handmade/sewing thread

[Anonymous No.8425210]

new handmade lolita and sewing general, haven't seen one for a little while

[Anonymous No.8425399]

bump

[Anonymous No.8425430]

So has anyone tired finding their 'TNT' dress pattern/block?

I'm trying to get mine down-pat. Next dress will have more 'omph' skirt-wise and probably gonna try a more ETC type bodice.

[Anonymous No.8425440]

>>8425430
their closeups are fucking dreamy

[Anonymous No.8425457]

>>8425440
I would use a matching tie that actually goes with the fabric. The red one looks horrible with the rest of the palette and no, the geese are not wearing such a vibrant red.

[Anonymous No.8425476]

can anyone recommend a good place to find patterns in the same style as Jane Marple OP's/suitable for otome? all of the ones i've found tend to be for 8 year old girls lol.

[Anonymous No.8425504]

>>8425476
You could adapt this: http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/roundtrip

[Anonymous No.8425513]

>>8425457
??? That's an ETC JSK. It's otome, so the red is fine.

[Anonymous No.8425516]

>>8425504
>http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/roundtrip

That's a nice one BTW, I've used it a few times.

[Anonymous No.8425530]

oooh I've been hoping a thread for this would pop up soon! I'm working on a dress for a meetup next month and I'm putting in a shiring pannel with lacing in the back and I'm not quite sure how to put the lacing in. Should I use like, loops of ribbon sewn into the seams or what exactly is the best way of going about it.

[Anonymous No.8425543]

>>8425530
If you panel is separate Make your little ribbon loops, attach them facing in on the panel, attach to the bodice

[Anonymous No.8425570]

>>8425430
I used to have a perfectly fitted self drafted bodice block, but I lost a few pounds. I was not looking forward to starting over from scratch, but apparently my new proportions are almost exactly fit model proportions and the commercial pattern I tried was perfect with only minimal alterations. Very pleasant surprise.

(And that elephant fabric is really cute.)

[Anonymous No.8425619]

>>8425570
Nice! That's really awesome. (Wish I could do that.)

The fabric I got from a friend as a b-day present (a whole bunch of yardage, oof).
>https://www.fabric.com/buy/uh-253/premier-prints-ele-slub-white-yellow

[Anonymous No.8425648]

>>8425504
>http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/roundtrip
I've actually made this dress before, why didn't i think of that haha. thanks anon!

[Anonymous No.8425721]

Hey anons, I'm hoping you could give me some advice on this. I really love this fruit can label print, and planned to cut out the squares and rearrange them very carefully into a strip that will serve as the border print. I also want to use them to make a band across the top of the bodice. I know it will take up a lot of fabric cutting out the squares with seam allowance and everything, but I feel like it will be worth it. What I'm stuck on is the fabric I'm going to use for the body of the dress. I really like this navy polka dot, it has a slightly distressed look in person that pairs nicely with the look of the fruit labels, and I like the otome feel is gives. What do you anons think? Also, do you have any ideas for the design of the dress? All I see in my head right now is a basic jsk with the border print and print on the bodice band.

[Anonymous No.8425723]

>>8425721
dropped pic

[Anonymous No.8425763]

anyone know how to do partial shiring on an bodice with a lining? I'm super stumped on the process

[Anonymous No.8425765]

>>8425723
I've made a dress with this fabric although I made the whole jsk with it.

I like the idea of doing a strip of the labels along the bottom of the jsk. I do think that the labels are too big to do a band on the top of the bodice.

The navy dot fabric looks like it will be really cute paired with the labels. I might suggest doing white lace details with some sort of red ribbon. Pick up the red in the pattern.

I hope you will post how your jsk comes out. I love my jsk with that fabric and wear it all the time (right now in fact).

[Anonymous No.8425783]

>>8425530
Lots of people like loops of ribbon sewn into the seams like you said, as long as you use a slightly wider grosgrain it will be nice and sturdy. For the loop method, you want to make your shirring panel first but before attaching it to the rest of the bodice, cut pieces of ribbon about an inch or two in length, fold them in half, and pin them at intervals with the loop side facing inward on each side of the panel. Then sew it down along each side to secure the loops to the panel. If you sew them down first, it will save you a lot of hassle trying to pin them in place at the same time as you are pinning the shirring panel to the rest of the bodice. With the loops sewn down, you can easily sandwich each side of the shirring panel between the bodice shell and lining. I'm not so fond of the look of it, so I use looped braid trims, attaching the shirring panel then sewing the trim over the seam. It's still very strong but it's more attractive in my opinion. Avoid using actual lace though, as it stretches and distorts over time and is more prone to tearing.

[Anonymous No.8425789]

>>8425765
Thanks anon! You're probably right, it is too big. I just held it up to myself and it looked sort of awkward. I had planned on picking up the red when I coordinate it with a cardigan or something, do you think that would work?

As far as the lace goes, I'm thinking cluny?

[Anonymous No.8425793]

>>8425763
Make your shirring panel first, then like >>8425783
said, you sandwich it between the shell and the lining. I don't know how to explain it with words so I'll draw up some sort of ms paint tutorial for you real quick.

[Anonymous No.8425804]

I am so happy with how this hat is going! Just need to get an ostrich drab and it will be complete.
Brought it up as an idea in the last handmade thread and people told me to update them on how it went.
Excuse my messy room.

[Anonymous No.8425837]

>>8425793

[Anonymous No.8425859]

>>8425789
I used white eyelet details with navy cluny lace. I think cluny or eyelet works with the sorta country look it has. Venise or net lace would likely be too fancy looking.

Coording it with red works wonderfully. I wear it with white, navy, red, taupe, caramel tan, light green, and light bright blue. That is one of the reasons I love it so much, it goes with so much in my wardrobe.

[Anonymous No.8425876]

>>8425804
That looks fuck ugly.

[Anonymous No.8425887]

>>8425876
awww
What is wrong with it?

[Anonymous No.8425899]

I made this JSK last weekend. I've finally managed to make a bodice and straps combo that works with my broad shoulders
I wore a t-shirt underneath to check if I can wear it with a cutsew or a blouse.
I'm pretty proud of it. Thinking of ways to coord it and do it justice.

[Anonymous No.8425908]

>>8425899
anon, that lace isn't doing it any favors, neither are the thick ass straps.

[Anonymous No.8425909]

>>8425899
This is cute but the lace at the bottom needs to be changed, brings down the entire dress.
and do not ever wear it with that t shirt, please.

[Anonymous No.8425935]

>>8425909
Oh no, the shirt isn't part of anything, just fitting. Don't worry.

>>8425908
>>8425909
So what do you suggest about the lace, something smaller perhaps? I really liked the straps, though now that you talk about it, it actually makes my shoulders look wider.

[Anonymous No.8425978]

>>8425837
ah thank you so much! That makes great sense!

[Anonymous No.8425996]

>>8425899
This looks like grandma's hideous apron.

[Anonymous No.8426035]

>>8425899
>>8425935
Remove the straps, make them skinnier, at least 3/4 what they are now, and reattach. The design isn't the issue, it's the width. Choose a lace that isn't weirdly transparent and cheap looking, I think a cluny would look good for a more casual/country look, but a venice could make it a little more formal. Nothing too wide, and I would ruffle it lightly. Your bodice looks a little tubey, it needs to slope down on the sides a bit more as right now it looks like its digging into your armpits. Finally, it doesn't look like your skirt is full enough. Do you have a picture of it with a petticoat underneath?

[Anonymous No.8426047]

>>8425887
Not that anon, but the top looks really sad and lumpy, like you just wrapped a large square of fabric around it and called it even, and the color combo is just odd. You've got black, white, hot pink, and red roses, and it looks more like a poorly made piece for a Ciel cosplay than somethiing wearable for lolita.

[Anonymous No.8426050]

>>8425887
Not that anon but I love the flowers and general shape but not sure what is going on with the top, and the pink lining is a weird choice.

[Anonymous No.8426069]

>>8425935
Here are some bullet points. I realize this might seem harsh and mean you need to redo pretty much all of the dress but it's better then realizing later that you spent time making a dress that later you don't like.

