Hello! I am new to this community and also relatively new to sewing. I've been sewing for a few years but only really basic things, and never using a pattern. I found a nice McCall's dress pattern labeled easy, and bought fabric for the dress size I wear in ready made things (size 16). When I measured myself to make sure, according to the pattern, I should make size 22! That's quite a big difference. Well, my bust measurement was spot on for 16, my waist was 22, and my hips were 20. I assume that means I should be making the size 22. Am I correct? Any tips or advice would very much appreciated. Thanks in advance! I look forward to learning from this community, it seems like a fun place to be. :-)

I had sewn a tote like this a few months ago, and I made a second today and prepared a tutoral for those who were interested. You can find the tutorial on my craft blog here

Hello :) I just got this lovely dress from Thailand as a gift. It's a beautiful summer dress and (surprisingly) fits me, except for the lack of a waistline. As I've got an hourglass figure, the waistless look isn't flattering on me. I want to add some kind of waistline to it, taking it in or adding a belt or something, but I can't decide. I want something that is fairly easy and won't make this dress heavier (I want to keep it nice and summery). I have some black fabrics, but nothing that matches this exactly.
What are my options? I'd love to hear your ideas :) Thanks!
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Thanks :)

You folks were so very helpful yesterday with my question about sergers, I thought I'd ask you-all another one:

What is your preferred method of transferring pattern markings (i.e. circles, darts, etc.) to the cut-out fabric pieces?

I have been using a blue pencil but it doesn't really mark very well, IMHO. There's got to be a product and/or method that is simple to use, washes out, and does the job effectively, but I don't know what that would be.

Thoughts? Experiences?

This was a gift for my mom for Mother's Day. I was pretty stoked to be able to make her something.

Last year I was the recipient of an extremely generous gift certificate (long & complicated story) than enabled me to buy both a Janome sewing machine and serger.

The sewing machine is a dream and I love it. However, being a technophobe, it took me 10 months to even take the serger out of the box and stare at its steampunky dials and weird guts. But I'm learning to thread it and get over my fears. I'm sure I will love it once I get comfortable.

But here is my real question: when do you use a sewing machine and when do you use a serger? To an extent they both accomplish the same function, albeit in different ways. I can see the nifty bound seam with a serger is pretty impressive as well as durable... but are the results as satisfactory (for instance) on armhole facings as well as long seams?

Mostly I make dresses, and sometimes (more than I'd like to admit) I do a really dumb thing and stitch the right piece to the wrong piece, then have to use the seam ripper.... what do you do if that happens with a serger?

Is it imperative to use the same color thread on all spools with a serger?

I'm sure I have more questions that I haven't thought of yet, but I know the good folks here on LJ will have the answers. TA!

I decided to tackle McCall's 5731 for my oldest's Ren fest costume this year. 
She picked out all the fabric and trim, and I started this project in late March/early April with plans to do the Ren fest the first weekend in May. 
This is the 5th dress I've sewn, and (I think) the first time I've tried a pattern outside of the easy/very easy section.

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I got married recently and made my wedding dress, veil, and garter.  I could not be happier with how everything turned out!

The dress is Simplicity 2398, version C. It came out awesome, and I love it. It's silver satin with a gray chiffon overlay which was a huge pain to work with. I will probably never sew with chiffon again, ha.



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Hello Everyone!! I need advice on how to reduce the fullness on a gathered, full skirt.

I have been working on Eclair a Colette Pattern of a strapless dress that I fear might not compliment my curves. I made the muslin on size 16.  I'm so sad about the idea of purchasing a pattern that might not be so curvy-friendly. I have big hips with a smaller waistline.  I started thinking of removing the excess fullness from the skirt to achieve a better fit/silhouette, but I don't know how to tackle this daunting task. I am officially stumped on this as I have been working on this for two weeks. Can anyone share any tips? I'd love to hear any possible solutions from you.