lynnfw1

I am ready to begin Sadie's smocked birthday jumper. It is a simple pattern called a Mary De, and is basically a wrap-around jumper/pinafore.

The smallest pattern available is a "1", which fits 18 months. Sadie won't even be wearing 12 mo. clothes by her birthday. Smaller measurements (chest, etc) are provided, but not pattern pieces.

What is the best way to make the garment smaller? Since the front is smocked, there is lots of excess fabric, so it will be difficult to go by the chest measurement. I could probably extrapolate/estimate though. Do I try to cut the pattern pieces smaller or should I increase the seam allowances? I think the arm holes might be the trickiest part.

I've only ever sewn a skirt before, so a more complicated pattern in a smaller size is out of the question.

mcbean

Here I was about to give you sewer line support. We have sewer line trouble. Sewing? Needle and thread? Bobbins? Me not know what that is. Grunt, grunt.

lynnfw1

Dear God, Aileen--please don't jinx me with sewer line trouble!!!!!!!!

Now I'm going to think of water treatment everytime I see my thread. I'm sure there was a more gramatically correct phrasing...

Carol in Maryland

You are right about that. Cutting the pattern pieces smaller can actually increase the size of the arm holes. I would be inclined to make it exactly according to the pattern, and then try it on her. Depending on how it fit, I would make a second seam, with a greater seam allowance, but instead of dealing with the armholes, I would leave a tiny pleat under each arm. On a pattern this simple (which I saw when you posted it the other day), the pleat will not look strange at all. Plus, when she grows, you can remove the second seam and it will continue to fit her.

brandanaleighana

I agree with Carol's plan and I'm still spitting coffee at the screen over Aileen's comment.

lynnfw1

Thanks ladies. I'm pretty sure I understand your suggestion, which makes me feel a little more confident!

jalapeno_76

Yeah, i'm with Carol... and I always thing "sewers" is water line treatment! LOL

MissPitchy

I was also thinking of a sewer line...and thinking that you had a lot of faith in us for asking our advice on plumbing!