tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483569680747207202024-03-27T06:38:11.564+00:00Ela Sews And Doesn't SleepA quilting and dressmaking blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-22091971896586090142016-02-23T19:53:00.002+00:002016-02-23T19:56:00.676+00:00Notch Collar Jacket in Scuba Jersey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO3cqnFmTnfuLWI2NqaPA2ANZFVp3Njh1j-0VuDMi4-Xx4hOUS6k7Ppno-K7s7peiCYhLmHEB382lu4EEqwynWDgg_MSDpDuQZI9mzTkK7S6rFZdL45vcwlSFkVb4nNuN7GT6s1cjpuf6/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO3cqnFmTnfuLWI2NqaPA2ANZFVp3Njh1j-0VuDMi4-Xx4hOUS6k7Ppno-K7s7peiCYhLmHEB382lu4EEqwynWDgg_MSDpDuQZI9mzTkK7S6rFZdL45vcwlSFkVb4nNuN7GT6s1cjpuf6/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25288%2529.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Be warned: This will be a picture heavy post.<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern: </b>This is the simple sew notch collar jacket. The pattern was part of the <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/learn-to-sew/sewing-news/item/463-issue-21-downloads" target="_blank">Love Sewing magazine issue 21</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGTZRF7czTxnTzFQnEMWCHJywO99vEhqMoHUqDZEj995J3q_E4TNTj6tSSTm4UiZ_II7NgATS0nqSJoqcBbU2rkIzUptLCxec3IRb6KcOf2O4OEWeKtp_uXlBZoRcY-5no4BtjCT3UsRr/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGTZRF7czTxnTzFQnEMWCHJywO99vEhqMoHUqDZEj995J3q_E4TNTj6tSSTm4UiZ_II7NgATS0nqSJoqcBbU2rkIzUptLCxec3IRb6KcOf2O4OEWeKtp_uXlBZoRcY-5no4BtjCT3UsRr/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25284%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> Scuba jersey - I only bought it because of the big purple flowers. I was/am not convinced by the feel of this fabric and I'm still not sure I would like to wear it on my skin. I bought it last summer in Walthamstow market, London. I can't remember the exact price but I don't think it was more than £3.50/meter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5beN8npXmsfiLXXAUnZAewAzwWwxf5N7MCI6arGoc_VLM4YapDVXMzJsscwJRenSdUunjmOmTV8x0s2gr6Ap177fhgq8ovS6rKWwNxrVaG7KqNyTrVOwWcknEZOia42D9G7VpSa11Hq7/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5beN8npXmsfiLXXAUnZAewAzwWwxf5N7MCI6arGoc_VLM4YapDVXMzJsscwJRenSdUunjmOmTV8x0s2gr6Ap177fhgq8ovS6rKWwNxrVaG7KqNyTrVOwWcknEZOia42D9G7VpSa11Hq7/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The friend who was with me when I bought it explained I could make every pattern from it. However, being at home all by myself, I was not that sure anymore and thus the fabric has been sitting in my stash ever since. When the notch collar jacket pattern came along I just knew the jacket would look lovely in that fabric. (it might have helped that the jacket on the magazine cover is also made from a flower fabric, haha)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEKgnv3JVD1JWGCDl8drpvpMrz4jWBMY0o-l4bG-rJDi9Fy8DfryfJyEtNMzcFx2TIgeQI9NR4QL6fLb2cwAultdT9npjFjmOqQoJTyImeuagWE26KcseI7pW6SD_eFRddH7dj5bpR8fI/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEKgnv3JVD1JWGCDl8drpvpMrz4jWBMY0o-l4bG-rJDi9Fy8DfryfJyEtNMzcFx2TIgeQI9NR4QL6fLb2cwAultdT9npjFjmOqQoJTyImeuagWE26KcseI7pW6SD_eFRddH7dj5bpR8fI/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25286%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I was not that sure about the sewing practicalities, as in general jerseys do not press that well and this jacket involves loads of pressing as it has a full facing and a notch collar. But, I had nothing to loose and just plunged in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCZUqLrKXEQ1-mfnkCcORSAUVNBDak_rybsbty_q4ujBBNdl7bw1cGfhqbTvCLbEQyg9_9qEMcdBlfhFAUdaLGvEvXvSxSpMinqv1RRof7MrB_FPSPdfbGdRiegYZcYs7-zpqlG5W9Z17/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCZUqLrKXEQ1-mfnkCcORSAUVNBDak_rybsbty_q4ujBBNdl7bw1cGfhqbTvCLbEQyg9_9qEMcdBlfhFAUdaLGvEvXvSxSpMinqv1RRof7MrB_FPSPdfbGdRiegYZcYs7-zpqlG5W9Z17/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Alterations:</b> I did all the alterations I mentioned in <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/simple-sew-notch-collar-jacket.html" target="_blank">my wearable muslin post</a>, so have a look there if you are interested.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeSALQq2aKRzIhdS0u2DnToGVFqYgyjrITpoTQMtzH58N71NSIabg-Jl01WJaiT-30TtVCGJf6c-I7elmUT4JHkKUfBQ_tzcpVmUhFhmIZ1i-qbBuBgqT-UMp7t9u717qtFGJQTqUJ8ug/s1600/LotsOfThings_0125_edited-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeSALQq2aKRzIhdS0u2DnToGVFqYgyjrITpoTQMtzH58N71NSIabg-Jl01WJaiT-30TtVCGJf6c-I7elmUT4JHkKUfBQ_tzcpVmUhFhmIZ1i-qbBuBgqT-UMp7t9u717qtFGJQTqUJ8ug/s640/LotsOfThings_0125_edited-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Sewing:</b> The jacket was mostly sewn on my overlocker. I only attached the facing and sewed the sleeve hems with my sewing machine. Again, I understitched the facing wherever possible and graded the seams to encourage the facing to fold towards the inside of the jacket. Loads of pressing and steaming was involved as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F1gALnFGhYqDGrJI_TDz2bDAOWqvwie7jZmftI7lDb9s0xV7dfUudjC970wdMVhFTHIkGDsuAp8xHWjNGGyNszyDvRflNid2Q6xpp60TNgNYsqK4bUEZ66_to-cgaAX-vldACAm4Lwao/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F1gALnFGhYqDGrJI_TDz2bDAOWqvwie7jZmftI7lDb9s0xV7dfUudjC970wdMVhFTHIkGDsuAp8xHWjNGGyNszyDvRflNid2Q6xpp60TNgNYsqK4bUEZ66_to-cgaAX-vldACAm4Lwao/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25285%2529.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite my efforts the facing didn't want to stay inside thus I slip stitched it by hand all the way around. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Despite the scuba jersey being on the bulky side, the outline of the jacket looks neat and sharp, yeah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCgkFO8ldU1upMD0gTctde6VsmcI6bSZhXtN_wD9kUZLuPqQXlu1g543YulhrWBM-Ndv7HVJxwPMZweNnZGOk37j8nN8Qg0X3TO8CS_eLOAHLu0qPOY7mHAOU3knUJE-qmsZ19Rg1wB-E/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCgkFO8ldU1upMD0gTctde6VsmcI6bSZhXtN_wD9kUZLuPqQXlu1g543YulhrWBM-Ndv7HVJxwPMZweNnZGOk37j8nN8Qg0X3TO8CS_eLOAHLu0qPOY7mHAOU3knUJE-qmsZ19Rg1wB-E/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Have I worn it yet?</b> Yes, a couple of times. It is the most comfiest jacket ever thanks to the scuba jersey! Freedom of movement! There is only one problem. I don't have clothes to wear the jacket with. Again. The moment I had finished the jacket, I run to my wardrobe and started to pull clothes out only to find that none of them really go with the jacket. The best fit is actually my polka dot Coco.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_OGehUVJColbmOqsisTQKdVh0tA9XYPW8k_ZxlU-WJ4yR2O41_xjA87McpivcNDJDcLVAVl7TuE4ihZJrIjC2Hf2S-zGwKM5LgeyLxUVDyVpaKJV0WRiw4Na-RR9lrCO_cUiH8SZn3Cf/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_OGehUVJColbmOqsisTQKdVh0tA9XYPW8k_ZxlU-WJ4yR2O41_xjA87McpivcNDJDcLVAVl7TuE4ihZJrIjC2Hf2S-zGwKM5LgeyLxUVDyVpaKJV0WRiw4Na-RR9lrCO_cUiH8SZn3Cf/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25281%2529.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing these photographs, it looks like the notches of the collar are different heights. I just had another look <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">at the jacket and they aren't, phew.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How about you? Have you sewn with scuba jersey or are you planning to do so? Please share :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNFJgEqV4WZtDh1ZYdRQlJYH2TDgh6dyGd-GhLCj2eOmOFSUGcz_swv6Ck_4Lt9DfN833Lj6uQAYuhmzb_2GGirum36ClARpqLTrLx0O_LoBsXZ3YVljYGR-yj5LQTsQjbElRwWuYgUUY/s1600/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNFJgEqV4WZtDh1ZYdRQlJYH2TDgh6dyGd-GhLCj2eOmOFSUGcz_swv6Ck_4Lt9DfN833Lj6uQAYuhmzb_2GGirum36ClARpqLTrLx0O_LoBsXZ3YVljYGR-yj5LQTsQjbElRwWuYgUUY/s640/Simply+Sew+Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-58750968984403790622016-02-15T18:00:00.000+00:002016-02-15T18:00:19.718+00:00Bettine in Jersey<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pSlC4Vt681JQ-Wivtdxv_sj9sk6lDzpODqbIXyJGKALNTZ3OEonKXfOrO6tyJ2iGOz66iuZPgBBJdZDLOyrcPFz6k3pVzsU1DBWhvLA98pQ6u8dShCH3LYSNkkJ1B1tqexT5r2_kO4p8/s1600/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pSlC4Vt681JQ-Wivtdxv_sj9sk6lDzpODqbIXyJGKALNTZ3OEonKXfOrO6tyJ2iGOz66iuZPgBBJdZDLOyrcPFz6k3pVzsU1DBWhvLA98pQ6u8dShCH3LYSNkkJ1B1tqexT5r2_kO4p8/s640/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25282%2529.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> Bettine Dress by Tilly and the Buttons.<br />
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> This time I made it in jersey as suggested by Tilly. It is a really thin jersey and I got it for £3/m from Walthamstow market, London. I bought it because I was lured in by the color and the flowers, but was not sure what to make with it. But I think Bettine is the perfect match, because the drapy qualities of the fabric suit Bettine well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-p-8oBfA1WvHuWLyQyo3yhXrXbZaaNFauKk9BWKBErpdypD5kxhV5-MAX4ZYNdeMuPvYztA1qZj9YX5lDUT6ioUqPn9hCV8ehiEhtV-s5RjEUc42RJtjZAMtU3v9bm053Vu39uz1z42/s1600/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-p-8oBfA1WvHuWLyQyo3yhXrXbZaaNFauKk9BWKBErpdypD5kxhV5-MAX4ZYNdeMuPvYztA1qZj9YX5lDUT6ioUqPn9hCV8ehiEhtV-s5RjEUc42RJtjZAMtU3v9bm053Vu39uz1z42/s640/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25284%2529.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Alterations: </b>This is already my third version (see <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/honey-moon-sewing-bettine-dress.html" target="_blank">V1</a> and <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/last-years-bettine-dress.html" target="_blank">V2</a>). My last two versions were made from woven fabric and I had problems with the underarms ripping when bending forwards. So the jersey fabric was kind of a cheat to avoid this! (But don't fret, I'm still determined to solve that problem!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2aG1cB7kxwzowuO_1nIHaNGHUcy399URqjC3mbVhCKtxtFIY8E6I2KZ50vJByLKy6CuCCVW8ALn_8cNRa9QPaYZkpt6OLdHIzUlOrGT_IIIy6MPkmv_M_qtX6PKejv7zrB7sMzGBVQD/s1600/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2aG1cB7kxwzowuO_1nIHaNGHUcy399URqjC3mbVhCKtxtFIY8E6I2KZ50vJByLKy6CuCCVW8ALn_8cNRa9QPaYZkpt6OLdHIzUlOrGT_IIIy6MPkmv_M_qtX6PKejv7zrB7sMzGBVQD/s640/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25285%2529.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
