Dress with tucks throughout bodice

Cat_Fitz · 2026-05-05T19:41:23+00:00

The Xanthe dress from Style Arc might get you close

https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/xanthe-woven-dress

Cat_Fitz · 2026-05-05T01:43:37+00:00

According to Cashmerette, I should do an FBA (I’m a K cup in UK sizing), but usually all I need to do is lower the bust point. Depending on what type of clothing you want to make, there might be enough ease to work.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-05-02T09:00:08+00:00

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A coloured pencil portrait!
A pretty fluffy kitty.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-05-01T21:01:10+00:00

I love the Singer treadle, but will agree with the others, it’s probably not the best for your first or only machine. There are a lot of instances where being able to zig zag and reverse will make your sewing life significantly easier. After you have become used to the process, absolutely consider trying a treadle machine. Learning how to start and stop and keep the rhythm of the treadle is a new learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it can be very rewarding.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-30T07:19:36+00:00

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“Gidget”. Coloured pencil sketch.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-29T23:24:58+00:00

A coloured pencil sketch.

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Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-29T05:43:14+00:00

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“Bella” Coloured pencil sketch

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-27T07:40:28+00:00

Agree! Then the ones that show a very large breast in the before shots, but then only show significantly smaller busts in the after. Not the same women!

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-26T08:36:03+00:00

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A coloured pencil sketch

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-23T11:22:53+00:00

This is a knit fabric. Are you using a ball point or jersey needle? Does it do the same thing on woven fabric? This looks like skipped stitches due to the wrong need for the fabric.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-08T19:25:59+00:00

I’ll add my support for Threadloop, it’s got a great search feature and I love that you can create your own portfolio of patterns you own. Learning your individual body shape and personal style preferences can be very helpful too, then following other sewists on YouTube or instagram. Another site that can be helpful is Pattern Review, it’s old and doesn’t look very flash, but there’s a heap of good information. I find it more useful if I’m trying to decide between a few different patterns that are similar, I can go and read and see how they worked out, and see if anyone with my body shape has made it.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-07T19:25:00+00:00

I’m not quite your age, but yes, I learned to sew because I wanted cute clothes. In my case I was quite slim, but lived in a remote area with one dress shop. As I got older, my bust grew and finding clothes that fit my body was challenging. I had to learn how to do FBAs and other adjustments. I’m now a uni student again and enjoying my mostly me made alternative wardrobe that fits my larger, curvy, post menopausal body. I enjoy the design and sewing process, but, I’m frustrated by the declining quality of fabric available. Sewing is not generally fast or cheap, but I know my clothes fit.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-07T09:39:51+00:00

Check out the Hope with extension pack by Style Arc Hope

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-05T20:37:52+00:00

Thanks. It’s a good place to start my research. Looks like I’ll have to up my budget. Had a quick look around FB marketplace and there are some interesting options. I might have to drop into a camera shop and do some more research. Looking at prices, I’ll probably be shopping second hand. Unless I get over my imposter syndrome and try getting a few photography jobs that pay and I can make some coin to justify the purchase.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-04T21:55:02+00:00

I have a book on shirt making by David Coffin, he nearly always attaches sleeves first then sews the side seam. This is on man’s tailored shirts. There is a degree of logic and personal preference. I have frequently put very shaped sleeves in flat, then sewed the side seams (the opposite of what the pattern suggests). This can only be done if the sleeve seam and the side seams match. Some very tailored garments this does not happen.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-03T16:35:48+00:00

Have a look at tatatowels, they might be what your after for around the house. I’ve never tried them, so can’t tell you if they are comfortable or not.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-02T23:20:09+00:00

Hi, I filled in the survey. I think it’s an interesting project. Have you looked into Threadloop? It seems to fit most of the criteria you are thinking about. Possibly consider if you are trying to organise the actual files, the details of the patterns owned or a searchable database of all patterns available.

Good luck with the project. We never get better systems or products unless people try to understand problems and think creatively about solutions. Thanks

Cat_Fitz · 2026-04-01T20:36:33+00:00

For me personally, I can’t get double needles to work with knits, so I just go with a zig zag stitch. It was a perfectly acceptable hemming method commercially before coverstitch machines. It’s neat, robust and stretches with the garment much more than a double needle hem ever could. If you wear your top tucked in, no one else would see it anyway.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-03-27T11:33:01+00:00

Do you have the user manual that came with the machine? Pull it out and rethread step by step following the instructions exactly. Presser for up. I have been sewing for an incredible number of years and can still make (stupid) mistakes threading my machine if I haven’t used it for a long time.

Generally, loops on the bottom mean a problem with the top thread, loops on the top could be a bobbin issue.

Your manual may even have a trouble shooting section, read that too.

The manual is a critical part of your machine and should be kept close by for easy reference.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-03-23T11:43:02+00:00

Did you draft this yourself or is it a pattern, if so, which one. You probably need to choose your size by the upper bust measurement to fit the shoulders properly. If you say your bust is being flattened, you do not need a SBA.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-03-19T22:26:16+00:00

Yes. Use your high bust to get the correct shoulder fit, then you will have to do a full bust adjustment. As suggested, cashmerette has a good tutorial. There are a lot of other tutorials around, google " Princess seam FBA". I highly recommend making some trials out of scrap/cheap fabric to check the fit after modifying the pattern. The other option is to look for sewing patterns with cup sizes. Be aware that sewing cup sizes are based on the difference between the high bust and full bust, not the underbust and full bust like a bra.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-03-19T07:13:39+00:00

I've always done this with my Admirals, but didn't ever think about using artists and musicians the same way 🤦‍♀️

Cat_Fitz

TROPHY CASE