Monday, November 29, 2010

I Sense a Glitch in My Sew-Along Plan

So, I finally sat down to work out a sew-along schedule for Crepe, and realized I must have been smoking some serious crack when I said we'd be done in time for Christmas. I worked out this preliminary schedule, which is pretty tight, and it has us finishing in early January.
  • Week of 12/6: Make bodice muslin and work out any fitting issues
  • Week of 12/13: Cut out underlining and fashion fabric, attach underlining to fashion fabric, apply interfacing to facing pieces, stay neckline with silk organza
  • Week of 12/20: Stitch darts, Join bodice at shoulders, join facings at shoulders, sew in sleeve facings, join bodice side seams
  • Week of 12/27: Holiday break
  • Week of 1/3: Stitch waist ties, stitch neck facing, sew skirt front, sew skirt backs, pockets, sew skirt side seams, finish back skirt edge, join bodice and skirt, hem skirt
Now, sew-alongers. I know some of you wanted to make this as a Christmas dress. In which case, I will have utterly failed you. But does this schedule still work for the majority of you? Or should I try to get up the muslin post this week so that you can start in on your muslins asap? Or are you all just too busy around the holidays and would prefer a looser schedule, even if that means finishing later in January?

Help me, Sew-Alongers. What should we do? Honestly, I feel terrible. I hope we can work out a good solution!

P.S. Hey, I made a Flickr pool for the Crepe Sew-Along! Come join and upload your fabric pics!

94 comments:

  1. Well, I personally had planned a christmas dress so if you can manage a tighter schedule I'd be delighted.

    But if not, well, the dress will be equally cute in January. :-)

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  2. oh gertie ~ i am only speaking for myself but i am actually quite relieved that the schedule is a bit longer. christmas is always crazier than i expect and although i am pretty confident with my sewing i would rather not rush and botch this dress up.

    i would post my fabric on flickr but it is black rayon twill so it will just look like a square of black. i'll let you all imagine it...

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  3. as a newbie I'd rather take the time to do it as you've outlined - that said, you could still do a tighter schedule if necessary, and I'll just follow at my own pace.

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  4. Oh yes, don't rush it. I am sick right now, do I don't feel like sewing anyway. Plus, I am not even sure I have the right fabric, I don't have any lining fabric at all and no idea where to get the silk organza. See, I am way less prepared than you.

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  5. I had planned to wear it for Christmas, but honestly, though I really will appreciate the bodice/muslin fitting week, I can finish the rest myself. Please retain the longer schedule if most people want that.
    I'm getting really excited!!!!!!!!

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  6. I'm all in favour of a more relaxed schedule - there was no way I was going ot get this done before Christmas, no matter how fast the rest of you guys were going! :)

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  7. As this is my first time sewing a dress, I would prefer a more relaxed schedule. But if overall preference is for a tighter schedule, I'll follow at my own pace :)

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  8. I would much rather have the longer schedule! Longer than you outlined, even. Thanks!

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  9. When I got the pattern I kinda figured it'd take us well into January, and I'm busy with exams etc, and have managed to get a couple of complete beginners to join in the fun. So, selfishly, I'd prefer a slower pace. That said, it would be fine for you to go through the sew-along at your own pace, and then we can catch up as we're able.

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  10. I would feel happier with this schedule or one that had us finish later in January. I had to order the pattern direct from Colette, and it hasn't arrived yet(I'm in England) so I already feel a bit behind! I haven't even bought my fabric yet!
    (My bad, I could have done that without the pattern...).
    I am EXCITED! Thanks so much for doing this!
    I started a blog this week, mainly so I could join in publicly instead of skulking in the shadows as I usually do. I am now a real person as far as the blogworld goes. Go me!

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  11. Gertie, I'm also in favor of this longer/relaxed schedule. Let's not stress ourselves at the holidays, right? That said, I can't wait to get started!