The original pattern comes with a facing, Tilly however, has a <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2015/08/tips-for-making-jersey-bettine-dress.html" target="_blank">tutorial on her blog</a> about how to add the neckband instead of the facing. It is super easy to follow and my neckband turned out great first time. The only thing I'm not 100% happy with, is the hem. I had to iron it for these photos because it is all wonky. The twin needle and thin jerseys are not really good friends in my hand. And I was to lazy to stabilise the hem with fusible interfacing...next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzjRg_gl2a1dYLxmxmS0wR4Heddr9dnM9FdLfgsMPLi0elBRlUrl21IzaN9_bGqVblI8mkUCo-L8rLRLbv9YRN5LWQMMo1Tu3Sh_ftIMjz4Ft46prCfiomA8GZgBJOEVuWj-Bk4OQDosg/s1600/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzjRg_gl2a1dYLxmxmS0wR4Heddr9dnM9FdLfgsMPLi0elBRlUrl21IzaN9_bGqVblI8mkUCo-L8rLRLbv9YRN5LWQMMo1Tu3Sh_ftIMjz4Ft46prCfiomA8GZgBJOEVuWj-Bk4OQDosg/s640/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25283%2529.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Will I make it again?</b> Can I hear you groaning, hehe? I really love this pattern. It is very easy and fast to sew. Even I can manage to make it in one day and that usually never happens! So I will definitively be tempted to make it again come summer *I'm daydreaming here. Warm days, hmmm*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N_Z9bZAShRya8svPD_lSVMK2dQfLCNI6l8wsCpV1ZBwsjCFRvMyvZ0rGyI9LX2oavDgpi26wRsk2GTu87bnH2TaYW8ffuqo3js1AEXnnoNmSnQzOSuC99I8X1vzgUB1lztQxim3aY0Jy/s1600/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N_Z9bZAShRya8svPD_lSVMK2dQfLCNI6l8wsCpV1ZBwsjCFRvMyvZ0rGyI9LX2oavDgpi26wRsk2GTu87bnH2TaYW8ffuqo3js1AEXnnoNmSnQzOSuC99I8X1vzgUB1lztQxim3aY0Jy/s640/Bettine+Dress+Jersey+%25281%2529.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-50608560824690417662016-02-07T15:30:00.000+00:002016-02-07T15:30:05.124+00:00Simple Sew: Notch Collar Jacket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNo5NV1sXei3XK2xsi_VOKuzmwjAY361WoPrK9Ogpahj8kuWZZhhCwTl9dcjsuj6F-u0Di6h25N9FhahmKm4WFfyYgcx8PM2a1WVvFj91oh3XsgyuBrwPGG7Qa4_lQA8O2OK38bYU8Alg/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNo5NV1sXei3XK2xsi_VOKuzmwjAY361WoPrK9Ogpahj8kuWZZhhCwTl9dcjsuj6F-u0Di6h25N9FhahmKm4WFfyYgcx8PM2a1WVvFj91oh3XsgyuBrwPGG7Qa4_lQA8O2OK38bYU8Alg/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last year I was struggling to find sewing inspiration. Even all the beautiful makes I saw on other blogs couldn't inspire me. That changed in December when I got hold of the <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/learn-to-sew/sewing-news/item/463-issue-21-downloads" target="_blank">December issue 21 of "Love Sewing" magazine</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgMmu-d8Tjax6h2P8ixhFK2HwtAa5OvArOlJuNh0bEGjoLhofqqJNkqLAwUoC65nG4pmL3TAm-yziyPq7TX8qSCy-_ioYFDzW34Bz391-SkD-dM9gHthK7mitpYutZ3cWt3rnmrWUu032/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgMmu-d8Tjax6h2P8ixhFK2HwtAa5OvArOlJuNh0bEGjoLhofqqJNkqLAwUoC65nG4pmL3TAm-yziyPq7TX8qSCy-_ioYFDzW34Bz391-SkD-dM9gHthK7mitpYutZ3cWt3rnmrWUu032/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the cover was a beautiful notch collar jacket. It might have helped that there were flowers on the fabric *cough*. And I have a scuba jersey with similar flowers on it. Perfect. The jacket does not have any fastenings, no lining and no complicated collar. So as the pattern says, it should be simple to sew!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a4KQ_uqDE_GtYMD40yAHwiaUTKGZoN_Wj4xIaFhkRxkhTAAyfjGWzSfuC_5xIoZGTGEvL4py0yITJm5TF3Jq9_8u3qxOXkbag_s4oIx_JIF0HfR5rpLZpE2pguaE8mtBoSZcwjrSZuiy/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252812%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a4KQ_uqDE_GtYMD40yAHwiaUTKGZoN_Wj4xIaFhkRxkhTAAyfjGWzSfuC_5xIoZGTGEvL4py0yITJm5TF3Jq9_8u3qxOXkbag_s4oIx_JIF0HfR5rpLZpE2pguaE8mtBoSZcwjrSZuiy/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252812%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, before cutting into my precious scuba jersey, I made a wearable muslin and that's what I'm showing you today. So bear that in mind when spotting the imperfections. If you wonder why I show you this muslin, let me tell you: I love it despite it's imperfections.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Size:</b> I cut a size 8 at the bust, 10 at the waist and 12 at the hips. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ix0BFT1lIRn_nm9U6pwSHpp48NLEEklQKXGmkRkh4fSFFcNpdWzxOIYvgYTmgiuP0_olmCOHEhXhYyc6aWNabDA-euNsST4zG6h0fEHdH31wk9E208qzJsv9kIa-SzckaE1KHZDHQNx7/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252811%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ix0BFT1lIRn_nm9U6pwSHpp48NLEEklQKXGmkRkh4fSFFcNpdWzxOIYvgYTmgiuP0_olmCOHEhXhYyc6aWNabDA-euNsST4zG6h0fEHdH31wk9E208qzJsv9kIa-SzckaE1KHZDHQNx7/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252811%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Fabric:</b> Left-over denim that I bought 6 years ago in Cloth House in Soho, London. Hm, writing this, makes me wonder if I ever washed it, gulp.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Alterations:</b> Before cutting out the pattern, I made some flat pattern alterations. 1) 5/8" forward shoulder adjustment: I added 5/8" to the back shoulder seam and removed the same amount from the front shoulder seam. 2) To accommodate my broad shoulders, I lengthened the shoulder seam line by 1" (ending at size 16 for the shoulder length). Then I redrew the armhole seam line so that it connected with the size 8 seam line at the arm pits. I did that for front and back bodice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0_9-2VzKlPtpFscxToTTkXt4qqfv16wtlY6MJo1fyAyWZiDAjh-JGbhMJ3BojwPyBiDENE1eSzh7ReNED_dIle3ulcKM3paRBYmDYDrh7I77KA2TMcojVtSBfsrc2vIhAmATBno6wS9r/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252810%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0_9-2VzKlPtpFscxToTTkXt4qqfv16wtlY6MJo1fyAyWZiDAjh-JGbhMJ3BojwPyBiDENE1eSzh7ReNED_dIle3ulcKM3paRBYmDYDrh7I77KA2TMcojVtSBfsrc2vIhAmATBno6wS9r/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%252810%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3) Now the question was, which sleeve size do I need? Thus I measured the length of the armhole seam line of the front and back bodice. I also measured the length of the sleeve cap and to my surprise found that the size 8 sleeve cap had only 1/2" ease and would thus nicely fit into my armhole. As I had done a forward shoulder adjustment on my bodice, I also moved the shoulder point on the sleeve cap 5/8" forward. I used <a href="http://phatchickdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/tutorial-altering-sleeve-for-forward.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> by Phat Chick Designs for the forward sleeve adjustment - one of the best ones I've found so far.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Za_yrqF5RfnBzD9R3dGcbDyaX4_2e9_ivenjv1d9BqqCYF1hBbgeYH4haafnfwTxX0A_MxiNOn0FYEnleQ7e5eig00XQbhdDC2G6MVUyEAN_mxrhN79jUHZfmh_YZOHEx2kWvi-zOG_/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Za_yrqF5RfnBzD9R3dGcbDyaX4_2e9_ivenjv1d9BqqCYF1hBbgeYH4haafnfwTxX0A_MxiNOn0FYEnleQ7e5eig00XQbhdDC2G6MVUyEAN_mxrhN79jUHZfmh_YZOHEx2kWvi-zOG_/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) I also moved the bust dart down by 1" which seems to be one of my standard alterations with every pattern I'm sewing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I then cut the jacket and as you might notice from the photographs had more adjustments to do! The problem was that the front bodice was not hanging straight but tilted towards the back. So basically the side seams where running towards the back at the bottom. I managed to solve that problem by pinching out some fabric at the neckline - so these are the darts that you can see on the photographs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo2d7dG0BLzaouXgAhLFBvyRt5PAXTycR52BokB0TTnGaPc7WodOB6EOyabEGiRN_QPZnWQOJ4C58Ti3_jPy_dxvDtnl-OAmttQjApe0ld_MisEA46KeKTd7BtYzNAwoTWCQ_2_39x5x5/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo2d7dG0BLzaouXgAhLFBvyRt5PAXTycR52BokB0TTnGaPc7WodOB6EOyabEGiRN_QPZnWQOJ4C58Ti3_jPy_dxvDtnl-OAmttQjApe0ld_MisEA46KeKTd7BtYzNAwoTWCQ_2_39x5x5/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know they are not the prettiest, but I don't care. They are doing their job and I was able to pinch out the same amount from the paper pattern. I also had to change the facing. As I had the facing already cut, I had to pinch out a dart there as well. Hence the slightly ugliness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Construction:</b> Sewing was straightforward and I finished all seams with my overlocker. The instructions didn't say, but I understitched the facing. I also hand-stitched most of it to the main fabric because it just didn't want to stay inside the jacket. I also attached the pockets, although I have to admit I prefer the jacket without. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFLyUzh6ARqwX7IVTolxZ2YJqjAWFpDsBypwszJo5kXIm_HOgDZJGSej_oIaH-TgqATbwTIfBqFv6d7RIR6B-dL5f5NLqEyx7FEvl5jNEufcPcue0Zg7qE-r_2cOimwHRx4yYWfcH4-5W/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFLyUzh6ARqwX7IVTolxZ2YJqjAWFpDsBypwszJo5kXIm_HOgDZJGSej_oIaH-TgqATbwTIfBqFv6d7RIR6B-dL5f5NLqEyx7FEvl5jNEufcPcue0Zg7qE-r_2cOimwHRx4yYWfcH4-5W/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Have I worn it yet?