunately finances did not allow me to order the book in the time frame.
But the books now coming 🙂

I’ve been making Kwiksew 4000, shirtdress with princess seams. Beautiful dress but I’m having trouble moving my arms forward 🙁
So I needed a mindless project, I’ve chosen to make a bookshelf quilt. It’s nice mindless piecing and if it works I’ll have a baby gift for a friend. If not it’s kept me nicely occupied 🙂

Hi Liesl, if you enlarge the McCall’s picture you can see the quilting.

I’m not in the facebook group. While canvassing for co-sewists to go in on the postage to Malaysia with me, I asked an owner of a local shop and she decided to bring in a bunch to stock her shop. I’ve prebooked from her and my book (and 2 of my friends’) arrives next week, which I’m very excited about!

Out of curiosity, how many of you are part of the Building Block Dress Facebook group? Is anyone here NOT part of it?