M6891 Sew Along

[@rholt8800]

Thank you for posting the better diagram on the collar facing. You SAVED me constructing the collar. Have a delightful day!

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh you are so very welcome! Glad I could help as the pattern is so confusing! X

[@marybethpazdernik9783]

Like most other followers mentioned, well done for persevering with that collar! Also I admire you so much for your honesty about the trials and tribulations. I have sewn apparel for over 50 years (yikes!) and thought I'd offer a couple of tips because you strike me as someone interested in learning and growing. When you come upon a new technique you could try a mini toile. For your notched collar you could basically made 2 collars and 2 sort facings out of a worn and practiced sewing those together before getting into fashion fabric. I do transfer the buttonhole marks from my patterns, but once it's time to make the buttonholes I put garment on and place a pin at the fullest part of bust to mark that buttonhole and then take garment off and space the rest of them as far apart as pattern indicated. That is the most critical closure point, so I base everything off of that. I hope you have enjoyed wearing your lovely dress and I look forward to watching future videos. Your sew the top review was also very informative.

[@SewingBunny]

YES! Always up for tips and helpful advice thank you so much for sharing your wonderful wealth of knowledge! 😁 especially excellent tip about the button hole placement that is one I will certainly take away with me 👍 thanks again xx

[@dawn5668]

Thank you! Was scratching my head for 2 days with the collar instructions! Finally finished. Much appreciated 😘

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh I’m so pleased it helped! It was really confusing wasn’t it 🤣 thanks so much for watching xx

[@Frugalisama]

Aw Michelle what a fab job you made of that dress, so glad that my blogpost helped a bit, the collar looks great. It's certainly not an easy pattern & I don't know anyone who could sew this dress in 3 hours, with all that hemming & buttons & buttonholes, not to mention the very dodgy instructions for the collar. Well done, it's beautiful, you've inspired me to wear mine tomorrow for work & maybe make another. Thanks for the shout out 🙏

[@SewingBunny]

Frugalisama thank you! I was so happy I got there in the end but yeah that collar was very annoying and I did get quite huffy off camera 🤣 that’s great you want to wear your dress it is a lovely pattern isn’t it and I do want to make another one.....but had enough of collars for a few weeks 🤣 xx

[@Frugalisama]

@@SewingBunny 🤣

[@000xxlisxx000]

Like so many other commenters, I came here for the collar! How you explained it was wonderful and I was able to forge on feeling confident. Fabulous job on the dress - it fits you so well, looks great and I LOVE that pineapple fabric! And thank you for sharing your sewing process with us.

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh thank you! I am so pleased you found it useful 😁 really appreciate your comment thank you x

[@theresawagner2642]

Stunning dress, and congrats on sticking with it. Lovely make as always.

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you! It was a challenge but so pleased I managed to work it out 😁

[@rosemariemonks6376]

Michelle, what a lovely summery dress. Elegant and beautifully made, even if a difficult collar. Hope to see you wearing it sometime when you visit and love you in that red too! Clever clogs! Mum xx

[@SewingBunny]

Rosemarie Monks 😘❤️❤️

[@jacquelinemcgreevey]

thank you! I will be rewatching this again.. Collars have been my nemesis thus far in my sewing journey! there is always a side that does not match up like the other. Love your videos, watching you quite frequently. Thank you again!

[@SewingBunny]

Yeah collars still get me even after a few years of sewing now 🙈 haven’t made a perfect one quite yet 😂 thanks so much for watching xx

[@clarec8348]

A great sew along Michelle. Just doing some research on shirt dresses whilst I decide which one to make. Good heads up over the tricky collar. Looks lovely on you. Well done! 🚴‍♀️🐝

[@SewingBunny]

Ahhh thank you so much!! X

[@tovekjellerd6552]

Thank you so much for this sew-along. I'm having a struggle with the collar as well and I don't know what I would have done without your help! My dress will come out as good as yours I hope!

