Robin

Ok, sorry for the delay. I’m finally getting a chance to look at this. I recall changing the width of this piece several times during the development of the book, and it’s been so long now I forget exactly why I changed it. But it does indeed seem like the facing should be a little wider or the seam allowances should be trimmed a bit narrower. I…[Read more]

Sorry, not ignoring you. I’ll reply just as soon as I get a chance to look into this, ok? Wearing too many hats right now…

If you’re not taking in at the armholes this should be fine. You could also consider adding waist darts similar to the Fairy Tale Dress for a closer fit. But yes, tapering to the waist is perfectly fine!

Glad it worked out! I’ve adjusted the neckline for friends by lowering as well and it’s worked out just fine. Happy New Year!

Hi Veronica,

Sorry for the silence; we’ve been laid low with the flu! In general, a longer collar band will mean lowering the neckline, but I would suggest marking the desired neckline on your muslin and measuring that first. You can probably use the collar band and collar from a different size once you know the length of the the neckline itself.…[Read more]

I hope it goes well! Please show us when you’re done, and I’ll check in from time to time to make sure you’re doing ok in the meantime.

Ah, and here’s a shop that sells Cone!

Denim Store

I’ve been using the denim the Robert Kaufman makes and I love it, but I’m not sure where to tell you to get it? They make many different weights, so it’s helpful to know denim or have access different types so you can feel it. Sadly, the Cone Denim mill in the U.S. has closed, but they make absolutely lovely authentic, durable denim if you can get…[Read more]

I was hoping someone would reply to tell you they had tried this, but you must be the first one! I’ve lengthened the skirt to midi length and see no reason why it won’t work for maxi length. There’s plenty of sweep so you’ll be able to walk. Two words of advice: one, I would suggest checking the drape of your fabric to be sure it’s not TOO…[Read more]

Phyllis, there are two reasons we do this. The first is because, with so many sizes, the buttonholes get confusing when they’re laid on top of each other. The second is because I think it’s easier to transfer the markings once the placket is finished. Otherwise they get rubbed off during the sewing process or you might forget to include the seam…[Read more]

No worries, that’s what I’m here for! But thanks for the kind reply and I hope you’ll show us how it turns out. xo

Glad it worked out ok!

It sounds like you haven’t done anything wrong! Keep in mind that the back has extra ease (pleats) for better movement and comfort. Once you try on the muslin I think it will be fine. Keep us posted, ok?

You can reduce it as much as you want as long as you can still get it over your hips. I would suggest keeping an eye on the side panels so they stay at your sides and don’t pull too much toward the back or front.

I would suggest altering the neckline to suit her preferences and then using the Peter Pan Collar instructions in the Building Block Dress book to develop a new collar. This will be much simpler than trying to alter the collar that comes with the pattern. I hope that helps!

Sure, here’s a blog post on the topic to help!

lengthening and shortening a pattern

No, unfortunately, the creation of layers is something that needs to be done when the original pattern is created. There’s no way to take an existing file and add layers to it. The file needs to be completely remade from the ground up. That’s why we’re creating new patterns with layers (it’s a completely different process to develop the pattern so…[Read more]

There isn’t a list available. It’s something we have started doing within the last couple years. Older styles will not have the PDF layers built in, but newer styles will.

In the full description of the pattern, you’ll see a sentence mentioning that the pattern has layers to print only your select size if the pattern has been produced that…[Read more]

Phyllis, you will cut two of piece number 13 with your fabric folded. (See the cutting layout.) That will give you pieces for both sleeves.

You can certainly line the skirt, but a lining and instructions for lining it are not included in the pattern because, after much debate, I decided to keep it simple. We’ll do a lined pencil skirt someday, but it was too difficult to include un-lined and lined in one pattern. I hope that helps, and when I did a lot of biking I also wore pencil skirts!