</b> I have worn the jacket once and have to admit it is not the comfiest one. My arm movements are quite restricted towards the front. It might be because the jacket is made from denim. Or because I have to add some more fabric to the back in the shoulder area. Or both :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaogE-7uySDj0MvgxQKJ2ynZg3lsNxzejeHLrz352daaz21YpNVPgsTGzz1cXdBzM4VFwP4FybfmeI6QbvZ5yU7wRjUZvU2Fyf75C7KO7TA5k05OX4UXdO7inVJ51Vwfnayike3rIlxm6o/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaogE-7uySDj0MvgxQKJ2ynZg3lsNxzejeHLrz352daaz21YpNVPgsTGzz1cXdBzM4VFwP4FybfmeI6QbvZ5yU7wRjUZvU2Fyf75C7KO7TA5k05OX4UXdO7inVJ51Vwfnayike3rIlxm6o/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nonetheless, I really like the jacket, because it goes with so many of my clothes. I'm sure it will get loads of wear as soon as temperatures are rising. I especially like how this jacket looks with <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumn-make-no3-mccalls-shirt-dress.html" target="_blank">my McCalls Shirt Dress</a> that I made 2 years ago - yep it is still alive. So how about you? Would you wear a wearable muslin or a not so perfect garment in public?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy8xW-LrCwjkPB8RdPR50undonIXadzluFw2g2_863caPmkcZi739_0zkdNLqMIl__5-KC-48fIpBIwD3JYp_eJ_fZLsCqIXP0U-aXaf9jYfTREaVNphYDhXrBNMaokiKU8li0011bPiG/s1600/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy8xW-LrCwjkPB8RdPR50undonIXadzluFw2g2_863caPmkcZi739_0zkdNLqMIl__5-KC-48fIpBIwD3JYp_eJ_fZLsCqIXP0U-aXaf9jYfTREaVNphYDhXrBNMaokiKU8li0011bPiG/s640/Love++Sewing_Notch+Collar+Jacket+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-2148440662976185752016-01-31T15:30:00.000+00:002016-01-31T15:30:00.540+00:00Last years Bettine Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwtLPSNmTwJfHTatSAunqqN4BcFeXXCCr-x8_zgz-F-6hX64W0h1Gwv2i7eXV2d2TM1eWJQhHKHedy53D4aAYrfIOfT4AIRfRIvLCGWyodiO39iz_YpfDcUv3U-VruBA21mm4quhwLKKd/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwtLPSNmTwJfHTatSAunqqN4BcFeXXCCr-x8_zgz-F-6hX64W0h1Gwv2i7eXV2d2TM1eWJQhHKHedy53D4aAYrfIOfT4AIRfRIvLCGWyodiO39iz_YpfDcUv3U-VruBA21mm4quhwLKKd/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> Bettine Dress by Tilly and the Buttons. It is already my second version - <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/honey-moon-sewing-bettine-dress.html" target="_blank">my first version</a> I made for our Honeymoon.<br />
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> This time I used a very drapy viscose. I think I got it from Walthamstow Market last autumn. As always when I see a fabric with butterflies on it - I just can't leave without it. I tried, but came back at the end of the shopping trip. I knew immediately that it would be perfect for Bettine!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5Ce97cENhHiEP7k3XvIPpMpFVKT8R_nmSBHTa7J4tbka2t58hu0lXyjGL6gNPEI2S1aplj2tQEi48dhgsskFvYW6UbvB-kDtDJTbLxhl4gQGTAewDNoMKesqtWf3THxCGPapxsYzbJnG/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5Ce97cENhHiEP7k3XvIPpMpFVKT8R_nmSBHTa7J4tbka2t58hu0lXyjGL6gNPEI2S1aplj2tQEi48dhgsskFvYW6UbvB-kDtDJTbLxhl4gQGTAewDNoMKesqtWf3THxCGPapxsYzbJnG/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Alterations:</b> I have some minor fitting issues with my first Bettine. A) it is too short, B) it rips under the arms when I try to bend and stretch forward, and C) the shoulder seams slip backwards. The length was easy to fix, I just added 4 cm to the pattern. For the shoulder seams, I added 1.5 cm to the back shoulder seam tapering to nothing towards the sleeve and removed the same amount from the front shoulder seam. Tapering again to nothing towards the sleeve. As you will see in the photos, the shoulder seam is still slipping backwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi_8d9VgnM8aA0xBhcBNvqWnl8lMfn_l7kHbKpAcCe3vwC3VT4CIJPtVsQQoWOVJxguE-boq3zQsOCjWS_t5aGCXJAPX7gEgZubXn54IG4wzpjfY7LuPo_X2fGyNkrqYcJ3P67iSrY-dT/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi_8d9VgnM8aA0xBhcBNvqWnl8lMfn_l7kHbKpAcCe3vwC3VT4CIJPtVsQQoWOVJxguE-boq3zQsOCjWS_t5aGCXJAPX7gEgZubXn54IG4wzpjfY7LuPo_X2fGyNkrqYcJ3P67iSrY-dT/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, I did a broad upper back adjustment and added 1 cm to the front and back bodice in the shoulder area. I'm not sure if this adjustment is actually the right one for me because I have a narrow back. The problem of ripping underarm seams is not completely solved yet, as they still tend to rip if I'm not careful (although there is some more give). I guess the actual problem are my broad shoulders, so I have to look into fitting these.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlGdHHZlmHEuwAqHaDfbTj4_WD73zgHmN74Mx89CzUEKRjdi_f7Kt1Ro8Pv1uTs1PFDyLRy173_LsKDqBtxmtaHc418qYxLfaqw7yGfkrg1FeB3_Y-VDO5BNgxBoBUMUIZQ7uLV8I74Sm/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlGdHHZlmHEuwAqHaDfbTj4_WD73zgHmN74Mx89CzUEKRjdi_f7Kt1Ro8Pv1uTs1PFDyLRy173_LsKDqBtxmtaHc418qYxLfaqw7yGfkrg1FeB3_Y-VDO5BNgxBoBUMUIZQ7uLV8I74Sm/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
For this version I also added the optional sleeve taps and small white buttons that came from <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/fabric-shopping-in-kiev-and-update-on.html" target="_blank">my Kiev shed find</a>. I didn't make the pocket version as I felt the fabric is not stable enough.<br />
<br />
<b>Have I worn it yet?</b> I did loads in autumn and I really love the fabric. It is super soft! However being so soft can also be disadvantageous. I noticed already that something weird was going on with the fabric when I tried to straighten it before cutting it out. I was using the thread pull method to identify the grain. I did not pull hard but the thread kept breaking. Not snapping but just disintegrating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yxqZsmtTXNHxblkkA_DopRuW1jWr1dKownz79rO7438VUMx4DAng9rg3Wpuz-6xPuM0xUVzFBE6CGsg-DFMsyKb0QB7_OyfDgqAeOidIkmWY527fN8NwyBaVLGON60b3dXzIUjq3_vZO/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yxqZsmtTXNHxblkkA_DopRuW1jWr1dKownz79rO7438VUMx4DAng9rg3Wpuz-6xPuM0xUVzFBE6CGsg-DFMsyKb0QB7_OyfDgqAeOidIkmWY527fN8NwyBaVLGON60b3dXzIUjq3_vZO/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
So, when I was wearing the dress the first time after a couple of hours I noticed pulled threads on the front of the skirt! The culprit was my kitchen table. The wood of the table apparently pulled the threads out. Leaving white spaces behind where the thread had been before. That has never happened to me before. With none of my garments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwnoky58S2phXvDPB7l4032ZK21m35TboRyyH4d0k1C24LpdUHX51y154w9DbJsgDu-JYtOaL6aNprUq-_iluXdb0TuRDDE-MgMx3imIUqxdz1gezIkjqzfviRKQnHEobMsmzyuLfLoIf/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwnoky58S2phXvDPB7l4032ZK21m35TboRyyH4d0k1C24LpdUHX51y154w9DbJsgDu-JYtOaL6aNprUq-_iluXdb0TuRDDE-MgMx3imIUqxdz1gezIkjqzfviRKQnHEobMsmzyuLfLoIf/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm still wearing it because the marks are not that visible but they are there (you can actually see them on most photographs). Has anything like that happened to you before? I have not sewn with soft viscose much, so maybe it is a usual feature of this fabric? Or maybe it is just bad quality...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcljh0kSxLYlDyr1zmUdKypWz4LGzIjCaHBr72HcCHfEvzSB5Q1nPhtlOKnaz0WhKqbxfnRAfyZezvaLLldb6-Gdl2uKnBNi66ijGRqCIEn4gGXQk6G20Xn856sEmvchToOOyGykoBN0i/s1600/Bettine+Dress+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcljh0kSxLYlDyr1zmUdKypWz4LGzIjCaHBr72HcCHfEvzSB5Q1nPhtlOKnaz0WhKqbxfnRAfyZezvaLLldb6-Gdl2uKnBNi66ijGRqCIEn4gGXQk6G20Xn856sEmvchToOOyGykoBN0i/s640/Bettine+Dress+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-29529787168811364452016-01-24T09:31:00.000+00:002016-01-24T09:31:32.187+00:00Foxy CocoThanks a lot for all your lovely comments last week. I had a rummage through my wardrobe and have indeed found a few of the colors that you suggested I should wear with my black and white polka dot sweater. I would have taken some pictures to show you, but with it raining all weekend there is just not enough light! So, be patient :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYMsUswW-3nIgHCxy1tu419UabqIOhuAEFRAiSIUJdKptJ8fi8IWUacju2Ygh5gXIhHbgOmKwP3wuMRV8zje1u90Ekvo4v20CtXEX8MpdMqbLHq3tne3-hSLGzU3mC27I9uBsNnqIkTLr/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYMsUswW-3nIgHCxy1tu419UabqIOhuAEFRAiSIUJdKptJ8fi8IWUacju2Ygh5gXIhHbgOmKwP3wuMRV8zje1u90Ekvo4v20CtXEX8MpdMqbLHq3tne3-hSLGzU3mC27I9uBsNnqIkTLr/s640/Coco+Dress+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> A thick sweater knit with fleece on the inside (you might remember it from my last weeks make - <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/sweater-mania.html" target="_blank">Moneta Sweater</a>). I bought it from Yakhlaf Stoffen - a fabric store in Albert Cuypstraat in Amsterdam. The shop had a lovely choice of sweater knits and jerseys (so difficult to decide which one to buy) and the sweater knits were only 8.95 Euros/meter.<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> Coco Dress by Tilly and the Buttons. It's already my third version (<a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/better-late-than-never-i-made-purple.html" target="_blank">version 1</a> and <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/smart-casual-or-girly-polka-dot-coco.html" target="_blank">version 2</a>), but I'm still tweaking it for a better fit! The fabric is a bit stiff so I imagined it would hold the A-line shape of Coco very well. It does!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDR-G235Ox5n0AW-d7skkvno8sCorfo_vsCs9XZ6dC4w5Yw7KVs0GJVccStVp1dPqql2_WxKTZgekyupPY2fRT6abQ5tDc0axtRu5L2kIyfgndOdjU6pt_0xxXZspYUB9XTZaa1byioTZ/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDR-G235Ox5n0AW-d7skkvno8sCorfo_vsCs9XZ6dC4w5Yw7KVs0GJVccStVp1dPqql2_WxKTZgekyupPY2fRT6abQ5tDc0axtRu5L2kIyfgndOdjU6pt_0xxXZspYUB9XTZaa1byioTZ/s640/Coco+Dress+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this version of Coco, I decided to sew a simple turned neckline which I stabilised with hem tape before sewing. I love to use hem tape for knits - to stabilise not only hems but necklines and cuffs that are only turned over. The hem tape prevents them from stretching out and also makes sewing much easier. Nonetheless my sewing machine had troubles to sew the neckline at the shoulder seams. With the fabric being so thick it took some convincing to get over the seams.