Brand New Seamstress-In-Training

[gem]

Don't forget to PRE-WASH your muslin! Throw it in the washer on hot water and into the dryer on hot. You want that fabric to shrink up BEFORE you sew it into something.  (This applies to all your fabrics. There are some great threads on these boards on pre-treating fabrics, and a recent one on how to wash non-washables!)

I like to gather by zig-zagging over cord, too. I actually use like a teeny tiny crochet yarn or perle cotton, because I've got gads of it around the house.

[Brenna]

Doh! Right! PREWASH!  I better get that done tonight before I forget all about it and get too excited tomorrow to remember to do it. Thanks!

[isabelladangelo]

I think I'm the only one that does this and I really need to make a youtube video to properly explain it but....how I add drawstrings to things (like chemise necklines!):

Once you've created the casing (fold over the fabric and fold it over again so you have something to push the drawstring through), cut a piece of ribbon to the desired length.  (For chemise necklines, I tend to go by the distance around the shoulders at their widest point plus another foot so you can tie the ribbon off when you are done)   Take a regular old plastic drinking straw and cut the tube to about 4".  Thread the ribbon through the tube and make sure about an inch or two of ribbon is sticking out of the end.  Fold this piece of ribbon back on the tube and pin it carefully in place so that the pin won't snag.   Use the drinking straw to thread your ribbon through the casing.   It shouldn't take very long at all to gather everything up and tie a pretty bow!

[Kate XXXXXX]

Doh!  Forgot to post the chart...  Here you are!

[isabelladangelo]

Wonderful advice from you all!  I feel much more confident after reading here.  I should've bought that broadcloth I thought about earlier! I didn't because I didn't have a skirt pattern, but I see now I could've managed one (or two).

 Yeah, when I was told this many many years ago, it made my life a lot easier.  I didn't have to buy patterns for skirts anymore!   Also, it's great to use this idea for a skirt if you ever make a dress- rather than cutting out the entire pattern, just cut out the bodice.   Once the bodice is sewn up, just pleat a rectangle of fabric to the bodice for a full dress.   It's a great time (& sometimes sanity!) saver.  

[Brenna]

Well, even though my body is ridiculously larger than the body measurements for the chemise, I'm goin to go ahead with the size 22 (highest pattern size I could find for one).  If I can't fit into it, my mother can.   She'll get a free nightgown/chemise for showing me the basics of sewing and allowing me to use her cutting board, sewing machine, and brain.

I'm hoping the ease allowance is so generous that it will actually fit me.  The pattern description proclaims "very loose fitting" so.. one can hope.  If it doesn't fit, I didn't spend more than $15 for the material and cording.  It's the lessons and learning that count the most in the beginning stages!

For instance, pattern says body measurements should be 42-44 bust, 34-37 waist and 44-46 hip. 

I'm unfortunately 52 bust, 48 waist, 48 hip.  What are my odds?    I'm hoping since it's a straight, billowy chemise (McCalls 4091), I might be safe? 

[Kate XXXXXX]

Patterns are usually a half front and a half back.  Quarter of the whole width of the garment...  Cut each traced pattern piece up the middle and ad 2.5 inches.  Add some to the sleeve pieces as well.  You will probably also need to add some to the center front length, or just cut the whole thing 6" longer and hem level later at the trying on stage.  Your arms may be too large for the pattern piece arms...  Sleeves are the last thing you need skimpy!  If you are adding 3" to the sleeves, cut the sleeve piece into 4 strips and add an inch in each gap.  With that pattern, you may want to add a little more length between the bottom of the armhole and the neckline, making the arm holes (armscye) a little deeper...

[CenturiesSewing]

Here are a few links on the slash and spread method that Kate talks about, as well as other pattern alterations that might come in handy.


http://sensibility.com/tips/how-to-resize-a-pattern/
Basic slash and spread with photos.

and for later on:

http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-228.html
Basic alterations for fixing fitting problems

[Brenna]

Ohhhh boy. I know I'm probably over-thinking it, but that sounds difficult.  I'm almost starting to believe patterns are more difficult to follow than just drawing up your own. LOL  I watched a video of a couple little girls cutting a full-skirt.  They laid out the material, used a ribbon attached to a pin as a sortof compass or radial tool?  And she drew what looked like a donut on the fabric.  Then she cut around the the fabric til it became a huge donut.  She stepped through the center of it to show her work before finalizing the seams. LOL  No pattern, no high-tech measuring.  It was insane.

Okay, I'm going to RE-focus. I have to learn how to follow a pattern.  That's part of sewing.   You girls are so awesome.

[Brenna]

Patterns are usually a half front and a half back.  Quarter of the whole width of the garment...  Cut each traced pattern piece up the middle and ad 2.5 inches.  Add some to the sleeve pieces as well. 

Oh if this works I'm going to be one very happy Lady with a chemise that actually fits her!

[Bonny Pearl]

someone has been busy!    post pics when you are done brenna!

[Brenna]

someone has been busy!    post pics when you are done brenna!

I want to look my very best for my introduction to Queen Bonnie and all of Clan Mc!

[Bonny Pearl]

I'm sure you will look fine!   

[Brenna]

It's slow-going.   I've gotten as far as cutting the fabric shapes out.   My mom owns the sewing machine so I'm waiting for some access. 

[LadyStitch]

Once you progress to the point of doing full bust adjustments you are going to be in heaven. 

Sounds like you are on your way to being a great seamstress.  Keep it up with the great positive attitude.