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh I am so happy my video helped 😁 it is an odd collar isn’t it! I think a lot of people get stuck on that bit so it’s good to know we are all in the same boat xx

[@riahenley9974]

'Lovely dress…..very impressed with your effort….😊🇦🇺

[@hellojossews4582]

Looks fabulous! So loved watching the process and love that you were honest about the trials and tribulations of that collar! It reassures me that I’m not the only one that sometimes sits scratching my head not quite getting it. Those makes are always the best though as the sense of achievement is brilliant when they are finished - especially when they look as good as that dress ❤️🍍🍍❤️

[@SewingBunny]

Hello Jo’s Sews ahhh that’s so sweet thank you 😊 yes the collar really annoyed me as it had me doubting myself all the time! 🤣 I’m glad I got there in the end though xx

[@deborahf3738]

I'm so glad I found your video. I bought this pattern, but wasn't going to try it for a few months. The collar worries me but your sew along will save me from setting the whole thing on fire. Thank you.

[@SewingBunny]

Deborah F yay I’m glad you found it helpful 😁 yes just go for it I was super nervous making it too especially as it was voted as the sew along but it really taught me a lot! Mine is by no means perfect but it is wearable and I love it now 😁👍 x

[@katrinaharborne5796]

Really lovely sew along - I watched it whilst doing some cutting out and it was like having a little sewing party in my kitchen! Gorgeous dress!!! Thanks for sharing your frustrations with the pattern - I'm glad everyone has moments where they don't understand things, or the instructions aren't great!

[@SewingBunny]

Katrina Harborne ahhh that’s great! I’m so pleased you enjoyed watching 😁💕 yeah the pattern did have me stumped at times and I really wanted to show that even though I sew quite a lot I still get really confused 🤣 xx

[@MarjunRasmussen]

A very nice dress. Thank you for your video. I am a new subscriber. 😊 I really like watching them. A even though I am a dog person I am enjoying your cats.

[@SewingBunny]

Ah thank you so much for following along with me 😁 glad you like the cats too! They do like to make appearances now and again 😂 xx

[@janfranklin2114]

I feel your pain on that collar and facing. I have started hand basting those parts that I'm not sure about first, it has saved me a lot of frustration and unpacking in the long run. The instructions on the Big-4 leave a lot to be desired at times. Thank goodness for sew-alongs, Instagram, and blogs. Your finished garment looks very nice, good job. I have to say it's very reassuring to see that other sewists have the same struggles that I have, it gives "We are all in this together" a new twist ; )

[@noemir8262]

Yes I agree. The dress is beautiful and I really liked how you showed the reality of sewing. You were very determined to persevere on parts where I would have walked away and came back to the issue another day. Good job and great result. Guest stars were adorable too.

[@SewingBunny]

Jan Franklin thank you I really appreciate that! I was a bit nervous showing some of the ‘failing’ bits but I think it is important to show that even though I have a KZbin channel and sew a lot I still lack some experience and have the same sewing struggles as so many other people xx

[@SewingBunny]

Noemi R thank you so much! I’m so pleased you liked me keeping in those bits 😁 honestly I did feel like walking away! but I’m stubborn and I won’t let a pattern beat me! Even if it means a bit of dodgy sewing to get it sort of right 🤣 x

[@beverleymarton8188]

I’m amazed that you seem to stand up all that time to see! Lovely dress.

[@SewingBunny]

Beverley Marton haha! Not going to lie my feet were really hurting by the end 🤣 I should really try and sit down at some points! Xx

[@heideray7343]

New subscriber. Loved watching you sew and discuss your process. Will go back and watch all past videos. Thank you

[@SewingBunny]

Heide Ray ahh that’s really nice of you thank you for subscribing and I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😁💕 xx

[@lizmitchell1862]

I learned to sew on the big 4 patterns many years ago. But there is no doubt the indie patterns much easier to follow. So if possible I get those now. You have great patience

[@SewingBunny]

my first pattern was a big 4 and it turned out so badly it really put me off! i'm trying to get back into them now just to push myself but they take a lot of concentration haha!! xx

[@janisbrunst4226]

Looks lovely on you! Also, amazing your fit.

[@SewingBunny]

Janis Brunst thank you 😁 yes I was pleased with how it came out x

[@barbarabeckman6722]

Thank you for taking us on your sewing journey. The dress looks fabulous on you.

[@SewingBunny]

barbara beckman thank you so much for watching! I hope to take you along with me for many more of my sewing learnings 😁 xx

[@sonialorenzo9223]

Beautiful dress. You did great.

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you so much 😁

[@kathleenwhite9741]

Well done! I've watched multiple videos of folks making this dress and all have had problems with that collar. 😁👍

[@SewingBunny]

Yeah it is a bit tricky so glad it wasn’t just me 🤣

[@marathorne6821]

Looks fab, Michelle!