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  12. I'm very happy with a slower pace as I'm keen to do it properly. I have no plans to use the dress for Christmas so it won't affect me!

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  13. I'd love an even more relaxed schedule because of the holidays.

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  14. I'll also put my vote in for a longer schedule, as I'm missing the first week in any case due to being on vacation, but I also figured that I might fall behind at some point and just want to refer to your posts when I've caught up. Please don't feel bad about disappointing anyone, it's so lovely of you to host this and share so much of your knowledge! I'm really looking forward to it.

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  15. Bummer. I was planning on making a Christmas dress and have bought appropriately Christams-y fabric too. And I'm going on vacation the first week of January. :/

    But seeing as the part I was most wanting help with is the muslin/bodice fitting (ie the beginning), mayhap I can sew like mad and get it done early.

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  16. Hi Gertie,
    I plan on doing your Sew Along and then doing Tasia's sew along for the Peplum blouse - she starts on Jan the 10th (I think) so the schedule you have mapped out fits wonderfully for me. But whatever you do, I'll follow along. I plan on posting up my fabric choices up later today. I'm not convinced by the drape of my cotton but I have spent so much on fabric lately I simply cannot justify any more!!
    Glad you're back,
    F

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  17. I have family staying with me over the holidays, plus with all the office and other groups of xmas parties, I'm not going to have any time. I'd really prefer a longer schedule, one with a lot of details for us noobs!

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  18. Just my $.02: I don't mind the extended schedule AT ALL. I was beginning to think I'd just skip the sew-along as my Christmas committments are getting somewhat out of hand and I just agreed to sew a Christmas dress for my neice.

    I'll post my fabric on flickr -- I have some concerns about it's suitability for this project. I could use some feedback!

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  19. I'd like to stay have the timeline stay as is, but that is just my opinion. You have to do the work first, so its up to you really. Good luck with your decision.

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  20. I'm planning on making this dress at least a couple of times and I'm happy following the early bits with you, and then charging along separately over that last week so that it's ready in time for Christmas. I'm not a pocket person anyway, nor am I a newbie (and I can pick up tips on that last bit for the second version of my dress in January!).

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  21. I'm very happy with the schedule you've made, I'd rather make a great dress for January than make a not-so-great dress for Christmas!

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  22. I don't mind a longer schedule either. Better a well-planned and made dress than a rushed one, I think. :)

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  23. Longer schedule would really help me out!

    Rebekah

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  24. I'm all for the slower schedule!

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  25. Like the majority of sew-alongers I prefer the slower schedule. The bodice muslin is the bit I really don't want to miss. Can't wait! x

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  26. I would prefer a more relaxed schedule, as I was pretty sure that skill and time would not allow me to keep up with getting it done for Christmas. However, if you decide to go with a tighter schedule that will be fine. I'll just follow along at my own pace.

    I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my fabric. Hope I chose well!

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  27. I'm happy with the slow and steady schedule! The holidays do get in the way....

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  28. I hadn't planned on a Christmas dress, and I'm a scarily bad beginner, so I'm voting for the looser schedule.

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  29. Yes, please, on the slower schedule!! As you have laid out is fine, or an end of January finish is fine for me also.

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  30. Sounds like I'm with the majority in preferring the looser/slower schedule. I'm a complete newbie, and live in a pretty cold climate where wearing a light-weight cotton dress in December would be the height of insanity. I'd always planned on this dress being a summer-weight. That said, whatever YOU want to do is ok by me. I'll follow along somehow :)

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  31. Slow and steady works for this newbie. Also, feel free to dumb down the posts to about a third-grade level. Did I mention newbie? ; )

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  32. Let's take our time! I'm slow. I don't even have the proper fabric yet. Silk organza? Hum. Is there an alternative? I have muslin and cotton. But, to answer your question....I like your schedule as it is. Let's relax this holiday!

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  33. I vote for the slower schedule.

