[sews4kla]

You may also,want to take a look at http://www.banberryplace.com. They are currently having a sale on corduroy and velveteen. Plus they just started providing free US shipping.

[sews4kla]

This skirt has an elastic pull on waist so I would combine it with the pants from the bedtime story pajamas. Compare the waist measurements of the skirt and the pants. If the size 5 in the skirt and pants is the same make each item (skirt and shorts form the pajama pant pattern) up to the point where you sew in the casing. Place the shorts -right sides out – inside to the skirt (which are also right sides out. Align the shorts side seams with the center of the skirts side panel, for shorts front and back seams align them with the center of the front and back of the skirt. I suggest basting skirt and shorts together at the top threw the fold over line. Now fold over and make casing. If the waist measurements of the skirt and pants don’t match up use the pants that have a slightly bigger size and ease or gather it till is matches up with the center sides, front and back of the skirt. This will work unless the fabric is too bulky (you form a double layer with the fib of the skirt and shorts). The main thing is to use simple pant pattern for the shorts.

There is another way to do this and reduce bulk. Make the skirt and iron in the fold over line to the skirt”s elastic casing. Measure this and subtract a quarter inch. Take this measurement and cut it off of the top of the shorts. Turn shorts right sides out. Turn the skirt so that it is inside out and align it with the shorts as described above. The right side of the skirt will be sewn to the inside of the shorts with a quarter inch seam allowance. Now fold the skirt so that it is right sides out and covering the shorts (which should still be right side out also). Sew in the casing. Hopefully this makes sense the way I’ve written it and I hope this helps.

[sews4kla]

Just saw the latest patterns and they are wonderful. The School Photo Dress with the rolled collar reminds me of Jackie Kennedy in the 60s. The pockets on the Hopscotch skirt are so cute and I will have a great time learning how to sew knit fabrics. The music box jumper will look beautiful in either version with a number of fabrics. quilting cottons, velvets, and even denim. Last but not least boys and girls will look great in the Nature top and pants. I can’t wait to see all the versions and details that will show up soon!

[sews4kla]

Banberryplace ( http://www.banberryplace.com/ ) has new Micheal Miller knits, as well as European knits from Hilco, StenzoKids and many others. All are good quality and the customer service is exceptional.

[sews4kla]

Thank you for this opportunity to share ideas with you via this forum. Skorts seem to be a popular request.

When are your spring patterns going to be released? Please throw us a bone or some sneak peaks soon :o)

[sews4kla]

There are a lot of great sewing books out there. I like the Reader’s Digest sewing guide and also the Fine Sewing guide. I’ve found most of the best sewing books in the used book store in my public library. Many public libraries run used book stores to raise money and have vintage as well as new titles. You might have a bit of luck and find a bargain.

[sews4kla]

Toyota888 your O + S projects are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them. Who is the designer for the fabric in your birthday party dress#2? Is it recent? I would love to track down some fabric just like that in the same colors. My sweetpea could use a few subtle tones in her closet.

[sews4kla]

I would like to see some skorts. Like the sailboat skirt with shorts attached or the skirt from the 2+2 pattern with shorts attached (that would be great to have as a pattern to be used as uniform wear or play ground wear). Those two would give you a tailored skort and a fuller pleated skort.

Leggings, bike shorts, and tee shirts. These can be layered with some of the other patterns and teach more knitwear sewing techmiques.

A balloon dress with a range of sleeve lengths from cap to 3/4, empire waist and collar worn with a little vest. This set of patterns could range from 3T to 14.

I also, agree with Norasroom “who know” I needed to put my kid in a shirt dress this and next season. :o) Can’t wait to see Spring.

[sews4kla]

I use this tracing paper

http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=126&criteria=pattern+tracing+paper

The roll lasts for a long time. Other ladies I’ve taken sewing classes with like to get their paper from local medical supply stores (same paper that doctors put on their examination tables). I haven’t tried this yet but if the price is cheaper then that would be my next stop. Hope that is helpful.

It takes a little time to trace the pattern pieces off but the more you do it the faster you’ll get. Also, this keeps the master patterns in tack and makes for a better pattern collection in the future.

[sews4kla]

This is just a suggestion but for pieces that are truly square or rectangular include the measurements for the pieces on the pattern instruction sheets. This way the measurements for small square/retangular pieces are always available. It also speeds up the process for those who would rather chalk these pieces directly onto the fabric to be cut out. I’ve seen these types of pieces presented this way in a few vintage mail order patterns and in some current european patterns.

I just ordered your Jumprope dress and can’t wait to make it in denim and small print floral. Thank you for great fall patterns. I can’t help it but now I’m eager to see your new spring/summer patterns :o)

[sews4kla]

I vote for old fashioned paper patterns too. There is a certain thrill in finding vintage patterns (1920s, 30s, 40s, etc.) and being able to use them to make things for our modern day kids. Years and years from now I like to think that someone – hopefully a great,great grandchild) – will have my treasure trove of patterns and feel a connection with my love for sewing and creativity.

Yes, I do like automatic downloads but I get all happy when I find old patterns in the antique shops.

[sews4kla]

I love the idea of a laminated cotton for a rain coat but I also think a lined wool coat would be great too. I found this magenta wool that could cheer up any gray winter day.

http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=260987125372609&Store_id=198&page_id=23&Item_ID=16259

[sews4kla]

I think the skirt is very cute and I like the more form fitted waist. It is well suited for khaki or denim. I vote for top stitching. Not to add a big contrast but to make the seams more structurally sound. When the fabric gets stressed or pulled (on the play ground or in the spin cycle) the seams might separate. A top stitch will keep the seam from pulling apart. I also, like edge stitching the outside and inside folds of the pleats. Then they won’t flatten out. I think I just showed my age by suggesting that you put edge stitched pleats in a child’s skirt (ha ha). But, maybe just edge stitching the inside fold of the pleat will help hold a good crease for the uniform skirt look (the edge stitching should help out with the ironing). I also love the shoes. They are like a great mix of Mary Jane’s and wing tips.

[sews4kla]

Oops, I forgot to add a final step after method described in the link above . Stretching fabric and elastic sew through right side of skirt, and elastic/fabric. This will topstitch the wastband and look more like the orginal skirt casing.

Different methods for diffenent fabric and elastic weights. It’s great to have a short list of references.

[sews4kla]

I found this method for adding elastic to clothing. I thought it might work with the lazy days skirt. It looks promising but, there may be too much fabric that has to be gathered for this method. It involves sewing the elastic into a circle and serging or zig-zagging it to the garment (while stretching elastic so that it lies flat on the garment waist).

http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/search/label/Sewing%20Notions

Here’s the link please scroll down until you see the how to for elastic waist.