I know I’ve already reviewed this pattern (read it here), but ever since then I’ve been dying to make a colour-blocked one in a more drapey fabric. (As you can see, I’ve completely copied Tilly’s idea from the book!)
This is the first time I’ve worked with stretchy fabric (I used a ponte di roma) and let me tell you, it was a nightmare! My machine completely freaked out when I tried sewing it, so I was forced to resurrect my super-cheap sewing machine from when I was in junior school- for some reason it was okay with the fabric, whilst my Husqvarna one wasn’t! Of course, as my old machine was several hundred pounds cheaper, it still didn’t work great and eventually broke. Do sewing machines just really hate me or something?
Despite all this hassle, I’m still really pleased with how it turned out (wonky placket and all!) and it’s actually become one of my most-worn dresses.
oolong stitches 
Very cute on you!
This silhouette works very well.
I just ran across your blog, and have been flipping through posts… I can see the progress through the posts. If I may make a few suggestions to ease your way. (Some things I wish I’d known earlier on.)
-pre-shrink fabrics by washing and drying them as though they are already garments.
-check print or nap direction before cutting anything (in part because sometimes you can cut the entire back out upside down, which saves a significant amount of yardage)
-the companies that make machine needles also explain what they are for, and using the correct needle in your machine can save a lot of hassle… If you are unsure what your fabric is, or how it will behave, practice stitching on scraps of it. If it wants to get sucked down into the footplate, consider cutting strips of tissue (sheer wrapping paper, not the nose stuff) and putting underneath the area being stitched. This can be easily torn away afterwards.
-if you are unsure about trouser fitting issues, there is a pants fitting course over on bluprint. (Used to be called craftsy) Sandra Betzina’s course is called “pant fitting techniques”. I found it helpful.
-examining worn out bought clothing for techniques used will help you develop as a seamstress.
-always look at the line drawings before purchasing a pattern. When it comes right down to it, many styles are very similar… and it is easy to get carried away and buy duplicates.
All this said, I really do like your work 😁
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Thanks for the helpful tips! Sadly I’ve learned about pre-washing fabrics the hard way 😦 I’ll have a look at that trouser fitting class, it sounds really useful!
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