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you so much 😊 xx

[@janetrhodes8506]

Thank you SO much, I have now sorted out the collar which had me flummoxed.

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh that’s wonderful I am so glad I could help! Yeah those instructions are not clear I am amazed that I managed to work it out 😂 xx

[@karenmcneil7546]

It’s very pretty. The material looks very much better sewn up! Like the pretty strip top you had on too.

[@SewingBunny]

Karen McNeil thank you! yeah sometimes it’s hard to visualise how a fabric pattern will look as a finished garment and I was very happy with the outcome 😁 xx

[@catherinemark9630]

Thanks for the tutorial. The dress turned out lovely, despite the setbacks with the collar. Your cats are beautiful.

[@SewingBunny]

Catherine Webb ahhh I’m so pleased you enjoyed it and you like the cats too 😻 x

[@gemmasremchevich6719]

I love your dress. I too have this pattern, so thanks for alerting the "tricky" parts. I watched whilst adding the elastic to a batch of masks and it made my process less boring. Greetings from Australia. 💖👌👗💛

[@SewingBunny]

Gemma Sremchevich hello! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😁 good luck with your version of you decide to make it and good on you for making lots of masks xx

[@cecilehoare3053]

Love it Michelle! I think those sewing retro styles out of the pineapple fabric are hitting it spot on!

[@SewingBunny]

Cecile Hoare yes!!! 😁💕 I’m so pleased you got what I was going for 👍 xx

[@sewcraftyjean3525]

Really enjoyed watching your sew along. I'd love yo make a shirtdress. Looks like a lovely pattern. I made a shirt for my son using a mccalls pattern and I had to look online to work out the collar. I know what you mean about the patterns where they hold your hand, I love using those sort too. Well done for persevering. That fabric is perfect for the pattern too. I enjoyed your lander shorts sew along too. Look forward to seeing more. When you've recovered from this one. You must be worn out now xx

[@SewingBunny]

SewCraftyJean ahh I am so pleased you enjoyed watching 😁 yes hand holding instructions all the way! I have a little bit of experience is but i do find that they sometimes just assume you know things, I find collars tricky at the best of times anyway 🤣 xx

[@vickident5762]

Beautiful dress. Very refreshing watching someone have the same problems I face when following a pattern. Well done for persevering and not chucking it in the UFO pile! lol.

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you! 😁 yeah sometimes patterns just confuse the heck out of me! Glad I stuck with it xx

[@debramejia5091]

New subscriber here! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your sewing process; you seem like such a sweetheart. I’m a newbie sewist, always on the hunt for an instructional video. 😊

[@SewingBunny]

Ah hello and welcome! Thank you so much for subscribing that’s so lovely of you to comment 🥰

[@sewsewsewist785]

Beautiful on u. Would love to try this one!

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you 😊

[@absinthemindedcat]

a really cute way to use up that extra bit of fabric is to make a small bag to match your dress. i have started doing that and get so many compliments

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh that would be super cute 🥰

[@st4y-c4lm44]

Beautiful

[@shirleysmith3401]

Do you always stand up to sew? Love Misty the cat. Your so patient with him /her.

[@SewingBunny]

Shirley Smith yes I do stand and sew it is a bit odd 😂 i have always done it as I always used the high table as I didn’t have anywhere else to put my machine and I have just got used to it now 😁 yeah little Misty is a cutie she always tries to ‘help’ 🤣 xx

[@jeannie82024]

Love it!!!

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you 😊

[@annettecowburn1096]

Phew, I'm worn out just watching you! The dress is really lovely on you and perfect use of the fabric, well done. X

[@SewingBunny]

Annette Cowburn ahhh thank you! Yes I was pretty tired after that weekend 🤣 glad you liked the dress I was really happy how it turned out in the end x

[@alisonwilliams5355]

Well done for perseverance with that tricky collar, the instructions were not easy by any means. The finished dress looks like a really good fit. Really enjoy your videos, especially the sew along ones.

[@SewingBunny]

Alison Williams that makes me so happy to hear you enjoy them 😁💕 i love learning more about sewing and having the channel and all the lovely support is really giving me the boost to give things a try that I may of been to scared to do before xx

[@rosemarygilling404]

The dress looks great on you. Lovely fit.

