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From: leighp
Date: 03-08-2006, 09:48 AM (1 of 11)
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Thought I posted this here. Oops. Hi! My name is Leigh. I am new to sewing and patterns and all that jazz. I bought a NEWLOOK kids! pattern at Wal-Mart yesterday, opened and had no idea where to cut. It is Bin 99 6578 Size A 1/2-4 if that helps any. I think I decided the first thing I need to do is actually find my measuring tape and measure my dd. After that though I am lost. Can anyone guide me? Also if I cut out the size my dd is does that mean I can't use the rest of the sizes? Thanks so much for your help. Confused, Leigh ETA: I measured my daughter and her chest is 19 1/2, her waist is 19 1/2 and her height is 33 inches. The chest and waist measurement made her a size 1 on the pattern and the height made her between 1 and 2. |
User: leighp
Member since: 03-08-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-08-2006, 10:07 AM (2 of 11)
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First, cut a size 1 -- maybe add a bit of length at the hemline by cutting it a little longer. Remember to keep the flair of the A-line if you do make it longer, cutting at the same angle as the rest of the dress. If you trace the pattern onto other paper or interfacing and use that for your cutting guide you will have it cut at one size and the pattern will still be in tact. It's a cute little dress and looks like a good beginning project. Good luck. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: leighp
Date: 03-08-2006, 10:25 AM (3 of 11)
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Thank you Dorothy. I have another question. This will show you just how clueless I am. What is interfacing? I was looking at the back of the pattern earlier and saw that and realized I don't have any. Thanks again. Leigh |
User: leighp
Member since: 03-08-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: leighp
Date: 03-08-2006, 10:31 AM (4 of 11)
Nevermind. I googled it.  I guess I need to go back to the store. Thanks.
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User: leighp
Member since: 03-08-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-08-2006, 10:50 AM (5 of 11)
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Here's a tip -- if you are using fusible -- and I would with this -- get Fusi-knit not the non-woven stuff. You'll be much happier with the results. And if you cut out a piece of fabric larger than the facing you are applying the interfacing too and apply the interfacing then cut out the pattern piece you will have a perfect match. Just be sure if your facing is still cut on the grain. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: leighp
Date: 03-08-2006, 11:53 AM (6 of 11)
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Here's a tip -- if you are using fusible -- and I would with this -- get Fusi-knit not the non-woven stuff. You'll be much happier with the results. And if you cut out a piece of fabric larger than the facing you are applying the interfacing too and apply the interfacing then cut out the pattern piece you will have a perfect match. Just be sure if your facing is still cut on the grain. Dorothy So would I trace the pattern onto the interfacing, then cut the interfacing out and then fuse the interfacing to my fabric and cut out that way? Sorry to be so troublesome. I went ahead and cut out the pattern so I could get started. The pattern was only $3 so I can always get another if I like sewing enough to make various sizes. I want to try to cut out the material now, but I am confused about the inseam. I a not sure if it is already there or if I am supposed to add it. Also, I am supposed to cut a lining. What type of material should I use for the lining? Could I just use a plain white material or do I need to get something special? Thanks again! Leigh |
User: leighp
Member since: 03-08-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-08-2006, 12:18 PM (7 of 11)
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Is that reversible? I seem to remember making something reversible very similar to that for my little girl -- she's a lawyer now so you can guess how long ago it was. Anyway, that would be what they mean by lining. What I do with the interfacing is to lay the facing pattern piece out on the fabric and cut around it at least an inch bigger. I lay that on the interfacing and cut around it, fuse the interfacing to the fashion fabric then cut out the pattern piece from that. To cut out your fabric, press it and cut out the pattern pieces. Make sure it is folded straight with selvage edges together. You are probably cutting a front and back on the fold. If the back is two pieces sewn together make sure the pattern is on the straight grain. There is a long arrow. Measure from one point to the selvages and pin at the arrow. Now the other point on the arrow should be exactly the same distance from the selvage. If the arrow bends at both ends that edge goes on the fold. There is a layout to go by with the pattern. It is probably easier to follow that until you get the hang of it. You'll cut the lining the same way. Sorry if I told you stuff you already know. You can use just about anything for lining but not darker than the top fabric so it doesn't show through and something light weight so it doesn't weigh your daughter down. You're not troublesome. I should be working -- that is what is troublesome. I'd rather be distracted. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-11-2006, 12:36 AM (8 of 11)
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Wow Dorothy, you almost sound as good as Pam!!!!! Welcome LeighP. Dorothy has given such great advice I can't even think of anything to add!! Oh, found something!! 'I want to try to cut out the material now, but I am confused about the inseam. I a not sure if it is already there or if I am supposed to add it. I am wondering if you mean the seam allowance and not an inseam. The seam allowance is the extra fabric (usually 5/8") that is added to the pattern piece, so that when you sew a seam, you have a 5/8" 'flap' on the inside. An inseam, is the seam that runs down the inside of the leg most times. Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-11-2006, 08:30 AM (9 of 11)
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Wow Dorothy, you almost sound as good as Pam!!!!! Ah shucks, Laura, that's the nicest thing anyone ever said to me.  Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: karen v
Date: 03-12-2006, 11:02 PM (10 of 11)
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Leigh, you may want to consider getting a basic sewing reference book. I use "Let's Sew", by Nancy Zieman (NAYY) when I teach beginners of all ages. (there are many, many more books with lots more info, too) There are lots of things to know, and if you have a book or teacher, it will keep your frustration level low. Also, sewing for children is a great way to build up your sewing skills, but if you are going to start sewing for yourself, you should probably get a lesson or two in fitting, as it is not nearly as intuitive as one would think. Ask me how I know! karen v. all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-13-2006, 03:55 AM (11 of 11)
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Leigh I agree with Karen that a good basic sewing book is a good thing to have. We have a thread somewhere in one of the forms discussing this. Go to the top of the screen and look for search button and then type in "sewing books". Until you have a chance to either get to a library to check out or buy one, perhaps the following sites may help. The first one in on reading patterns. Good luck - lots to learn, but you came to the right place and you will have fun learning I am sure. It is great to see something emerge out of a flat piece of fabric and a bunch of paper and threads!  http://www.sewing.org/educator/html/ed_guidelines.html http://www.sewingweb.com/Projects/SewingKit/index.php http://www.sewingweb.com/howto/ http://www.diynet.com/diy/na_sewing/0,2024,DIY_14144,00.html http://www.diynet.com/diy/na_sewing/article/0,2025,DIY_14144_2278415,00.html *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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