Fashion
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Altering an Unflattering Dress
When I originally bought this dress from Ann Taylor, I didn’t inspect the fit as well as I should have. Totally my fault, I fell in love with the stripes and the shirtdress style combined, so I was blinded to the issues that were quite apparent that made the dress rather unflattering. While not too terrible, there were some serious issues. Circled in blue is the waist seam actually level. To do this, I had to pin up the back on the dress form otherwise it would sag in the back (highly improper for my body type unless it there is an empire in the front). This lead to a…
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Pattern Review: Simplicity 9104
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?It definitely did. Though I did make some rather major cosmetic changes. The construction minus those cosmetic changes was rather close to the pattern. I did completely change out the sleeves and added an underlining as well. Were the instructions easy to follow?Quite easy – this is actually a pretty simple dress! What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like how easy it is to fit the dress. I usually have to make a FBA, and it was simple to do this with just adding in an inch or so to…
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Pattern Review: Butterick 4790
Pattern Description:Misses Walk-Away Wrap Dress: Three pattern pieces, darted in front and back, with back waist and shoulder seams. Back wraps around to the front for a sheath-and-overskirt look. A: Contrast back and skirt. Bias tape finished edges.Circa 1952 Pattern Sizing:8-14 & 16-22. I made a 16 with a bust of 18. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?For the most part. The skirt on the pattern envelope is much more stiff, but that’s all because of the fabrics I used. Were the instructions easy to follow?They were so easy that I read through just the pictures once and then…
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The Great Big List of Stuff!
Starting sewing is intimidating, especially when you’re going through rows and rows of sewing notions in Joann Fabrics. I’ve distilled those walls into a list of the basics you’ll need to get started and with the ‘advanced’ tools you will likely want to acquire over time if your needs call for them. Click on the pictures for links! Taking care of your machine is priority #1. You’ll need to keep it properly oiled and continually remove lint so the machine action can work uninhibited. You’ll want to clean the lint out every 6-12 hours of sewing depending on your fabric. (I’ve had to do this up to once every hour…
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The Wedding Dress
Pattern: Vogue 8943 Pattern Description: Dress has bias shoulder and armhole binding, fitted bodice, scalloped lace-edged neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, waistband yoke, flared skirt and purchased ribbon belt. Fitted slip has shoulder straps, and side slits. A, B: French darts, underlined and back zipper. Pattern Sizing: 16 and then scaled down to fit. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yup. Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy – and exceptionally simple too, just a lot of precision. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the couture elements – finishing off the edges with lace trim and all the…
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The Wedding Dress
One fated day before we were even engaged, I decided to sew my wedding dress. While I have cursed and cried and screamed and bled, I could not have asked for or found a more perfect dress for me. Enjoy the show: What on earth was I going to make? What fabric did I want to use? How long did I want it to be? So many questions that literally needed an answer before I started even thinking about sewing my wedding dress. What I wanted: Tea-length, demure, full skirt, vintage feel, sleeves, a higher neckline or illusion neck, not white, and a hint of sparkles, but mostly lace. Good…
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Linen Petal Dress Creation
I have a few cuts of fabric that are solely dedicated for when I need a quick filler project to get my sewing fix. Yes, I am addicted, no, no help is needed. These two linen fabrics I’ve had for a while now, and finally decided to put this look together. The petal style skirt was inspired by a look of Michelle Obama’s a few years ago – I love the idea of scallops without the actual hem being curved. The visual interest of this is something that I don’t see in most clothing stores except very expensive ones – because the seams cannot be set by machine, they must…