    Those of you who are going to run ahead and finish by Christmas - post lots of pictures to inspire us!!!

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  34. I was really hoping to make this dress for Christmas, but I wasn't 100% sure that I would manage. That being said, I really need the most help with the fitting part, so if you can get the muslin post up sooner, I can charge ahead with the rest. Like a few other readers, I plan on making several versions of this dress, so I can pick up tips for my next dress!

    Also, looking at your schedule, the last week seems pretty ambitious, especially since hemming can be tricky, particularly for beginners.

    Finally, a question. How much ease is generally allowed in Colette patterns? I am so used to the big four that I am not sure what size to make.

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  35. Another newbie here. Would love the schedule to be a bit more relaxed. Sounds like I'm not the only one. :)

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  36. I was going to vote for the faster schedule to get the dress ready in time for Christmas... but then I realized I already have a different dress I'm making for Christmas. Silly me.

    Slow and steady seems to be winning anyhow. :)

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  37. Having two little ones to wrangle every day, I vote for the more relaxed schedule, as well. :) It's easier to sew ahead if you have the skill & desire, but it is quite difficult if you find yourself having to keep up.

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  38. Like Corina, I live in a cold climate, so I'm in no hurry to wear a summery cotton dress. Slow is fine with me!

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  39. Frankie says RELAX!!

    :) People are so so so busy around the holidays, often busier than they thought they might be. You do so so much work for all your posts, which we really appreciate...so please don't stress yourself out about changing the dates and/or trying to get it all done before xmas. Thanks Gertie! We <3 you and all the work you do for us!!!!

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  40. I've personally never liked sew alongs since my schedule changes so much anyway, but it's good to see what you guys can come up with as a group, especially if the steps and variations are documented.

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  41. I'm ok with the extended schedule, too. I'm more comfortable with the slower pace. Less panic = better product in my book!

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  42. This is my first garment, so a more relaxed schedule is perfect for me! If you do decide to speed it up I will just follow along at my own pace. Thank you so much for doing this. I ordered my fabric last week & am so excited to get it!

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  43. I think I'm going to sit the crepe out for now. :( I bought fabric a while ago, I might return it or just hang on to it. But the whole thing is super overwhelming to think about for some reason right now - even with the relaxed schedule!

    I know I was one of the people who asked about finishing in time for Christmas. So don't rush on my account!

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  44. Personally, I'm not planning this as a Christmas dress, so it's no problem for me, but I also don't mind if I get a little behind your posts and finish after the sew-along is over, either.

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  45. Definitely a looser schedule - I'm too busy sewing Christmas presents at the moment anyway.

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  46. I'm all for a relaxed schedule...even with the schedule you posted, I'll still probably be a bit behind, but I don't want to rush this process...And thanks for doing this - looking forward to learning lots from you!!!

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  47. I'd rather go slow and do it right!

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  48. I wasn't planning to have it done by Christmas, so I am relieved that it won't be a speedy sew-along. On the other hand, I was hoping to have the dress done by Thursday, Jan. 6. Why that specific date? I'll be flying out the following day, to attend a friend's wedding that weekend, and I wanted to have a pretty Crepe dress to wear for the occasion. I may be able to finish the dress according to the current timetable, but I'm also a really slowpoke beginner, so the reality might be that I may not finish in time anyway. My selfish vote is to stay with the current schedule, but it's cool if the schedule becomes longer and more relaxed. I'd rather have a well-made dress in the end, than wear a badly made dress to my friend's wedding!

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  49. Personally this dress is too simple to take a month over, but I did want to follow some of your techniques that go "off pattern". But I think the first couple weeks will have the bulk of information that will be useful to me. I'll probably go ahead and finish on my own as I planned to wear this in December.

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  50. I'm in favor of the longer schedule.

    I'm a newbie as far as fitting and adjusting goes. (I'm the person who wrote you about whether a flat chested person could feasibly use this pattern.)