Thinner straps, don't attach them so close together in the back.

The bodice looks like it needs taking in.

A different neckline would be more flattering, either a slight scoop (like ETC jsks) or sweetheart.

Thicker lace, if the lace is listed as nylon or poly and isn't venise or net don't use it.

The skirt doesn't look full enough, although it might be because of the large box pleats (which look boxy) do a smaller gather rather then the pleats, and if you can add more fabric to the skirt.

Lastly because the fabric is so busy it would look better with something breaking up the waistline. Add a large pink removable bow or ribbon sash (heavy satin or grosgrain ribbon).

[Anonymous No.8426086]

>>8426050
>>8426047
The top is pleated. I could sew down those parts, or get it to sit flat across the crown?
This is specifically made to match the princess wardrobe jsk so the pink will match up with the pinks in the print when it is done. The roses match the hat on the print, see pic related.
And I am aware that the band connecting the brim and crown looks really bad, I am making a sash to cover it which I forgot to mention before.

[Anonymous No.8426090]

>>8426069
This is actually very helpful! Thanks Anon. This was my first attempt at a JSK and these tips will be very valuable.
I'll replace the lace and add something on the waist as you suggested, but the bodice looks like that because I don't have much of a waist. Some better fitting may help it. Thanks again!
I actually like the pleats a lot, is there a way I can keep them?

[Anonymous No.8426103]

>>8426090
You're welcome.

If you want to keep the pleats you will need to make the skirt much fuller. I'd also make the "middle" pleat going out rather the in.

[Anonymous No.8426131]

>>8425210
This isn't entirely related, but I was wondering how much people would be willing to pay for a dress like the one pictured in OP. I enjoy sewing and I was wondering if it would be worth my time to sew something time consuming like that to sell.

[Anonymous No.8426144]

>>8426131
it would not be worth your time - lolitas only spend good money on burando.
Personally i would price that dress at $500 but you would be lucky to get half of that in the lolita comm.

[Anonymous No.8426151]

>>8426131
As a tall recovering fattychan I'd probably be willing to pay up to burando prices for something high quality and custom like that.

[Anonymous No.8426152]

>>8426131
I agree with this anon >>8426144 in that no one is going to pay what it costs to make a dress like that. Look at Haenuli's release with all the pin tucks, the dress is $500 but I doubt very many people bought it. Those with the skill will probably want to make it themselves, those who don't are too cheap for it.

[Anonymous No.8426169]

>>8426131

You'd probably be better off marketing to people who are into really nice costumes or just doing custom work for fat/tall girls who can't fit brand.

[Anonymous No.8426178]

>>8426152
Its not just that, most lolitas consider their clothing to be expensive and purely buy it for the "exclusivity" factor of brand. It has become a collectors item more than a high fashion style.

[Anonymous No.8426223]

>>8426086
Hate to break it to you, but this is not an improvement.
At all.

[Anonymous No.8426225]

>>8426131
This dress sold for a little over $400 I believe, and it sold surprisingly fast.

[Anonymous No.8426264]

>>8425210
The tassels on the dress look off-putting close-up. They look like something out of the home decor clearance section from JoAnn. Would've been better if they were actual trims sewn into the dress.

[Anonymous No.8426265]

Do circle skirts work with lolita? They have such a pretty flare, I think they'd look good on a classic coord.

[Anonymous No.8426282]

>>8426265
They tend to not look quite right. Generally, full A-lines or gathered semi-circles work best.

Meta has used circle skirts (usually modified somehow; wth gores or the like), but most lolita petticoats don't live up to a circle skirt.

[Anonymous No.8426445]

>>8426265
They look awkward, although I assume vintage x lolita coords would look alright with one.

[Anonymous No.8426508]

>>8426225
It probably helped that the seamstress is well known and has friends that appreciate good work. It would be hard for a new person to command those prices right out of the gate.

[Anonymous No.8426720]

>>8426144
>>8426151
>>8426152
>>8426169
>>8426225
>>8426178
Thanks for the replies everyone, I was also thinking of doing some simpler dresses with nice prints. I'll probably consider custom work too!

[Anonymous No.8426749]

>>8425804
Maybe it will look better when it's worn. Good luck anon.

[Anonymous No.8426832]

>>8425440
High-waisted/short bodices like this don't usually fit larger busts properly.

What d'you guys think of releasing two cuts; One with a short, looser bodice and one with a more fitted, true-waisted bodice?

[Anonymous No.8426872]

>>8426832
I don't think that's quite enough difference to warrant two totally different cuts, to be honest. Either take the first one, ditch the princess seams and make it empire-waisted, or take the second one and give it a slightly lower waistline.

[Anonymous No.8426893]

>>8426282
>>8426445
A-lines do look very elegant as well. How about gored skirts?

[Anonymous No.8426912]

>>8426508
This, and that's not a very high/professional level price for that piece, either.

[Anonymous No.8426920]

>>8426749
d-do you think?

[Anonymous No.8426943]

>>8426872
I agree with this anon. This is why brands have the OPs and the JSKs, following that model isn't a bad idea.

[Anonymous No.8426948]

>>8426920
Too much fabric on the top part, the hot pink looks like an awful vagina eating your head. At first I thought this was a poor attempt at Alucard's hat- meaning it's not very effeminate.
If you have to keep the roses, that everything else has to go.
The brim is wonky.
No salvaging really, scrap it and start over.

[Anonymous No.8426952]

>>8426920
The top part kinda looks like one of those chef poof hats.

[Anonymous No.8426953]

>>8426920
I like it. Hats are hard and draping fabdic for the crown even harder. You did well.

[Anonymous No.8426957]

>>8426953
Lol, *fabrick
>Fabdic ... so using this to discribe boners from now on.

[Anonymous No.8426962]

>>8426920
This isn't terrible for a first try. And there's always room for improvement.

[Anonymous No.8427028]

>>8425513
Its fine because it is brand and a type of outfit? Please.. If it weren't brand you all would be yelling ita.

[Anonymous No.8427059]

>>8426962
>>8426953
I think I am going to go with those answers because I like when people compliment my stuff, even if it is a lie. Boosts my ego.
>>8426948
I'll try to fix the parts you mentioned. Am lightening the "awful vagina" fabric and going to try and fix the wonky brim with an iron. I quite like the shape even if it isn't very effeminate. Was trying to do something like pic related with the crown.

>>8427028
ETC is an otome brand. Not lolita. It is a brand, but it was not intended to be lolita so it can't really be ita. And heck, the colours are cute together anyway.

[Anonymous No.8427083]

>>8427059
That hat reminds me of a snail shell, but damn am I in love with it.

[Anonymous No.8427085]

>>8427059
The bright red clashes with the pale colors of the rest of the dress. Even the 'red' in the dress is muted to a salmon. I don't really care what brand it is or what type of design it is supposed to be. Tacky is tacky.

[Anonymous No.8427095]

>>8427085
OK anon, you've convinced us. Truly we were foolish to disagree with such a fashionista. Your word is law. What have you been working on?

[Anonymous No.8427098]

>>8427059
Well keep trying I hope it works out for you

[Anonymous No.8427107]

>>8427098
Yeah I just tried to lighten the pink and... it did not work out... I hope it will look better once it has dried.

>>8427085
no.

[Anonymous No.8427292]

>>8427085
It's almost like you have no concept of colour theory or design!

Tell me, anon, what do you think of Mary Blair's original Cinderella concepts?
Do the complimentary colour palettes offend you?

[Anonymous No.8427306]

>>8427292
The only thing tragic about this is the sorry stat of their arms.

[Anonymous No.8427315]

>>8427292
Oof this burn

[Anonymous No.8427330]

>>8426069
>>8426090

An upgrade on grosgrain is petersham ribbon. It's a dollar or two per yard instead of 30 cents, but it's so much better looking, feeling, and tying.