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnBCxRiOdSa5_fjQfCBiWI1aq_LMFeKJG7dYiERmS0jnGoxCzk5D3Lu7VqARYjA-K_M3-hAL616FmhdqyZ5Sg3pSim8T4dW77X9SPQQyGyMbzuMRUvEgO_Mb3VnmrYFNGn1s6wqPU6u_k/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnBCxRiOdSa5_fjQfCBiWI1aq_LMFeKJG7dYiERmS0jnGoxCzk5D3Lu7VqARYjA-K_M3-hAL616FmhdqyZ5Sg3pSim8T4dW77X9SPQQyGyMbzuMRUvEgO_Mb3VnmrYFNGn1s6wqPU6u_k/s640/Coco+Dress+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Alterations:</b> You will notice as with my previous versions, I added two back darts to mimic the shape of my sway back. I also shaved off some excess fabric from the front and back armholes as well as from the sleeves. I think I could have removed even more as there is still a fabric bulge close to the armpit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92Kun1MHJ0M5Few9OrsHB572ve-FYWrbvLKkzhrOtNWxtHlwL3qEq0vxJ1yfZEj7RAJ5pLJydvAIJyXl_64BHoT6-cShwkcJbd3F2pVHvYBCiR3MNwc2pisKDFMNubwo61ItE8jvLwhyx/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92Kun1MHJ0M5Few9OrsHB572ve-FYWrbvLKkzhrOtNWxtHlwL3qEq0vxJ1yfZEj7RAJ5pLJydvAIJyXl_64BHoT6-cShwkcJbd3F2pVHvYBCiR3MNwc2pisKDFMNubwo61ItE8jvLwhyx/s640/Coco+Dress+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Embellishments: </b>I added a little fox embroidery to make the dress more interesting (and yes it is a fox and no cat, mum). A fox came to my mind because, obviously, the dress is orange. On google I found this adorable little fellow - <a href="http://www.artyandcraftylittlethings.com/2013/09/mr-fox-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">he is a free pattern</a> - from Alicia and just had to have him on my dress.<br />
<br />
<!--
new table
-->
<table border="0" style="width: 400px;">
<!-- new row -->
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN0ZmqqR1IRCYFZtHeEpBglCUvZMtKIfvzSroGPZlStqm-syvWvXGeFGy1IKzko57c91g4rS6n2sEkPsJYHJGfj5Wolt72sfFgDhfXdPO0VFZv9yZc19AvX4UbgW4j-m21i5HXzeUNlWa/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN0ZmqqR1IRCYFZtHeEpBglCUvZMtKIfvzSroGPZlStqm-syvWvXGeFGy1IKzko57c91g4rS6n2sEkPsJYHJGfj5Wolt72sfFgDhfXdPO0VFZv9yZc19AvX4UbgW4j-m21i5HXzeUNlWa/s320/Coco+Dress+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" width="212" /></a> <br />
<br /></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeloAKnIOL13KePZpxBVcY6o4r8Qn50EQgZubqPFacP-yiCpGvP2N2P6VAVkeBuPxzBRchA2KZZn5ztQpB34Z_9spJlp9WmB0oZTCkeYyxXgyOP0Rrm-RqegZ9KpYWY2MzCydRmqhl1aF/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeloAKnIOL13KePZpxBVcY6o4r8Qn50EQgZubqPFacP-yiCpGvP2N2P6VAVkeBuPxzBRchA2KZZn5ztQpB34Z_9spJlp9WmB0oZTCkeYyxXgyOP0Rrm-RqegZ9KpYWY2MzCydRmqhl1aF/s320/Coco+Dress+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" width="212" /></a> <br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<!-- end row -->
</tbody></table>
I've pencil copied the fox on some piece of thin fusible interfacing and then fused the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. The interfacing added some stability as well. I then used two threads of embroidery thread and with some difficulties started to embroider. The curios thing with embroidering such a heavy knit is, that the needle does not go in and come out at the same position. I had to unpick a lot until I was satisfied with the result. The dress has been in the wash several times and so far the fox is still staying on. No unraveling of stitches, phew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdip3hFRDwaWi4_q4suhSnUJ_u-zoex_VQioAovsabe0gyqTspG-nRDImCcou66TKgUgGGhjyRmexgOBk3PCAyS1awUeQWWCojghvjrpCi6QxNdfc6wOOSnN3rogfnO-pUSeQx6czsQoIM/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdip3hFRDwaWi4_q4suhSnUJ_u-zoex_VQioAovsabe0gyqTspG-nRDImCcou66TKgUgGGhjyRmexgOBk3PCAyS1awUeQWWCojghvjrpCi6QxNdfc6wOOSnN3rogfnO-pUSeQx6czsQoIM/s640/Coco+Dress+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Have I worn it?</b> Yes, I've worn the dress almost every week since I made it in November! It is really warm and cosy as you would expect from a sweater knit. There is only one annoying thing: when walking the dress sticks to my thighs and starts to ride up in the front. I'm not sure if this is because the dress is (too) short or because of the fabric. I've noticed that it is not as bad when I walk slowly, but unfortunately I'm a fast walker!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJksbNbExsvQfcFXjervoktyeGkTbDYdgSa_WMTAnCIvEUQ-b96-PWAxYO6x8Yl4CnXaS54TzVMVCzUeEUC0rIgy9WcrSklJ9gRy0L5zxseRmdamnX35uzG4Mka9sxXYS2m57gs04xV5sL/s1600/Coco+Dress+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJksbNbExsvQfcFXjervoktyeGkTbDYdgSa_WMTAnCIvEUQ-b96-PWAxYO6x8Yl4CnXaS54TzVMVCzUeEUC0rIgy9WcrSklJ9gRy0L5zxseRmdamnX35uzG4Mka9sxXYS2m57gs04xV5sL/s640/Coco+Dress+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-65936230944688446462016-01-16T19:07:00.000+00:002016-01-16T19:07:48.329+00:00Sweater ManiaI'm having a massive shortage of sweaters in my wardrobe. Especially sweaters that I can wear with my high-waisted skirts. But you know how it is, basics usually end up at the end of the sewing list. Not anymore.<br />
<br />
Before Christmas I decided it is time to overcome that sweater shortage and dug out my Colette Moneta dress pattern. Colette patterns have a <a href="https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/how-to-make-moneta-into-a-cropped-sweater" target="_blank">great tutorial</a> on their website showing how to turn the Moneta bodice into a vintage-style sweater.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 400px;">
<!-- new row -->
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAahbL0TQTTT-WtLX24FbkXQD6e17t1YPbiYiEf1t3KByEirFoZ1hs5drR5ZbwXjerob9sO_VNHjPSWxNCLUKNvXJe77sh6uFdyKew1_sH7eFgilo8Y4risFuhzzDXxkWSkicXMTRAquF/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25289%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAahbL0TQTTT-WtLX24FbkXQD6e17t1YPbiYiEf1t3KByEirFoZ1hs5drR5ZbwXjerob9sO_VNHjPSWxNCLUKNvXJe77sh6uFdyKew1_sH7eFgilo8Y4risFuhzzDXxkWSkicXMTRAquF/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25289%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a>
<br />
<br /></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoAstejm7qWySDzofEDeyuaIorTrIOrhoR9yZBJDrixoMUVFHJx4YsdBYqWZtxz-9qbRw2KsHmA619kbgRgQPIonUe4FbfxoqPNs9xUQNIXjOmO5OqX_Aoj3Q2c00VUshRX8EB_YQII7m/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoAstejm7qWySDzofEDeyuaIorTrIOrhoR9yZBJDrixoMUVFHJx4YsdBYqWZtxz-9qbRw2KsHmA619kbgRgQPIonUe4FbfxoqPNs9xUQNIXjOmO5OqX_Aoj3Q2c00VUshRX8EB_YQII7m/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25285%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a> <br />
<br /></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQXy20MBpTC8ZbsAMmW5A7j_F-zmWKebYzsZbcMGvGvhyphenhyphenucrMvo9U40CaixxJDjEapKPhU2KuT1E7kpxKC1GSgQA0HqsDnd6g9avQIy2G3ZDc1kRoQQxMCLwgCvDo-PKLsARB_GQ5SJab/s1600/Colette+Moneta+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQXy20MBpTC8ZbsAMmW5A7j_F-zmWKebYzsZbcMGvGvhyphenhyphenucrMvo9U40CaixxJDjEapKPhU2KuT1E7kpxKC1GSgQA0HqsDnd6g9avQIy2G3ZDc1kRoQQxMCLwgCvDo-PKLsARB_GQ5SJab/s320/Colette+Moneta+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a> <br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<!-- end row -->
</tbody></table>
I've made the Moneta once before (<a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/colette-moneta.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and struggled with the big sleeves. This time I substituted the sleeves with the sleeves from my Tilly and the Buttons pattern Coco - the sleeves fit me much better. I also copied over the armholes to make sure the sleeves will fit.<br />
<br />
Although not perfect (yet) I'm more than happy with the result: three sweaters :) and all are made from leftovers! (Although not all of the main projects have made it to the blog)<br />
<br />
<!--
new table
-->
<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 400px;">
<!-- new row -->
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu7FvY0UgpSWDTeU7y83KS3kvUzBFJ2xucagwjFoIeBPD7cchDnCxYAR-Gm2V9LwonGDYQmqKd5xnale6RDS_-sotcXErrN5U8d3xfW99j66OhElTZnbm41ksahqdOT845tWIRiwnvDvV/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu7FvY0UgpSWDTeU7y83KS3kvUzBFJ2xucagwjFoIeBPD7cchDnCxYAR-Gm2V9LwonGDYQmqKd5xnale6RDS_-sotcXErrN5U8d3xfW99j66OhElTZnbm41ksahqdOT845tWIRiwnvDvV/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25282%2529-K250.jpg" width="211" /></a>
<br />
<br /></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qK72RcQmRNCf8_OD1uwG1_h1XmqQ4e1NxSjK7yQaoCQb3btBwR4hnLyh2yRP57nVc0YY_Ja9Yd8mJ-tPOIfhczIXdGb6iEtZzMMQLW_zY1CiIP9bS0_zYvsaC2oakoxZgajCF0Vyq57T/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qK72RcQmRNCf8_OD1uwG1_h1XmqQ4e1NxSjK7yQaoCQb3btBwR4hnLyh2yRP57nVc0YY_Ja9Yd8mJ-tPOIfhczIXdGb6iEtZzMMQLW_zY1CiIP9bS0_zYvsaC2oakoxZgajCF0Vyq57T/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" width="211" /></a> <br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<!-- end row -->
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sweater No 1: </b>Made from an orange sweater fabric (it has fleece on the inside) with beige rib knit for the waist and cuffs. The neckline is only turned and stitched with a zigzag stitch. I found it quite hard to find a color that goes with the orange and think my color combination is a bit retro (but very autumny). The sweater goes best with <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/just-in-time-colette-beignet-skirt.html" target="_blank">my Colette Beignet</a> which I'm wearing in the pictures. I've made a Coco from the fabric, it is already photographed so you will see it soon.<br />
<br />
<!--
new table
-->
