Jumpsuit pattern would make comfortable pajamas
Dear Vicki: I would love to make a pajama outfit for this summer; I really don’t like nightgowns. I have made loose pants and wear them with pretty T-shirts, but I’d love something else. I have a super lightweight crazy print. Do you have any ideas for this fabric? Thanks. — Sonja S.
Dear Sonja: I really kind of love this McCall’s 7577 jumpsuit. It is just a pull-on, so no zippers, no buttons — yeah! I know it’s not a pj pattern, but it could be, and you might love this.
Dear Vicki: Why is there sometimes a perfectly straight seam down the back of jacket patterns? Couldn’t I just leave it out? Just wondering. — Maggie K.
Dear Maggie: The seam down the back lends strength to the jacket, or bodice. Often fabric will stretch out of shape with wear, and the back can lose its fit. Also, having a seam allows you to create fit and get rid of the boxy, unflattering look of straight jackets.
Dear Vicki: I get so confused with different sewing teachers at stores and online classes. How do I know which one is correct? Just when I learn and perfect one method, I hear of another different technique. Help! — Millie T.
Dear Millie: My mother taught me so much, and she learned from a European tailor. He told her that if you compared three beautifully tailored suits, they would all look perfect. But each tailor would have used his own techniques to achieve perfection. You might work out your own way after watching and listening to experts, but try to be open to new, different ideas. I find that I’m still learning myself. Each week I share a reader’s tip and thank him or her with a set of 100 fine English hand-sewing needles. This week the tip is an old one from Evelyn Carlson, of Lindsborg, Kan. She writes:
“When you are trying to thread a needle with transparent thread, mark the end of the thread with a bit of marker ink. Now you can see what you are doing!” Send tips and questions to Vicki Farmer Ellis, P.O. Box 220463, St. Louis, MO 63122, or email vickifarmerellis@ swbell.net.