[@SewingBunny]

Rosemary Gilling thank you 😊 I was happy with how it turned out in the end xx

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Gorgeous Thank You for sharing 🙌🏻❤️💜💙

[@SewingBunny]

ahh i'm glad you enjoyed it thank you so much for watching x

[@sallystapleton4237]

Well done for persevering with this pattern I think I would have put it in the bin.... but it looks great on you in the end. That’s why I don’t like the big 4 if they made the instructions better I think they would sell more. Thank you for this sew along I love watching you sew... throughly enjoyed it...xx

[@SewingBunny]

Sally Stapleton ahh I’m so pleased you enjoyed watching 😁 yes I have always been really nervous about sewing the big 4 and when the pattern was the most popular for the sew along I must admit I had a ‘why am I doing this’ moment 🤣 however it has given me the little boost I needed to keep trying them xx

[@sallystapleton4237]

Sewing Bunny my trouble is I watch more than I sew...I must start making even if I make mistakes. My problem is I’m a perfectionist but haven’t got the skills yet to achieve that...lol xx

[@Whistlewalk]

You did a lovely job and it looks great on you. Hope you get lots of wear out of it in Covid Summer 2.

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you! Yeah I need a nice BBQ or something to wear it out to as it has been in the wardrobe far too long already x

[@virginiabond7071]

You did good!

[@SewingBunny]

Thank you 😊

[@andreablayney2175]

I really enjoyed your sewalong. The dress looks lovely on you XX

[@SewingBunny]

Andrea Blayney thank you 😊 I’m so pleased you enjoyed watching x

[@suzettejames1728]

lovely

[@SewingBunny]

😊

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Michelle, well done with that collar... it's always the trickiest part isn't it 😕.. especially with little in the way of instructions. It looks gorgeous on you and who doesn't love a pineapple 🍍. I see you had a little help from your fury friend too 😹😋💖😘

[@SewingBunny]

Sally Dingle thank you Sally 😁 yeah I don’t have great successes with collars 😂 but happy I got there in the end! Xx

[@GingerheadCo]

I enjoyed that - I'd love to meet up with machines and sew together - I think that would be fun! I have actually made this dress for my sister, I don't remember the collar thing, so I must have just winged it (though the 'cut into the seam allowance and make a straight line' technique seems right 😉) The dress looks lovely 😀

[@SewingBunny]

Gingerhead & Co OMG that would be so amazing! We need to do that! then you would then hear all the swearing that goes on during the fast forwarding 🤣🤣🤣 you have amazing sewing skills so you probably understood the instructions ok I’m still quite new to sewing the commercial patterns plus I confuse myself quite easily haha!! Xx

[@GingerheadCo]

@@SewingBunny Haha, I swear all the time 🤣 and I definitely do not understand loads of instructions, most of the time I just go for it, hope for the best but predict the worst 🤣🤣🤣

[@kennethiacgilliam]

I hate doing collars. Every time i do one its a disaster. But i have to make this dress for my daughter so I'll see how it goes. Thanks for the video.

[@SewingBunny]

Sewing ModestlyKG yeah collars can be a pain and I have had more fails than successes but that’s how we learn 😁 just got to keep at it and then one day we will be collar wizzes! 🤣 good luck with your dress I’m sure you will do a fab job 😘 xx

[@Mayveneye]

I’m currently trying this stupid collar from hell and praising you for your perseverance

[@SewingBunny]

Haha 😂 oh I feel your pain!! It’s not easy is it, you didn’t see the off camera swearing bits 🤣 good luck with the dress xx

[@mariangelafiddaman6244]

Great podcast dress is lovey 💕

[@SewingBunny]

Mariangela Fiddaman thank you 😊 xx

[@diannadarling699]

I need that pineapple fabric!! If you have any tips on where to find it, I’d be grateful… Also- love that dress! Nicely done

[@SewingBunny]

I’ll keep an eye out if it see it again 😁 thank you so much for watching x

[@SunShine-000]

Lovely pineapple dress! Did you make your red dress?

[@SewingBunny]

Sun Shine thank you 😁 yes I did make the red one too it is the Tilly and the buttons olive pinafore dress in a needlecord x

[@erisphiliag]

Hi! Lovey dress! which size did you choose for the skirt? A or C?

