Category Archives: challenges

Getting Started Step 1

Posted on July 22, 2022 by mrsmole

With any new project, we need to get down to the basic structure that we will be covering be it a sofa or chair or ottoman or ourselves. Our skeletons define us and our skin and tissue enhance us. If … Continue reading →

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Fixing necklines

Posted on June 23, 2022 by mrsmole

Is there anything we can do to make RTW necklines fit better and not droop to reveal a bra? My neighbor, Rosie Two Shoes, had a family wedding to attend and she found the prefect dress except being petite, the … Continue reading →

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Another Kimono

Posted on June 9, 2022 by mrsmole

McCall’s 8000 is interesting and may just work with Nancy’s latest silk charmeuse purchase. There are no side seams and as I mentioned last time, it is more of a poncho used for breast exams. But Nancy will have side … Continue reading →

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Spring bride

Posted on May 27, 2022 by mrsmole

In my last blog, I introduced you to the a Spring challenge from Madison James Bridal.   The bride explained that it would need a little hemming so let’s get to work pinning up the lining (knit) and the satin … Continue reading →

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Stitching Along

Posted on May 6, 2022 by mrsmole

Last time I introduced Nancy’s new jungle print kimono jacket in progress. For a very slippery polyester fabric, it has been going well. Here we are attaching the front band and trimming off the extra seam allowance. The band was … Continue reading →

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Back to Sewing

Posted on April 25, 2022 by mrsmole

Do you know what is the most dangerous hobby? Parachute jumping, motorcross, bungee jumping, or extreme sports? Oh No…it has to be sewing! On the project below, as I was happily sewing along all those pinned on tapes, two of … Continue reading →

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Ready to Walk Down the Aisle

Posted on March 29, 2022 by mrsmole

Let’s start with the new lower panel with gathers at the top and the invisible zipper. Here it is with the lining attached. The grosgrain waistbands covered with satin fabric: Ready to pin unto the skirt and I left a … Continue reading →

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Panels and Ties – My Brain Hurts!

Posted on March 20, 2022 by mrsmole

Where do we start? If I want to use any original fabric I have to “borrow” or “harvest” it from the underside of the bow panels. Lifting the bottom edge of the bodice shows where the double panels are attached … Continue reading →

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Final Steps

Posted on March 15, 2022 by mrsmole

What is left to do? How about that new small double ruffle added on top of the single layer bias cut one? This ruffle was cut the length of the selvedge and folded WST so it will contrast with the … Continue reading →

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Glamorous Yet?

Posted on March 3, 2022 by mrsmole

For those of you who have been following along, the seams have all been basted and we have a sleeveless garment on the mannequin. OK, a blurry photo but you get the idea. All of the wide white lines of … Continue reading →

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