special guest appearance by Charlie |
Well, my sewing challenge was not complete, for various reasons, including multiple sewing machine failures and my never-ending ability to make excuses for myself, but I did get a few things done! Three pieces in total for my challenge, which is way more than last year when I finished.....one! Here it is, plus a special bonus--my Christmas dress!
My green collar confection blouse was a total wadder (I might revisit it at another, less frustrating time), but my gourmet skirt was more of a success. The gored skirt went together easily, and the angled pockets are adorable.
That said, there are some definite fit issues with the waistband of the skirt. If I were to make the same thing again, I would definitely interface the waistband, as it went from slightly-loose to barely-staying-put within just a few hours of wear. I generally skip interfacing because I find it makes everything too stiff for my liking, but this was definitely a time when it was needed. I would also likely go down one full size in the waistband.
too wide in the waist! |
Positives besides the phenomenal pockets, and the fact that my plaid matches almost perfectly at the seams? The hips fit well and I love the shape of the skirt. Plus, I'm just glad I finally pulled myself together to sew it up!
And as a bonus, I want to share with you all the other thing I managed to pull myself together and sew this season: my fabulous (easy!) Christmas dress. This is NOT a remnant or a stash project--that's what makes it bonus!
I really wanted a 50s-hostess-esque velveteen cupcake dress for Christmas, after seeing a few variations on the theme in boutiques and on rockabilly clothing websites. And I found the perfect fabric, Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush. AND I had a Visa giftcard burning a hole in my pocket. The only thing I didn't have was time; the fabric came only three days before my work Christmas party, so I only had 2 evenings to do the whole thing. With that in mind, I chose a Very Easy Vogue pattern. I highly recommend this line to beginning seamstresses, or more experienced sewers who are in a time crunch. They sew up so easily and quickly, but the designs are always solid, with nice details that set them apart. For example, the pattern i used has a lovely deep V in the back.
I chose 8615, which is a "Custom Fit" pattern, meaning you choose your cup size in the bodice. I made the 18 in a C cup as a muslin, and ended up having to completely re-cut the bodice into a B--be warned that the bust measurements are all for a fuller, rounder bust. I made the shorter view, and cropped the sleeves a bit shorter than the given 3/4 I wore it with a crinoline and a purchased belt, and it was a huge hit--I loved it! Definitely felt like a cheery holiday cupcake.
I LOVE YOUR DRESS.
ReplyDeleteALOT.
AND A LOT.
also my truck looks horrible without a liner.
Oh I so covet that dress! Nicely done- maybe I need to add 'with truck' to my 'with dog' pictures!
ReplyDeleteI am jealous of your skirt. Almost 2 years later. The facts were these.
ReplyDelete