[paula]

Ah, you are right, Rachel! Thank you for the quick reply! 🙂

[paula]

Oh, wait. Seam allowances? I need to account for two 1/2″ seams, right? so I would cut at 49″?

[paula]

Speaking of cutting the skirt in one big piece, I’d just add up two fronts and two backs, right? I think the front measures 12.75 and the back 12.25 so I would cut a long rectangle 50 inches long? Thanks for the great idea, Meleliza!

[paula]

You don’t have to finish the seam of knits because they won’t unravel! No need to serge! 🙂

[paula]

Yes, thank you!

[paula]

It isn’t hard! I took a class on Craftsy called Sewing with Knits and there are just a few things to change. You need a jersey or stretch needle, use a slight zig zag stitch or a stretch stitch on your machine if you have one, replace your bobbin thread with Maxi Lock stretch thread (usually used in servers), and a walking foot helps if you have one! Remember to not stretch the fabric when cutting or let the excess hang off the cutting table. I was surprised at how easy it actually is!

[paula]

Thanks! I can’t wait to get started on the Playtime pattern for my 13 month old! I think I’ve found some in my stash that will work for the first set and now I have a few places to look for more. This is going to be a popular pattern at our house!

[paula]

The class was perfect for me. I was very intimidated by the dreaded threading, tension problems, etc. and actually afraid to use the machine! It covers everything from how to get started, parts of the machine, troubleshooting different stitches (4 and 3 thread overlock, 3 thread flatlock, 3 thread narrow seam, 3 thread rolled hem, 2 thread overlock, and 2 thread rolled hem. She also covers using different decorative stitches and using yarn, silk ribbon, thick rayon, wooly nylon, and pearl cotton. You complete 3 easy projects a zipper bag, ruffled apron, and knit scarf. The bonus section is on using a gathering foot, elasticator, and blind hem foot.

I am no longer afraid to use the serger and threading was a breeze!

[paula]

The only women’s clothes I have made are from an Amy Butler, a Grainline Studio and a Seamingly Smitten pattern. I’m sure ill be making more as my daughter just crossed over into women’s sizes!

[paula]

Thanks, Cindy! Clipping the lining worked! I kept getting puckers, so I was skeptical, but you are right! Thank you so much! I was about to give up…

[paula]

Here is a short photo set of my problem. I *think* I have the pocket and lining lined up correctly, but when I pin them together, the pocket is bigger… I double checked that I cut them to the correct size, so maybe I’m pinning them together incorrectly? I can’t seem to figure out how they would fit any other way.

Thanks!

[paula]

Thanks, Nicole, for the bar tack idea! I too was stumped at this point…

[paula]

Here is a link to the fabric finished in an Ice Cream Dress! Was it just me, or is this dress more difficult than it looks? I had a tough go of the back yoke and the bottom panel (had to unpick and resew, then just gave up – so don’t look too closely…)! I also attempted to line up the pockets and was a little off by the cannon, wondering if I should have just gone with a random piece if I couldn’t have gotten it perfect?

I’m not sure if I like the solid color, I had the ladies at the fabric store help me out, and now I’m second guessing it…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalapaula/9581699987/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalapaula/9584486644/

Thanks to Nicole for the tip about the barrack!

I plan on making the Fairy Tale for our state fair next year.

[paula]

I asked the same question when I started sewing O+S! Most said that the sizes are different from ready to wear and to measure the child. That being said, I STILL think they run small! My boy who is tall, but thin, wore a size 10-12 and when I made a size 12 shirt, it was waaaay too small! My little one who wears 18 months fits well in a 2T.

[paula]

Well, I’ve downloaded BOTH the Ice Cream and the Fairy Tale dresses and already have the Popover 😉 I may make one of the two simpler dresses for this year, and make the Fairy Tale for next year to enter into the sewing competition! I have already planned on entering a quilt next year and just saw that they have a children’s clothing and dress section! By then I’ll have my serger/ overlocker (just broke down and ordered a cheap one to start) and hopefully will have gained enough experience to have a chance!

Hi Jane! I’m in Baltimore County, Towson to be specific! It is so nice to ‘meet’ others in my area!