Thank you so much for posting the step-by-step process with detailed photos. I have a ribbon trim book with this design included, and this particular pattern was one I wanted to try. They call it "Shell Smocking." The instructions are written but the only stitch diagram shown is confusing to me. I've tried to figure it out on a few different occasions but never succeeded and remember feeling completely frustrated.

Your detailed diagrams make this design process crystal clear. So very much appreciated.

I really can't stand Josh--he's so arrogant and obnoxious. I think Anya has a fresh approach and innate style, but Viktor is by far the most experienced and qualified designer/sewist.

Project Glue (Tim) Gun... Stitchy, that's really funny and on target! ;-D

I don't understand why they keep teaming people up in these pretty idiotic challenges. I'd like to see realistic projects that show off the talent of design and construction of each person instead of highlighting a ridiculous aspect of fashion. I mean stilts, pet products...c'mon!!

I'd much rather see designers showing off their own unique styles and technical skills. And why are the judges so amazed when the teams don't get along--Tim sees problems and hears issues when he walks in the workroom, and I'm sure he reports something back to the judges.

I think the quality of inspiration and skill level is distinctly lower than in previous seasons, and the judges just get more demanding, meaner and put up challenges that are all but impossible especially in those outlandish time frames--and then they are brutally cruel in their comments.

I though it was pretty disgusting that when Olivier collapsed, no one even gave a damn. Don't these supposed geniuses in their field know physical exercise might not be appropriate for some contestants depending on some medical conditions they might have? It seems to me their attorneys should have advised them not to do something as stupid as forcing people to race around a track and risk getting sued. Haven't they heard of the disclaimer saying something to the effect always be sure to check with your physician before starting any exercise.

It amazes me that your brain can be both so creative (right brain) and yet so analytical (left brain.) My brain is 95% creative and 5% good organizational skills, period!! Math and this type of analytical thinking is so difficult for me to comprehend or formulate.

I can imagine and visualize my garment as if it was coming down a runway toward me. If it's knitting, I can even create my vision quite successfully. But when it comes to sewing, the technical skills required to turn projects into "meticulously" sewn end products sadly still escape me.

Wow, I admire your amazing talents and am so impressed with how you deductively reason out your vision to construct each garment to perfection. You're so fortunate to have it all--creative, technical & business savvy and smarts.

My comment and the tip I'd like to share is particularly directed to WillaMcNeill (above) who said her tip was to have a magnet near her sewing.

I was warned by the commpany that sold me my computerized Janome that a magnet near a computerized machine can totally ruin it!! So I've always kept my magnetic pin holder a pretty far distance from my machine. Heeding this warning, I quit using the magnetic fabric guide which I had always previously used on my former Kenmore non-computerized machine even though it was so very user-friendly and convenient. HTH

First I used paper to get the concept, then I used a large towel, next I tried pinning it with pretty black velvet. I didn't bother to sew anything because mine is not at all attractive--in fact, it looks butt ugly--and that's hard to do with black velvet!!

Guess I won't be making a pink print version for the little fashionista niece afterall.

Sew Anxious:
You did a great job describing this (although it doesn't seem to match the original instructions of taking the bottom points up first.

But where do the arms come out? Are they poking out at the top of the shoulders - point A to B and point E to F?

The finished photo doesn't seem to look like that's where the person's arms and wrists would be.

I feel better that other people seem to be as clueless as I am...

I'm pretty much a blithering idiot when it comes to understanding instructions. It seems like the one step missing is always the one element or technique I just don't "get."

I understand this description after using paper to figure out what's going on. It seems to me one key is to use a soft, drapey fabric so your arms can poke out comfortably and be completely functional from that folded over seam.

Any advice on how to change the dimensions to make this for an average size 9-year-old? I need a quick gift.

I think Mondo and Andy are the most talented, versatile designers and sewists. Frankly, I was surprised that the judges raved about Michael C's dress as much as they did because it just didn't seem all that unique in styling to me. What's so different and unusual about his halter neckline? In fact, from the front, it struck me throughout the show that Gretchen was wearing the same, or a very similarly-designed halter blouse. Anyway, for me, Michael's dress had strong echoes of minimalist Halston styles from way back when.

For some reason, pinking shears never cut well for me--even brand-new, and a quality brand, they don't cut nice sharp points. I've given up on them...

I think "duck-billed" scissors work well for grading one edge of a seam so that you don't accidentally catch the other side.