[Anonymous No.8427385]

>>8426265
>>8426893

Flared skirts work very well. VM and MM have a lot of A-line gored skirts, if you need examples. Some of the other brands quietly release flared skirts every now and again, too. This one is レディなギンガムジャンパースカート from AP (name roughly translates to "Lady-like Gingham jsk") and you can tell it's flared as the hem cuts across the grid lines. IW has a similar dress, the ballerina check jsk. Quite a few of AP's polka dot dresses are flared skirts instead of rectangle skirts as well.

Things to remember:
- keep the hem/skirt circumference around 2-3 metres (or roughly ~3 times your waist). Any more than that and you'd end up with too much fabric at the hem.
(That's why full circle skirts don't work, they're too full)
- Use an A-line petticoat.

[Anonymous No.8427512]

>>8426872
>>8426943
I don't think that the pictures really showed what I meant properly!

I decided that the fabric is a bit too heavy to do the ETC-style loose/flat-chested empire, but didn't like the true-waist bodice, so I split the difference and it'll be a fitted empire.

>This is all just pinned together, not ironed or anythin'.

[Anonymous No.8427529]

>>8427512
Love the fabric. Love the shape and execution. Good job anon!

[Anonymous No.8427530]

>>8427512
Cuuuuuute!
But anon, that red ribbon totally doesnt match and clashes with the print and it is so tacky and ita ~~~~

[Anonymous No.8427553]

>>8427385
Wow! That looks lovely (not sure about the colour choice though) thanks a lot! I'm not very good at gathering fabric, I need to practice A LOT.

[Anonymous No.8427643]

A couple questions for you anons who sew for larger busts-
Is it possible to make an empire waisted garment with an FBA or a pattern already adjusted for larger cup sizes and smaller waists (like simplicity's amazing fit patterns) so that the dress doesn't end up shelfing out just below the nipple like brand dresses would on a busty girl?

Is it possible to make trapeze style dresses with a bib like Melty Cream Donut OP or Holy Lantern OP suitable for a larger bust by extending the bib to cover the breasts more?

And a general question for everyone, how do you decide when to ruffle lace vs. when to sew it down flat if you are putting it on the hem of a dress? I can usually tell, but sometimes I'm unsure and I'm curious how others go about deciding.

[Anonymous No.8427667]

>>8427643
>And a general question for everyone, how do you decide when to ruffle lace vs. when to sew it down flat if you are putting it on the hem of a dress? I can usually tell, but sometimes I'm unsure and I'm curious how others go about deciding.
Pin one side of dress ruffled pin the other straight down do which one you like the best. I don't know the answer to the rest though.

[Anonymous No.8427671]

>>8427643
If you make a FBA, that should take care of the sitting at the nipple issue. After all, you're adding the space your bust needs. I've never used the cup size patterns. I always go by my high bust and do a FBA to fit my full bust. This helps keep the shoulders the right size.

[Anonymous No.8427834]

>>8427667
I don't have a 'rule' because it is purely aesthetic and case-by-case, but thinking about it, it's the type of lace. I never ruffle venise, I usually ruffle cotton and netting laces.

[Anonymous No.8427847]

>>8427834
I think for netting lace it also depends on how detailed it is. Simple stuff gets ruffled but if the embroidery's really detailed I like to lay it flat so you can see it

[Anonymous No.8427954]

hey guys, I found this hat at savers the other day. I really like the aesthetic of hats from late 18th century fashion so I want to do something gainsborough-y. I was thinking of removing the flowers and ribbons and adding my own to better match the colors in my wardrobe and also because some of the flowers are a little dusty, crushed, and could be better quality.
Anyone have any tips for adding flowers to a hat like this? I'll probably go a little rococo-y and add some feathers as well. I grabbed a few flowers at savers that I deemed still usable but will also make a run to the craft store or possibly dollar store to see what their selection is.

Oh yeah, I'm wondering how will I be able to attach this to my head if I'm wearing a wig? On my head the hat just fits, so on a wig it's gonna be kinda tight. Can I use a hat pin without damaging the straw?

[Anonymous No.8428131]

>>8425804
Are those animorphs on your shelf...

[Anonymous No.8428255]

Nothing like buying a presser foot that you didn't realize you already had. Fuck I would have used it so much by now if I knew I had one. Oh well. Double the rolled hems I guess. ;-;

[Anonymous No.8428258]

>>8426265
As >>8426445 said, they work well in vintage inspired looks. Otherwise, it's a little difficult to make them work with the traditional silhouette.

I feel like gored skirts wouldn't work. The style is just too different. If you attempt to fit it with a vintage look, you'll lose a lot of the the lolita aspects.

[Anonymous No.8428285]

>>8428258
>feel like gored skirts wouldn't work.

Do you just not know what a gored skirt is? They're very very common in lolita, especially classic lolita.

[Anonymous No.8428305]

>>8428285
I'm not that person but a quick look at google images doesn't seem like a common shape for lolita, classic or not, at all.

[Anonymous No.8428440]

>>8428305

As I understand it, a gore is simply a triangular-ish skirt pattern, it's narrower on the waist end and wider at the hem end. Which sounds exactly like a description for A-line skirt pattern. Which apppears a lot in classic lolita brands.

What I think you might be looking at are either (a)people confusing them for godets (seriously the third photo when I image-searched "gored skirt" was a godet skirt instead), or (b)a lot of the results are normalfag skirts worn without a petticoat, which greatly alters their look, or (c)(non lolita) designers play around with the pattern so that the flare begins at the hips instead of at the waist, which does indeed make the pattern unsuitable for lolita clothing, however, not all gored skirts start flaring at the hips instead of the waist.

So long as the gored skirt is not a godet skirt and the flare begins at the waist, not the hips, then they're are okay for lolita. I mean, I can't actually think of good reason why someone would take the trouble to make, eg, a ten-gore skirt, instead of a straightforward 6-gore A-line skirt, but the skirt shape should have no problems.

[Anonymous No.8428466]

>>8428440
Yeah, MM and VM do gored skirts all the time, and pic related is a gored skirt pattern from the first volume of Otome no Sewing.

[Anonymous No.8429065]

>>8428258
>>8428305
Gored is just another term for A-line in this case. Whether or not they're technically the same thing, that is ambiguous, but I hear people will exclusively use one term or the other while referring to the exact same cut in lolita.

[Anonymous No.8429075]

Where do you guys get your lace from? I was just shopping at the local stores and I'm having the worst time finding good mint or brown lace.

[Anonymous No.8429202]

>>8429075
Try taobao. I've had friends order and get some pretty lace. I've been thinking of hitting the LA fashion district. there's a bunch of trim shops down there.

[Anonymous No.8429279]

Anon from a few threads ago. Finished skirt with wallpaper fabric. Simple pleats whatever. Added sparkles and shit to distract from the fact that it's a shitty bathroom selfie and also gross face. (Nevermind the no petti and no blouse)
It's awful but I'm proud of myself. It was full of baby's firsts and I really don't plan on wearing it out ever so for what it is, it's fine.
Any advice for next time I try to actually make something nice?

[Anonymous No.8429282]

>>8429279
oh god that file size. Apologies.

[Anonymous No.8429285]

>>8428440
>>8428466
Thanks! Those images are very helpful, esp that Otome no Sewing scan. So inspiring!
And yes, I've seen a lot of godet skirts tutorials along with the gored ones, but I can usually tell them apart no problem. I'm self taught, see, but I lurk a whole lot before tackling a project.
That JSK I'm working on is only the first successful attempt at yards and yards of failed attempts in the scrap fabric bag.
Even though it may not look suitable for Lolita, I'll just wear it as a normie dress and keep on practicing. Thanks a lot for your concrit, gulls!

[Anonymous No.8429288]

>>8429279
That fabric is lovely, reminds me of MM. Where did you get it?
Though I think the pleats could be more carefully aligned with the pattern. Probably nitpicky of me.

[Anonymous No.8429290]

Does anyone else feel like wearing handmade is like drawing a big fat target on your back? I've seen girls with beautiful ( but not brand quality ) stuff get shit on because you know. It's not brand. Fucking bums me out man.

[Anonymous No.8429304]

>>8429290
I've been wearing this fashion for 6 fucking years and I've literally never seen that.

