Taking in a garment 

Because of so many different styles one can achieve with these patterns, one will most likely need to make adjustments to a finished garment/pattern at one point or another. 

 Example:  For some styles (ex: "bubble" baby doll top), one may wish a smaller width (girth) of fabric, so a person doesn't actually look like a bubble. To make the girth of the fabric smaller, have the subject try it on inside out and pin any excess material off from side seam.  Figure if the top of the garment and bubble hem where shirred needs to be taken in.  If so, pin the amount that needs to be taken in there also. 

Remove top from person and measure material that needs to be taken off. 

Pin that measurement down the entire length of the garment making for a new side seam.

Note:  Make adjustments to your paper pattern if necessary for this particular design. 

Note:  Make sure to match up front and back side seams at top and bottom of garment.

Sewing a new seam   

When sewing a new seam, catch shirring so elastic does not come undone.  To do this, use a very small stitch length and backstitch over each row.  Do not go over them too much or else these can break. 

When finished, pull on elastic to make sure it's caught in garment.  Trim extra off.  Finish seam with a zig zag stitch or serge.