[@SewingBunny]

I did the longer length skirt from view c 😁

[@a.jstitching9368]

Wao

[@peggyolson6511]

Congrats on tackling and winning with that stupid collar! What on earth was McCalls thinking?? There are some standard and easy ways to make a notch collar, and it seems like they went out of their way to concoct a much more difficult and unnecessary method. So I am very grateful to be able to learn from you on this issue. Many thanks!

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh that’s so true! I don’t k is why they make things so complicated 😂 glad I could help and thanks for watching xx

[@barbaradeane8570]

Hi, I think it should have been the collar piece WITHOUT the interfacing that should have been sewn to the bodice and the interfaced collar piece would be attached to the interfaced front pieces xx

[@SewingBunny]

Barbara Deane yes I agree I realised that afterwards 🤣 at least I know for next time xx

[@anessaharris9947]

😀

[@marlenep2644]

Great job persevering through that collar. I find collar instructions very lacking in most patterns. The drawings could be clearer as well. I don't know why the big 4 assume you know when to finish seams. Experienced seamstresses know this, but it should be included. (IMO 😏) Lovely dress!

[@SewingBunny]

Marlene Piccolin thank you 😊 yes that collar was a bit of a pain! I totally agree about the instructions when I started sewing I struggled so much with the big 4 and it put me right off them and now even 3 years on and with some more sewing experience I still feel feel nervous sewing a big 4 pattern as I still want clear instructions 🤣 xx

[@ernestinejackson7694]

the top collar should have the interfacing and attached to the front facing.

[@SewingBunny]

Ernesti'ne Jackson thank you, yes the more I thought about that then that would of made a lot more sense 😂 x

[@quiltingjen]

What tissue paper do you use??

[@SewingBunny]

I use a tracing paper from Amazon i get in a 50yard roll 😁 if you look in the description box of the video I have listed a few things I use and the tracing paper is there too xx

[@er6730]

Oh, I'm so relieved to find this! This collar was going to be the death of me! 38:45 is where I really need the help. I put the collar on backwards, then sewed the facing on the wrong sides, unless it was right the first time but the collar made it seem wrong... All told, I unpicked this thing about 3 times. AAAAAHHHHH! And now I've ended up with the interfaced collar attached to the facing, because of the picture. And the bodice has no collar, because I took it off once I saw that I was going wrong. Yikes, hope I can salvage this! I do love the pockets on the skirt, and they keep me going.

[@SewingBunny]

Oh well done for keeping going with it! It is not the easiest if collars at all 😅

[@clarec8348]

🚴‍♀️🐝

[@ernestinejackson7694]

the top collar should stitch to the facing, ,the under collar is stitch to the back bodice.

[@SewingBunny]

Ernesti'ne Jackson yeah they were the same pattern pieces just called ‘collar’ so didn’t specify top or under collar but yeah after i noticed the instructions with the interfacing on then that would make sense 😁

[@jackiecaton1087]

Some people actually call the pattern company for advice. I never have.

[@jackiecaton1087]

Your dress looks very nice. You did a great job fitting it. I’m sure you will get lots of wear of it.

[@SewingBunny]

Ahh thank you yeah bring on summer so I can wear it again 😁 xx

[@seaside2001]

If you want a lovely professional job, it takes longer than the packet will leave you to believe. But that's ok. Just as long as a person doesn't think they can make it in the morning and wear it out to lunch. lol

[@SewingBunny]

Yes very true! I think it is important to take time 😁 xx

[@barbaradeane8570]

oops!! just seen that Ernesti'ne Jackson has already mentioned that lol

[@SewingBunny]

Barbara Deane 🤣 x

[@ncalladine]

Your restraint at not opening your SHJ box is unreal!! It would be shouting at me from the corner!!

[@SewingBunny]

Nicola Watson 🤣 I didn’t last long I opened it the next day! I couldn’t wait any longer 🤣 x

[@karynbray1004]

Love the kitties, I too would get more sewing projects done quicker if my cats did not try to "help" me......

[@SewingBunny]

Karyn Bray 🤣 haha they just have to get involved don’t they! X

[@beverleymarton8188]

That should have said sew!

[@SewingBunny]

🤣 I get that all the time when I type the word ‘sew’ xx

[@pamelalc63]

how is this video a sew along? you sped it up

[@SewingBunny]

It is to show the key steps in explaining how to put the pattern together, the actual sewing is sped up otherwise the video would be hours long and the feedback I have received prefer these sections sped up