SEWING DRESSES (One Formal, One Casual) FRIDAY SEWS

[@Kiltsnquilts]

I agree with others that you could move the back of the straps towards the centre back a bit more but you could also fold out a bit of width at the centre front on your pattern and add the amount to the side seams. That would bring the straps in a bit at the front but keep the width of the top the same. Your gingham dress is giving me Mad Men vibes…..it’s lovely and sometimes nice to wear something we wouldn’t usually. I also love the tee shirt dress, perfect fabric and colours for you! 🥰

[@andreayucis2008]

Both dresses are beautiful! They look lovely on you! I agree with one of the other commenters…to keep the straps from falling I would move the back straps towards the center back. And the next time making this top I would take some inches in from the center front and add them to the sides.(Probably not inches maybe just an inch.). This would move the straps so they wouldn’t be right on the edge of your shoulders. Love this too and the fabric is beautiful!! Love your tutorials…very informative.

[@maker5035]

Thank you for turning me on to Alissa Montanez!

[@kayelong6962]

Oops. Should've listened further! Love your videos. Always get inspired to sew again.

[@lesleyjones5455]

I love the gingham dress and I would definitely wear with trainers

[@angelkeith4767]

I love the spaghetti strap cami’s but have the same problem. I crisscross the straps in the back when I can or use elastic thread inside the straps.

[@janspenno2241]

I love the style arc dress . It looks fitted without being fitted. Nice sleeves. Definitely an elevated tee. Both great makes

[@terryvihlen4783]

Oh, please wear that shirt dress! It’s so beautiful on you. Love both dresses!

[@amyholman354]

I think the shirt dress looks great on you. Boots might look good with it, though your wedges will, too. I came here looking for ideas of what to make with my merino jersey, and thank you for your pattern recommendation.

[@e1jerry]

Like others have said about the drooping straps, they look similar to a Demi bra from the front. The issue begins by not following where the straps attach on the back of the tank. A true Demi style brings the back straps inboard. You won’t have to change the front or redraft that part but locate the attachment point at least 2” closer to the center back. The strap will draw in slightly in the front but the rear will keep the straps from sliding off the end of your shoulders. Easy peasy fix. My wife and I love your vlog and often watch it together. On a different note, the wool winter coat you made a few months back was one of the most beautiful garments I’ve ever seen on KZbin. The fit and finishing were perfect!

[@gabriel.c.gardner]

Agree that was my first idea, also you could make them longer and cross them, or if you have even more extra material make cross straps connecting the back straps and holding them in place and for a cool design detail

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much, I've been given lots of ideas of how to sort out this one and I think this is the option I'm going to go for (easier!). I'm thrilled you like my coat, I'm super proud of it 😊❤

[@carolwebb9948]

Absolutely love the shirt dress, it’s just your style. Also looks great with or without the belt. Great video, thank you.

[@ShakespeareanMuscle]

I think if you moved the straps towards the middle line in either the front or back, it would make the straps less likely to slip down. Obviously that would require some adjusting of the bodice pattern piece. Alternatively you could add a design feature by anchoring the straps with an extra strappy but from a couple inches up the strap into the middle of the back bodice or attach them together in the back somehow. I've done that before and it helped. Hopefully that makes sense 😅

[@marilynkelly315]

Always lovely to see you and your makes. The shirt dress is very swishy and is very flattering- I think you could wear with flats as well as heels. I often have a similar issue with scrappy tops, but I think it’s to do with the position of the straps in relation to the bodice - I think maybe pinch in the centre panel and add that amount at the side seam, thus moving the straps closer to the neck. Love your t short dress - so you xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It's definitely going to be worn with flats or it's likely to be only dusted off for special occasions 😄

[@TheHaymeadow]

A bit late to the party on this one, but I’ve recently discovered those fork pins, I’ve bought some but am yet to try them. Loved both dresses they look great on you 💜

[@nwinning]

