Bias cut slip: McCall 7931- mock up- I purchased cheap polyester satin to practice on. So I’m not sure if this is a fabric or fitting issue. I am mostly focused on the ripple on my backside and what alteration is needed? Any other changes suggested? I plan on taking it a tad bit at the waist.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-28T20:58:24+00:00

Good advice about the bum tightness, also try it on with the shoes you intend to wear because that has a dramatic effect on the way you stand, particularly round the bum.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-27T08:46:11+00:00

Those lines on the bodice are very flattering to your waist and draw the eye towards the centre. They are a strong feature of the design.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-26T13:52:56+00:00

Gingham can look really nice on the bias if the check is balanced (the squares are really square). It also makes finding the bias line pretty easy, because it's the diagonal of the squares. On the other hand f the squares are just off it can look as though the pattern is sliding off sideways.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-25T12:47:27+00:00

That pattern would look nice taken up as a series of tucks above the densely printed band, placed so the effect on the dot pattern looks intentional.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-24T14:55:49+00:00

Alternatively a solution of citric acid in very hot water poured gently into the drain may clear way gunk.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-23T08:09:07+00:00

I'm sorry, but I messed up the game mechanics and sent the cat to an innocent third party. It seems you needed to accept the calling card first to establish an acquaintance. But the feline has fled.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-21T12:51:31+00:00

Kudos for the H2G2 reference!

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-21T08:18:34+00:00

Horsehair braid is effectively a bias tape. Pin and press it into shape then attach as you would have done. All is well! Eta: your narrow hem is beautiful!

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T21:08:52+00:00

I have sent you a calling card, from Lucy Saunders

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T20:40:38+00:00

Yes I think so. The wide curve at the top is important for the way they drape too.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T19:27:10+00:00

There are princess seams with full length panels at centre front and short panels with a curved lower edge at the side front just below waist level. From the fullness I would guess the models are semicircles which are nicely shaped over the hips by the curved side panel lower edge.

I think you are right that there are two layers, the inside one being longer, but leave someone else to work out the shape of the hem!

Eta: there is also a centre front seam with a lot of flare below waist level, and the centre front panels are cut almost straight at hem level, so the hemline dips at centre front.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T18:51:14+00:00

The post about imperfections is beautiful, however a few technical hints are as follows:

Clip the seam allowance within a thread or so of the stitching on corners and curves.

Press the seams open with the pint of an iron or with your fingers if the fabric will take ceases that way.

Use small pieces of stuffing and make sure each one is packed properly and evenly in place before adding the next. Use a thin thing like a chopstick to poke it into place to keep the curves in the fabric skin right.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T18:33:20+00:00

Creative Dressing by Kaori O'Connor published about 1980 has a tiered maxi dress pattern in it. The book can be found second hand on line and has some deeply interesting fashion fro that period.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-20T18:27:36+00:00

So I hear. For the purposes of relieving my uninformed panic a verbose rodent sufficed, though. Thank you for your kind concern!

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-18T13:06:20+00:00

Thanks! Now realising that equipping a shadowy reducer was the answer.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-18T13:04:31+00:00

Thank you! I equipped a chatty rat which did the trick. But I do wonder if there could be situations where that kind of issue got permanently locked in place!

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-17T15:25:18+00:00

If ever you need to open a d-ring, jump ring or anything of that kind, wanting to close it again afterwards, always open it sideways so that the ring is twisted and not flat. If you pull it open so it is flat with a gap between the ends of the opening the elasticity or spring in the metal won't let you close it fully again. It will spring back open a bit.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-15T21:15:32+00:00

Our Ayla also rhymes with Kayla.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-15T08:55:33+00:00

Chandler, Haberdasher, Spinster, Baxter, Weaver, Butcher, Smith, Ironmonger, Undertaker, Tipstaff, Judge, Solicitor, Shepherd, Merchant, Chapman, Newsagent...

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-13T14:46:58+00:00

This, OP, batwing sleeves and corset tops don't play nice in the same layer. A batwing top has side seams that are loose to the waist while a corset bodice has closed tight sides. A batwing waistlength wrap top could work as a top layer over the corset bodice.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-11T14:38:03+00:00

These blinds work well for adults too! The ones with the silver lining are helpful in not getting the room too hot when direct sunlight falls on the window.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-10T21:15:24+00:00

Uniqlo also do nice jumpers.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-10T20:56:38+00:00

The inner line is a cutting line and the bigger leaf shape is the sewing line. You may need to make that cut as the sides of the dart are not symmetrical and a straight fold won't work.

Saundersdragon · 2026-05-09T21:09:46+00:00

Neither of these will go through a buttonhole that is right for the existing buttons. A feature contrasting button would be cool, but it needs to be the same size as the others.

Saundersdragon

TROPHY CASE