[Anonymous No.8429310]

>>8429304
Same. The only time handmade gets shit is if it's bad. When you say "but not brand quality" do you mean not well made?

[Anonymous No.8429316]

>>8429290
The only time I've seen handmade get shit on is when it's honest-to-god awful. Decently-made handmade is usually fairly well-received. Also where are all these elitist brandwhores I keep hearing about?

[Anonymous No.8429320]

>>8429282
I don't think you're being nitpicky at all! I was super nitpicky about the pleats while pinning them, but somewhere along sewing them I said fuck it and zoomed through them. That's why there are small gaps between pleats. If those weren't a thing the fabric would line up pretty well.

The lesson here is: Take breaks while sewing or you'll ruin the everything you did while you were still happily working
Also, Fabric from Hobby Lobby (I am ashamed that I shop there)

[Anonymous No.8429322]

>>8429316
Brandwhores are like ghosts.
A few have seen them, but everybody talks.

[Anonymous No.8429324]

>>8429320
Shit, I cannot internet today meant to reply to
>>8429288

[Anonymous No.8429327]

>>8429320
I do that! It helps me clear out my head a bit. You know when you're writing and your eyes are tired from the contrast between words and screen? Same thing. It actually boosts your productivity.

[Anonymous No.8429328]

>>8429320
Hah. I have that fabric, too.

A suggestion for your pleating in future: make a template or guide. I usually just make little rectangles of paper the width of the pleat, and pin them on the skirt where I want the pleats to go. It allows me to check the placement and spacing BEFORE pinning/pressing the pleats, well before sewing. It also helps me in pressing the pleats themselves, since it gives me an edge to line things up along.

[Anonymous No.8429344]

>>8429290

Honestly, at this point we have so many brand brands, indie brands, commissioners, and off brand that no one can actually tell if your dress is handmade or not at first glance.

If your dresses have a "handmade" look to them, sorry to break it to you, that's just a nice way of saying the dress was wonky or downright fug so it must be handmade by someone unskilled instead of professioally made.

[Anonymous No.8429370]

>>8429322
>mfw im a ghost

[Anonymous No.8429449]

>>8429344
Wait, I"m kind of confused, is your point that "handmade" is automatically terrible no matter what the quality or craftsmanship is?

[Anonymous No.8429464]

>>8429449

Other way around.

If people look at you and instantly know your dress is homemade without anyone having to tell them, then 100% for sure your dress was fug to begin with.

It's not that they start with "all homemade is bad", it's they they think "this looks so bad it must be home made".

[Anonymous No.8429467]

>>8429279
Like another anon said, you should adjust the width of the pleats to the pattern.

[Anonymous No.8429853]

>>8429075
>nice brown lace
Bane of my existence.
Personally I buy from Chinese sellers online like the other anon said. Taobao has some glorious lace shops. You can also check out Etsy for Taobao resellers if you don't want to go through the hassle of contacting a shopping service for like two meters of lace. Aliexpress has tons of Taobao resellers too but they often require you to buy a minimum of 10/40/100 meters and hahahaha fuck that

[Anonymous No.8429862]

>>8429290
Only if you look like shit, anon.
There are a few amazing seamstresses in my comm and everyone worships the ground they walk on. It's honestly not that hard to achieve the same quality as, say, non-print BtSSB so when you say "not brand quality" I imagine something lopsided with a puckered hem and plastic lace.

>>8429464
Yeah, when someone asks you if you made something yourself, 99% of the time they mean that it looks so unprofessional that there's no way you bought it from a shop. It's usually not a compliment. Press your seams!
>the 1% is when you've told someone with no sewing experience that you can sew and from that point on they always ask you whether you've made your dress/skirt/coat/socks/shoes/bag/etc. yourself and then look super disappointed when you say no

[Anonymous No.8429879]

>>8425476
Maybe not helpful but I really love Jane Marple style dresses and I wanted to make my own JSK in that similar style. I just put one of my JM JSKs on my dress form after adding drafting guides and made the appropriate changes. You could do this with one of their OPs but you'd be on your own about the sleeves.

[Anonymous No.8429880]

>>8425723
Where did you buy the lower fabric? I really want some.

[Anonymous No.8429895]

Loli-able or normal fag?

[Anonymous No.8429906]

>>8429895
Ugly as fuck. Burn it

[Anonymous No.8429907]

>>8429895
Too busy. Normalfag.

[Anonymous No.8429987]

>>8429906
It's vintage man.
>>8429907
Mkay. Sundress it is.

[Anonymous No.8430025]

>>8429987
Vintage doesn't mean it isn't fugly.

[Anonymous No.8430028]

>>8429987
Doesn't matter. Florals on a black background are ugly 100% of the time. Maybe it'd make a decent tablecloth

[Anonymous No.8430029]

>>8427954
Maybe sew some ribbon beneath it to tie under your chin? If I remember correctly, Innocent World has some like that. Super cute find, anon!

[Anonymous No.8430037]

>>8429370
>mfw no-one got my reference
>welp I guess I'm hipster now

[Anonymous No.8430140]

>>8429853
Any shops specifically you'd recommend for lace?

[Anonymous No.8430146]

>>8430028
it's a navy background actually. my picture is potato.
>>8430025
eh. i like tacky shit.

[Anonymous No.8430152]

>>8429895
Oh, honey no.

[Anonymous No.8430242]

>>8430152
>oh honey

that just makes me want to reject everything.
w/e do what I want. don't worry gulls. this won't be in your #lolitafashion any time soon.

[Anonymous No.8430247]

>>8429895
>>8429987
I think it would make a cool tank top or other smaller item but it's too busy for a whole sundress I think.

fuck these bitches it looks okay, definitely not bad.

[Anonymous No.8430581]

>>8430242
I think this is a cute pattern for Dolly Kei.

[Anonymous No.8430601]

Does anyone know of a good petti tutorial? The link in the pinned thread only lead me to that shitty dA tutorial that has absolutely no poof whatsoever?!

[Anonymous No.8430634]

>>8430581
don't insult dolly kei

[Anonymous No.8430651]

>>8427954
Wig clips, sew them close to the head on the brim and clip them to your hair/ wig.
>>8430601
Sugardale, aline easily converted to cupcake. Though bigger girls should use twice as recommended fabric for good poof.

[Anonymous No.8430707]

>>8430651
Thanks!

[Anonymous No.8430774]

>>8430242
This is adorable. Would recommend the ruffles being in black, and maybe even a plain black bodice.

[Anonymous No.8430789]

>>8430774
>black accents with navy base fabric
I thought this couldn't get worse but then it did.

[Anonymous No.8430899]

>>8430774
Nah, I got some nice navy mesh lace. The fabric is old polyester, so finding a similar fabric would be a royal pain in the ass. This is all considering I can get enough yardage from this thing. It's a kaftan.

[Anonymous No.8430938]

>>8430789
>>8430899
Hey sorry, I thought the base fabric was black.

[Anonymous No.8430992]

>>8430634
>>8430899
Nah man, I think with navy velvet it's be lovely in Dolly Kei.

[Anonymous No.8431094]

>>8430992
The print is way to summery for navy velvet.

[Anonymous No.8431110]

>>8430992
That print is heinous and no amount of velvet will make it lovely.

[Anonymous No.8431244]

>>8429895
Just because it has florals/birds/butterflies doesn't mean it's pretty. I'm getting a tropical grandma vibe from it.

[Anonymous No.8431354]

Is this any more useable than anon's navy floral? My mom gave me a few yards of it that she found in a closet when I visited.

[Anonymous No.8431362]

>>8431354
Hold it up against another object so we have a scale reference. Otherwise it'd probably look nice as a classic JSK or skirt.

[Anonymous No.8431372]

>>8431354
That seems nice. A skirt would be good or a JSK with a solid coloured bodice, I think it might be a bit busy for an all over JSK.

[Anonymous No.8431395]

>>8431354
I like this a lot better, but it's still got a kind of couch upholstery fabric vibe. I agree with the other anon - either make it a JSK/OP with a solid-colored bodice, or make it a skirt. I think it would be cute as a corset skirt with the corset part being a solid color.

