I totally ignore pattern layout diagrams and squeeeeeeze everything in wherever it will fit, I'll twist slightly off grain, shave away at seam allowances, and slightly alter skirt side seams to suit, free handing all over the shop.  Never had a total disaster lol
Oh and piecing is definitely an art form!
It's only been NECESSARY a few times, I just like to save as much as possible!  It irks my mathematical eye to be able to KNOW there's enough total area to fit everything, but not be able to squidge the pieces in...it becomes a challenge.  I don't like to lose lol

dammit!  Sorry I only just saw this- Barry's warehouse have some FABULOUSLY slinky stuff on their £2/m stall [I used silver and gold for the Oz costumes] ah well, glad you're sorted

Just say no.  And then stick to it.  They have to know they can't fuck you about!

I got ANOTHER four.  Oh dear.  Delivery was fast, although one arrived in a flat cardboard envelope and the other three were in a medium sized box, padded out with brown paper.  All arrived at the same time.  How odd.

And I got some more fabric.
Double oh dear.

BUT
I've finished all the costume sewing bar last minute fixes and tweaks as they go on stage on Wednesday.

AND
I may have just volunteered to make panto costumes for November...

Didst someone summon me?
Steampunk is anything and everything you fancy, styled with imagination.  LOADS of brown, but more and more people breaking THAT boring mould and going mental [like wot I do]
Having said that, denim isn't firmly woven enough for a really good corset, better to go for coutil if you want serious shaping, but if it's just for a fun outside layer, go for it.

The costumes are done, dress and tech rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday, shows on Wednesdays and Thursday so I will resurface soon...just in time for the heaviest part of exam marking season! [And I'm trying not to lose my temper at idiot drama teachers who add extra people into the cast  at the eleventh hour...guess what ladies, I asked you to confirm numbers four weeks ago FOR A REASON.  I don't bend.  Additional cast members can go in uniform for all I care]

@Roger - I thought I'd have a quick look for the manual of the MO-600 but the series 600 pdf starts at 623 and I can't find anything on older models in that series. I'm guessing the threading is the same or similar though. Do you have a manual for it?

Not forgotten you @Lorenaserafina ! What model is yours? Also, I seem to recall that @DementedFairy has bought sari fabrics online. Any advice for sources at reasonable prices DF?

Just ebay, and search 'second hand saris' they are GAZILLIONS at great prices

I am attempting to make a toile of the Chelsea Blouse (https://inhousepatterns.com/products/chelsea), View B with the V-neck. As you can see from the photo of the Chelsea, the front underarm seam is slanted forward so already the back armhole is longer. I come along and make my round back adjustments and a forward shoulder adjustment. I altered the sleeve cap to give me more room at the back armhole seam. That's all good. The problem is I have far too much front sleeve cap width. See my photo of the armhole edge without the side seam sewn. Note how drastically smaller the front armhole is compared to the back. What on earth can I do? I don't want a sleeveless blouse.

I would suggest you start by measuring the bodice carefully along the stitching line, and the same for the sleeve, so you can more accurately compare the amount you need to lose.  It could just be a case of moving the 'top' of the sleeve towards the back to compensate for your adjustments

OH NO!  I have nothing floral.  Dammit.  Now I need to buy some more....