I have the same problem with straps. THe problem is probably a hollow chest. The fix is to make the top of your bodice narrower than the bottom. I have a very full bust, and you can still do it. When placing the bodice on the fold, have the top edge hang over the fold about 1/4" while the bottom edge of the CF or CB is on the fold. THis helps, so give it a try

[@lilybogaards5089]

I do wear dresses like that shirt dress with sneakers. Like that juxtaposition. And means I wear the dresses more often. Put a jeans jacket (I have a white one - very versatile) or leather jacket over it when you go out. About the top/strap issue; even before you mentioned it I thought they were sitting a bit far out. I would try taking a little bit of width out along CF and add it back in at the sides. Just draw a line parallel to CF through the base of the armhole and move the side out with same amount you have taken out at CF. Alternative may be to use longer strips and cross them in the back. Interested to see which solution you find. 💕

[@jillbull4649]

Love the Style Arc dress, although for me I would have to lengthen it a bit and I would make the hem level all round. I also find the Style Arc patterns fit me by far the best without "tweaking". Sorry, but not so keen on the shirt dress, but you have done a great job of making it! Look forward to seeing your new makes in the coming weeks.

[@janeenschooley5046]

Hi Alex. Have you tried moving the straps a little closer in the back or narrowing the front neckline to stop your straps from falling down?

[@TheGardenKitten]

I love both outfits on you, but particularly the t-shirt dress.

[@clairec20]

Re straps, how about sewing a little clear elastic on side next to skin over shoulder ? May just make them ‘stick’ better. If it doesn’t work it’s easily removed

[@cobyteune]

Tip! Cross the streps at the back. Another idea could be a horizontal strep high on the back that connects the two streps and will keep them nice vertical.

[@cindilawson6481]

Alex, the t-shirt dress looks amazing on you. Love the color and the shape looks great (drape is fantastic). The shirt dress is lovely, I think a little wider belt or fabric belt might work too. I have a shirt dress that has a self fabric belt and it is comfortable and looks so polished. I get tons of compliments when I wear that dress.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I totally agree having seen how it looks, I’ve tried making self belts without too much success. I believe there’s a company that make them off you send the fabric, I’d like to give them a try at some point. In the meantime I have an excuse to buy a new belt 😂❤️❤️

[@oscar6443]

Both dresses look great, but my favourite is the 2nd one especially the colour, and the style

[@joli43]

Straps. I have slightly sloping shoulders and a mild scoliosis and for me as well, no amount of shortening the straps will change my shoulders or my back. There is nothing 'wrong' with my back, but pattern adjustments are need to be sure. It gets worse with a bias pattern, I assume because it is less structured and wants to conform to my body. As I catch up on your videos I will be interested in what you do about this. I just love these dresses!

[@janevellenderartist]

Agree straps need to move a little towards the front, and redraft the front so the point they spring from moves as well, when you make it next: Really like both dresses. The tee shirt dress is a real winner, love the fabric

[@kelleyking]

I agree.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Jane, I’ll have to watch out for strap placement in patterns from now on 🥰

[@lorraineyoung5909]

For your strap issue, attach the straps to the bodice closer to the centre back.

[@clairerosey9921]

Looking at the first top I would say that the straps are set to wide for you, they should sit on the shoulder where you keep moving them to, and attach to the bodice directly below that point. Yours angle outward outwards to the bodice, which pulls them outward. It looks similar to needing a smaller size for the shoulders with a full bust adjustment. The way I would fix this top to stop the straps falling would be too move them closer together at the back, pulling them inwards. For future makes I would follow the cutting line for the smaller size across the chest to get the strap width right, then grade out at the armholes to that you don’t lose overall width across the bust. I have narrow shoulders and slipping straps are SO annoying! Xx

[@peglombardi5094]

Alex, I suggest you get a product that is a sticky skin-safe glue that holds your clothes over your bra straps or would hold your skinny straps to your skin without hurting your skin. I use it a lot and love it.