[Anonymous No.8431401]

>>8431354
Now this would look like as dolly-kei, unlike the other one.

[Anonymous No.8431440]

>>8431354
I think it'll look okay if you do something like this design >>8426832, so that there's a plain bodice to balance out the busier bottom half.

[Anonymous No.8431464]

>>8431362
>>8431372
>>8431395
>>8431401
>>8431440
Thanks for the advice, anons! I'll keep it in mind. A solid bodice sounds great.

[Anonymous No.8431614]

>>8430601
I personnaly used this one

[Anonymous No.8431696]

>>8430601
I use this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFy9R3GP_E4

[Anonymous No.8431700]

>>8430601
MeLikesTea petti tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFy9R3GP_E4

[Anonymous No.8431843]

>>8431700
Her tutorial is great! But damn its kind of hard to follow, especially for a beginner.

[Anonymous No.8432053]

Hey, dumb question! Any gulls know the technical name for the type of cotton used in BTSSB stuff? I mean... It's definitely not Kona or JoAnn's sateen.
Any good keywords?

[Anonymous No.8432065]

>>8432053
Same anon, just adding that some of it feels similar to chambray, but I honestly don't know enough about fabric to guess these things.
Also, I have no idea where to start researching to get good results.

[Anonymous No.8432071]

>>8432053

In English, try cluny or torchon. No clue in chinese.

[Anonymous No.8432083]

>>8432071
Oh, thanks for the reply, but I'm actually wondering about the name/kind of fabrics, not the lace trims...
I know it isn't upholstery grade, but its closer to that than to quilter's cottons.

[Anonymous No.8432095]

>>8432083

Oh. The flat cotton fabric that looks like quilter's cotton is cotton twill.

The rough fabric they like to use is a crepe weave, I'm not sure if there's an English name for the specific weave (the Japanese name is baniran fabric)

[Anonymous No.8432488]

Hi! I'm >>8425899
So I made alterations following what you gulls suggested. Narrower straps and no lace. I think it looks good with only the pleats.
However, I've added a satin waistband and it looked cute at first, but the more I look at it, the more I want to rip it off. Help please?
Also, that's the max poof it goes.
Please excuse unfinished coord and wrinkled shirt. They were only for fitting and colour harmony purposes.

[Anonymous No.8432498]

>>8432488
If that's as big as it goes, it's sadly not really poofy enough to look lolita - more otome.

[Anonymous No.8432500]

>>8432498
Figured as much. Thanks!
I thought of adding more fabric but that would involve taking apart the whole dress. I'll just keep it as is, wear it as otome and start over. Next one will be ridiculously poofy.

[Anonymous No.8432507]

>>8432488
Not a fan of the waistband, I say ditch it.

[Anonymous No.8432528]

>>8432507
Yeah, I'll get rid of it. It looks like wrappping ribbon.

[Anonymous No.8432534]

>>8432528
whoa triple P there, wrapping* sorry.

[Anonymous No.8434233]

Jesus christ. Today I bought a Polyester lining instead of Acetate and I'm never goin' back.

It's so much softer, it doesn't wrinkle, both sides are smooth (no plasticky, slippery satin side.) and it's half the price of the acetate one.
Why did it take me so long to find this?

[Anonymous No.8434252]

>>8432488
You should leave it as a skirt and wear a soft white blouse or soft pink blouse with it. Looks much better if that print isn't all over like that. You need to be really careful with full prints. Especially ones like this that are super busy.

[Anonymous No.8434314]

>>8434233
>not using bemberg rayon lining

step up.

[Anonymous No.8434332]

>>8434314
>Following that one awful blog.

Oh you.

[Anonymous No.8434340]

Does anyone have a proven-good pattern for full bonnets?
Pic related

I have velvet and interfacing fabric, net lace and silk ribbon.

I'm learning to sew and I want to follow a pattern of something more complex than a bow.

[Anonymous No.8434368]

>>8434340
Otome no sewing book 7 has one. I don't have a picture right now though.

[Anonymous No.8434376]

>>8429895
very pretty imo, but like everyone said, it wouldn't work with lolita

[Anonymous No.8434417]

>>8434332
have you not used it? it feels really nice and isn't static-y.
>assuming that I follow any blogs
you can just go sit on it.

[Anonymous No.8434420]

>>8434332
Idk what blog you're on about, but I'm pretty fanatical about bemberg lining myself. It's so buttery soft and breathable. My bf knows jack shit about textiles and sewing but even he knows it's superior.

[Anonymous No.8434506]

>>8434252
Haven't thought of that, thanks! I held a light pink near it for the waistband but I didn't have enough fabric, so I went with the red.
Perhaps I can pull off a better otome coord with it as a skirt. Do you think it can be worn with a cutsew, too? I'm working on one.

[Anonymous No.8434517]

>>8425504
*purchases*

[Anonymous No.8434555]

>>8427530
I disagree, I think it's nice. It ties in with the red parts on the print. It's the white bodice that has my concern, but I cannot put my finger on it.

[Anonymous No.8434561]

>>8427954
Ahh Savers, can always find a gem in there! Cute find, anon!

[Anonymous No.8434564]

>>8429895
ew.

[Anonymous No.8434581]

>>8434417
It feels nice, but it has all the drawbacks of rayon. I rarely use it because on balance the benefits are not worth the drawbacks.

[Anonymous No.8434586]

>>8429880
Joann's from their premium cotton section, there's a lot of cute country/classic prints there, you just have to be a little choosey.

[Anonymous No.8435889]

>>8434506
I don't lolita, but I can see what would look better and as a skirt this would 100% look better and probably work for otome in a very classic way. You just need to find a matching hue of pink or a pale white blouse. Even a nice forest green would probably dress it up nicely for a more mature look if you are going out for the evening. A good material would be something airy to offset the harsh pattern. So possibly chiffon?

[Anonymous No.8436065]

>>8425504
:o
I just bought that one last week for something completely different. Never thought to modify it for otome

[Anonymous No.8436169]

>>8425721
Do a Leur Getter/Jane Marple type plain otome jsk or OP. It would accent the busy print without being overdone.

[Anonymous No.8436246]

>>8429895
I love it, but I don't think it works at all for lolita. I also agree that it's too busy to make an entire dress out of, even for normal wear.

[Anonymous No.8436254]

>>8432488
Not enough pouf for Lolita. Since it doesn't have the right silhouette, doing anything futher isn't going to help it become more lolita. Ditch the waistband, style it for Otome and make something else with the right skirt shape for your lolita dress. As an Otome JSK, it's cute! The straps are much improved and I really like the pleats.

[Anonymous No.8436258]

>>8425721
Bodice bands are curved and seamed or darted. I also wouldn't attempt the dotted part as your main fabric unless you are adept at matching patterned fabric. The fabric actually looks more suited to something Otome or Retro than lolita.

[Anonymous No.8436464]

>>8427512
Mostly put together, pinned at the back and currently unhemmed. Gonna add the bow at the front.

I feel like it really needs something else, though.

[Anonymous No.8436469]

>>8436464
I feel that the bodice is too plain, it looks like a calico. Not sure what could be done to combat this but some sort of decoration would look nice.

[Anonymous No.8436514]

>>8436469
Yeah, I thought it was the bodice - It's a really nice cotton sateen, but dull as dishwater.

I just fished out this lace that I never used.
It's an upper-mid tier poly.. Might clash a little with the higher quality fabrics.

>Whadaya think?

[Anonymous No.8436534]

>>8436464
Could you maybe trim the neckline in the same red as the waist ribbon? It looks really cute though.

[Anonymous No.8436537]

>>8436514
That looks really cute! I derped and posted >>8436534 before I looked at the thread properly, I think what you've done finishes the bodice nicely..

[Anonymous No.8436732]

>>8436464
I would adjust the fit of the bodice in the future when you use his pattern, the neckline is sagging really bad.
>>8436514
These adjustments look cute though, maybe having the lace stitched down will give it enough structure to keep it up a little better?

[Anonymous No.8436734]

>>8436169
Good idea, maybe with a small amount of lace on the hem and neckline?