<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 400px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiKb4smmKN89x7Utd2RS-HDwhz89AsGoXBy7pVZP9mRWIvfJ4Tp7LNzq6NhKCes_JjTLr01jyqV_tdZoUYAAvfqvQ6WwZjB6PM0H8FA2JJGuD8F1UBpEK2E6Xa524yIerjTUiB-frGAL5/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiKb4smmKN89x7Utd2RS-HDwhz89AsGoXBy7pVZP9mRWIvfJ4Tp7LNzq6NhKCes_JjTLr01jyqV_tdZoUYAAvfqvQ6WwZjB6PM0H8FA2JJGuD8F1UBpEK2E6Xa524yIerjTUiB-frGAL5/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyq0YW7v0-7OnhkRDszhHjQaMn7b-oXXdDDl0A7Jc7y_A1xMaOvJ5MsnUtHGUap3nFR9NRyYaE9K75q6-bs9vlwbITdjmGA8N84wGIeen2NW83dX9bNd8gw0WWXabMj9e3X2JLBiidMPN/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyq0YW7v0-7OnhkRDszhHjQaMn7b-oXXdDDl0A7Jc7y_A1xMaOvJ5MsnUtHGUap3nFR9NRyYaE9K75q6-bs9vlwbITdjmGA8N84wGIeen2NW83dX9bNd8gw0WWXabMj9e3X2JLBiidMPN/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25284%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudPDNjUP9CTYpkSQ2-FI82EE8BXsboZVDoRDFIIIx33n7rnpug5LAGRkm_e8wN94bjdxcFLtHqVJErrfG5E9bYUL1Bfe1UTkcYY_rYFAEeegnt-O23LGfrfqUlbFhTfX65I5FsZy52dWS/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudPDNjUP9CTYpkSQ2-FI82EE8BXsboZVDoRDFIIIx33n7rnpug5LAGRkm_e8wN94bjdxcFLtHqVJErrfG5E9bYUL1Bfe1UTkcYY_rYFAEeegnt-O23LGfrfqUlbFhTfX65I5FsZy52dWS/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25286%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
</tr>
<!-- end row -->
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sweater No 2:</b> I've made the Oslo Sweater (Seamwork) from this fabric and sadly didn't like the outcome at all (I think the Oslo in this fabric is just not my style). But I do love this sweater. For the waist and cuffs I used the wrong side of the fabric to have a bit of a contrast. Also I added a neckband to stabilise the neckline. For this version I made another change: I tightened the sleeves as they were massive on me. They don't look as massive on my version 1, because the orange sweater fabric is much more stable than this blue (ikat?) knit. This sweater goes best with <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/as-long-as-you-dont-look-at-back.html" target="_blank">my denim Delphine skirt</a>.<br />
<br />
<!--
new table
-->
<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 400px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18OGZrjNdsi1v8W_aIc14GbQh538lf_N06jIQsLkb5ELPY4XwFi1vLIEMdSXViU-FzEMCvjeQIhGHxBDBsTwQlTXd773ESzgt2dOw9ts-rqKq0HmDocwy_ZDVTag2JD8p4K6zc0C-VQ-s/s1600/Colette+Moneta+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18OGZrjNdsi1v8W_aIc14GbQh538lf_N06jIQsLkb5ELPY4XwFi1vLIEMdSXViU-FzEMCvjeQIhGHxBDBsTwQlTXd773ESzgt2dOw9ts-rqKq0HmDocwy_ZDVTag2JD8p4K6zc0C-VQ-s/s320/Colette+Moneta+%25283%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbExqoIwPRnBXqnPfxbVZfx67Ixz71MG8smTqGIJWUcbfJjjtFh7sV4UVDP6Y_PtAlVqnDjCE-jzqOf-vdKzEkvvUy4NegQ5I0D0oTJtzM_qre44LjvEDS7vHyLD2JZ4Wh509_Ky_9wWEp/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbExqoIwPRnBXqnPfxbVZfx67Ixz71MG8smTqGIJWUcbfJjjtFh7sV4UVDP6Y_PtAlVqnDjCE-jzqOf-vdKzEkvvUy4NegQ5I0D0oTJtzM_qre44LjvEDS7vHyLD2JZ4Wh509_Ky_9wWEp/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25287%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf76VKS6SgbGlqrJFNNZEC40c3EnTtaH6LsATQPIMiB0tfVkLSAdVp12f7uxjbDIJJqg3Ynrv4PTUnx6k1dPVmhscshfTT1emG0I8CqG6pPPoJXReswtDWkpgWI8Ps9WWuL6MmpZdIEm1c/s1600/Colette_Moneta+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf76VKS6SgbGlqrJFNNZEC40c3EnTtaH6LsATQPIMiB0tfVkLSAdVp12f7uxjbDIJJqg3Ynrv4PTUnx6k1dPVmhscshfTT1emG0I8CqG6pPPoJXReswtDWkpgWI8Ps9WWuL6MmpZdIEm1c/s320/Colette_Moneta+%25288%2529-K250.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
</tr>
<!-- end row -->
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sweater No 3: </b>This was the sweater I was most looking forward to. Because I've made a Coco from the fabric that I love (<a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/smart-casual-or-girly-polka-dot-coco.html" target="_blank">here</a>). But for some reason I have not fallen in love with this sweater. It might be that I have troubles to pair it up with any of the garments I have. I'm wearing it in these pictures with an old H&M chiffon skirt. Lescha doesn't like this combination at all. I think it goes well together and the outfit looks very 1970s. This is probably enhanced by the rolled collar. So far I hadn't the courage to wear the outfit in public. Any suggestion what you would wear with this sweater?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9nj2AMmzs13ugpfzPdR4FBasLpJN07tsoJukHuM2-VTM_g1s7O6jw24JJqOevXwb0ixjaG7BgTOkbKpa6E0VmtjT4iJPO3lSvlyzrZzSK9-lWEhh7Jmw9W2kCGvGQMtWbOKd8uuNs2wW/s1600/Colette+Moneta+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9nj2AMmzs13ugpfzPdR4FBasLpJN07tsoJukHuM2-VTM_g1s7O6jw24JJqOevXwb0ixjaG7BgTOkbKpa6E0VmtjT4iJPO3lSvlyzrZzSK9-lWEhh7Jmw9W2kCGvGQMtWbOKd8uuNs2wW/s640/Colette+Moneta+%25281%2529-K250.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>In other news:</b> As I said in my last blog post, we were house hunting for the last couple of month. Beginning of November we've made an offer that got accepted. However, the chain here moves rather slowly so we haven't moved yet. But because of all the house buying stress, I was depressed and not in the mood to look at my sewing machine at all (I'm one of these people who get easily overwhelmed with big projects - it reminded me of certain phases when I was sewing my wedding dress). Hence my absence from the blog. I'm much more relaxed now (probably because we can't do anything anyway) so I've made a couple of things that I want to share with you. Happy sewing ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-77007843734848122782015-10-27T20:51:00.001+00:002015-10-27T20:51:41.187+00:00Bruyere - finally mine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclsm-9ILcYEM6gw0INTKKJccbL5CahGzLBqYqW1oOrQRe-G90Jz56hDBlO_f-heBWdZiNkr1c8W5mMl_6U284faDS7GmT5A9E1pBefqfY3dgoKLUTJBdOx8gPoXh55f_IMsqBzyYeVf_j/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclsm-9ILcYEM6gw0INTKKJccbL5CahGzLBqYqW1oOrQRe-G90Jz56hDBlO_f-heBWdZiNkr1c8W5mMl_6U284faDS7GmT5A9E1pBefqfY3dgoKLUTJBdOx8gPoXh55f_IMsqBzyYeVf_j/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0005.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
It took me almost a year from buying this pattern at the last SewBrum to actually get it sewn! I rediscovered my love of shirt dresses when I put my 2013 McCalls makes on (<a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumn-make-no3-mccalls-shirt-dress.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/another-mccalls-shirtdress-and-new-iron.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I had to have another one, or two, or three. Only one so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7UnZPK46ACYzlvBX8jS0E38meDTK6fMOCKEQDj1CO7qiqM5AmN7TUB0ViJqThYtC3-XXvDnEGwIRZ2ZnIvaSCbTLLiWhqTnf04qjfI0KJv-sMY9rpo7UYOjKSLgb6wygDcTgYQzFWNWO/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7UnZPK46ACYzlvBX8jS0E38meDTK6fMOCKEQDj1CO7qiqM5AmN7TUB0ViJqThYtC3-XXvDnEGwIRZ2ZnIvaSCbTLLiWhqTnf04qjfI0KJv-sMY9rpo7UYOjKSLgb6wygDcTgYQzFWNWO/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fabric: </b>Cotton print fabric that I bought from Goldhawk Road this year. I love fabric with flowers on it. I'm always in love with <a href="http://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ruths</a> and <a href="http://dollyclackett.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Roisins</a> makes and decided to finally make a flower dress for myself. I managed to cut the Bruyere from 1.5 m of fabric - at least I thought so. But discovered that I had missed the back facing, ups. There was no fabric left and so I used some white leftover cotton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo156N4tsLgCjSOogo70sDk69VEyK92EhUjsBiPC3XN-ipL5GYphcXegCUfr62dvSSlAk83xR1SxohtaXr0eCJRFOHK3XCSmi1HqMA14fNocYmOEXOxk9Ti52e-gnjjVQqPqzBTHUf79ui/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo156N4tsLgCjSOogo70sDk69VEyK92EhUjsBiPC3XN-ipL5GYphcXegCUfr62dvSSlAk83xR1SxohtaXr0eCJRFOHK3XCSmi1HqMA14fNocYmOEXOxk9Ti52e-gnjjVQqPqzBTHUf79ui/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0012.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Pattern: </b>Bruyere from Deer and Doe. I cut a size 36 for the bust, a 38 for the waist and a 40 for the hips. It was the first time that I cut a bigger size for the bust. I went to a proper Bra fitting and I can only recommend you go as well if you have the chance! I always bought 32B and the bra that fitted me best was 28/30 D (the shop keeper was raving about my very narrow back). I couldn't believe it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPNWXBkX-DIZTnDO7By6dEJMBJsXlfEMN5D9Kua7Qs0YwJN9q8IyDDHtS1C62EQjQCKs2kBc_o_KTNiSm3raferGUhOC_pavx_pWAPiGH-GQjBj3VTXQoVyiNbTnQRcvGOXqag96bfxon/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPNWXBkX-DIZTnDO7By6dEJMBJsXlfEMN5D9Kua7Qs0YwJN9q8IyDDHtS1C62EQjQCKs2kBc_o_KTNiSm3raferGUhOC_pavx_pWAPiGH-GQjBj3VTXQoVyiNbTnQRcvGOXqag96bfxon/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0034.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Cutting bigger bust sizes might also improve the fit of the clothes on my shoulders which I always struggle to fit right. For the Bruyere, I only did a forward shoulder adjustment and then crossed my fingers. I usually make a muslins, but as shirt dresses are not as snug I usually can get away with not fitting them. I also lengthened the shirt dress to size 46 because I'm not planning to wear it over trousers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yzPfOmTTT_AS_61ZpiPnc05X0kGlCXYdRZOBvtOsrUIrZLF7GlEYV3rF0GAQVDlBTejHGHPzLw_jcJ-DhoEndZjebex1YbADZZ3HEiXxLXHCR9NIX9WT_1vqiz-Vjb7FWEPDCFWtZyOf/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yzPfOmTTT_AS_61ZpiPnc05X0kGlCXYdRZOBvtOsrUIrZLF7GlEYV3rF0GAQVDlBTejHGHPzLw_jcJ-DhoEndZjebex1YbADZZ3HEiXxLXHCR9NIX9WT_1vqiz-Vjb7FWEPDCFWtZyOf/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0007.