[@GoSewBeautiful]

Hello! I think both dresses look great on you and provide different looks. As for the cami, I wonder if you tighten up the straps maybe you can cut the armscye a little lower? Great video!

[@cecilehoare3053]

for your strappy top, you may have to do a narrow shoulder adjustment, obviously there isn't shoulders but to move the back portion where the straps attach closer to the centre of the top at the back and adding that distance between the arm and strap on the outside will give you the same width but give you more control of the straps. You could maybe even just put a vent pleat at the top centre to pull them in if you have the room without making it too tight. Your shirt dress is gorgeous with the belt! l love the t-shirt dress! SO you!!

[@map2932]

I’m 72 and have had that strap problem my entire life. Others have mentioned this and I agree it will work. Move the straps just a little bit towards the center. That will fix the problem and make the garment wearable. Adjust your pattern for future tops in the front and back.

[@maggiecawthorn5653]

Agree I was just going to comment the straps looks as if they are slipping because they are too wide

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LizzlebyDesign]

The gingham dress looks fabulous dress and will be really nice even in the fall and I LOVE the Tshirt dress you! You could add a belt to this one as well to dress it up or wear as a tunic.

[@gillianchatterton6376]

Gingham dress looks amazing on you, especially in that colour. Thank you for going into so much detail. Love it. X

[@jaynetrees8649]

Hi Alex, thanks for your video. I think the SA dress looks really good on you, its you.

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Lovely dresses that really suit you.😊

[@loisg.6240]

Alex - I love both dresses in you. The first one I see as a classic, and not formal. Maybe I’d call it softly traditional. Your modifications work beautifully. I own that pattern and will give it a try for the spring. The T-shirt dress looks wonderful. It’s very fashionable and easy to wear but polished. Love the back hem too. Thanks for sharing both. Well done! 👏👏

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😘

[@marathorne6821]

The gingham dress is fabulous, Alex! Despite your misgivings, I think it really suits you 😍. I don't see it as "formal", just stylish. I hope you enjoy wearing it.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😘

[@mairead5891]

Both dresses are great in their own way. The more classic style looked fabulous with trainers, I will often wear Snag leggings and ankle socks with dresses on slightly cooler weather. Legs are covered, but socks keep my feet warmer! I'm a confirmed flat shoe wearer, mostly trainers or casual shoes which I wear with everything.

[@gillianfaulkner7581]

2 great dresses Alex, perfect for this time of year in the NW UK. You teased us at the end with the ‘lots of sewing & pattern testing remarks’ I’m excited to see what you make x

[@sparkleinco2035]

Love the shirt dress but like it better without the belt. Knit dress fab to have and love neckline

[@AlexJudgeSews]

🥰

[@ukiewife]

Love both dresses on you! 💖

[@lindacrusco-stebbins9187]

Alex -regarding the tank top-the same thing happened to me when I made the Sew Over It Alderly top which is cut on the bias. I don't think that's what the problem was, though. The straps kept falling off my shoulders. I shortened the straps. I gathered the center front; nothing worked. Then I realized it was because I needed a FBA - narrow in the upper chest compared to my full bust. But I wasn't going to attempt that on a bias cut pattern. So alas, I put that pattern aside & purchased the Liesl + Co. Tribeca Knit Cami. Not only does it have cups it also has cup sizes so no FBA. Now I know it's for knits but I don't think it would be too difficult to adjust it for a woven. Hope this helps. I really enjoy watching you. linda

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Linda - I'm going to keep experimenting 😘

[@waytina48]

I love the T-shirt dress on you. Love the fabric and its design and the color looks amazing on you. The dress looks fun.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much!

[@st4y-c4lm44]

both dresses look very good on you.

