Todd Gibson

I find that I can’t be firing on all pistons at once. If I’m sewing a lot, I’m not knitting. If I’m knitting a lot, I’m not cooking, and so on. I too have been in a non-sewing phase for what feels like a long time. I have had half a Music Blouse on a hanger by my sewing desk for 6 months, no exaggeration. It may well not fit by the time I finish…[Read more]

Thank you for all the advice ladies!! I have been back to reading again, I have not done that in years. I need to take up drawing and painting again.

Liesl the sound of new patterns os music to my ears! I am akways so excited to see your new work. That might just be the ticket!

I’m not sure I’m following you, @mrskanuckles. Can you clarify a bit?

Hmm, sounds like you need a trip to NYC! Actually, you could try calling the Fashion Directory, which is a free service. It’s a great resource: http://garmentdistrict.nyc/fashion/fashion-directory/

I hope that helps!

I agree; it’s perfectly fine to take a break until inspiration hits! I know I personally can’t always be sewing or I burn out. Take a break and try something different or don’t do anything at all for a while. And maybe when we have some new patterns out (soon) that will help???

Thanks, @markjebobarrhotmail-com. My understanding per the SVP reps is that their different brands are targeted like this:

Singer: entry-level/beginning sewist
Viking: more advanced/a little more expensive
Pfaff: more expensive and more features.

In the end I think it’s just important to buy a machine that feels good to you and comes from a…[Read more]

Very cute!

That’s fantastic! Perfectly Totoro for those of us in the know, but not at all costume-y.
Now you can stencil paint ALL THE THINGS! 😂

That looks like a good idea! Thanks for posting.

Those are great, Lightning! Thanks, and thanks for the love.

My preference is Bemberg: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Bemberg

Other types of rayon can be ok, too, but I prefer the hand feel of the Bemberg. Hope that helps!

What is the fabric going to be? If it’s a cotton then I would suggest a freezer paper stencil and some fabric paint.
There are lots of online tutorials for freezer paper stencilling, or, if you have the Sandbox pattern it’s there too.
Have fun (we love Studio Ghibli films too)

It should work just fine. Things to think of: the neckline facing may show through too much with a thin knit. You could consider a full bodice lining layer if your fabric is really thin. Or maybe bind the neckline rather than use the facing.
As it is, it should look fine so long as you use a lightweight interfacing on the facing. You don’t want…[Read more]

Just going to work through your maths out loud…
Panel is 2 &3/4″ remove 1/4″ seam allowance from each side > remove 1/2″ = 2&1/4″.
Halve that: = 1&1/8″

Now, each side had a seam allowance with the panel, but that will stay to be the seam allowance for the side seam.

So, maths correct. The side seam will end up being in the middle of where the…[Read more]

Hello! The dress works great with knits, and I’ve seen lots of photos of it made with jersey, etc. I’ve even used sweatshirt fleece for it. If you check the Oliver + S Flickr group you’ll probably find lots of images, although I can’t comment on the weight of your fabric. You’ll have to be the judge of that one.