Construction of the Gorgeous Pussy Bow Blouse began today, and thanks to three little tips - one from Colette Patterns and two from Pattern Runway - I've just made the best-looking collar of my life! So of course I wanted to share the tips with my sewing friends! The blouse pattern recommends that if you have very sheer fabric (as I do), it's best to interface both pieces of the collar and collar stand. That way the seams won't show through on one side, and it makes ironing much easier. Brilliant! Colette Snippets posted a tip a while ago about sewing curves. As you approach the curve, shorten the stitch length and of course, slow down. I've been doing this since I read the tip a few weeks ago, and it has really made a difference to my curves: Finally, Pattern Runway suggests that when sewing the collar pieces together, rather than sewing to a sharp point, shorten your stitch length as you approach the point, then stop one stitch short of the point and make a diagonal stitch over the the next edge. (Better seen on the above photo.) I did this both on the seam and on the edgestitching after I'd turned the collar, and I'm amazed at the difference it made! I didn't have to poke around to make the collar point nearly as much as I usually do! I'm only about one fourth of the way into the pattern, but so far I'm very impressed; it's very straightforward and full of tips. I'm really taking my time on this one, and enjoying every minute!