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Fabulous dresses!!! I love them both. They suit you perfectly. As to the cami straps.....move the attachment of them at the back at least 2-3" / 5-8cm toward the centre back. I would pin them in place to see the best placement. The angle will change the falling down factor. You might need to slightly adjust the angle they are sewn in at the front so as to lay flat. They looked to be attached right near the armpit at the back which seems silly unless you have Olympic swimmers shoulders. I do an even greater distance for one of my daughters who has very narrow and sloping shoulders. xxxxx

[@lyndathomas4399]

Alex, why don't you try moving just the back of the straps closer together in the back? Also, maybe the pointed front where the straps are anchored is just too far apart for you. A different style would have the "points" in the front closer to your midline rather than almost under your arms.

[@janspenno2241]

I agree with o e of the others. The cami looks wide and I would take some out of the centre and add to the side seams

[@kathrynboles6027]

About those cami straps: Bring them closer together in the back or make them longer and criss-cross them in the back. Either one can work. I have the same problem-- very round shoulders.

[@judith6991]

The place where your front straps are attached is to neare to your armpits. So the triangle bits at the front has to be about 1” to the middle. You could take 1” from the middle front of your pattern and add 1” ad the site.

[@brendavietti1799]

Love your channel!! Could you cross the straps in back of the cami to make them stay on your shoulders??

[@RugosaB]

for the cami, put a little elastic in the neck ofthe front.

[@Samom9876]

About straps always falling (I have that problem). Straps might be set to wide for your shoulders

[@39houndsteps]

Hi Alex, I agree with the other comments re the strap fix is not to make the straps shorter but to bring the straps closer together at the back. From experience😊 Re pockets - I prefer the description of “casual insouciance” to “social awkwardness”🤷🏼‍♀️ I wasn’t sure about the shirt dress at first, but it grew on me over time. I like the sleeves rolled up…..again ‘insouciance” lol. I really love the tee shirt dress. Great fabric choice.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I love it Tracie, I may 'borrow' casual insouciance 😘😀

[@helennessfield5606]

Love the tee shirt dress - really suits you

[@robyn3349]

It is not the length of the strap, it is where the strap sits on your shoulder. The 'spread' between the straps compared to your shoulder spread/width. Bring them closer to center front and they will stay up.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ahhhhhh that makes a lot of sense! Thanks so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻. Would have to redraft the pattern a bit, will have a think 🥰

[@kerrymcilwaine]

I would agree with the comment about the strap placement being too wide apart for your frame, for a quick fix you could perhaps have the straps cross at the back?

[@anessaharris9947]

🇨🇦😃 if you move the points the straps attach to in towards the middle front a bit they should stay up better for next time

[@jacquelineclifford8285]

I have the same problem as you regarding straps. For me the solution is to bring the straps in so that they are closer to my neck. Looking at your cami, I suspect it would work for you.

[@loreleig5062]

All your makes look awesome on you!

[@leevargo8840]

Think I would make straps a bit longer and crisscross them in back

[@madypennisi4823]

Both dresses look great! The fit and patterns are fabulous!

[@kayelong6962]

Maybe some narrow elastic?

[@marita8485]

Absolutely love the t-shirt dress, gorgeous fabric and a great fit 👌 it looks so comfortable and easy to wear

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It really is!

[@mariontilton8494]

I think you need to narrow the bodice line so the straps don't fall down.

[@aileenyoung6999]

Love the tee shirt dress

[@chantalpinsonneault1299]

Love the cami. The outfit looks really good.

[@karenbrunton6529]

The cami straps are set as wide as possible, and therefore doomed to fall down. It's the pattern.

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Alex, I love both dresses on you. You're right, they are very different from each other but that's what so nice about them. Great job. Suzanne

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😘

[@georgianasstudio]

I would bring the straps in as the points are too wide on you. You probably need to take about an inch out of the centre of the top then add the inch back on the sides.

[@belindaezzy1121]

Thanks for sharing all the tweaking you had to do on the gingham dress. You have made a beautiful garment. Do you have a comfy pair of boots that would work with the dress? They would dress it up without the heels.