    I think that the more experienced sewers will be able to barrel ahead and finish faster if they want to.

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  51. works fine for me...the fabric I chose is certainly not winter appropriate!

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  52. Tut Tut - Smoking crack and sewing.

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  53. I can't really wear cotton lawn in the MN winter, so I'm fine with the longer schedule. I somehow already imagine being chastised for "reading ahead of the class" like I was in grade school, but you're not really the stern chastising type, nor are you a nun.

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  54. This definitely works for me...Christmas is insanely busy around here!

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  55. I am another vote for the longer schedule. I'm looking forward to it! My fabric is purchased, but not yet photographed; I'll work on that.

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  56. Ooh, I would appreciate the longer schedule. I'm having some trouble finding supplies locally and must wait for them to ship!

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  57. Hi Gertie, I'm not going to be taking part in the sew along just yet (got a mountain of planned projects to do first) but I really think you should go for a more relaxed schedule for your own sanity! You need to enjoy your Christmas too! Thanks for all your hard work on your blog - it's played a big part in getting me into sewing.

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  58. Finish in late January. sewing is supposed to be fun.

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  59. I'll throw in my opinion as well: I have much more free time over the holidays than I do in early January (I'm a professor). I was hoping to make the whole dress over our school break, so the current schedule or a faster one would be great for me.

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  60. Aaahh, a sigh of relief! I am relieved, slow is good, let's get it right, and I am keen to follow your techniques. Love your blog Gertie, keep being you!

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  61. Slow is better - I'd rather enjoy making this than rush through it.

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  62. Relax, Relax, Relax!!! Go slow Gertie, it's much better for the soul.

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  63. I will be getting behind since I won't be sewing for at least 2 of those weeks anyways so it doesn't bother me. Mine is for Easter anyways so I've got till late April. Let's hope it doesn't take me that long though.

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  64. Oh my, well I had planned it as a Christmas dress BUT as I look at your written schedule I realize that would be much too ambitious for this busy Mom of 2 to complete it in time anyways :) so slower is saner and better for me.

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  65. I'm good with the January finish. I have Cutwork Software classes starting up this week (2 nights/week) so I'll be busy doing that along with getting 4 quilts on the frame and completed as soon as humanly possible.

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  66. I was personally planning on this being my christmas dress, and I would really appreciate it if we could start sooner. But if everyone else would prefer a looser schedule I can always finish the dress on my own.

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  67. Longer schedule would be lovely:)

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  68. A longer schedule would certainly suit me and some of the other Aussie gals I know who are planning to follow along. We're still waiting for our patterns to arrive from the US.

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  69. Hi Gertie, thanks for being so thoughtful! I'd prefer the timeline you posted here, or a looser/more extended one. As you say, the holidays are generally pretty hectic; I didn't know if I'd be able to maintain pace and complete it by Christmas since I only have 2 days off for the holidays. This lightweight dress won't be worn until at least springtime (I'm in Montreal, it's cold!) so I feel no need to rush.

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  70. I like the longer schedule since I am traveling for the holidays. I actually can't wait though. I cut out the pattern yesterday.

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  71. Longer!! I am really busy for the next few weeks - so I had planned to follow you in my own time and stretch it through Jan anyway. :)

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  72. This will be the first thing I have tried to sew in more then 20 years, I like many of the other newbies would really like a slower pace so I have time to make mistakes.

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  73. I think the more relaxed schedule is a good idea. It's better to take the time to make a great garment than to rush and not be completely satisfied. Also, I hope that a slower schedule won't make you feel rushed to produce tutorials/explanations, as I'm sure you're busy during this season (and are leading the sewalong out of the goodness of your heart!).

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  74. I like the timetable you've set out in your post. January suits me just fine. I'm very much looking forward to this sew-along!

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  75. Oh, I'm definitely in the please go s..l..o..w..w..er team. I've got kids and a job!! It's winter! Colds will come!! But I really want to do this one.

