Monday 15th May 2023 - Lauren's Live Sewing and Fabric Q & A

Join me for another fun and inspiring Q & A session from the g&g shop floor. This is a recording of the Instagram Live that took place on Monday 15th May 2023 at 8pm UK time.

00:00 Introduction
07:55 I have come to love double gauze and how it feels like I’m wearing a cloud particularly in the summer. I made a lovely TATB indigo last year but with a now very active 2 year old, she pulls on the dress a lot and the waist seam in particular looks like it’s close to tearing. Is there anything you can suggest to help reinforce the seam on future makes and make it toddler-proof?
12:24 I am making a dress that has a waistband, and when I have cut it out, the waistband does not go around my waist. I am 2" below the measurements, and I checked that you only need to cut 1 on the fold, so should I try and work out whether a much larger size's waistband would fit around me and use that?
14:10 I like a button shirt. Please could you explain why some have a button placket ? a yoke? Is it just a style thing? Thx. Katherine
16:57 Still struggling with my M&M Eve trousers. Made a pair with lots of adjustments of seat / crotch length (shorter). Feel like they’re quite wide around this area so not very flattering. Should I have narrowed them here too? May be the fabric - what I think is quite a stiff linen?
18:24 Tips and advice on how to get over my dread over the cutting out stage…I find it so stressful.
26:58 I added bust darts to the ogden cami, now the front bodice is too big. How to fix it?
27:26 To add gathered tier to bodice, would you cut the bodice straight across or curved?
29:15 I am just starting out and loving your posts, what would you recommend for a beginner?
30:34 Do you know where one can find a left handed micro serration shears?
31:00 How would you finish off unlined navy blue boiled wool jacket so the seams look neat.
32:10 Any tips for lining the FPC Ilford jacket?
33:10 Are dress forms worth it, I’ve been eyeing one, just unsure whether I’ll use it
35:50 Are there any tips for knowing if a pattern will suit you?
40:45 How far can alterations take you if a pattern does not suit you out of the envelope?
41:52 I am interested in hearing about any adjustments people have made to the Saguaro set, or would do if they made it again
43:01 I’m using modal french terry to make blackwood cardigan, so I need to finished the seams, will it fray?
43:12 Best way to lighten/bleach denim fabric to uniform pale 80’s fade b4 sewing into jeans?
44:48 I a very very loose weave knit making into a cardi but how do I stop it being chewed up as I sew
45:28 I have water stains on my Thelma quilted jacket, How do I clean it?
49:43 could hold up the flower fans on blue viscose fabric. I have a small swatch of it but I'm trying to imagine it as a full dress (Nina Lee Kew). Many Thanks, Clair.
50:14 would the fabric Godmother celine fabric be good for friday Saturdayskirt?
50:47 I'm looking for a pattern for a dressing gown/ robe type garment (not a bathrobe). Any suggestions please?
51:04 Would your design fabric work for a knit dress instead of a sweatshrit?
51:15 A drapey fabric idea for chalk and notch midi for a birthday, atelier brunette?
52:11 Would viscose satine work with Donny shirt, other recommendations?
53:18 Patterns that are practical but kind to an apple shape menopausal hot lady to wear to work?
55:52 Do you have any fabric with fruit on it?
56:41 Fabrics for TATB marigold I like deep navy/teal/plum type colours
58:30 Which ribbing for wide striped navy and white cotton loopback? Navy?

[susanbhatt]

Excellent video, bless you for your hard work

[ritaadler-everett]

Hi Lauren! As always thank you for all of your information and letting us see the fabrics. I've been watching these videos for almost a year now and I find myself wishing each time that you would pop a picture of the various patterns you answer questions about, not necessarily the ones you carry in your shop, on the screen. I hesitate to ask you to do more work, but for me having a reference picture would be so helpful. Thanks so much for your consideration about adding them.

[evaperezcabeza]

15th May 😅 ! Daylight through the windows ❤

[JoyfulFreckles]

Thank you for another informative video! I made the Saguaro set without a muslin, in a stretchy (due to the crinkly weave) cotton cheesecloth. Made it 10cm longer on top, and overlapped by extra 5cm, but I must have over stretched the neckline or something because it was gaping a lot. Originally I had hoped to make it without the ties, but ended up adding them. I've surprisingly received so many compliments on an outfit that I felt that I had botched, so now I feel more confident wearing the set! Looks like a jumpsuit, but doesn't have the same inconvenience. Was thinking about using your beautiful limited edition viscose for my next Saguaro set 🤔

[carolinehill]

Hi Lauren. I look forward to your lives every week. Thankyou for doing them. A question for your next one -How did you deal with the placket on the Fibre Mood Norma when you altered and bound the neckline? I can't figure it out as the neckline and placket facing is to all intents and purposes is one piece.