Here I am again, ? on different pattern: McCalls 4424

[kjh9835]

Yet another infant pattern, this one is for a birthday party next week.

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4424-products-100.php?page_id=533&search_control=display&list=search

I think, by looking at the pics, all they want me to do is make a wide binding for the raw edge of the skirt back but the wording and naming of piece 5 (continuous loop) has me confused (which is nothing new). It looks right once it's sewn on but I wanted to ask before I work on it any more.

skirt back.jpg (161.63 KB) Viewed 7670 times

Kathy

[Mom of Six]

there should be a pattern piece that says continuios lap If not just stitch bias strip right side of strip to wrong side of dress. Then fold under a 1/4", Top stitch down on right side. I do mine the opposite stitch right sides together, fold over & then hand stitch down

[kjh9835]

Piece 5 is continuous loop. I came back to clarify/say it "kinda sorta" looks right when sewn. There's a little pucker at the bottom which is most likely b/c you sew a straight strip/seam on a "v" shape but once the right side is folded up and overlaps the left side and pressed, it doesn't look too bad.

Kathy

[MartySews2]

You got it right Kathy. Good job!!!
Marty

[sewingmom]

Good colaberation. Sew Kathy sew. Marty you are sew much help to all of us.

[kjh9835]

Thanks all. You would not believe the number of times before I joined this forum that I had to scan and email pattern directions/pics to mom or my aunt who would then help me decipher what I was supposed to do while on the phone. Most of the time if I could actually see it done or be shown how to do it then it all makes sense but they are both in FL and I have don't know anyone locally that sews. Trying to do something by a different name like "sew continuous loop piece to back of skirt after slashing the v open" instead of "enclose raw edge of slit in skirt with self fabric bias tape" drives me nuts.

It also makes more sense to me to fold over the "other side" the 1/4" and press it down BEFORE you stitch the piece to the back of the skirt. Less fabric you have to handle and press around. I try to read thru several steps and see if I know how to do it before I start and sometimes I know a better way (but not very often).

Gone all day on ride with Joe. Now paying for it and sure I will tomorrow also. I so wish I could enjoy activities like I used to without fear of being bed-ridden the next day or loopy from pain meds.

Kathy

[MartySews2]

Kathy, you should check out the American Sewing Guild. They originated in Indiana. It's a national organization with chapters throughout the USA. Lots of sewing info & sewing buddies. If there is not a chapter near you, then there may be a neighborhood group nearby. There are chapters in Evansville, Ft Wayne, Huntingburg, Indianapolis, and Kokomo. To contact one of them, email the chapter ... ex: evansville@asg.org and ask for info on what is near you. I have learned so much in the 12 yrs that I have belonged to ASG. When I started, there were no chapters in TN so I started one. I have met so many sewing buddies this way throughout the USA. Sometimes, I write articles for their magazine called "Notions" which has the latest sewing info & I have 80+ sewing contacts in the Memphis area that I can call upon. Not all of them are ASG members but I would never have met them without belonging to ASG. For so long, sewing was such a solitary activity and many people still think that it is. However, you don't have to go it alone. Forums like this as well as other yahoo groups keep me up to date on what's happening in the sewing world & I can have info at the click of a keyboard or a phone call to a friend. I love to teach sewing & try to learn all that I can so I can share with others.
Marty

[DorothyL]

There's a little pucker at the bottom which is most likely b/c you sew a straight strip/seam on a "v" shape

I have found that if you sew to the center then, with the needle down and the foot up you can kind of readjust the pieces and sew back down the other side, it helps with the puckering rather than try to sew it straight across.

I've always found the continuous lap a little difficult.
Dorothy

[temom]

I really, really dislike McCalls patterns, as their directions always leave me finding my own way to make it happen.

[Magot]

I love the pattern , but my head is still whirring trying to work out what you were doing.