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Constructions: </b>As others have already commented, this pattern is for the advanced seamstress. There is not much detail and I was actually surprised by the lack of it. One of the challenging parts for me was to put in the sleeves. There seemed to be a lot of ease and I was wondering if they have to be gathered. But according to the internet I was the only one struggling. I unpicked the sleeves several times and managed to get them in with a minimal amount of puckers. Did anybody else experience problems with this step? Or was it just my lack of skill ;) Oh, I'm also not showing the plackets. Thankfully my fabric is patterned...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgXMG0VWt_2ojwV-gyoFgzfTNXuBj3KtpE5HXRqqEeEKfPkBu5aj77WtuR5ApsLnUjMMis0CWRzQXA2_U-BPbyTUF711hBL1p7SWnJnLoTz0-EqW6IAGtjjJdcejxgoA3otXVDxQd0id4/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgXMG0VWt_2ojwV-gyoFgzfTNXuBj3KtpE5HXRqqEeEKfPkBu5aj77WtuR5ApsLnUjMMis0CWRzQXA2_U-BPbyTUF711hBL1p7SWnJnLoTz0-EqW6IAGtjjJdcejxgoA3otXVDxQd0id4/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fit: </b>Not perfect yet. When wearing the shirt to work today I noticed the bust darts riding up which caused the build up of a fold over the bust. I'm not exactly sure why that is but I might try to move the bust dart down a bit because I thinks it is a bit high. For my next version I will also reduce the ease in the sleeves as they are a bit puffy. Other than that. I love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr3Me4JA4AJJT8OIqo8NDoRV2C5rfi_F1mSIkJoqlxhCIZOGhIU5G6e5VGA-Yydx6DWft7VrwYZUME_ftaQ5Iu1Md8y1laM9_WMagA2PEmuEwz7RWMjlKM4mko4fbXsSs8cGwGw-gSpE6/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr3Me4JA4AJJT8OIqo8NDoRV2C5rfi_F1mSIkJoqlxhCIZOGhIU5G6e5VGA-Yydx6DWft7VrwYZUME_ftaQ5Iu1Md8y1laM9_WMagA2PEmuEwz7RWMjlKM4mko4fbXsSs8cGwGw-gSpE6/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0019.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
I had some trouble to style the dress. For the blog photos I was wearing it with purple tights. But tights are see through and so I didn't feel safe - especially because the fabric kept clinging to my bum and then riding up - any tips? Also what type/color of shoes would you combine with purple tights? I've worn the Bruyere with black leggings and a purple camisole today which felt much better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgkT9_5BYvBedGsHRFBkGtsoKGtM2xUZXmXI7Sr68qHjGIZktUJQY-f_SyuBmc_lfQmONjjehMOFMpoRjayqi0wXocw6hPhJgR3_SQG0XQ3rMthhREeMCgj019xQ6EkYtz-o-b7iEHjV7/s1600/Bruyere+Shirt_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgkT9_5BYvBedGsHRFBkGtsoKGtM2xUZXmXI7Sr68qHjGIZktUJQY-f_SyuBmc_lfQmONjjehMOFMpoRjayqi0wXocw6hPhJgR3_SQG0XQ3rMthhREeMCgj019xQ6EkYtz-o-b7iEHjV7/s640/Bruyere+Shirt_0030.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my favorite photo, but the only one that shows the proportion of the shirt dress a bit better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lastly, thanks so much for your comments regarding my pink stripy dress last week. They are most welcome and I will review them coming spring. For now, the dress has been put to the back of the wardrobe and will be ignored :) PS: My sewing mojo seems to be back following a trip to Amsterdam - pictures to come - and I'm merely sewing and embroidering. There is also some house hunting in the mix, but so far no success. Do you really need a sewing room? YES!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-88828219404657856752015-10-16T19:18:00.000+01:002015-10-16T19:18:37.820+01:00Pink ZigZags! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaBtJDpLZXICq0vm5eWH4MN271Ws4C3_DFX4nNgeY_pNtwvGq-ROye8Ba0vN6pE9Ycy2_-MG0NzxJVMERgN1-InbvaYaxswK_U97BTXITVAMNFQ4iS_5ZMPjN4yTGptMg9NtOIQwOPCto/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaBtJDpLZXICq0vm5eWH4MN271Ws4C3_DFX4nNgeY_pNtwvGq-ROye8Ba0vN6pE9Ycy2_-MG0NzxJVMERgN1-InbvaYaxswK_U97BTXITVAMNFQ4iS_5ZMPjN4yTGptMg9NtOIQwOPCto/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0027.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Girl ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I actually planned to have more sewing time after all the wedding preparations were done. But no, we went straight into our next big adventure: house hunting! So that's how we spend most of our Saturdays - looking at other peoples houses. So far nothing has come along that both of us really like. That means more searching and less sewing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTo9sVWwIq1x5ddo1OLg-ugDKOcVfv8zDjNwU9O6McS-B7H6Phj0jrWP_hfmrS9dxf-5sSdHpZwnTBN6TOmM1Dn0MoBW1zHqjRjto20n2o7L9W3DCLBVc_scht6R-yk7beB8eMRVjdzoq/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTo9sVWwIq1x5ddo1OLg-ugDKOcVfv8zDjNwU9O6McS-B7H6Phj0jrWP_hfmrS9dxf-5sSdHpZwnTBN6TOmM1Dn0MoBW1zHqjRjto20n2o7L9W3DCLBVc_scht6R-yk7beB8eMRVjdzoq/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0008.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
But I've found some pictures that we took in August in which I wear the first dress I made after finishing my wedding dress. I wanted a quick no-fitting sewing project and thus made my third version of Simplicity 1803 (see versions <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/part-i-of-outfit-along-dress.html" target="_blank">one</a> and <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/its-still-summer-time-for-second.html" target="_blank">two)</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY0GjtGlCyq407MFc3PZRcupdHmZME3E8hIR9bYG1ORS-1GIjPISQZWc34-zL_0EmGAY_CERdQABMeKbItpu7m7QyVFIUyzXpoI1uwivG1VeEiWglDTaQ2JXpnePva4neCjUCiUSvaVMa/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY0GjtGlCyq407MFc3PZRcupdHmZME3E8hIR9bYG1ORS-1GIjPISQZWc34-zL_0EmGAY_CERdQABMeKbItpu7m7QyVFIUyzXpoI1uwivG1VeEiWglDTaQ2JXpnePva4neCjUCiUSvaVMa/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0035.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabric is a liberty copy print on cotton lawn. I bought it on Goldhawk Road and it is one of the first fabrics I ever bought. So it felt really good to finally use it. I tried to match the Zigzags as best as I could and am really happy with the result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri7lfxYhKAmY_gclvlP_I9bQMs7Egtea0aeTNH7U7JSn2C3esc9kTcJtm8shpWcKWG04Uo2K7cynH_-ENMfOR4cYOJ43rwknVQEgqavZCh-PgYbHXGHVw8ExBJFWSlX1vIdbEYqJ_dMCi/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri7lfxYhKAmY_gclvlP_I9bQMs7Egtea0aeTNH7U7JSn2C3esc9kTcJtm8shpWcKWG04Uo2K7cynH_-ENMfOR4cYOJ43rwknVQEgqavZCh-PgYbHXGHVw8ExBJFWSlX1vIdbEYqJ_dMCi/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0043.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Sewing the dress was quick, but there was some fitting involved. I hadn't made the yoke version before and didn't anticipate any problems. But having pinned the yoke to the dress, the yoke was strangling me. So I had to take it apart (Does anybody enjoy to take out understitching on trimmed seams? No me neither) and then deepened the neckline curve by 1cm. I couldn't go deeper because then I wouldn't have been able to turn the yoke right side out. The fit is better now, but still not 100% comfortable. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu86YJWrgbRWwtRV4jwDCiIuWAFXUje65bfIivrOa3Qv8vlwwlbFm2FS-QeBd6Y0HUH8shN6K63qgMmRxlvcoDAAEpu3C4SCVdphCEr3KqzgCeaECnW_pZ-N_AzCRO1RxBeEoqCvzxzhN/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu86YJWrgbRWwtRV4jwDCiIuWAFXUje65bfIivrOa3Qv8vlwwlbFm2FS-QeBd6Y0HUH8shN6K63qgMmRxlvcoDAAEpu3C4SCVdphCEr3KqzgCeaECnW_pZ-N_AzCRO1RxBeEoqCvzxzhN/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Due to my square shoulders the yoke is not sitting smoothly. You can see the fabric bulging next to the armpit. I tried to handstitch the bulge down but couldn't get it to lay flat on the right side, buh. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DngBFcHWL69z6XVDeNRjX3giDK3ux06HxJ9-Cg_d0qRPAylpJxDVRlKjNTkH2VbCHk5VubzXhavWqx8y8iE9wAwrSk-2HlAjZFTbCUArrJ26sYNZA56XXLwxOuqO9nwB3-TEabHZDsJb/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DngBFcHWL69z6XVDeNRjX3giDK3ux06HxJ9-Cg_d0qRPAylpJxDVRlKjNTkH2VbCHk5VubzXhavWqx8y8iE9wAwrSk-2HlAjZFTbCUArrJ26sYNZA56XXLwxOuqO9nwB3-TEabHZDsJb/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathers at the front. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other than that the dress came quickly together. I used my overlocker for the first time to gather a seam. Just amazing: so fast and even gathering. The good thing is that you don't need a special foot for it. So if you have an overlocker and haven't tried that feature yet, I can only recommend it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi296Ncw5x5T-LtbHEp2GdQ9dHQzHkTRzlj0xDnkhE_30VqDYvyGTqNRPk8BzkOzegYjpjbstCg8FRTcVAqiTm6gn_NANuulOlF6Lg9t1ynHKj1k_t_TbhhKRrCHdV5bUcN6jNc37iaxhSH/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi296Ncw5x5T-LtbHEp2GdQ9dHQzHkTRzlj0xDnkhE_30VqDYvyGTqNRPk8BzkOzegYjpjbstCg8FRTcVAqiTm6gn_NANuulOlF6Lg9t1ynHKj1k_t_TbhhKRrCHdV5bUcN6jNc37iaxhSH/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0019.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Now the big question: Have I worn it? Yes I have, but not very often. The problem is that if I'm not standing straight and don't push my shoulders back, the yoke is bulging massively. See the evidence below. I've worn the dress with a pink boat-neck wool jumper. It is a really nice outfit but I don't like to wear wool on my skin. And also I'm in autumn mood which means I want to wear brown, orange or red colors. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl5TwxRKvjCMNYPgEOmbAKifttsobNn9ZgXPUObeAAyaedSpRezF39gyTl8cdacXSj_GAxoWP2Fvim8Fo4fUAHxqlixnrSP-OdoJTMSJ-o7cDGJSudh4DLTEXkqQZOjbdGGXWnVNdNcLG/s1600/SimplicityLetchworth_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl5TwxRKvjCMNYPgEOmbAKifttsobNn9ZgXPUObeAAyaedSpRezF39gyTl8cdacXSj_GAxoWP2Fvim8Fo4fUAHxqlixnrSP-OdoJTMSJ-o7cDGJSudh4DLTEXkqQZOjbdGGXWnVNdNcLG/s640/SimplicityLetchworth_0059.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder how it would look like without the strap of the bag?! Probably worse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-33076133694940627372015-09-21T18:45:00.001+01:002015-09-21T18:45:27.887+01:00Honey Moon Sewing: The Bettine Dress.