Stitch and bitch thread #4 I needle the help I can get.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Continuing our supportive little group until we run out of material

@NutellaEllaElla I think you could do it by putting in an interfaced facing on the neckline, then putting in the grommets.
I can’t think of any stretch tops with a facing though, so you might have to self-draft/guess a bit.

I've been away on my jollies for a week so am looking forward to getting the sewing machine out at the weekend! I've just downloaded the Sheridan sweater from Hey June Handmade so I think that's first on the list now it's apparently autumn here in mid Wales 😬

Yes the top I own already has a facing at the placket - I guess I could cut out a pattern piece for a regular top, then cut down the middle and pull it apart to create space to cut additional fabric for the placket/facing?

By the way, is a rolled hem on an overlocker different to what I know to be a rolled hem? I thought for a rolled hem you press and sew a tiny hem, then turn it again and press and sew again, so you have one line of stitching visible on the outside. Whereas from the googling I have done, the overlocker rolled hem looks rather in your face visible? Not something i'd want to finish my dainty sleeve hems with?

Strike that because I have just learned how to add a facing so I wouldn't need to worry about all that faff. I'd just need to figure out how to finish the neckline.

Could you keep it simple and start with a tunic type top, straight cut for the front then bind the raw edges?

I think so Gnome

I have finally finally finished my Saguaro top, completing my coordinating set! And I've made a strong start on the Ogden cami. I bought a rolled hem foot which took a lot of getting used to and the fabric still falls out occasionally but probably still better than trying to press the unpressable fabric because even spray starch didn't help as the colour transferred off with the heat of the iron

Woo-hoo! I've got 3 tops, a pair of shorts and a pair of long trousers from the Saguaro pattern. Strangely I made them for my holiday but it was too hot but I've gotten a few wears since coming home. My shorts were a nightmare for some reason, and I should have been more generous with the elastic in waistband as they are a pinch too tight but I'm past the point of unpicking it. I struggle a lot with a rolled hem foot, it's never quite perfect.

I've seen some lovely Ogden cami's recently. True Bias are showing hacks that I've got my eye on. I really like this version Ogden Peplum

My PJs are coming along nicely. I managed a few hours sewing today to make a collar that I now need to attach to the shirt and then it's onto the facings. These are a bit fiddly to figure out so I'll probably leave till I'm on my own without the possibility of any interruptions whatsoever.

Did you make any substantial adjustments to the top (like making it longer or something like that) or do you have 3 of the same design as it is? Do you wear them with the same pair of trousers or shorts? Curious.

I haven't actually tried it to see if I fixed the revealing neckline issue. I bloody hope so because I can't see myself unpicking the waistband again!

The first toile was okay but I made it slightly less revealing by making moving the crossover a bit further in and the ties a bit further up. I wanted a set with long trousers in black and I got pale blue for the shorts versions, not colours I’d want to mix and match but all three tops go with high waisted jeans I’ve got.

The long trousers are really comfy, the tops ride up a fair bit with wear so maybe I did the elastic a bit looser there.

Super cute!

I've been seeing the saguaros everywhere. I love how it looks on others but its not a pattern that would suit me in a million years. Isn't it funny how the sewing community has its own little fashions and 'must haves' that are slightly different to mainstream sewing.

I've made loads of ogdens now, it's a staple part of my work wardrobe under a blazer and with a pair of straight leg trousers.

I've got a little bit more done on the Sunshine trousers. Just the side seams and waistband to do now (not tonight I've been kicked off my sewing table even earlier than usual ) and then the exciting part where it will all go wrong. Rivets and button!

I've also realised how hard it is to take pictures of trousers without it looking like the stitching is wonky. I promise it isn't!

Yes it's like a secret code, I'll spot a sewist any place if they're wearing a Saguaro set
So annoyingly, I tried the top on this morning and my fix didn't work. I'm going to have to sew a modesty panel in as I cannot stand the middle of my bra showing. On the plus side, I LOVE my new outfit.

Does anyone have any great advice for fixing the neckline? A straight panel looks easy enough but as it is the only thing I know, doesn't mean it'll be the best.

I’ve just had a similar issue with my McCalls 7969 dress (another one of those patterns that became a bit of a thing) and I put a few hand stitches in to hold the front together. Is that an option?

The saguaro set is not something I could wear at all but looks lovely on those who can. I can and do wear ogdens though and I’m hoping to scrapbust another couple this weekend. The peplum one looks cute @Ulysses, there have been some fabulous hacks this Ogden month

Lovely work @pastabest. They are going to look fabulous

OMG YAY I fixed it. I'm such a dumbass but I noticed that the shoulder seam was too far forward so if I just wear the damn thing properly it sits correctly!

Phew, a much easier fix than sorting out fit issues!

I've run out of interfacing that I need for my lapels despite convincing myself that I had loads. I popped into John Lewis en route to a show yesterday but they had no one serving at the haberdashery bit. I'm so lucky I've got a sewing shop in my town, unfortunately it doesn't open on Sunday's so I'll need to leave it till tomorrow lunchtime.

I realised that the previous jammies I made had a fairly short rise, so I am going add a couple of inches to the pattern piece and toile the shorts. I've got a metre left of the fabric I bought so enough to cut out a new pair but don't want to waste it if I don't get the fit right. Nothing worse than uncomfortable lounge wear.

I hate interfacing. Hate buying it, hate cutting it out, hate using it. I've no idea why, it's irrational probably but it's ugly stuff.

So i've finished my very first Ogden cami! I can't tell the front from the back. It's higher at the front than the back and i'm wondering if that is normal or perhaps I should really have done a FBA or something? I'm planning on wearing this mostly for pyjamas and it looks ok but it doesn't feel quite right, a bit tight across the bust maybe.

That’s right. It’s higher at the front.
My first one felt slightly tight across the bust, all subsequent ones cut to the same size have been fine. The only difference is that I’ve shortened the shoulder straps slightly.

I’ve had to put a “label” in the back of all of mine. Just a small square of contrasting fabric that I overlocked then slip-stitched in place

Oh that's interesting, i'd sewn the straps in a little longer to make more room at the armholes.

How do you figure out the front and back after it's made up in order to sew in a 'label'?

I'm only working 3 days this week and then it's obviously a bank holiday weekend so i'm planning to make up some shorts to complete the Jammie set.

Sometimes I wear my ogdens backwards on purpose....

The sunshine trousers are finished but I'm struggling to get a good photo of them on. Corduroy doesn't photograph well at the best of times!

There are a lot of errors, the waist band is a bit wonky and the belt loops too small. I might even unpick the belt loops at the top and redo.

I've decided not to add the rivets, I'll save them for a pair I've got right I think.

No idea how I managed to add the same photo 4 times!!

Looks like a couple of lovely fabrics there! Well done, very satisfying.

Well done on makes everyone!

Finished my Ilford coat.

Sewing room isn't quite finished but DH made the table.

Hey well done! A whole coat! Impressive.