[@kes44p]

I have no experience of how to fix the cami straps but have the same issue. 2 different suggestions, could you adjust the front to bring the straps in a little, or make longer straps to cross on the back?

[@StitchHemSew]

I was going to say about the straps everyone has given great advice/comments. I love both dresses, I love that the are totally different too x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much, I’ll enjoy experimenting with straps 😊❤️

[@sharonbishop2651]

Really lovely, shirt dress would be casual under denim jacket. Great, inspirational as usual. You are lucky being close to Leon’s!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh no Sharon I think you may have just encouraged me to make a denim jacket 😂

[@dianemorrall2687]

I wonder if your cami straps are too far over near the edge of your shoulders? The wrap dress straps look to be further in...maybe that's why they slip off? I love the Style Arc knit dress...I am tempted to give this a go myself! The fabric is beautiful.

[@nancyhilborn885]

Love your dresses. The shirt dress looks amazing with the narrow belt and wedges. You always add great touches like the bias bits. I noticed right away. The fabric for the t-shirt dress is fantastic. I would never think to use a jersey cross grain but you can't even tell in terms of how it hangs. Again with the great details. The shape of it probably wouldn't lend itself to pockets. They might have added bulk and pulled the fabric at the sides a bit. I also have shoulder strap issues... even with many bras. I preemptively move them towards the centre on the back and it really helps. That fabric is so pretty so I hope the strap challenge can be resolved so it gets worn worry free.

[@PsychicKathleen]

I love your T-shirt dress too! Beautiful on you - the colour, shape, length, movement. I would make a bunch of those if I were you :) I'm not especially partial to a shirt dress so I'm not the best judge of that but when you described the blend of poly and cotton I was horrified. I'm so hot all the time (long, long before I had hormones I was a hot kid :) ) I just can't wear that fabric without sweat marks and almost a panicky feeling of being in a cage. I remember years ago I had to wear a uniform that was 65% poly, 35% cotton and I just hated it. I think your shirt dress would be lovely in a rayon/linen blend though and suit you beautifully as well :)

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yeah you’re probably right, good old hrt is keeping me cool 😁

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

On the cami, try moving the straps more towards the center in the back. That is so annoying when the straps fall down. My favorite was the T shirt dress, it fits you so wonderfully. I think it would be cool to have the same hemline on the front as the back. I had a shirt dress back in the day, lots of fabric and it definitely needs a belt, which seems like more effort than I would be willing to deal with.

[@lynngates1662]

Love the colors you're working in - and the Tessuti pants look really nice! I've only done one Tessuti pattern, but I do like their styles. About the cami straps - someone might have already mentioned this, but when you're standing upright and relaxed the points at the top of the cami - and therefore the straps - point right at your shoulder points. i agree that you can't really shorten them any more, it looks like they're maybe just a little wide for your shoulders? I've got narrow shoulders myself, and often have to pinch a half-inch out of front and back pieces cut on the fold.

[@kerrymcilwaine]

I love your checked dress, if you make another without cuffs you could wear it as a coat! I wonder if anyone actually fits a big 4 pattern, I certainly don’t x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I love that idea, I’ll have a play with it later. Thanks Kerry ❤️❤️❤️

[@Evohoy]

I would suggest you make slightly longer straps and cross them at the back. Way more comfortable.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ahh yes that’s a good solution! Thanks Evelyn 🥰

[@elainemariesews2683]

Hi Alex, both of your dresses are lovely😊, I have to say, I really like the style arc dress.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@roi-lynnmunsey8317]

The cami may need the points in the top moved toward the middle and back straps more toward the middle . It typically has to go at an angle from front to back so the back is angled more to tthe middle of your body. I like your two dresses. You could line your sleeve so it could roll up. I love the style arc dress on you.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for the tip!