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6R7waQgVZJhvh184fse6P3ZVE9BZRtBRqHvWFHRah6Cqktj_vHh5EeTdzNLurHyrTUxXpQ0V4bx-Srf2tj5f1Pne1NJFoKg7RPMov2ZHWvwzm8nl02eQ1AxxE-YGYe3E7a2jPPJ-rUrW/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6R7waQgVZJhvh184fse6P3ZVE9BZRtBRqHvWFHRah6Cqktj_vHh5EeTdzNLurHyrTUxXpQ0V4bx-Srf2tj5f1Pne1NJFoKg7RPMov2ZHWvwzm8nl02eQ1AxxE-YGYe3E7a2jPPJ-rUrW/s640/HoneyMoon1_0499.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally after 6 month of writing wedding dress posts and sewing on my wedding dress, I managed to sew a casual dress! It is the <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2015/07/introducing-bettine-sewing-pattern.html" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons Bettine dress!</a> I finished it before we left for our honey moon and so I had the opportunity to get the photographs taken in Corfu, Greece - where we spent a fantastic time!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LbO56nMjoGPtqK1SgYKbuRQW_6siY9IIDzTGTVLqC7K8-Vskv_DNwE7cnN6O07h1WKCaknzykqXj136E1N9BomS4LI3_led03XZdRe4UxTftiA3uEQWzimMfxePlvWuEeq5yQSTBQVfX/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LbO56nMjoGPtqK1SgYKbuRQW_6siY9IIDzTGTVLqC7K8-Vskv_DNwE7cnN6O07h1WKCaknzykqXj136E1N9BomS4LI3_led03XZdRe4UxTftiA3uEQWzimMfxePlvWuEeq5yQSTBQVfX/s640/HoneyMoon1_0466.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pockets :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm not sure what exactly the fabric is other than it most certainly contains polyester. It is very soft to the touch and draps nicely. That's why I have chosen it for this style of loose fitting dress. I can even wear the dress with tights and the fabric is not clinging!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY_-m8H-EbRs4gpYNf3Ft6jinyyT-iW_pxcI1WusCjOGKD5W7e4Ih6QJM9l_Uz9DTBuRcsEjMasXYy8sYE2SmywtLsI8qxip6-QwJTjz8GqvmNqB40HpYzspKjkp2B57ZXpEO3PxFFTOu/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY_-m8H-EbRs4gpYNf3Ft6jinyyT-iW_pxcI1WusCjOGKD5W7e4Ih6QJM9l_Uz9DTBuRcsEjMasXYy8sYE2SmywtLsI8qxip6-QwJTjz8GqvmNqB40HpYzspKjkp2B57ZXpEO3PxFFTOu/s640/HoneyMoon1_0476.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've cut a size 3 for the bodice and graded up to a size 4 at the hips. However, I always seem to forget that Tillys pattern are a bit short for me. So instead of hitting me over the knee the hem stops somewhere mid calf and makes sitting down rather awkward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-9bEQJiI9zAwvGUd3aK9Pfpz8JV5zIf1X4XlYPx_vv6nOkI562tb0BB6nnCFm04H6-7wniA7DfDD5QLvCYFsDm4rwavP0dbmwqRQGhuT_AhDJAAVBeqxJMhFoBd5PESWpnPqcBiSiTs0/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-9bEQJiI9zAwvGUd3aK9Pfpz8JV5zIf1X4XlYPx_vv6nOkI562tb0BB6nnCFm04H6-7wniA7DfDD5QLvCYFsDm4rwavP0dbmwqRQGhuT_AhDJAAVBeqxJMhFoBd5PESWpnPqcBiSiTs0/s640/HoneyMoon1_0501.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For my next version - and yes there will be one - I also have to add some width to the shoulders as they are a bit tight. This dress is actually the first dress where I managed to rip a seam. I was sitting in the car and bending down to pull the lever for the petrol lid when I heard a rip. The seams directly under my arm pit had ripped apart.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAdxyqveGzueEktXa63A6YPMAk_Xj19FLxw8JPikLXF0PSVQHhRtpMER6jkdb0Nv15MA2Z6okETjS7RH-NTaxwm1oWHVMlV8ig07CVFOTb_pULeNGlv7h1-22nWQVhasYods_LPMSNKRe/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAdxyqveGzueEktXa63A6YPMAk_Xj19FLxw8JPikLXF0PSVQHhRtpMER6jkdb0Nv15MA2Z6okETjS7RH-NTaxwm1oWHVMlV8ig07CVFOTb_pULeNGlv7h1-22nWQVhasYods_LPMSNKRe/s640/HoneyMoon1_0456.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see that it is really a bit short on me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For a quick fix I stitched several times over the weak spot in this version - and I'm careful how far I stretch my arms. So far it is holding up. <br />
<br />
Other than this it is a very comfy dress that came quickly together. It was also the first time that I added elastic in a waistband and I'm happy with how it turned out! I have already layed out the fabric for version two and hopefully will find some time next weekend to sew it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneMJmSbmMhacIAZ4SDNPWFigoXqi-sSD0K4U9qlQ_fdVFUaKZkp-6r8w56my-g9CbDsntl7tp_uhCVWCQGziSh1uHD4viQUuzpB4eZrPEe-dY9T6JZ0PQ95rkJNinWJ5Zll_C7IRtSSRk/s1600/HoneyMoon1_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneMJmSbmMhacIAZ4SDNPWFigoXqi-sSD0K4U9qlQ_fdVFUaKZkp-6r8w56my-g9CbDsntl7tp_uhCVWCQGziSh1uHD4viQUuzpB4eZrPEe-dY9T6JZ0PQ95rkJNinWJ5Zll_C7IRtSSRk/s640/HoneyMoon1_0463.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
On other terms, I need some fall sewing inspiration. I somehow do not know what to sew next and have spent the last couple of weeks to find inspiration. But haven't been able to. It is really frustrating to have time to sew but not to know what to make. So tell me what are you making for your fall wardrobe and which colors are you choosing? Hopefully the spark will fly over to me!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-79419038781521055772015-09-04T08:40:00.002+01:002015-09-04T08:40:50.553+01:00My Wedding Dress: The Big RevealHere is finally the moment you all have waited for. I'm going to share my wedding dress with you. As the pictures were taken on my actual wedding day (who would guess) it turned out I didn't have that many that really show of my dress or only show me without my blog-shy husband. So I did some cropping, but hope you will enjoy the photographs anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWgNagTwf-hPfXKwAmpfMetPnSfZntnwtzJFOh6f0aN-97UhMFTezQ7bPek6wWtngnxwDDofJMUfXkfaWL1DroFx_bsKNrqPmT7nvUJbGXcvU4zgYahxekXOabVZiFJ0sb12vamyi6u0i/s1600/069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWgNagTwf-hPfXKwAmpfMetPnSfZntnwtzJFOh6f0aN-97UhMFTezQ7bPek6wWtngnxwDDofJMUfXkfaWL1DroFx_bsKNrqPmT7nvUJbGXcvU4zgYahxekXOabVZiFJ0sb12vamyi6u0i/s640/069.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
There are no photographs without the bolero because I was wearing it the whole day. When I tried it on initially the lace felt a bit itchy and stiff but on the day I didn't feel uncomfortable in it. It also made the whole outfit look much more bridal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf04e33CwFBRXGftsfcfEEafx1VaIl-bPn3Ylfd29ZaaftGRcRIiucy-_0xqR8iP6V0vYfhNp_USZO363J9ZhqOXIK-waqxdMgsdsAQrxtpbF6ntdLxbGnKJp0HyUAZEpVOnXoVcjia7XC/s1600/071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf04e33CwFBRXGftsfcfEEafx1VaIl-bPn3Ylfd29ZaaftGRcRIiucy-_0xqR8iP6V0vYfhNp_USZO363J9ZhqOXIK-waqxdMgsdsAQrxtpbF6ntdLxbGnKJp0HyUAZEpVOnXoVcjia7XC/s640/071.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My bouquet, as well as the buttonhole flowers for the men and the roses for my hair, were flown in from Germany. My mum brought them with her the day before the wedding and I think we were all a bit worried that they would get damaged or welt. The bouquet is vintage inspired and has three hydrangeas and some roses in it. The stems are wrapped in lace and bound with some ribbon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28fS81FepfcsOJF_qEjSrMMZM0YXDNAwi1ap1Txldk5PRJzkmd4U7HmEeKgjDEW8-kD8MCRAGHM3TGPbG1Vh-InfxHJXJDKPFnREMO1MsUNjaWOFlJnqf2ZjuE166i2Y7GrN67m7woY5U/s1600/073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28fS81FepfcsOJF_qEjSrMMZM0YXDNAwi1ap1Txldk5PRJzkmd4U7HmEeKgjDEW8-kD8MCRAGHM3TGPbG1Vh-InfxHJXJDKPFnREMO1MsUNjaWOFlJnqf2ZjuE166i2Y7GrN67m7woY5U/s640/073.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Most photographs were taken from my right side and so it is difficult to actually see the flowers that I hand stitched to the left side. They were flowing down to the train.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAiGYf7giUAN-2HhWk7DrfSqytIGZ1SLb0INPf9cNIpGQ3Y9QMjM8r82aNHGmJ-DYNE92u0BFSgoLhj3O9tYgixpF0K6q1-zl2C0zoy4icVYmExv3FJjA6EGwuVp-hJLYXzQXlJnXFyuz/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAiGYf7giUAN-2HhWk7DrfSqytIGZ1SLb0INPf9cNIpGQ3Y9QMjM8r82aNHGmJ-DYNE92u0BFSgoLhj3O9tYgixpF0K6q1-zl2C0zoy4icVYmExv3FJjA6EGwuVp-hJLYXzQXlJnXFyuz/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGuTq2AYFzxqk6Iynm7glCgXyU-jPkIn92HoQ_r6wUUyLMoW4of3aaV7fQ_lcD3yolkeMEl85lbhn_uKsW3OUQz61ZRStx7tj58WICc4T3Zye_arcxGm6S4DUrUCY3uGv8ch0fbYrnWGv/s1600/132+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGuTq2AYFzxqk6Iynm7glCgXyU-jPkIn92HoQ_r6wUUyLMoW4of3aaV7fQ_lcD3yolkeMEl85lbhn_uKsW3OUQz61ZRStx7tj58WICc4T3Zye_arcxGm6S4DUrUCY3uGv8ch0fbYrnWGv/s640/132+copy.jpg" width="262" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4-K3_7I7Acv4aiuhDSBmJyefy3CD2ZEInVmtVthyphenhyphenPw6dtvzHhgsOUEQI7YPIHWm4l39Mguk5EeNc7OnMhyphenhyphenHrULyE1XcrTEepZM-QErbKmf8QbIG0oUNoCD-Ol0mm69GWcVLnqJtaqLwI/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4-K3_7I7Acv4aiuhDSBmJyefy3CD2ZEInVmtVthyphenhyphenPw6dtvzHhgsOUEQI7YPIHWm4l39Mguk5EeNc7OnMhyphenhyphenHrULyE1XcrTEepZM-QErbKmf8QbIG0oUNoCD-Ol0mm69GWcVLnqJtaqLwI/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0096.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
