Todd Gibson

Can you post a picture or some more detail about where you’re confused?
This was the first Oliver + S pattern I where sewed back in 2007 and I recall it being so clear compared to the Burda pattern I’d just tried making 🙂
It’s been a long time but I’m sure I can talk you through it if you let me know where you’re stuck.
Shelley

Hello, and I don’t know what happened to my original reply! Very sorry for the delay. Yes, I think you can absolutely do it this way. The collar won’t lay quite the same, but it’s a shortcut that’s often used. Would love to see how it turns out!

I think it would work! I haven’t tried it personally, and you might have to play with the waistband length to get the right fit, but it should work, yes.

Hi Phyllis, can you add some pictures of your pattern (maybe the original pattern, any tracing you made, and your cut fabric)?
There are notches to align the cuff and the sleeve, and dots to help work out where to pivot when sewing on the cuff.
I’d love to have a good sewing studio/video set-up so I could video this for you. It is very neat and easy…

Hi Bonnie,
I’ve seen it done with toggles, buttons and even a zipper.
As for sizing and closure tips if you click on the School Days Coat subforum (where you’ve correctly posed your question) you’ll find lots of info.

I always liked making my kids their true size. It was a bit big immediately, a perfect fit the following winter and a wee bit…[Read more]

No, you can still make it! The shirt won’t have the same drape as the original pattern, so it may be a little more oversized in appearance. But just refer to the finished measurements on the pattern and that will give you a better sense for how it will fit when it’s finished. I hope that helps!

Hello! The Dior dart on that style is quite short, so it could probably be moved in a variety of ways, but it also depends on how much “take-up” is in the dart (your bust size, the size you’re sewing, etc.). You could potentially ease the dart into the princess seam or move the princess seam slightly forward to absorb it. It may take a little…[Read more]

Hi ladies,

I assure you the waistband is the correct length–I’ve just checked it again. It’s slightly shorter than the waistband of the skirt because the skirt fabric gets eased into the waistband as you sew it. You might be experiencing problems because the skirt waist itself stretches a bit as you’re working with the fabric. If you’re having a…[Read more]

Hello! With the shoulder seam and the two gusset seams you’ll have plenty of places to add width, yes. I would suggest opening the seams on your muslin to see where the jacket “wants” to add space in order to determine the best spot. I hope that helps!

Hello! Thanks for your patience as I’ve been traveling. This should be a relatively easy fix. You’ll want to pin out the resulting fold in the fabric and blend the lines to make a smoother sleeve. The result will be sort of like this very crude drawing, with more of a curve to the sleeve. I hope that makes sense?

Hi Mia,
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a bubble dress (so cute!) but ni, there aren’t any exposed seams.
You create the outer bodice, then a similar bodice lining, then sew them together all around the neckline and armholes.
It’s a lovely clean finish.
You can look ahead in the pattern instructions to see how it will come together or just…[Read more]

Hi Carol (@psgfinn)
Many of the patterns, including the Geneva blouse (your query is in that sub forum) include different pattern pieces for different cup sizes.
Liesl explains in this post how to choose your correct size:

finding your correct pattern size

In short: go with high bust size then…[Read more]

There are so many places now! I wrote a blog post a long time ago and I’m sure it needs to updated, but this might give you a place to start?

where do you shop for fabric?

Yes, you’ll do the same with the facing.

You’ll definitely want to trim some of the bulk from the neckline as you go, yes. That’s where the basting stitches come in handy, to help you line up everything to the point of the V neck.

That seems like sound advice. Maybe try an all-purpose needle or even a ballpoint needle?

It looks like the photo you’re try to upload might be too big?

Do you mean the test square to be sure you’ve printed it at the right scale?

4 ply silk would be AMAZING! And I’ve worn my Cannes Trousers to the opera several times. Highly recommend! Both comfortable and elegant. Enjoy! I’ve been to the Vienna Opera several times now and it’s a wonderful experience!

Hello! The total width of the legs depends on the size you’re making but the size 6 is apprximately 40″ all the way around. You can also use this tutorial if you want to make them narrower.

how to narrow or widen a trouser leg

I used silk crepe-back satin for the blue trousers. The drape is…[Read more]

It’s basically what the tutorial is doing, actually. If you look at the end result they’ve essentially raised the seam line and curved it a bit more. It’s just a fancier way of doing it. I would suggest that you watch for drag lines that indicate a necessary adjustment elsewhere, but I think your end result will be very similar if you do it the s…[Read more]