Masha Richart

There are sequins all over the rug
Each one looks like a shiny blue bug
I could pick up each one
And it would be done
Once I stick them all to my mug

I’ve run out of room for my stash

I don’t either, @lightningmcstitch! It’s never caused a real problem, and if I get a little nest of threads I just cut them off. No biggie.

I’d probably more inclined to make a separate bow and attach it only via thread chain belt loops at the side seams. That way it can easily be removed for cleaning and pressing, etc. But it sort of depends on the type of bow you’re thinking of, too. You certainly could do it as you suggested as well!

PS: Meagan, if I remember correctly, I sewed the lining to the bodice front and back as you do for the Music Box Pinafore pattern. This way, there is no need to try hemming small armholes. (It’s been a while).

Hi Meagan, Brittany’s version of the Playtime as a sleeveless dress is the standout model (so love the fox). The discussion reminded me that I made a Playtime sleeveless several years ago. In fact, i should do it again, now that I have a few more small girls to sew for. Anyway, am going to try and attach pics of mine. The pics are in the Oliver+S…[Read more]

@wildswan We’ve ultimately decided to take the approach of expanding the size range of new Liesl + Co. patterns rather than going back and re-doing already existent ones. So the Cappuccino pattern most probably won’t be expanded up into larger sizes. But the newer Liesl + Co patterns, and future releases, go up to size 20.

For the dress in the book I did a hem facing with a scalloped edge. To finish the scalloped edge I simple used a basting stitch as a folding guide, then I clipped into the seam allowances where needed to allow the seam allowances to be pressed to the wrong side along the basting line. I trimmed where necessary so they wouldn’t show and then sewed…[Read more]

I’ve seen several version where the sleeve was just left off. Since it has a bit of a kimono sleeve to the shaping, that will make it look short sleeved. A narrow hem to finish it should be just fine. But perhaps someone who has sewn it that way will have additional suggestions?

I agree. Double gauze would be perfect for that style!

I generally suggest starting with the chest measurement, but don’t drop more than two sized below the child’s age or the sleeves and armholes might be too small. We’ve allowed approximately 2″ of ease in the pattern, so if she’s measuring between sizes you might be safe to go down instead of up. And of course I always suggest making a muslin!

I’m no expert in sergers, that’s for sure! I’d suggest taking it to a service center or someone who can take a look at it. They’re quite a specialized piece of equipment, and I’m just happy when I can thread mine successfully.

That sounds like a good plan to me! Definitely test the interfacing (which sounds like it’s amazing) before using it to see if it’s necessary, but it sounds like you’ve thought it out brilliantly.

Hi Julie @juviboston

If this young lady measures just 22 1/2″ around the chest, I would be inclined to make a size 4 and use the length of an 8 if she is within the height measurements specified for this size. It would make it far too big to make a size 6 as the amount of ease is 2 inches and it is ample.

I would measure her height to find out…[Read more]

Sorry for the silence! Yes, the hem for both views is the same allowance. Like Lightning says, it’s a short boxy style. It looks darling on her! It also depends on what you’re wearing with it. The cropped length looks great with the culottes, but it might be on the short side for other styles. It’s all about the silhouette, right?

Hey Diane, I’d suggest lining with lawn. Kaufman makes a nice line of solid lawns that would be a great lining. I’m not sure you’d need to underline the dress, especially if you’re going to include the tulle, which will give the skirt more body for sure. Does that help?

The Upton would be great!

Hello there Heidi😄

Thanks for the reply. Yes I think they might’ve felt a little overdressed last year judging from the comments in the newsletter. We didn’t purposefully go looking for dresses over the summer holidays but as we were walking through Myer she made the comment of “I like that one!” To a black and red fit and flare on the mannequin.…[Read more]

A fit and flare dress is silk would beautiful and appropriate for the situation. If you already have a pattern she likes (and optimistically fits) that is quite casual making it out of silk will bring a simple design into appropriate for 14 year old “cocktail” style.
I suspect the “cocktail” specification is to prevent some girls turning up in…[Read more]