Friday 13 March 2015

Yeah for Buttons!



Fabric: Cotton with printed buttons on it. I would say the fabric and pattern match very well, as this pattern was designed by Tilly and the Buttons.

Pattern: Megan Dress by Tilly and the Buttons featured in Tillys book Love at First Stitch. This pattern tempted me because it has gathered sleeves. It meant I wouldn't need to do any sleeve alterations because there is space for my shoulders. I also love the fit under the bust.



Size: I'm a size 2 for the bust, a size 3 for the waist and between sizes 3 and 4 for the hips. Thus when tracing the pattern I graded between the sizes.

Fitting: Before cutting into the fabric, I did my usual tissue paper adjustment - a forward shoulder adjustment of 5/8" - and then "tried the tissue paper on". As the tissue seemed to fit, I went ahead and cut the fabric. Something I usually wouldn't do. I'm known for being patient and making many muslins. But this time all I wanted to do was sew! Do you know that feeling?



Construction: As I was sewing with cotton the sewing itself was no problem and Tilly's instructions are also very clear. But because I was fitting the dress when sewing, it took me about one weekend to make it. I made a couple of more changes: sway back adjustment of 5/8" on back bodice and skirt; shaved off the curves for the hips on both back and front skirt.

I lined the bodice with some polyester lining to prevent it clinging to my underwear. I didn't line the skirt as I've made a half slip recently which I can wear underneath - theoretically. I shortened it and it is still too long and peeks out when I sit down.



I really like the dress, however, sadly there are a couple of problems. Firstly, it is too short which becomes apparent when I sit down. This is the reason why I can't wear the dress in public or only to parties where you don't sit down, haha. Secondly, the back is a bit too tight and I have problems moving the arms forward. So for my next version, I will do a broad upper back adjustment. Moreover, the bust dart is (as always) sitting too high, so it will be moved down by half an inch.

Do I like it? I really like the style of the dress and think it suits my shape well. It means there will be further Megan Dresses in the near future, yeah.


13 comments:

  1. It's a very cute dress. :) I love the button print!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alessa! I usually wouldn't go for a beige color, but couldn't resist the buttons!

      Delete
  2. I completely sympathise with the shoulders issues (although I seem to have wide shoulders with a narrow back. Hmmmm...) so I hope you manage to resolve it for your next version. Like you say it's a lovely shape so definitely worth making again.

    Love the button print and I'm very impressed with your invisible zip. I've only inserted an invisible zip once and the waist seam went completely wonky, haha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always find shoulders and back are hard to fit because I'm not sure that I have identified the right issue. I've attended a fitting class before and was told to have a narrow back. But so far, I mostly added fabric to the back and didn't take any out.
      The invisible zip is the only one I can insert from all the options that are out there. I hand baste the zip with thread before doing the actual stitching. At this step I make sure that waist seam matches and that usually works really well :)

      Delete
  3. The buttons are really cute - it's a shame that the dress is a bit short! I'm sure you'll work out the little niggles on your next version though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm determined to turn this dress into a TNT pattern :) So fingers crossed for my next versions! I've been actually inspired by your lovely dresses to go for more patterned fabric now :)

      Delete
  4. Lovely dress. I was about to comment how lovely the fit was especially across your lower back but I know what you mean if it doesn't feel quite right. Good luck with your adjustments. I've only made a Mimi blouse from the book as yet, but I'm very tempted by this dress now I've seen yours. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks ooobop! I'm having major fitting issues with the Mimi blouse. I attempted to fit it a couple of month ago and gave up. I've just taken the muslin out again (inspired by some lovely drapey fabric I got) and hope to get the fit right this side. I hope you are going for the dress. It is such a great shape and fast to sew :)

      Delete
  5. I think it looks great despite the fitting issues :) Such a cute print :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ahhh what beauty, it really does suit you Ella, great choice of print too. I totally get the "i wanna Sew" sometimes you just gotta go for it to get that fix :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cute dress! I like the print, the bottons seem to sparkle on that neutral beige :) I see your fitting issues in the back and think your dress is also a bit tight on your breast. Maybe one size bigger would fix the issues?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Casino Games For All Ages - DrMCD
    With the release of 김제 출장안마 our Casino Online Games 창원 출장마사지 for Your Computer, you 서산 출장마사지 can play casino games online for fun. Read 용인 출장샵 on! With over 20 different games at one time, 서귀포 출장안마

    ReplyDelete
  9. Still tingling from cumming.

    ReplyDelete

Related posts

related posts plugin for wordpress, blogger...