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  76. I have to agree with most of the other sew-alongers that a longer timeline would be better for me. I'm quite nervous about making and adjusting the muslin, so a relaxed schedule would be great!

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  77. I'm all for relaxing the schedule as fitting the muslin always takes loads more time than I think it will :)

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  78. I'm still waiting for my pattern to arrive so a longer schedule is fine.
    I had planned to joined the Lady Grey Sew Along - even bought the pattern and joined the flickr group - then work got crazy and I had no hope. So I am really, really looking forward to joining in this time.
    Does anyone see a problem with making this a reversible dress? I haven't seen the pattern yet so I'm not sure if it would work. There are just so many gorgeous fabrics out there it seems a shame to make a lining that won't be seen.

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  79. I'm in the leisurely pace faction for sure. I'm an experienced sewer but have never done a sew along and don't want to miss any of it. Question -- I bought rayon challis -- one of the new Westminster Liberty prints (blue millfiore) and am not sure what to use for lining or the sash. I like the idea someone had about making the dress reversible. Ideas would be very appreciated.

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  80. I'm with AntQueen (literally, we've got a group of Aussies gals all along the East Coast doing this!) - whle we'd love to wear a new dress for our hot summer Christmas, we're all a bit rusty, still waiting for the pattern and I'm sure all happy to plod along a little slower.

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  81. I'm also in for the slower schedule. We've got 2" snow here now and the cold is kicking in already. Plus I'll have quite a time fitting the bodice. Never thought I'd need a doctor to tell me my fitting issues are not due to lack of skill but simply to being quite crocked all over. Not to be noticed right away but enough to make fitting a pain in ...

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  82. Since I will be going on Holiday from December 23rd I would not have made this dress as my Christmas dress anyway!

    I won't have any access to a sewing machine for ten days while we're on a cruise ship... Plus there's the Sencha blouse pattern hangin' around my house as well.

    Considering those factors, I will use your brilliant tutorials probably a bit later on and will not be able to fully participate in the sew-along/finish my dress in time with all of you guys anyways (since I won't be back till early January).

    So, for me personally: no big deal!
    Love your blog and so looking forward to the sew-along!

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  83. Might I suggest a compromise? If you can rush the muslim/fitting post and post it soon, those of us planning christmas dresses can stike out from there on our own, and the rest following as a slower pace.

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  84. Good thinking. I hope you will guide us through a SBA for this dress- I keep asking them to grow, but I don't think they are listening.

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  85. Definitely a longer schedule. Holidays have a way of taking over one's life, especially if you're the one doing all the family entertaining.

    Maybe even start in January?

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  86. I was hoping for a Chrismas dress! But once we've done the bodice fitting I'll be able to continue by myself, so don't rush the timetable.

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  87. Prehaps this is an opportunity. Some of the more experienced girls who want to run ahead for christmas could prehaps collaborate and take pictures that could go in a "coming attractions" post for those of us who are feeling new, tentative and overwhelmed?

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  88. Longer scheudule please. I'm a novice and was very excited about having the assistance! If not, I will try my best to keep up! Thanks!

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  89. I'm fine with a looser schedule. Whatever you decide, I'll play along at home at my own pace anyway =P

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  90. I'm excited about the slower schedule! I am going away for three weeks over Christmas so I'm happy if I am not missing too much!! But either way works, I'll just catch up with your posts!

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  91. Seeing how I have barely started the Lady Grey... yeah, this is fine.

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  92. I would prefer a looser schedule because I have my Christmas gifts still to sew up!! However, since it is via blog posts, I can sew along slower if necessary and refer to previous posts when I get to them.

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  93. The more spaced out schedule would be great. I've gotten myself tied up in a project for my honey (Snorlax pajamas, awwwww yeah), so I'm not in a rush to move forward. I haven't even settled on a fabric yet.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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