[Anonymous No.8436911]

Hello everyone! I turned the JSK into a skirt and it looks much better. I can't wait to go otome with it. Somehow removing the bodice improved its poof, too. So I'm very grateful for the concrit.

[Anonymous No.8437238]

>>8436514
I'm not a big fan of this combo. I think it would work better with a lace collar rather than narrow lace. The bodice is both plain and white, which makes it feel like it needs something more substantial in order to not look like a muslin toile.

[Anonymous No.8438497]

>>8436514
Aaaand I tried something entirely different. I actually think that this cut would be better for the plain white, too - Just less bodice, more skirt.

>>8436732
I'm pretty sure the sagging is because I'd just pinned it behind my back. I'm gonna topstitch the lace on anyway, though!

[Anonymous No.8438674]

>>8438497
This is cute. Where'd you find that fabric?

[Anonymous No.8438685]

>>8438497
Part of me feels like this is cuter, but the other one looked more lolita to me.

[Anonymous No.8438961]

>>8438685
I was originally going for Otome, haha.
I have enough to make some ~13 dresses from this print, and I think I've definitely settled on this newest cut. It looks good with the solid white bodice, too.

>One last pic. Sorry for spamming the thread.

[Anonymous No.8439239]

>>8436911
Im so glad you took my advice and made it into a skirt! It looks so much better already~ I can't wait to see what you do with it for an outfit! I still think a nice chiffon top to balance out the stiff fabric would look wonderful.

[Anonymous No.8439241]

>>8438961
I feel like this would be much prettier with the green color in the dress for the ribbons. Then again.. I am partial towards greens.

[Anonymous No.8439358]

>>8438497
Oh my god that looks so cute. The print is amazing.

[Anonymous No.8439366]

>>8436911
This looks great anon!

[Anonymous No.8439476]

Alright so I'm working on making this dress but the apron is stumping me. Should I make just a simple rectangle apron with the ruffle on the bottom side or do like, a curved apron with a ruffle all the way around like in this tutorial.
>http://sew-loli.livejournal.com/395156.html

[Anonymous No.8439481]

>>8439476
Personally, I'd make a full rectangle apron and gather the top, so that it falls with the skirt.

[Anonymous No.8439500]

>>8439481
This. Make it about 2 times wider than you want it to be at the waistband. I really like the curved apron, though. If you're just using white cotton, just make both versions and keep the one you like and use the other in the kitchen, or save it for messy meetups.

[Anonymous No.8439519]

>>8439481
>>8439500
Oh cool, that sounds like a good plan! Thanks

[Anonymous No.8440004]

>>8439476
Did you use a pattern for the OP part? It looks really cute!

[Anonymous No.8440013]

Is Pintucks and Lace still the primary group for lolita sewing or is there a secret better side one formed after all the drama?

[Anonymous No.8440019]

>>8440013
theres lolita sewing collective, which is kinda dead for the most part

[Anonymous No.8440093]

>>8440019
I wish it wasn't :( But I never post there because it's more helpful to post in P&L. Plus, people post a lot of ugly shit to LSC that never gets called out, which I thought was the main point of that community, P&L without the asspats. Idk.

[Anonymous No.8441199]

>>8436464
>showing petti
>holds dress out

[Anonymous No.8441222]

>>8440093

WTF is this shit?

[Anonymous No.8441223]

>>8441222

[Anonymous No.8441225]

>>8438497
I like this far more than >>8438961. the white just looks kinda cheap-ish to me.

also I dig the one strap look, I don't know it just sings to me. I know you were just pinning it as an example but it looks so adorable.

[Anonymous No.8441226]

>>8441223

[Anonymous No.8441228]

>>8441223
this is weird

>>8441222
it might just be the black on black hiding the details but it doesn't look horrible. If the skirt was a couple inches higher and the waist wasn't dropped so low it might be ok for a first attempt. Not very "lolita", but the shape is almost there.

[Anonymous No.8441497]

>>8440004
No I drafted it myself, I'll post pictures of it when It looks a little bit more like something wearable and not just
a pile of cut fabric and some ruffles.

[Anonymous No.8443224]

Alright you guys, what do you think? I want to make a simple jsk with a "rainy city" theme. I'm shite at collages, but these are the supplies I've picked out. I've got the splotchy gray fabric for clouds, and the city lace for a border "print", and then the additional gray lace for accent things on the bows/accessories and possibly the bodice. The cloud charms are for dangling from bows and stuff. What do you think? I sometimes have a problem with my designs being too simple, so I want to make sure I don't do that this time. Anything I might add to it?

[Anonymous No.8443231]

>>8443224
this sounds really cool. do you have a pattern or an example of your previous work?

[Anonymous No.8443263]

>>8443231
I don't want to post any of my other projects because you know... 4chan. My drawing skills are much worse than my collage skills so there's that. The squiggle in the corner is supposed to be a headbow -__- I tried.

The back will have partial shirring with some ribbon laced over it, and probably another bow.

I just never know what to add to make it "more lolita" maybe a faux button panel down the front?

[Anonymous No.8443297]

>>8441226
Is the apron sewn as part of the dress...?

[Anonymous No.8443331]

>>8441223

Looks like she tried to make an underbustle skirt (where the skirt is bustled on the inside instead of outside), but the skirt ended up being too narrow. Is there any commentary that goes with this? The high waist portion looks good, I'd like to know if the skirt's width dissappeared into the bustle or if she really made the skirt too narrow to begin with.

[Anonymous No.8443371]

>>8443224
That city lace is lovely, did you embroider it yourself?

[Anonymous No.8443382]

>>8443224
>>8443263

First thing I wonder is how you're planning to add the skyline to the grey fabric, it looks like the mesh the skyline is embroidered on is not as wide as your skirt. Are you planning to sew it on in a straight line and hide the join, or cut the mesh off close to the skyline outline and... glue it on? handsew it on?

The second thing I wonder about is the shallow bodice darts, if the dress isn't high waisted, then the bodice might look baggy with just a couple of waist darts.

I do think you know what you're doing, though, so ignore me if I'm pointing out the obvious.

I don't think having a tendency towards plain designs is a bad thing. The layout of your drawing reminds me of Moitie's Gothic Arch. That brand that manages to look beautifully elegant by not putting too much into their dresses. Pic related, the skirt is pleated neatly instead of being ruffled, and the bodice is completely plain, to maintain clean lines.

[Anonymous No.8443460]

>>8443371
Dear god no. I can't even imagine the kind of time that would take. Got it off Etsy :) I think I got the last of it, I'm really lucky.

>>8443382

Thanks for your thoughts on the matter!

My plan for attaching the lace was to use the machine to top stitch a straight line across the bottom where the design is straight. It should be hidden pretty well in there, and then trim the mesh close to the skyline and hand stitch it down across the top.

>might look baggy with just a couple of waist darts.

I'm hoping that the shirring in the back adds a little bit of fit as well.

Also thanks for mentioning box pleats; my tendency is to just gather absolutely everything and call it a day, but this design really calls for pleats.

Thanks for the detailed response!

[Anonymous No.8443854]

>>8443224
That's so cute. Where did you find the lace? My only 'worry' (if you can call it that) is that the fabric and smaller lace looks like a silverish grey whereas the cityscape lace looks like more of a bluish grey. This might just be me nitpicking though and maybe you can't even tell when you've layered them.

Did the etsy you bought the lace from have other interesting stuff? I've never seen anything like this before.

[Anonymous No.8443912]

>>8443854
Thanks for the ideas! I'm actually not planning on layer the lace so I'm hoping the two different laces look nice when used separately.

The lace was like hella expensive, but it is beautiful.

Here's the shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageToLiveBy

They do have some other stuff that's really beautiful and unusual. This lace is possibly vintage? Just guessing based on the name of the shop.

[Anonymous No.8443935]

>>8443460

No prob, glad you found my comment useful.

Gonna add another one: if your bra cup size is bigger than B, you definitely need princess seams for the bodice. The scores of girls being boobloafed by IW dresses will tell you that shirring does nothing for making the front of the dress fit better.

