Deb

I would suggest holding the side front panel up to your body so you can determine where the waist and hips are for you vs. the pattern. I’d also suggest making a muslin because there is quite a bit of ease through the waist and the hips in this pattern. You might find that you don’t need to change it too much. But if you do, here is a tutorial to…[Read more]

Well done!

Hi @grandmak

I honestly couldn’t say why! I have made the field trip raglan many times and have honestly not noticed the instructions not mentioning to finish the seams. I just go ahead and do that anyway. If you have an overlocker/ serger you can opt to use this instead of the sewing machine and this way it finishes the seams as you sew. If not…[Read more]

Great! If it still doesn’t lie flat after a good pressing, maybe try hemming it again? If your machine tension is off that could make the hem wavy. I think it’s just one of those things that gets better with practice. Glad you’re having fun with it!

What kind of fabric did you use? Slippery fabrics are more difficult to hem then more stable fabrics, so maybe that had something to do with it? Also, a good pressing can often solve a wavy hem…

It’s pretty easy to shorten sleeves. Just decide where you want them to end, add a hem, and cut the sleeves at that point on the pattern piece. Or wait until you can try it on and decide how short you want them to be then. You can always pin them to see if you’re happy with the length.

Completely agree, Sarvi. In fact, I think I wrote something similar in this post: https://oliverands.com/community/blog/2014/12/ask-me-how-to-buy-a-sewing-machine.html

I’m going to go off course here and say that you should check Yelp and ask around in your local sewing community to see who the most reputable dealer/repair shop is, and look at the brand they sell. If anything goes hinky or you just need service done, you don’t want to have to ship your machine. Also a local dealer will often include a few free…[Read more]

I’m going to go off course here and say that you should check Yelp and ask around in your local sewing community to see who the most reputable dealer/repair shop is. If anything goes hinky or you just need service done, you don’t want to have to ship your machine. Also a local dealer will often include a few free lessons/machine orientation to…[Read more]

I find that I can’t be firing on all pistons at once. If I’m sewing a lot, I’m not knitting. If I’m knitting a lot, I’m not cooking, and so on. I too have been in a non-sewing phase for what feels like a long time. I have had half a Music Blouse on a hanger by my sewing desk for 6 months, no exaggeration. It may well not fit by the time I finish…[Read more]

I’m not sure I’m following you, @mrskanuckles. Can you clarify a bit?

Hmm, sounds like you need a trip to NYC! Actually, you could try calling the Fashion Directory, which is a free service. It’s a great resource: http://garmentdistrict.nyc/fashion/fashion-directory/

I hope that helps!

I agree; it’s perfectly fine to take a break until inspiration hits! I know I personally can’t always be sewing or I burn out. Take a break and try something different or don’t do anything at all for a while. And maybe when we have some new patterns out (soon) that will help???

Thanks, @markjebobarrhotmail-com. My understanding per the SVP reps is that their different brands are targeted like this:

Singer: entry-level/beginning sewist
Viking: more advanced/a little more expensive
Pfaff: more expensive and more features.

In the end I think it’s just important to buy a machine that feels good to you and comes from a…[Read more]

Maybe sew something small Sharon? Dolly’ clothes? Something for the home even? Just to get you warmed up. Easter outfits for the kids?

Maybe the weather is not helping? When it is extreme in temps, my sewer goes missing. Thankfully it has stuck around this time (but we shall see when school goes back next week and it’s hot as hot can be)

I hope…[Read more]

Hi @fitdoc

I am going to make it no secret how much I like Janome machines. I didn’t learn on one but my first machine was one and I have stuck with them since. I would strongly encourage you to go to a dealer and just have a look. Often they will let you play or they can give you a demo of the ones you like the look of. Websites are also good…[Read more]

Very cute!

That’s fantastic! Perfectly Totoro for those of us in the know, but not at all costume-y.
Now you can stencil paint ALL THE THINGS! 😂

That looks like a good idea! Thanks for posting.