DCR#5 Jumper Pattern Review

The Short of It

Pattern: Is on page 51 of Doll Coordinate Recipe #5.

Things to Note: I misread the pattern marking on how to cut the jumper's skirt. After I started sewing I realized this and had to start over. Diagram with explanation follows.

Am I glad I tried this pattern? Yes!

Difficulty: Quite easy.

Would I make this jumper again? Yes!

Fabrics: I used a medium weight cotton. A variety of fabrics would work well.

Most difficult part of the pattern: Aside from cutting the pieces out correctly, I would say making sure the button placket is accurately folded.

Tips: Transfer pattern markings accurately for the button placket. Press press press after every seam. :o)


The Long Story

Um, I made a mistake in cutting the pattern out. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until after I was sewing and had to start over. It was because I read the pattern markings incorrectly for the jumper's skirt. I had never seen this type of notation before. Everyone else probably got it right except me, but just in case anyone out there was also wondering...I drew a diagram of how it is supposed to be done:

Usually, you see the "cut on fold" mark (2 semicircles) on the edge of a pattern and you would place that edge on the folded edge of the fabric. After you cut the fabric, when you unfold it, it would be a large piece with two symmetrical halves. (Remember how we used to cut Valentine's Day hearts from construction paper?)

Well, in this pattern, we are only duplicating the part of the pattern TO THE RIGHT of the "cut on fold" marks (2 semicircles). Do you see the large white part to the right of the "cut on fold" marks (2 semicircles)? Imagine copying that piece and flipping that piece over 180 degrees to the left. Now place it to the left of the original pattern piece. (See above photo please. ) This entire thing is how we want to cut the fabric out.

The middle section (with hash marks) will be folded over on itself to form the button placket. I hope I didn't make it more confusing. Like I said, everyone else probably knew what to do right away..for some reason, I just couldn't see it the first time. :o)

The rest of it is pretty regular sewing. Hmmm...the button placket is formed by folding the fabric on itself as marked on the pattern. I think that's it.

I guess that's what I love about making Blythe clothes...even if you make a mistake, it's only a small piece of fabric and you can start over again. :o)