The skyline sounds like a lot of work, but the dress design looks wonderful. Can't wait to see it finished, I hope you do post it here when it's done.

[Anonymous No.8443989]

>>8443935

That's a good point! I have the saddest little A cups in the world though : ( I generally have more of a problem filling stuff out than getting boob loafed.

[Anonymous No.8444125]

>>8434555
Maybe if the white up top was the same off-white on the bottom?

[Anonymous No.8444886]

>>8444125
I don't know why people are picking at this one. I think it's really cute the way it is.

[Anonymous No.8444946]

>>8443935
Darts work fine if they actually fit your proportions, and your cup size for sewing is determinedly differently than your bra cup size. For tailoring purposes my cup size is A/B, but my bra cup size is DD.

[Anonymous No.8445118]

>>8444125
I thought I'd already replied to that post! Both fabrics are the same eggshell white - It's a lot more obvious in >>8438961 with natural lighting.

>>8444886
It's cool! I'm working on the designs to sell these eventually, so it's nice to know what little details prefer like.

Starting on the butterfly/moth jsk.

[Anonymous No.8445126]

>>8445118
You need to get rid of those stray threads before you photograph. I know it's a small thing, but people are looking at all sorts of things to see if they feel confident buying from someone.

[Anonymous No.8445130]

>>8445126
The bodice isn't even attached yet - It's all just pinned to the mannequin. Lordy, I wouldn't use photos like these in a store.

[Anonymous No.8445141]

>>8445130
There was somebody who started a thread a couple months back (actually, it may have even been over a year by now, I don't even know anymore) that was starting their own brand and you would not believe the fucking pictures they had posted in their Etsy. I prefer to be on the side of caution.

[Anonymous No.8445165]

>>8445118
dear god anon you're awesome.

[Anonymous No.8445186]

>>8445118
Love the concept and the execution looks great.
Out of curiosity, how will you attach the butterfly sleeves to the straps if there are already attached to the bodice?

[Anonymous No.8445398]

>>8441222
>>8441223
>>8441226
This is what I mean, people post this shit and I don't want to be that one asshole who has to nitpick every single goddamn post. If I start doing it, will people back me up? Maybe, maybe not. Better not to risk assholedom.

>>8443224
I think this looks cute af anon, don't worry about simplicity, sometimes with more unusual designs and prints, simplicity can be a godsend. I think it might be cute to keep the bodice simple, adding that lace you have to the neckline and hem. If you apply the city lace to the skirt, I think it might be cute to leave the top straight and ruffle a double sided scallop lace along the top to look like a layer of mist of the city. Try a princess seam bodice, it may fix your fit worries. I really love the Amazing fit dress patterns, they're pretty versatile for girls of all cup sizes if you know how to do basic to mid level pattern alterations. I'd switch the chest bow into a waist bow too, and use blouses to add interest up around the neckline.
Also, that store is about to drain my wallet. I really want to make a Katrina style OP out of that embroidered dot tulle.

>>8445186
I think anon is considering button-on flutter sleeves similar to Elegy's Albino Accord?

[Anonymous No.8445403]

So excite wow!!!! I got an apprenticeship at the best tailor's shop in the region. I went in partially to look for a job, but more just because I wanted to learn and improve, and he just told me that he would teach me all he knew, and that I could come in whenever I wanted and when I was up to his standard, he would give me the best job I could ask for in the field. I nearly died with happiness.

[Anonymous No.8445407]

>>8445403
Congratulations! That sounds like such an amazing opportunity.

[Anonymous No.8445459]

>>8443989

Naw, don't be sad, it's perfect for lolita. Think of all the lovely high-waisted designs you can wear that others can't.

>>8444946

Yeah, OP sounds like she has everything figured out so I'll shut up now.

[Anonymous No.8445468]

>>8445118
The butterflies look really weird where they are positioned. Try playing with their placement some more. They just seem.. I don't know. Just strange right there. Do the sleeves first then think about the butterflies.

[Anonymous No.8445878]

>>8445407
Thanks anon! He's so kind and I've learned so much already. It's crazy to be starting your career before you're even out of college, you know?

[Anonymous No.8445883]

All the talk about Holley Tea Time in the other thread reminded me of how much I wanted to buy that cross fabric and make something out of it.
http://www.joann.com/sew-sweet-white-crosses-embroidered-organza/11153376.html
Any ideas that are still cute but won't look too similar to hers? I kind of want to do something just below empire waisted, maybe with long sleeves? Or would long sleeves be too uncomfortable with organza? Idk about the collar either.

[Anonymous No.8446005]

I'm planning to make a replica of pic related skirt. What other colours would look good under black flocked chiffon febric, besides obvious grey?

[Anonymous No.8446024]

>>8446005
Wine or navy.

[Anonymous No.8446051]

>>8446005
Beige, dark green, or burgundy.

[Anonymous No.8446069]

>>8446005
Definitely pink.
Any color can do great IMO.

[Anonymous No.8446434]

Made this dress 4 years ago, it was my first and my last.

[Anonymous No.8446436]

>>8446434
Worn.

[Anonymous No.8447006]

>>8439476
Here's progress on this, I've still got a lot to do but to finally looks like a dress! I'm really liking it so far but the shirring panel isn't in yet so there's still a lot that could go wrong

[Anonymous No.8447011]

>>8447006
ofc it uploads sideways. Here's it right side up if anyone cares.

[Anonymous No.8447021]

>>8447011
alright whatever, I tried. Sorry guys~

[Anonymous No.8447130]

I'm looking to get a serger, any suggestions on a decent one for a decent price? I'm not doing anything crazy, just finishing edges on woven fabrics.

[Anonymous No.8447479]

>>8447130
I upgraded from a cheap White to a Juki 654 a year or two ago. The Juki is a really nice machine. The tension is good and not fussy and it has a little drop down lever that makes it pretty easy to thread. Don't buy a really cheap serger. It'll serge your fabric, eventually, but you'll hate yourself.

[Anonymous No.8447480]

>>8447006

I think your ruffles on the top of the bodice are too big. It's overwhelming the bodice instead of being a cute accent. They need to be much, much smaller or else this will be ita real fast.

How much fabric did you use for the skirt? It doesn't look very full and fluffy, and is looking like it might be a tad bit strained on the petti. It's starting to get a jellyfish shape, basically.

[Anonymous No.8447583]

>>8447480
>>8447011
Edge on the ruffles is also too big, imo.
Top should have a little trim, bottom can have big ol' ruffles.
Love the lace on the bodice, though.

[Anonymous No.8447602]

>>8430029
>>8430651
Ohh, maybe. Those are good ideas!

>>8434561
Do you guys think the hat as it is aren't too bad then? Cause I'm also wondering if I should just leave the hat as it is and just add/replace a couple of the flowers here and there, add ribbons/clips/whatever for attachment to the head, and leaving it be.

[Anonymous No.8447798]

>>8447130
http://www.sewinginsight.com/best-sergers-2014/
This site was super helpful when I was trying to find mine.

[Anonymous No.8447858]

So my mom gave me some of this fabric, any ideas how I could use it?

[Anonymous No.8447900]

>>8447858
I think it would work nicely as a skirt or jsk. The vertical florals reminds me of some of the prints from Baby.

[Anonymous No.8447907]

>>8447858
Depending of the scale of the pattern, I would personnaly do a MM inspired JSK.

[Anonymous No.8447927]

>>8446069

[Anonymous No.8447930]

>>8447900
Dunno why I said Baby, I meant MM, I was thinking about stuff like what >>8447907 posted

[Anonymous No.8447933]

>>8446434
>>8446436
Cute! You should definitely take up sewing again, anon, I would love to see more of your work!

[Anonymous No.8447936]

>>8447130
I just picked up a Janome 8002DX MyLock for $350. It's really easy to use and comes with a couple of different feet - Plus Janome make the best gathering and pleating foot I can think of.

[Anonymous No.8448529]

>>8430028

[Anonymous No.8448541]

>>8448529
did someone say slavposting?

