I am glad that I made this as a practice as I made a number of errors. Firstly I cut out a size 20 as my bust size fell between an 18 and a 20 so I went for the larger size, when I make the dress I will cut it at size 18, I took at least a couple of inches out of the bodice while making it up but there are fitting issues and I had to bodge a little dart under the arm to try and bring in the top band and stop it gaping at the side. I didn't follow the pattern at the beginning as I left my instructions at home and should have paid more attention as I feel the ill-fit could be due to me not having picked up on something early on.
On a more positive note I was pleased with the way the zip went in but I was a bit mean with the seam allowance so it was very slightly exposed when it was on and I am happy to report that I did not suffer with zip fear, I did have this page of my blog open to refer to and that was a great help. It was my first go at making straps and I was happy with the way the came together, it was certainly a wearable garment.
I was lucky to get plenty of time to sew in the last couple of weeks but I don't feel that I put it to best use, I spent far too much time pinning on the next pieces and standing in front of my bedroom mirror to see how it looked. I need to stop second guessing and just follow the instructions given and to just get on with it.
My next sewing project is going to be the same pattern but as a dress, this time I am going to take heed of all the markings on the pattern to avoid any underarm bodges, there will be less time spent in front of the mirror and more time in front of my sewing machine!
What are you sewing at the moment? are you making anything for your holidays? Have you got any horrors stories of trims that have ruined your finished garments?
Oh no! I'm so sorry that happened! I don't suppose you can pass it off for a bit of ombre or tie-dye? :)
ReplyDeleteI've used Shout Colour Catchers very effectively in the past; I think this might be the same thing: http://www.colourcatcher.co.uk/
I highly recommend giving it a try! The ones I have bought in the US have been able to handle a red dress in a load with light coloured clothing and no bleeding!
You are a genius Sandra Helsley, I hadn't thought about a rescue attempt,I will scour the supermarket tonight after work.
ReplyDeleteSandra, you need to think about buying a dressmaking dummy. The most difficult thing as a sewer is to fit an outfit on yourself. A dressmaking dummy does take some of the guess work out of how it will look or fit on you.
ReplyDeleteMy mother used to place salt in the wash when she was uncertain whether the colours would bleed. I would think that white vinegar could do the same job.
Good on you. Good work.
Sandra, you need to think about buying a dressmaking dummy. The most difficult thing as a sewer is to fit an outfit on yourself. A dressmaking dummy does take some of the guess work out of how it will look or fit on you.
ReplyDeleteMy mother used to place salt in the wash when she was uncertain whether the colours would bleed. I would think that white vinegar could do the same job.
Good on you. Good work.
God I wish I had the ability and fine motor skills to sew, once I made some bunting that took about 2 years! Anyway instead I just live vicariously through others' beautiful projects :-)
ReplyDeleteSandra Helsley I have brought the rescue package, fingers crossed and I will give an update.
ReplyDeleteSandra D, I am contemplating getting a dummy but the price at the moment is holding me back, I will remember the salt tip for next time, loving the vintage tips for vintage haberdashery
Thrifted Treaasure, I heartily recommend going to a sewing class it has made such a difference to my sewing
Hi Sandra, look online for instructions on how to make your own duct tape dummy. Looks interesting to do.
ReplyDeleteHa ha Sandra D, I have seen those on Pinterest, a few rolls of duct tape would certainly be more affordable plus has massive entertainment value
ReplyDelete