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Messages - misschris

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Sewing Machines / Re: Skipping Stitch problem
« on: December 27, 2022, 20:36:20 PM »
If you can’t adjust the needle position to allow the presser foot to sit level on the fabric, try using a strip of scrap fabric folded as required under the floating side of the foot to keep it level.  Paper or card would also work if you have no scrap fabric. 

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Patterns Discussion / Re: Pattern suggestin for Silk/Linen
« on: October 30, 2022, 23:58:20 PM »
What about a kimono style jacket? Great for those summer evenings when it gets a bit cool.

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In the wardrobe / Re: Sewing for Australia.
« on: October 30, 2022, 10:42:33 AM »
It will be autumn in April. The centre can get cold at night, I've been in Alice Springs in spring when it was in the mid 30's during the day and 2 degrees at night.

Climate averages might be helpful. You can adjust for different months, max and min temps.

Climate and average weather - scroll down to the regions for specific info.

With regard to a coat - the wind chill factor can make it seem colder than it is. You likely won't need a heavy coat, but a jacket (waterproof) will be of use and you can layer if it's cool. It can be wet on the east coast in April. We're suffering from a La Niña weather event, so currently the rain is endless. There's lots of flooding through the eastern states.  It's expected to ease by the end of summer but there could still be some rain in April.

You will need a sun hat, sunglasses and 50+ sunscreen. Be diligent about applying it every day, the sun can be brutal, even in winter. The Bureau of Meteorology has a UV index that indicates the risk - today in Melbourne was about 20 degrees, very cloudy and raining on and off all day. The UV index was 8 which is considered a very high risk. Through the areas you'll be travelling at that time of year, the risk will be higher every day. Sun Safety

You'll be visiting some beautiful places, I hope you have a fabulous trip.

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In the wardrobe / Re: Fleece Socks - Free Pattern (modified)
« on: October 23, 2022, 02:37:30 AM »
Thanks for the link, just what I need.

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Access All Accessories / Re: Bags for life
« on: April 29, 2022, 01:04:04 AM »
Thank you! Another book for the library.

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As Ploshkin said, some have layers, some don't. (ITS do.)

 It's also dependant on your printer. Some companies will toggle the layers for you, others will only print the whole thing as is. Be mindful too, of the cost of printing in colour as opposed to B&W. It's usually much cheaper to get B&W plan prints. Some printers not familiar with sewing patterns will see A0 and colour and assume its a colour poster print. The difference in price for me is $4.30/$32.00 per page!!

I really like Itch to Stitch patterns, they're well drafted and have good instructions.

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Patterns Discussion / Re: Waffle cargo vest
« on: August 13, 2021, 07:40:57 AM »
Is it a men's pattern?  Or don't they have a woman's mannequin?  :laughing:

Bodyshaming is never good. And we all know who it really shames.

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What lies beneath... / Re: Pattern cutting for bras
« on: July 29, 2021, 09:26:39 AM »
Porcelynne - patterns for a good range of sizes and her drafting book is excellent. There is a Facebook support group also.

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In the wardrobe / Re: Plus size Sewing and pattern advice please
« on: June 09, 2021, 03:54:17 AM »

I do need to understand FBA and will look out Palmer/Pletsch  DVD, books and patterns.  Its just a shame they stop at size 22/24, but I see a unisex shirt whick may work to try the system out with.


I just wanted to note that you can use the P/P fba method on any pattern, not just theirs. I do fba's all the time but don't think I've ever used a P/P pattern. I also don't do tissue fitting as they suggest as a) I find it too fiddly and b) I'm mostly not working with tissue paper patterns.

I'd suggest finding a pattern that you like that's as close to your size as possible. invest in some time and cheap fabric to make as many test garments as you need to get the fit right.

You might also be interested in Barbara Deckert's work. She has a Craftsy class and some books on plus size fitting.

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Patterns Discussion / Re: Assembling pdf patterns
« on: October 18, 2020, 05:43:16 AM »
Has anyone tried McCall or Butterick patterns as pdf downloads from the US website? I'm used to Stylearc pdfs where the patterns usually have lots of clean lines and instructions for printing and sticking together - even if the garment constuction instructions are 'sparse'.

I ordered Butterick 6784, a new Katherine Tilton paper dress pattern in a Butterick sale on the US site but it was out of stock so I've just bought it as a pdf. Of course being a Tilton pattern it is full of fussy pattern pieces. There are 2 sheets with a total of 100 A4 pages. Like me my printer is somewhat elderly and is likely to object to printing more than a couple of pages at a time so that's an all day job!

Stylearc patterns include a 10cm square so you can check you are printing things the right size but I don't see anything like that in the Butterick pattern. I assume you just set things to 'print exact size'. Wish me luck!

I bought the same pattern a few days ago. It actually didn't take too long to put together but I did run out of tape! No scale square, as you noted, but my mono laser printer handles big print runs without distortion or slipping so mine looks ok. Check for the blank pages that don't need to be printed, it will break up the printing into blocks, might help give the printer a rest.

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The Haberdashery / Re: scissor holder for sewing machine
« on: July 26, 2020, 10:33:57 AM »
I wonder how big it is? It looks like a cable organiser..  Might have to see if my little snips will fit into one of these..

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Patterns Discussion / Re: Lekala tunic
« on: July 16, 2020, 00:53:40 AM »
This is probably my most used Lekala pattern. I love the fit through the shoulders and armhole - where I usually have to alter. I altered the front placket so it's not so low, I've made a few with the waist seam, a few without the waist seam, on some I straightened the hem, on some removed the collar.

I love the fabric you've used here, it looks very nice.

14
Sewing Machines / Re: Janome New Home Combi DX Machine
« on: June 08, 2020, 06:27:03 AM »
My Combi is the only machine I regret selling. I've had many machines come and go, (and many stay!) but that's the one that I'm sorry I sold. One day.........

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I had a Combi 20 years ago, sold it when I upgraded to a new machine and overlocker. It's the only machine I regret selling and I've been sewing for more than 50 years and owned many machines. 

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