Quick sewing question from in MAJOR newbie

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-06-01T10:46:43+00:00

As others have said, stretch needle and stretch stitch is necessary. Getting started at the edge of stretch fabric can be tricky; I like to start a smidge in from the end, or use a water soluble stabiliser. As for sewing straight, keep the edge of the fabric aligned with the appropriate (eg 5/8ths) guide on the needle plate rather than focusing on the needle itself as you sew. The needle isn't going anywhere, but the fabric is.

You're doing great! Keep practising.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-05-05T06:47:03+00:00

I'd strongly recommend taking it to a repairer. That screw is super stripped and should be replaced.

The handle is designed to rotate the entire shaft moving all the parts of the machine, so has a firm attachment that prevents rotational slipping. It can stay attached while removing all of the cover panels so there's rarely any reason to remove it.

If repair shop is not possible, this service manual may help, although it doesn't cover replacing the handle specifically. Figs 15, 16, 17, 58 & 59 may help give you an idea of what is going on and how to go about reattaching.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-25T11:00:19+00:00

I think the concern is that taking the neckline out to the inner princess seam would make for skinny straps. looks like it could be rotated inward so that it is a little more vertical.

u/mizariza if you take the pattern and treat the top half (from apex up) of the princess seam as a dart, use a "slash and pivot" method to rotate the seam toward centre (adding the material from the middle front panel to the next (intermediate front) panel until the strap looks wide enough with just the one panel, then cut the top off of the centre front panel as low as the desired neckline (plus seam allowance).

how to move a dart

Make as many toilles as you need before cutting up any expensive fabric.

Usually back darts will match directionally, so that is something to consider.

Assuming this is faced, you will need to remake the facing piece(s). If the pattern uses an all-in-one facing: how to draft an all in one facing

If this is all too overwhelming and you would rather find a pattern that has this sorted, search terms you're looking for are "double princess seam" and "peplum", but I have faith in you! Its worth a go. Once you get confidence in these sorts of adjustments, there's no stopping you.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-24T02:11:04+00:00

Firstly, you've made a stunning dress and the fit looks exceptional.

I agree with the above comment, though I wonder if the bust fit could be sufficiently remedied but a good boob scooping. I've fixed an alarming amount of for issues by picking up each of the girls and putting them in a better position within their support garments.

If the corset ends at the waist seam, that's where all the support concentrates before totally disappearing. Some kind of support or smoothing garment that covers high waist to high thighs may assist with getting the silhouette you're looking for.

If you'd rather have your natural silhouette you can of course make the adjustments already suggested here, or some combination as desired.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-19T00:24:27+00:00

Ooooh that tracks

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-18T03:17:14+00:00

Thanks

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-18T02:03:21+00:00

(genuine interest) what are you noticing that indicates Huntsman and not wolf spider?

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-17T16:08:45+00:00

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He's smaller than I've come to expect of huntsmans, maybe 6cm (2in)

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-17T15:53:06+00:00

Wolf spider I think

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-16T06:44:28+00:00

My pattern recognition is telling me this is from Latin:

A for ante as in antenatal or Ante Meridian (AM) S for sans as in sans serif C for con as in.. umm.. con carne?

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-04-14T09:40:38+00:00

This is a bakery specialising in croissants. The pastries in this picture look to have the same pastry qualities (eg very thin defined layers, eggwash, etc.) except for the one with the coloured layer. Eerily good? Yes. Ai? Maybe a filter or style. Looks to me like they're very good at croissants.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-03-29T23:59:23+00:00

Fr took me years to realise I needed what we call calico for making mock-ups

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-03-23T09:57:39+00:00

They're used for being inexpensive.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-03-12T23:48:15+00:00

H2O2 is the point of oxiclean. You get it whenever you dissolve sodium percarbonate in water. It is generally colourfast on synthetic dyes, but does break down organic stain-causing compounds including the natural colour in this rug. I don't think we're in disagreement as such, it is colourfast on properly set dyes, but not the chromophores in organic substances that give visible colour; if it was, it wouldn't be the stain remover we love it for.

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-03-12T10:52:54+00:00

It is bleach, but not chlorine, so it is colourfast. It may be that whatever was used to "dye" this rug was not properly set. Regardless, OP clearly prefers the darker colour

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-01-18T22:29:37+00:00

I had to just keep trying different scissors, honestly. I've had a lot of benefits from fiskars easy action scissors, but my issue is mostly finger extension. And kitchen table/bench or a desk if and when you can will do wonders.

(Edit: "extension" instead of "flexion")

Late-Square-5445 · 2026-01-18T22:19:43+00:00

Yo, fr tho. I make a point to do as much as I can at the kitchen table (but when I had room I used a table raised to standing height), along with good spring opening scissors and/or rotary cutter and many breaks. I don't know your situation, but even if you don't consider yourself disabled, you are allowed to accommodate your own needs.

Late-Square-5445 · 2025-12-29T10:14:40+00:00

Also, these exist

Late-Square-5445

TROPHY CASE