I mean I can’t not vote for the beetles 
2 Likes
I’m also leaning 1 & 4.
Is there a substantial difference in texture between 3 and 4 such that one would be most pleasant against the skin or to work with?
2 Likes
I vote 1 and 4, though it’s hard to be sure whether 3 or 4 goes better with the fabric in 1 because I’m pretty sure I’m not seeing the pattern of 1 correctly.
1 Like
Nope! 3 and 4 are essentially the same except for pattern and color.
1 Like
It’s a ruddy pink!
Here’s the link to the fabric:
https://www.moodfabrics.com/italian-clay-and-off-white-silk-and-wool-twill-fw11627
1 Like
1 & 4 !!!
1 Like
Yeah I’m leaning 1/4 or 1/3. Both combos are lovely
1 Like
Thanks ya’ll! I love the beetles, but something about the richness of the red/purple is calling to me. :3 Might follow my gut there. I want, very much, for this to be sumptuous.
Question:
The fabric itself will be a silk/wool blend. What thread should I be using for this?
4 Likes
I have a question too. I measured myself and I’m across 3 sizes. Importantly, I change size and I’ve got measurements from 2018 that aren’t unrealistic to meet again.
Oh wait, this pattern says “drafted with negative ease, so finished garment is smaller than body.” OK then, I’ll just use the largest reasonable measurement and muck about from there. I wish these had shoulder widths on them instead of just BustWaistHips, because my most fussy measurements are waist and shoulders.
1 Like
@Oro I promised to show how I use one pattern for multiple sizes, over & over:
- Cut into paper to make tab
- Fold over tabs to correct size
Good for testing pattern sizes and children’s clothing because they change size constantly.
5 Likes
@LadyDuck Wow this is genius. I had never thought of this!
@Oro I tend to buy thread by the “whichever one matches” method. Usually poly thread. Silk thread is usually for embroidery and won’t play nicely with machine sewing, and multi needle machines like my serger need cones and smooth threads, so I get cones of poly. The friction/speed of most machines work best with poly, really. My favorite brand is Gutermann, never had any issues with breakages and they have a lot of color options.
1 Like
@Ckni27 I thought everyone did it this way because it’s how my mum does it. I will say that my current tissue paper patterns are much lighter and more delicate than I remember them being, so it is definitely easier with certain papers.
I’ve cut out matching tops for myself and Duckling (because he woke up while I was cutting and he asked for a new shirt too, how could I say no?). I can’t sew them up because he’s watching TV and told me off for making noise with the overlocker.
I would love to know how to make those braided headbands you did, @Ckni27 if you’re OK sharing the method! They looked really cute and I think my scraps would work well.
5 Likes
Sure! I just grabbed a video on how to do a 5 strand hair braid and did that. Then I stitched the end of each side with a straight stitch to hold, then zig zagged over the two pieces to join in the round. For the ones that I’m selling I’ll add a piece to hide the join but if I weren’t doing that just the zig zag would be fine.
I’m also planning to dive into H’s leatherworking books because I know he’s got one with all kinds of cool braiding techniques I want to try with my scraps.
4 Likes
I watched a video of a woman who fuses her shitty tissue paper patterns to freezer paper to make them more durable! I’ll link tomorrow.
2 Likes
Yeah tissue patterns are the worst. Regular weight pattern paper is my go to for drafting and once I have the space I want to put my most often used styles into oak tag and hang them. Then I get the benefit of not needing to pin and just using weights.
1 Like
I’m definitely buying PDF patterns now I have a printer who puts them on normal paper for me, so much easier to handle!
2 Likes
OK so here’s my review of MN Briar:
- A-ducking-dorable on small children
- The collar worked perfectly, first time. I am extremely impressed with how flat it sits. I haven’t ironed or top stitched yet, and I used an overlocker to sew it instead of doing it carefully with a sewing machine first.
- Really glad I made a shirt first before fussing with it to make the dress I want.
- Nice design and very good pattern and instructions. I made two in one day with lots of breaks, could easily get 3-4 made in one day if I was making all my own clothes and this was a staple I needed to replenish every couple of years.
- The hem has too much rise & dip for my taste. I’m going to reduce it on my next one - less rise at the front, less drop at the back.
- I don’t know if we want to mention #s on here, so: I like the fit around my body and neckline of size [X+1], but I need size [X] across my shoulders. I need to adjust the fit around my shoulders but also increase the sleeve size or change the shape because I’d prefer looser sleeves.
10 Likes
That looks great!!
1 Like
It is also ridiculously comfortable.
2 Likes
That looks fabulous! I like the way the hemline looks on you, but I totally see why you would want to make it more even. Also elbow-length sleeves! 