Todd Gibson

You sound very frustrated, @lotuspeachblog. Let me see what I can do to help now that I understand more about the situation.

First of all, I’m going to suggest my favorite book which I think will be very useful to you: “Fit for Real People” by Pati Palmer. She covers all sorts of fit situations for every body shape, and I think you’ll find it to…[Read more]

I’m not sure I’m following your changes, @lotuspeachblog. You’re using one size sleeve, another size armhole, and a different size neckline, and still another size side-seam/width? This sounds too complicated to me!

Overall, I’d say you’re getting a pretty good fit now. I’d have to agree with @mama_knowles that I think the style looks better with a wider neck, but the beauty for sewing for yourself is that you can alter to your preferences, so if you’re happy with the narrower neckline, go with it! Otherwise, it looks as it should, so your alterations have…[Read more]

To me the neckline is way to small for the style. Bit the rest looks to fit very nice. It should have a much wider neck opening. (As one reason why I adore this top! I wear my two all the time.)

I think they are a perfect size myself. Not too big or too small.

I guess I’d be inclined to alter the Building Block Dress skirt, but that’s just me. You’ll get a very different effect if you use box pleats, in large part because the black sections between the candy corns will be wider and won’t taper to points at the hem. Does that make sense? I think it would be easier to get the same look as the original if…[Read more]

Hi @lotuspeachblog. Sorry to hear that you’re having trouble! Without seeing photos or knowing the type of jersey (the amount of stretch, especially), it’s difficult to say what’s happening with your muslin. This style is designed to have a dropped shoulder–the sleeve seam sits further down on the shoulder/upper arm. Is that what’s throwing you?…[Read more]

I’m always surprised at the size of trick-or-treat bags! But then, we never did much trick-or-treating. I think a lot of bags are larger than the pumpkin buckets, so the drawstring bag won’t be too large at all. Yikes.

I think it would be fine as is Fiona. Volume wise it’s probably about the same as the pumpkin bucket things you can buy.
And remember, everything is bigger in the states, so by the time your bags arrive there they’ll look normal sized!

My book(s 😉) arrived today. So many ideas!

I don’t remember, but I seem to recall that the “patch” was sewn to the pants leg at the top and bottom edges. I’d be inclined to avoid interfacing or fusible because I think it would show through if holes wore through the first fabric, you know?

Hi Liesl, if you enlarge the McCall’s picture you can see the quilting.

Out of curiosity, how many of you are part of the Building Block Dress Facebook group? Is anyone here NOT part of it?

Thanks, @clt3! It’s the quilting that’s throwing me off. I wanted something drapey-ish for a dress. But I’m still thinking that it must be available in another substrate someplace, because the original outfit doesn’t appear to be quilted.

Yes, it’s still available but won’t be manufactured anymore when they run out, so if you’re interested do hurry! Thanks for the link, @sarvi. xo

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0363761/kaufman-bi-stretch-crepe-navy

Looks like they have a bit left if you need some.

Thank you for the link Liesl, I have this dress on Sarah’s list for winter. It’s simply gorgeous!

@deanna, I purchased a pair of blue jeans for S a while ago that had a second layer of fabric at the knees. It was simply sewn behind the main fabric at the location of the knees before the jeans were constructed, and it reinforced the fabric very nicely. I thought it was a great idea. I wish we still had them so I could take a photo for you!

I’m so glad that you’re all happy with it so far. We’ll have lots more fun things for you related to the book starting this week. Yesterday I cut out a new, longer version of the navy long-sleeved version (Dress B) that S was wearing in the book. It’s her favorite, and it was was too short after her growth spurt last year. Kaufman makes this…[Read more]