Date: 11/10/09 10:44 AM

Has anyone made this or a similar garment from Ottobre who can explain the armhole directions better? I'm trying to follow their directions for fun, and I'm stumped on this. Keep in mind that I've already followed the directions to this point, so I can't start over with another method. Though tips on a better method for future garments would be helpful.

Here's where I am with the zipper in and neckline finished:


I've scanned the directions here.

I can halfway wrap my head around "Push your hand between shell and lining to reach edges of armholes and pin..." but when it says "Turn pinafore dress right side out and pull lining out through neck opening" I'm confused!

Is there a tutorial out there for this method somewhere? I'm really more of a picture follower than a directions reader.



Thanks,

Beth

-- Edited on 11/10/09 10:45 AM --

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Beth H in Georgia
Dolls: http://rustybobbin.com/photos/index.php?cat=4
Blog: http://www.rustybobbin.com/blog/

Date: 11/10/09 11:51 AM

I think what this means is that after you have sewn the lining in at the neck, you straighten it all up (as you have done), then put your hand in from the hemline to get to the armholes. (they don't say so, but at this point I'd pull the back armhole edge out of the dress as far as is reasonable to work on it, while preserving the proper alignment of the seams, then repeat with the front edge - it will be a mess, but as long as the seams line up, you're golden). Pin (right sides together) and stitch together from the shoulder down the back of the armhole, then break the stitching and sew from the shoulder down the front of the armhole.

Then you clip the seams and straighten out the dress again and press it and generally make it all pretty, then reach through the neck and grab the hem of the lining and pull it out through the neck. Of course, it's attached at the armholes now, so it won't come out all the way, but you will have better access to the armholes to understitch.

The instructions imply that you will be working with the dress right side out. Hmm, that seems weird. I'd do it slightly differently - I would turn the dress inside out, then pull the hem of the lining up over the bodice as far as it will go. Then your dress is inside out and you can get to the armholes with the least amount of lining and fabric in the way.

I could be missing something, though. Sometimes I think "well, that's silly" and I try to do things my own way, then when I get there, I see why they were right and I was wrong!

Reply to mmmckay
Date: 11/10/09 11:58 AM

Ahhh! That helps a lot. Thanks. I'll give that a try later today.

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Beth H in Georgia
Dolls: http://rustybobbin.com/photos/index.php?cat=4
Blog: http://www.rustybobbin.com/blog/