Men's Dress Shirt--How to Taper Sides

It is very easy to take in a men's dress shirt.  First have the person try the shirt on and pinch in how much they would like it taken in.  As you pin, make sure that the seam allowance is on the edge to keep it as accurate as possible.  Put the pins parallel to the seam.  Make both sides as even as possible.

On wrong side of fabric, mark all pins for one shirt side.  Then take the pins out.

Laptop Cover

Laptop Cover

 This is a very easy laptop to make, introducing a new batting product:

The finished laptop cover is approximately 10" X 15".

Required Fabric and Materials:

1 yard of fabric, or 1/2 yard of two fabrics if you would like a contrasting lining.
1/2 yard foam
1/2 yard  fusible interfacing
Thread and toggle button

Outside fabric:  cut to 16" X 28"
Lining fabric:  cut to 16" X 28"
Foam:  cut to 16" X 20.5"
Interfacing:  cut to 8" X 16"
 

Pink Nine Square Baby Quilt

My sister made this darling baby quilt (top picture) and I wanted to make one like it with my scraps.  

Lined Skirt with Facing

This blog post will show how to sew a lining to a skirt with a waist facing.  It will also show how to hand sew swing tacks at the hemline.

Lined Skirt with Waistband (and inseam pocket)

This blog post will show how to sew a lining to a skirt with a waistband, how to add an inseam pocket, and how to hand sew swing tacks at the hemline.

Draping a Flared Skirt

Draping a Flared Skirt

Draped Skirt with Fitted Side Panel

Draped Skirt with Fitted Side Panel

Skirt with Yoke

The hip yoke skirt maintains a waistline fit and supports the skirt design.  It is fitted with no darts because the darts have been converted to the bottom yoke seam.  Different skirt designs can be added to the yoke, from straight to flared, gathered to circle.

Here is the style tape for the bottom shape of the front yoke.

Drafting a Sleeve for Draped Bodice & Making a Padded Arm for Dress Form

Drafting a Sleeve for DRAPED Bodice & Making a Padded Arm for Dress Form

Cut a piece of craft paper 32" long and 24" wide for drafting the sleeve.  Use the measurements from page 94 of "The Art of Fashion Draping" by Connie Amaden-Crawford.  My dress form is size 6 so I will use the measurements for size 6.

First, measure the armhole for your draped bodice front and bodice back patterns.  Write these measurements down for future reference.