Todd Gibson

I’ve done this and what I did was just extend the existing line (which is not exactly straight up and down but tapers in a touch) and that worked pretty well. I worry that if you taper from the hip it might end up pretty narrow at the ankle and give a jodhpur effect, which doesn’t sound like what you’re thinking of. Just an idea, I haven’t tried…[Read more]

Spotlight Mt Barker has a huge range.
There is a good bus service from Adelaide.

Thank you ladies, hubby wrked out one problem only to have it now not “sewing” at all. The threads are being pulled through but nothing being serged, not weaving the threads. I have rethreaded it, and rethreaded it, and rethreaded it. I have used the book to do this. I will try again durning nap time this morning but it is not looking good and boy…[Read more]

Thank you ladies, hubby wrked out one problem only to have it now not “sewing” at all. The threads are being pulled through but nothing being serged, not weaving the threads. I have rethreaded it, and rethreaded it, and rethreaded it. I have used the book to do this. I will try again durning nap time this morning but it is not looking good and boy…[Read more]

Thanks Nicole and Tamara! I think that what it is. Two there things were bent as well and hubby fixed them but there is still something off bending the right needle only. (I think perhaps a pencil was put in there) If this doesn’t work I might nbeed some one to fix it, or maybe a new one.

Sharon,I spoke with my husband who has successfully repaired some small problems with my overlocker.
He suggests that you unthread the machine and,with the side open,turn the wheel by hand and see if the bottom looper is bent and catching or bumping into the needles.
If that is the problem,you may be able to gentle bend the looper back,just a wee bit.

I don’t have one in front of me, but I’m doing some hand waving , a bit like a Tai Chi manouever, to remind myself how it goes and the answer I’ve come up with is YES. Soft velcro on the same side of the strap as the button. Have fun with it.

Is there any particular reason that you wish to use french seams?
I am with Melanie on this one,I am sure it could be done but it would be bulky.
How about lining the skirt?
~Nicole~

Cotton voile is lovely for a special outfit.
For everyday lining I use a cotton rich poplin.
Lots of pretty colours and it needs little pressing.

Happy to enable!
I blogged the construction so if you would like to ‘try before you buy’ http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherof5/sets/72157625559687392/
My 8 year old Lidia has only just stopped fitting in hers and whilst she is skinny she had quite a broad back and I generally cut the size 7 width in tops for her.
The skirt would be ever so easy…[Read more]

Oh this is so funny. I just came back from the fabric store and said to my husband, I am having trouble deciding which fabric I want to use.
Sarah Jane’s balloon fabric is perfect for a birthday party dress.
I am dreaming of a small scale animal print with a contrasting piping around arm neck and waist for a snappy casual dress ala the 1950s.
I…[Read more]

Lisa – I totally agree with you on growing up metric and I had the hardest time at the beginning of sewing with inches and fractions. It all looked so jumbled.
I would recommend finding a good ruler that has inches and all eight fractions marked and try and not think about if 1/4 inch is 0.6 or 0.7 cm any more.
I found my sewing was a lot more…[Read more]

I don’t have the pattern in front of me at present, but if memory serves correctly the notch at the top of the sleeve matches the front yoke instead of the shoulder. Hope that helps!

I buy my McCalls interfacing when I have a coupon,it is usually $12/m.
Well worth it.
~Nicole~

I like that Kona comes in so many colors, it’s not hard to find a shade that matches what I need. I don’t like that it’s SO wrinkly.

Kaufman claims it’s the same, and I imagine that they’d be careful about protecting the reputation of their brand:
http://www.swatchandstitch.com/all-about-kona/2010/9/21/what-is-kona-cotton.html

I read somewhere that the “Kona” at Joann’s isn’t the same as Kaufman’s. Anyone know about this?

Hi Gillibeanz!
Spotlight carry the Lisette fabric range, which is also designed by O+S. The Oliver +S fabric is not readily available here….. :-(. I think most of us buy it online from the US (places like QuiltHome and Fat Quarter Shop probably have the best range.) Some smaller places sell it too, and a couple of Aus online places stock…[Read more]

Hi Gillibeanz!
Spotlight carry the Lisette fabric range, which is also designed by O+S. The Oliver +S fabric is not readily available here….. :-(. I think most of us buy it online from the US (places like QuiltHome and Fat Quarter Shop probably have the best range.) Some smaller places sell it too, and a couple of Aus online places stock…[Read more]

Bumped -baby baby!