[Anonymous No.8448574]

is there a recommended type of dart for making a standard jsk bodice? I'm only an a-cup and I've seen a lot of princess seams with lace inserts that look really nice however they're more for big boobs right? but do waist darts look okay in loli bodices?

[Anonymous No.8448580]

>>8448574
Do princess seams but you can easily reduce the curves so that they lie flatter. Actually with A-cups you have the option to simply pad out perfectly to what you need to have a more hourglass figure.

[Anonymous No.8448592]

>>8430028
NO THEY ARENT YOU ARE A DOODY HEAD

[Anonymous No.8448663]

what are some good storebought sewing patterns or projects for beginners, that you would recommend, or recommend to avoid? that are good or nice for lolita/vintage looks?

sorry if this is the wrong thread. there's a download of some patterns in the OP, but those look way too advanced for me.

[Anonymous No.8448682]

>>8448663
If you haven't made a simple rectangle skirt yet, that's always step one for any new lolita seamstress!

[Anonymous No.8448761]

>>8447480
When you say that the ruffles are too big do you mean that their too tall or like, too ruffley?
And as for the skirt I made it 2.5x the waist because the last few skirts I made were 3x and they didn't look like I wanted them to. The gathers were too deep and no matter how many petticoats I put under them they wouldn't fill out right. Maybe that was because they were heavier fabric?
Should I redo the skirt completely or just add a middle panel from to add more fabric and line it up at the princess seams?

[Anonymous No.8448775]

>>8448761
Too tall, the gathering itself is okay.
It's all up to you, really, but I think a poofier skirt would make it really cute!

[Anonymous No.8448789]

>>8425210
every time i see that dress i am so impressed. it is absolutely gorgeous, elegant and unique.

[Anonymous No.8449149]

>>8448663
Don't even think about Simplicity 1300
And for real advice. Start off with making simple skirts and go from there. There are a lot of different variations of skirts you can do. And remember the golden rule. 3 times your waist for maximum poof

[Anonymous No.8449329]

>>8448663
I'm the anon who posted that big pattern list a few months ago. It may be pretty far back or lost, but I'll make the pattern list into a google doc and link you all to it tonight so you can save it somewhere.

[Anonymous No.8449348]

>>8448775
ugh, I should probably just re-do the skirt right? I'm so conflicted because I don't think it looks bad, but I know other people have a more objective opinion on it.

[Anonymous No.8449358]

>>8447927
What is your suggestion then?

[Anonymous No.8449375]

>>8448574
Princess seams are fine for flatter chests, you just have to alter the curve to fit you. IW uses them all the time for their tube bodices.

[Anonymous No.8449387]

>>8436911
I love your construction anon!

[Anonymous No.8449535]

>>8449329
Bless you.

[Anonymous No.8449645]

can someone give me a box pleat tutorial pic? i can find any coherent ones

[Anonymous No.8449660]

>>8449645

[Anonymous No.8449699]

>>8449660
i meant how to make a box pleat, but thank you.

[Anonymous No.8449756]

>>8449699
You fold and sew.

[Anonymous No.8449908]

>>8449699
Each box pleat takes up 3x the fabric.
The width of your box pleat on top is Xcm. To add the fullness underneath rule 2 lines of ½Xcm on either side. Fold those under, press and sew. Tada.

[Anonymous No.8450797]

>>8449660
I'm wondering what the effects of the bottom three pleats would be. Obviously they use up more fabric, but I'm curious as to why someone would use them instead of the other, simpler pleats. Do they give a different effect? More structure?

[Anonymous No.8450806]

>>8450797
obviously more structure, It also looks aesthetically different. Google image search GO

[Anonymous No.8450814]

>>8449358
Not fucking pink, that's for sure, you ita mess. Grey, black, emerald, moitie blue, or burgundy would be best but if they want to venture into more unique colors, you could try a jewel tone yellow or plum/amethyst like some of those IW dresses.

[Anonymous No.8450826]

>>8449348
You don't HAVE to redo the skirt, but wear it with a lighter petticoat if you don't want to. I think it would be better to re-do it though.
I agree that the ruffles on the neckline are too long, I would shorten them to be more proportional like your original illustration. I think it would also look cuter if you made them double sided, with about a half or quarter inch sticking up at the top. Do you know what I mean? I can give you a crappy mspaint picture if not lol

[Anonymous No.8450837]

>>8450806
Used my googlefu, now in love with double box pleats.

[Anonymous No.8450996]

Here you go anons, it's still a work in progress but I got a little bit down tonight. After the 4th of July weekend is over I'll add a lot more to it.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZoSyFzn2HVSl7rWG-y3ML1FGbAIyBM1E7F6oc1JEq0A/edit?usp=sharing

[Anonymous No.8451469]

I've gotten this skirt 90% done but I'm unhappy with how it's fitting, and I'm not sure how I feel about the overall design anymore. Maybe I've been looking at it too long, or the disappointment of it not fitting has me down but I don't know what I want to do with it.

[Anonymous No.8451480]

>>8451469
Holy shit those patterns are fugly.

[Anonymous No.8451493]

>>8451480
That's what I was afraid of, damn

[Anonymous No.8451499]

>>8451469
Can you maybe try it with different colored shirt/stockings? Maybe the navy is overwhelming?

[Anonymous No.8451514]

When replacing the back panel with a shorting panel how do I calculate the numbers? How big it should be when finished and how much I need when flat?

[Anonymous No.8451563]

>>8451469
I like the pattern. It's the construction which bother me. Why the stripes are not vertical on the right? And I would have had some strong interfacing into the belt.

[Anonymous No.8451581]

>>8451499
This was the look I had in mind when I picked up the fabric

>>8451563
The skirt bottom is A-line, so the stripes come together like triangles at the side seams.
The belt part is what I want to unpick and re-make. It has some interfacing in it, but I figured it was my bad pattern making that caused the wrinkles, how strong interfacing do you think I should try on round two?

[Anonymous No.8451592]

>>8451581
Maybe interfacing is not enough and you should had a boning structure. IDK.

[Anonymous No.8451600]

>>8451514
>When replacing the back panel with a shorting panel how do I calculate the numbers?
Do you mean shirring panel? Usually if I'm omitting the center back panels and/or zipper, I make the unstretched panel the same width as that, plus two inches that you'll lose when you sandwich (at least, that's about what I lose after making channels, guiding the elastic, sewing it down both sides to secure the elastic, serging down the sides and sandwiching both sides between the shell and lining of the dress). So that's how long you want to cut your elastics. Then you cut the actual fabric of the panel to 2x the max measurement you want it to stretch plus two inches so that even when it's fully stretched you won't lose the fullness of the skirt in the back.

For an example in case I didn't explain it clearly enough:
Say you have a center back panel that's 5 inches, and you want it to stretch another 5 inches maximum, that means you have a maximum stretched measurement of 10 inches. So you're going to want to cut your elastic pieces at 7 inches (the minimum 5 inch measurement plus two inches). Then you're going to cut your panel shell and lining at 22 inches long (the maximum measurement of 10 inches times 2 plus 2 inches) Then just make your channels, guide your elastic and attach!

I know some people might argue that you don't need as much fabric in the panel and you should just make your panel the maximum measurement plus two inches, but I'm really not fond of that method because if someone is wearing the dress at the max measurement, the skirt shape gets ruined in the back because there isn't enough fullness.

>>8451469
I...kind of like this in a weird way. I agree you need some sort of structure in the top but I kind of think it's cute.

[Anonymous No.8451657]

>>8451600
Yes I do mean shirring -__-'

Thank you for the explanation. I knew I was going wrong somewhere because the panel never turns out right and the fullness in the back never looks right. This was a really good explanation.

[Anonymous No.8452116]

>>8448682
>>8449149
>>8449329
thank you anons!

[Anonymous No.8452349]

>>8451469
Dude, this skirt would be awesome for dolly. And hey, if you won't manage to fix the waist part, you can always wear it with a vest or an ornate belt.

[Anonymous No.8452387]

>>8451581
Agreed add boning too

[Anonymous No.8454353]

I'm looking to take my sewing up to a more professional-quality level. Started doing french seams and I like those. Any other techniques I should start learning?