[@susanknight1784]

Alex I think it’s the position of the straps that is causing the problem. I think it would stop if they were moved further in . Would mean altering the neck line . Love the top though x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much,I’m going to give that a try 🥰❤️❤️

[@karenminet9275]

You could also make a long tube and tie the straps together in the back into a bow. Call it a design feature

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Or turn it into a halter neck 😁

[@kristieprice6698]

I love your B6702! You look so very elegant! I have the pattern in my stash and will give it a go now. :) Thank you for sharing.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much!

[@jenfavc]

if you moved the position of the straps where they join at the back it should fix the falling off the shoulder thing!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Jenny, I’ll give it a try 😘🙏🏻

[@michellem3899]

Love both of the dresses. For the cami, next time I would take an inch out of the center and add a half inch to each side. It won’t fix this time, but it just looks like the straps are two far apart for your shoulders. I am not a fitting expert though.

[@tammymasson2343]

Both dresses look amazing! I have the first pattern but haven’t sewn it up yet. Sam from Frugalisima did a brilliant tutorial on installing a V-neck binding for the Vera top. I highly recommend. I had great success following her tips. 👍

[@jwhitty8172]

I"m sure glad I am not the only one who can't keep straps and bras up! I'm sorry looking forward to a solution. Good Luck

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😁. Looks like the solution is to have the straps further in, at least we know now 😁❤️

[@derynporter5287]

I agree it’s the placement of the straps that’s the problem. Moving them in at the front a bit difficult because of the design so move them closer together at the back? May work.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes I was thinking about how the front would work after reading the earlier comments but I’ll take you advice and move them at the back first. Thanks so much 🥰🙏🏻

[@sewmuchsewing]

Hi Alex, I've made the Ritchie knit dress and ended up using it as a nightie. I'm short so I felt it was a bit long on me, certainly not just above the knee like yours. Yes I could have shortened it but it was a toile so I will know for next time.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yep I figured it was risk free as the nightie option was there 😀❤

[@sharoneunice8928]

Love both dresses on you.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh thank you!

[@cindycash1772]

I think the cami straps are placed too wide... I would move the front peaks more over you bust apex... to fix this one I would tack ribbon on the back of the straps above your shoulder blades n tie a bow... beautiful fabric... love the shirt dress... blessings

[@craftymystic4868]

Love, love both dresses!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yay! Thank you!

[@karenbensdon4643]

The elastic in the straps could work. The distance horizontally may be the issue, not the shape of your shoulders.

[@jamilehbaadarani4740]

I have the same problem so I insert a very thin elastic and it works

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oooh thank you, I’m glad to hear it works 😁❤️

[@suebryant4237]

I haven’t tried it my self but I saw that you could run a thin line of hot glue on the insides of the spaghetti straps on a cami to stop the straps slipping

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That's a new one on me, I'm interested to give it a go thank you

[@dianeovenden]

Have you thought of using some of that rubber clear tape. Like on running tights. Then should make them grippy.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Good idea 👍🏻 the number of times they fell down today was beyond annoying even glue was tempting 😁❤️

[@alisonpearce1827]

Love your vlogs Alex. You make me keen to sew . Looking at your cami top, I wonder if the neck is too wide. Rather than a problem with the straps themselves it could be where they sit on the shoulder. Best regards. Alison

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It would seam that you're right, I'm so pleased that I asked!

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Alex, you look fab in both dresses as far as I'm concerned 👌💝. You have lot's of ideas from people on how to alter the straps on the cami... looking forward to hearing which one has worked for you... I have had the same problem in the past 😏💝😘

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh thank you Sally

[@LoveLight9079]

I have the same problem with straps and I’v always thought of moving the straps at the back in towards the middle just a little. Like both dresses, shirt dress I’d like in soft linen and the shape of the t-shirt dress, straight front and dipping a little at the back.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Good to know it’s not just me 😁. From earlier comments it sound like that’s the trick, I’ll experiment and report back 😁🙏🏻🙏🏻