Todd Gibson

Ah yes, I see that my “don’t clip it at all” idea wouldn’t work. I was thinking of the curve at the side seam being more like the gentle curve of the men’s shirt, or the kid’s sketchbook. I’ve made a few Classic/recital shirts so you’d think I’d remember!

I wonder what happens if you clip the seam allowance with the opposite angle? I might try…[Read more]

Hi @lisam can you add a photo to help us find a work around?
The one time I made a shirt and french seamed everything, I also squared off the hem as it was a casual All Day Shirt for my husband.
Right at the side seam there’s not much if any curve to the hem, and given it’s only a fairly narrow hem, I’d just try hemming it without any…[Read more]

Thanks for the image @karenbadeerThat helps a lot and has saved me digging out the book to check the pattern.
The image from the instructions just below your fabric demonstrates that the cape itself is made up, from centre front to centre front of the following:
1 front panel, 2 side panels, 1 back panel, another 2 side panels, 1 front panel.
Do…[Read more]

Hi @karenbadeer
Here’s the link to the previous topic that @novicesewistwas referring to: https://oliverands.com/community/forums/topic/red-riding-hood-pattern-size-m-cant-get-hood-to-line-up-right
But…. I don’t think that’s your problem. That post is talking about constructing the hood.
It has been years since I made this pattern, but there…[Read more]

It’s a more open neck, so it will also be more open in the back, yes! Glad to hear that you like it.

I haven’t tried it but it would probably work. Would love to see it if you make it!

I’m sorry to hear the waistband isn’t fitting correctly! It could be that you used different seam allowances for the trouser construction, or maybe your fabric is stretchy? How much of a difference is there? If it’s a small difference you can certainly ease in the excess fabric.

Hi Tatiana,
Finishing the raw edge of the pocket facing is done to prevent the fabric fraying or unraveling at the edge.
You need to do it before you start attaching the pocket facing to the pocket or pants.
There’s a video on how to finish seam allowances here: https://oliverands.com/free-videos/how-to-finish-a-seam/
If that link isn’t clickable…[Read more]

Hello! The first photo doesn’t look puckered at all! The second photo is difficult to tell. The puckers may be because of the drapey fabric and they may steam out or soften with wear. And the addition of the sleeves might also help to add a bit of weight to balance out the draping. It could be that you stretched a bit too much, but it may not be…[Read more]

@Bonnie I found the hat was on the small side (or my babies have enormous heads) I would make one and see. You can always pop it away for a few months. They grow so fast.
Good luck.

I just finished another pair in linen and I’m really happy with the result. One piece of advice I’d offer for linen trousers is that you press the rise seam allowances to one side and edgestitch the rise seam to strengthen it and to prevent “grinning” when the weave opens up because of stress on the seam. Does that makes sense? I can post a photo…[Read more]

The Swingset Skirt has been really popular because it’s quite full and can also be reversible… That might be a good place to start?

Hi Bonnie, I’ve only ever made the jacket in stretch fabrics and from memory I’ve just used a straight stitch everywhere. I’d certainly use a single straight stitch at the shoulder dart so they press flat more easily.

Hi Brenda, can you be more specific? I’m not sure what you mean by View A? Which sleeve are you making?

I wrote a whole blog post to explain. I hope this helps!

finding your correct pattern size

Hi Figen, as one without much “up front” my experience with bust measurements is limited, but:
I believe the bust measurements as per the chart will be the B cup.
A nice shirt fit is often all about the shoulders, so I’d suggest choosing your size based on your upper bust measurement and then using the C cup pattern tissue which saves you having…[Read more]

Hi Paige. Because the front placket helps to form the collar it needs to be wide enough that there’s no chance it will roll out or fold on itself.
It certainly works out very nicely if you sew it as instructed, so my suggestion is not to worry and let it happen. Enjoy the sewing

Hi Liz, the breezy blouse is lovely, but it’s very essence is its sleeveless was, no?
Adding a sleeve to a sleeveless pattern is tricky. I’d focus on going the other way:
What is it you like about the breezy blouse?
It would be much easier to copy the neckline, the side panel blocking or the hem shape onto another pattern that already had…[Read more]

I wrote a blog post about this which should help to clarify:

how to raise or lower a dart