Forget Ripping Seams. I'm Ripping Hair.

[shanmonster]

I've hit a snag with my coat. I can't get the sleeves to hang right with the lining. They look all bunchy. I believe I chose a project more ambitious than my sewing skills can handle. I don't have any more of the silver fabric for lining. I used up everything but the tiniest scraps.

If worse comes to worse, I can take the sleeves off altogether and have a lovely long vest. But I want those sleeves. Especially since I'm dancing outside in March.

I need a sewing fairy godmother to sweep in and make everything all better. Augh.

Comments

[catnik.livejournal.com]

Are you setting the sleeve into the armscye, and then the lining, or trying to do both at once?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I was going to ask the same thing. If there's an issue in the way the lining hangs from the armscye, try hand-stitching the lining to the shoulder seam separately.

If that doesn't work, here's a weird idea that might work:

Line the sleeve only up to the elbow, or wherever the sleeve inside is no longer visible to the viewer. Then blind stitch the top of the lining to the sleeve at that point, and avoid the extra bulk in the armscye altogether.

[catnik.livejournal.com]

Yup - hand stitching it it to allow for weirdness. What can help for lining it up, too, is to make someone put it on inside-out after the sleeve is in - the presence of an arm/shoulder changes the way it hangs, so you can correct the lining pulling right there.

[zydee.livejournal.com]

I handstitch for the same reason. Machines always seem to mess up on tricky seams, at least for me (I'm a mid-level seamstress--not expert, but I do okay).

[sarcasm-hime.livejournal.com]

If you posted photos of the inside and outside of the sleeve, might be able to offer suggestions.

Seconding catnik's question; if adding lining afterwards and bunching occurs, could be due to lining being cut/inserted incorrectly.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure it's because the lining is a bit too short. I need to figure out some way to extend it, where it won't show.

[zydee.livejournal.com]

Oh no! I hate it when there's no scrap left to make it right.

I'm also suspecting the lining might be the problem.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Definitely the lining. It's too short, I think. I believe I need to extend it, somehow.

[zydee.livejournal.com]

Excellent. That shouldn't be too bad to manage in time. :) I'm a big believer in lining nice fabric--let me encourage you to seek the best solution here that will preserve that lovely stuff. Extending lining could be as simple as a quick strip of matching lining set in the best place. Where is it too short? At the edges?

Sewing Fairy Godmother

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

When do you need it by? I have a fair amount on my plate (nothing that cannot wait, though), but I can see what needs to be fixed if you want to swing by.

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Ideally, I need it finished by March 18 for an event I could wear something else to, if necessary. Realistically, it can wait until March 25, when I need it for its original intended purpose.

I could ply you with delicious baked goods!

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

Bring it by sometime next week during the day and I can have a look at it.

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

I forgot to mention that I have two appointments: Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Aside from those times and Monday evening (D&D game), I'm home and available. :)

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I think I'm free on Thursday during the day. Does that work for you?

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

That definitely works for me! Do you need an address or number or anything?

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Yes, please! You can email it to me: shanmonster@gmail.com

Merci beaucoup!

Re: Sewing Fairy Godmother

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

Done and done. :)

[joannabarnum.livejournal.com]

Be aware that I have no freaking clue what I'm doing, but the few times I've tried to make historical type garments and discovered that the armpits were all weird (probably due to not assembling things correctly or carefully enough, because I have no freaking clue what I'm doing), adding the little square/diamond shape gusset to the armpit that is often found in medieval patterns helped make everything lay nicely, and also added a little more ease in the fit of non stretchy fabrics in that area.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I haven't even gotten to the gusset, yet (which I do plan on using). I'm trying to get it to line up on the cuff end. The shoulder and armpit bits seem fine.