Hello everybody

I want to make a shawl for a friends expected grandchild one I first made more than 40 years ago and made lots of times since however when I dug out the very old pattern it just says 14 balls (3 ply)

I can’t remember if back in the day a ‘ball’ of wool was an ounce? Which would probably equate to 25g in today’s weight? Am I correct in my assumption nowhere in the pattern does it give the weight of the ‘ball’

As you will know I need to buy enough to complete it to guarantee same shade numbers

Thanks in advance for any knowledge for this old lady who can’t remember 

I am soon going to make a swimsuit for myself, well more of a top and skirted bottoms, the pattern says I need cups - fair enough I do like a bit of support - but what sort of cups? it doesn't specify, and would they just simply be my bra cup size?

Thanks in advance
I am making view B of Butterick 5795

Oh and if there is any advice on making a swimsuit I am happy to recieve it, after all I can't really make a toile with the same fabric, so not sure about sizing, for example swimsuits are usually snug, can I assume that if I chose a size from the back of the envelope that it will be right?

Or...........I might be thinking of the old sewing forum, because I am sure it was a sticky and about sewing professionally, if anyone knows where I might find it please point me at it

Recently I have been thinking of advertising locally for dressmaking, alterations and repair customers, I have some already, who return time and time again, which has been all I needed, but last year I 'retired' from my professional life, mostly to free up some time to look after my dad, but I now find myself wanting to expand this into more of a business and tout for customers - I have lots of ideas where I might do this but my questions are......

The dreaded insurance question, not about needing it but where is the best place to get from? Up to now I have been covered by insurance for the market if I put it through their invoicing system, but this also means they take 8% for that, not that I mind that whilst doing so little, but wondering if I now need to put in place something for myself

The next question, which I have seen before, is about charges. I am aware  that there are lots of influencing factors so this is my bit of research it's not that I will charge the same (especially in these parts) but I need a starting point from which to work it out.

I already have cover for people coming into my home/property for business purposes because I used to see clients here in my other life.

I am not expecting folk who do this to tell the world what they charge/earn necessarily, but a ball park figure would do, if you wanted to help me out by being more specific, you could pm me if you wanted to.

All my machines and other sewing bits and bobs are insured although for personal use not business so I am guessing I have to look at that as well

Any advice/information would be gratefully received as part of my research and planning
JP

Hi everyone
I'm after a pattern with rouching across the tummy area, doesn't really matter on overall style at this stage as it will probably be a pattern hack jobby anyway
Any suggestions welcomed as my search hasn't turned up anything

Hello all, not sure if this is the correct place to post, if not please move mods

Our dance teachers wife has asked if I can put bra cups into two dresses that she has but cannot wear because of no cups, she is a size E cup so needs the support. I have read up and watched tutorials on how to do this and I have sent for some bra cups, however........
If any of you wonderful people have tips on doing this I would be eternally grateful for any advice - the dresses in question are lacey, but not expensive or high quality.
Thanks in advance
JP

Hi folk's
Does anyone know where I can get crinkle fabric other than hong Kong 
I think its a sort of polyester/viscose mix I don't mind buying online and would like different colour choices but especially navy blue and bottle green
Ta in advance
JP

Hi everyone
I'm not sure why I keep saying yes, but altering a wedding dress seems to come my way quite often - and although I sometimes think 'Oh for goodness sake! I'd rather make one from scratch than alter someone else's' I usually find I quite enjoy it, perhaps that's because it means so much to the bride? who are usually so happy about how different it feels when it fits better/is the right length and so on.
The latest one is here:  https://www.wed2b.co.uk/arlington
It is a beautiful dress, looks amazing on the lady in question and her chosen shoes are to die for.
The back needs attention, it fits well in the front, but she has a narrow back so it gapes she also needs way of support for the bust because of the open back she cannot wear an ordinary bra.
She brought to the fitting a longline bra which fastened just above the waist, it still shows, but I undid it and pinned it to the edge of the bottom back that meets the skirt and it worked in that she felt the support to the boobies was enough, and it slightly pulled the bottom back in and felt better on the waist. I had her moving about and it seemed to do the trick, so I will secure it and get her back for a fitting. I need to do something about the top back section yet.
I also got her to try on a tiered petticoat that I use on my dress form when making 50's style dresses to see the effect and the dress was transformed and she loved it.
It really is one of my favourite dresses so far, and not much work required, or at least not one that you have to take apart several layers, nor does it need hemming  - result! I'll let you know how I get on.