Sewing Lessons & FAQ

[Tatum]

I am on an orange kick, so I vote this combination!

 

[BoPeep]

Gonna have to split the vote here and say green and definitely pair it with the navy! I always tend towards outfits that have more contrast, especially when you're going to spend so much time with all that detailing. It would be a shame to lose it in tone-on-tone colors.

 

[I Adore Film Noir]

Definitely green with the navy. I can't help with the yardage, math makes my head explode .

 

[kamikat]

I'd go with green and blue, too, for the same reason as BoPeep.

 

[kymeratale]

Can anybody help with this part of the question? The fabrics I am looking at are all 44" or 45".

Oh, and the pattern calls for 3 5/8 yards in my size (excluding the trim). I'm not sure how much of each fabric I would need to do the 2-toned version. Two for skirt and sleeve and 1 1/2 for bodice? Suggestions?

 

[Drappa]

Can anybody help with this part of the question? The fabrics I am looking at are all 44" or 45".

Perhaps you could pm the lovely Lauren, she's really helpful.

 

[crwritt]

Can anybody help with this part of the question? The fabrics I am looking at are all 44" or 45".

I would separate the contrasting pattern pieces, lay them out on 45" fabric, and measure.

 

[Lauren]

Crwritt, that is good advice.
This pattern only has layout charts for size 16 (bust 34), as that was all that was originally included with the pattern size this was based on, so erring on the side of more fabric is a good idea I think, especially when getting creative with color combos. Also, the sleeve pieces are quite large to allow for the tucking, so they take up more fabric than you usually think of allowing for sleeves.
Sorry I missed this post before! I've been bad at checking here.

 

[deadpandiva]

In an effort to get better at fitting and professional details, I am taking the Bomshell dress course on Craftsy. I think I have to make a larger bust adjustment to reduce the gaping at the bust and I don't have a dress form. Does anyone have any tips about doing this sort of fitting on yourself with out help? I am adding boning. Will that help reduce the gaping? The fit everywhere else seems perfect.


http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/52011-bustier-dress-with-draped-detail?image=199479
This is the dress I'm making, but without the flouncy bit at the waist.

 

[Sickofitcindy]

In an effort to get better at fitting and professional details, I am taking the Bomshell dress course on Craftsy. I think I have to make a larger bust adjustment to reduce the gaping at the bust and I don't have a dress form. Does anyone have any tips about doing this sort of fitting on yourself with out help? I am adding boning. Will that help reduce the gaping? The fit everywhere else seems perfect.


http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/52011-bustier-dress-with-draped-detail?image=199479
This is the dress I'm making, but without the flouncy bit at the waist.

I'm making this too. Is it gaping between the cups? If so, I think there was a discussion where Gretchen said to raise the upper cup which should help the gaping. Did you try putting the twill tape along the upper seam allowance?

 

[Drappa]

Ooh, I am taking it but haven't actually started yet. I'll be interested to see the tips here though.

 

[deadpandiva]

I'm making this too. Is it gaping between the cups? If so, I think there was a discussion where Gretchen said to raise the upper cup which should help the gaping. Did you try putting the twill tape along the upper seam allowance?

Thanks. I re read the posts and I think I understand and it's a much easier adjustment.

 

[Amie]

Ladies, I've a question. I'm trying to make this blouse. I'm going to make the short sleeve version and add a pocket. The pattern says to cut out 2 pieces for the pocket, one for the facing. I'm using the 100% quilting cotton fabric from Joann. Probably not the best fabric, but Joann just had a grand opening in my area and they surprisingly had a lot of cute prints. Anyway, I tried making the pocket, I used the cotton fabric for the pocket and the pocket facing. However, when I finished sewing up the pocket, I realized it came out very bulky. Should I have used a very thin fabric for the facing or is the fabric I'm using just not suited for making that type of pocket? Is there a recommended fabric?

 

[Lady Day]

Don't use facing for the pocket unless the fabric is sheer.

LD

 

[Amie]

So just sew a single layer of fabric for the pocket on to the blouse? How would you create that curve without the facing fabric? To me it makes a lot more sense to do that if it was a square pocket. Sorry, but my sewing experience is so limited...

 

[Lady Day]

To create a curve, baste stitch in the seam allowance and draw a thread like you would for a gather of a sleeve shoulder. Press flat and presto, nice clean curve

LD

 

[Katue]

Dear ladies, do you know if there are any free vintage patterns on the net? I'm interested in 1920s and 1950s fashion. But as I'm a newbie in sewing I'd like to try something easy! My size is US: 0 (xxs) for dresses and 2 (xs) for pants and bloses, UK: 6 for dresses and blouses, 8 for pants.
Thanks a lot!

 

[anabolina]

This one is quite lovely.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1486_couture/create.php
Here's my version since I love to show it off, please ignore the messed up background.

 

[Tatum]

Here is a link to another Horrockses, it is on my to-do list.

http://blog.horrocksesfashions.co.uk/2011/08/download-your-free-horrockses-dress-pattern/

 

[Amie]

To create a curve, baste stitch in the seam allowance and draw a thread like you would for a gather of a sleeve shoulder. Press flat and presto, nice clean curve

LD

Thanks LD. Always helpful.