My hair was braided on one side and then arranged to a curly bun. The roses were the same as in my husbands buttonhole flowers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYz0QCQjz3-fwLDSYyOTKUlSC0-KhD4NRSQq_if10Ackh_e_I3nwVM33-UKVIOgQ_Rwe88_sqn5rAxue2szolUwnxwzbSQH_TxzLbHskPcik9PMtVjX1AAAMHjfoEuL_f28dVXhktNyPN/s1600/149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYz0QCQjz3-fwLDSYyOTKUlSC0-KhD4NRSQq_if10Ackh_e_I3nwVM33-UKVIOgQ_Rwe88_sqn5rAxue2szolUwnxwzbSQH_TxzLbHskPcik9PMtVjX1AAAMHjfoEuL_f28dVXhktNyPN/s640/149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsvrqVB3HHZ41uekJLghnWjbU1vLlDoK_0ElzdmH320FKcEg29l3fx90tePFOjCe74IB47f9zsB_k0ZuahcsHeD0wwoUgLABGOvnsGO-LDDtsC-fjOj725nx5XuUG-5CAnPaGdir3TgDr/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsvrqVB3HHZ41uekJLghnWjbU1vLlDoK_0ElzdmH320FKcEg29l3fx90tePFOjCe74IB47f9zsB_k0ZuahcsHeD0wwoUgLABGOvnsGO-LDDtsC-fjOj725nx5XuUG-5CAnPaGdir3TgDr/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks again to everybody who encouraged me to keep the train. It felt amazing to have it swoosh behind me all day. I loved it so much I didn't take it up at all. The train has some grass stains on it but otherwise held up very well - no rips. I've given the dress to the dry cleaners already so fingers crossed they got the stains out. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sTvn5gMOMVTxYyClT5oUMXyz67psLva0295J0l1R_kiAbgG84__WdvzspMNWh1EdcQWcXWpI6IYM5lbOSQRFc_vkYq9soR_eoDbzFkGp4p12JuBm-z0kFDvt0dlv-4YhyphenhyphenGq7H9lcezr2/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sTvn5gMOMVTxYyClT5oUMXyz67psLva0295J0l1R_kiAbgG84__WdvzspMNWh1EdcQWcXWpI6IYM5lbOSQRFc_vkYq9soR_eoDbzFkGp4p12JuBm-z0kFDvt0dlv-4YhyphenhyphenGq7H9lcezr2/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLagr4TWZZ_lsPjMNoWhqJ2dfm-79OId2vOpfWhxZzEoqtOXlTAEns0a3ds2oaLriEEvaIjd75Ott3JiFZ3qURoE40Hh4_pWR1C668S1zLyTOYIUeMDDCKxD5UO9R3QO1l6GeVaHEFdeEp/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLagr4TWZZ_lsPjMNoWhqJ2dfm-79OId2vOpfWhxZzEoqtOXlTAEns0a3ds2oaLriEEvaIjd75Ott3JiFZ3qURoE40Hh4_pWR1C668S1zLyTOYIUeMDDCKxD5UO9R3QO1l6GeVaHEFdeEp/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0116.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxcTc0CfN68Zh0KBRY6F8k_MmkefqPttwdFwHYKmQbRxBmRHxrMiYcvgF9uLItSeQ5_-p-uLoS7eHSkob9_Yh1jbW9CHekM1f3WR-LOjAHMcHziqSeHcKZviok93QsNT0_SEOzKwC5HqX/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxcTc0CfN68Zh0KBRY6F8k_MmkefqPttwdFwHYKmQbRxBmRHxrMiYcvgF9uLItSeQ5_-p-uLoS7eHSkob9_Yh1jbW9CHekM1f3WR-LOjAHMcHziqSeHcKZviok93QsNT0_SEOzKwC5HqX/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0135.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU5o8FHPAzrBbMC5IwTTWzOQpUPdj_8X6HmzOxcbH8rOcyWmhQpFytbI-ayrKBLyC8eVBiPzSGFF7XFtHWLMhMRX0Vto2SQZwJrhl_Ul8C5T55RAiep0QyVMW7i9d5gjXoPAPuKcV6Q5y/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU5o8FHPAzrBbMC5IwTTWzOQpUPdj_8X6HmzOxcbH8rOcyWmhQpFytbI-ayrKBLyC8eVBiPzSGFF7XFtHWLMhMRX0Vto2SQZwJrhl_Ul8C5T55RAiep0QyVMW7i9d5gjXoPAPuKcV6Q5y/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made our ring cushion with the fabrics from my dress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmGK9aJ4WQlg_rLzOnEqvthaIIGBAc3YQ_D3MXhOp0MNysbEh1uoosmZnYjLhyphenhyphenIP9NOjwmal_iOmtDAT5XN_hg522AVPdTMrGB-G39pu7bVk_UPrzJFBZ7bGFF8kJE-1I7zlR1X34fhu6/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmGK9aJ4WQlg_rLzOnEqvthaIIGBAc3YQ_D3MXhOp0MNysbEh1uoosmZnYjLhyphenhyphenIP9NOjwmal_iOmtDAT5XN_hg522AVPdTMrGB-G39pu7bVk_UPrzJFBZ7bGFF8kJE-1I7zlR1X34fhu6/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had some gas filled heart shaped balloons that we released into the sky. They all carried well wishes from friends written on postcards with our address and stamps on it. If they are found, somebody might send them back to us. Lets see, so far none has arrived. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CS-5x7ShnljLNGiHNydF8Fz5oS_QiZ-jEGB2lpKx9Y8_AmETvzI-zFwIEamcvwod__aKm_kjbXMQCF3Yt16y-14PGUAXZX8hG4JmoxFu8pfbG_I5qxyp2dmIladJSigxLGYomV4Me89T/s1600/WeddingBeiGudrun_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CS-5x7ShnljLNGiHNydF8Fz5oS_QiZ-jEGB2lpKx9Y8_AmETvzI-zFwIEamcvwod__aKm_kjbXMQCF3Yt16y-14PGUAXZX8hG4JmoxFu8pfbG_I5qxyp2dmIladJSigxLGYomV4Me89T/s640/WeddingBeiGudrun_0128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our wedding day was an amazing day. Full of emotions, laughter and joy. It went so fast and if I wouldn't have the photos and wedding band on my finger I might doubt it actually happened. We are just back from an amazing honey moon in Corfu and live settles back into its usual routine. It means there will be time for me to sew and knit again and actually think about my autumn wardrobe. Have you started with your autumn sewing or are you still holding on to the last sunshine of summer?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-56131674249799979632015-07-31T19:20:00.000+01:002015-07-31T19:20:08.586+01:00Wedding Dress Progress Part V: Hand sewing and Finishing upI'm DONE!!! Yeah, I finished my wedding dress and lace bolero a month in advance and I'm veryyyy happy with the outcome. So today's post will be the last one before the big reveal on my wedding day :) I'm mostly showing you detail shots - enjoy.<br />
<br />
First the zip: I was very afraid of sewing the zip, as I hadn't put in a lapped zip before. Add the chiffon and the thought you are sewing your wedding dress - welcome in my world! In the end I managed with the help of very good friend (thanks Thea) who stayed with me a whole Saturday and kept calming me down. We used the free <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/mastering-zipper-techniques/178" target="_blank">Craftsy tutorial from Sunni</a> (thanks for your recommendation Claire!) and followed it step by step. To stabilise the chiffon I used the thinnest fusible non-woven interfacing I had - I didn't want it to show on the outside. We basted all seams before stitching. I think the result is not bad :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgOEN4UbapxJFp-Cqm4ykUGTfVJ0bBsOU_fygfepUOUOuHcyxkUzlHvGgbb5OjJToc-A0JMNEyO8v6VIj3PlrdvSvu4rCbG1D_uwUxiyqtuTMPwcruV904JTrfoPl8GpPFLtR7PGxZGeb/s1600/DaniPad_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgOEN4UbapxJFp-Cqm4ykUGTfVJ0bBsOU_fygfepUOUOuHcyxkUzlHvGgbb5OjJToc-A0JMNEyO8v6VIj3PlrdvSvu4rCbG1D_uwUxiyqtuTMPwcruV904JTrfoPl8GpPFLtR7PGxZGeb/s640/DaniPad_0014.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hadn't pulled the zip up completely. So there is no gap in real life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRMjFB0Y_Ge8kMmC6gysMqVryDGQVpE0-CeXcAGgwIM990QII0HnFb-Ya0Hcbj1GoMvTKu-4b8lpvmN1kl7vQOqvUsQBCAKvJIsQw1fburLisRI5DBMUj8N-1nw0TTMjTOZsGvccX7wP0/s1600/DaniPad_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRMjFB0Y_Ge8kMmC6gysMqVryDGQVpE0-CeXcAGgwIM990QII0HnFb-Ya0Hcbj1GoMvTKu-4b8lpvmN1kl7vQOqvUsQBCAKvJIsQw1fburLisRI5DBMUj8N-1nw0TTMjTOZsGvccX7wP0/s640/DaniPad_0022.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
The bodice fits tight and I didn't want the whole strain to be on the zipper. Thus I stitched a bra clasp and hook into the dress. To do so, I bought a bra extender which I cut in half and then sewed to the lining on the inside of the dress with a zigzag stitch. On the pictures the lining is folded away from the chiffon:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ERIDVxTK3wbbwGBM5QPRDV3HPeTjZ_0FAViUiKtY7bQdottv6SW3c9Ar1LP8zn730EPmlWH8RA0UKeBSrdblio5BaIN_a7woMn76GT5fjABGbW3DZjP5ABryBsG2SH5RZGRdc8mpTOXH/s1600/DaniPad_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ERIDVxTK3wbbwGBM5QPRDV3HPeTjZ_0FAViUiKtY7bQdottv6SW3c9Ar1LP8zn730EPmlWH8RA0UKeBSrdblio5BaIN_a7woMn76GT5fjABGbW3DZjP5ABryBsG2SH5RZGRdc8mpTOXH/s640/DaniPad_0019.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUemlmNu5_C2ew9hzfFBidBGY99x9wWBBaAAszduRP-gCjkgLMEo1QYXnVmG4av5n8Q3wgWd3CWZ76w7OGOgqiUGRF8GvCZoGP9t369rqLqD5yhK-yDE56LmXfqGdw_zDX0IgdnJMkN1Ac/s1600/DaniPad_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUemlmNu5_C2ew9hzfFBidBGY99x9wWBBaAAszduRP-gCjkgLMEo1QYXnVmG4av5n8Q3wgWd3CWZ76w7OGOgqiUGRF8GvCZoGP9t369rqLqD5yhK-yDE56LmXfqGdw_zDX0IgdnJMkN1Ac/s640/DaniPad_0020.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I then hand stitched the lining to the zipper leaving a big gap where the bra extender is. To close the dress you have to first close the "bra" and then pull up the zipper. On the next photo on the right the hook part is protruding from the dress. The eye part is hidden between lining and chiffon on the left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJN8kvHevVwzW7oTErhUKvbFIqQd7dqDly0utSOUWRitALIQZrSsfHjjEld4vYlVhtADTaXi_jEW_8Brf1dkHU1ZMmg_UGwiDWNIpdLt8bS2b4rOBbatnu_FYxr2ZO9IpO01RjVz0qt3t/s1600/DaniPad_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJN8kvHevVwzW7oTErhUKvbFIqQd7dqDly0utSOUWRitALIQZrSsfHjjEld4vYlVhtADTaXi_jEW_8Brf1dkHU1ZMmg_UGwiDWNIpdLt8bS2b4rOBbatnu_FYxr2ZO9IpO01RjVz0qt3t/s640/DaniPad_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The straps were attached to the back bodice as one of the last steps. That means you can see them on the inside but I don't mind. Adding them last meant I could adjust the fit of the dress before hemming it. I sealed the end of the ribbon with some clear nail vanish. I was worried it would scratch but it doesn't.<span id="goog_1245089811"></span><span id="goog_1245089812"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ikM_UDX7LG73jIjLbY0GSYdCQM5oSC_B9h-CjN_dhPFTVS4uBv_4mc01A8w-Dn7wgljFL6hcK8_8KfebqGVQahkJryqviII8NbHJi0y32DNAASVjDnv9C4mfKJrZoRqr6w_jMNk9jIY/s1600/Dani_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ikM_UDX7LG73jIjLbY0GSYdCQM5oSC_B9h-CjN_dhPFTVS4uBv_4mc01A8w-Dn7wgljFL6hcK8_8KfebqGVQahkJryqviII8NbHJi0y32DNAASVjDnv9C4mfKJrZoRqr6w_jMNk9jIY/s640/Dani_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I always wanted to have flowers on my dress. They had to be very delicate to match the chiffon. I found some embroidered mesh flowers on ebay. They came as a 4m long trim from China. The flowers have a little pearl in their center and although not from great quality look super nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3AJlvx8OLFXP8YUIcuf5A7_bCrKxQPbTfX6wGdfUdMVEmQf4fxcoXjnUM-2MMBZ8AnotKktAdSO1VoB_0Spm8MhzyM4vSf3E0lTgxhfa8-w3u0s94HqeXoVgOvh0zRiy6dqWT4CXw66R/s1600/Dani_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3AJlvx8OLFXP8YUIcuf5A7_bCrKxQPbTfX6wGdfUdMVEmQf4fxcoXjnUM-2MMBZ8AnotKktAdSO1VoB_0Spm8MhzyM4vSf3E0lTgxhfa8-w3u0s94HqeXoVgOvh0zRiy6dqWT4CXw66R/s640/Dani_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've handstitched them along the bust band on top of the ribbon and then they are flowing down one side and are all over the train.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOy5rJEk493B0XvzMH0nBfaNpd-wk_MhkL_SPvpfAp6tZEOBSvGJ3vHeiX-DaKKoDJHxUP6xoPVtRx86uyyiAUhW0WDMqOe13uyOt3XKfxk0EwtVHxQtsevEfYRN3yjuRWkfcRsbGdC3p/s1600/Dani_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOy5rJEk493B0XvzMH0nBfaNpd-wk_MhkL_SPvpfAp6tZEOBSvGJ3vHeiX-DaKKoDJHxUP6xoPVtRx86uyyiAUhW0WDMqOe13uyOt3XKfxk0EwtVHxQtsevEfYRN3yjuRWkfcRsbGdC3p/s640/Dani_0003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There are about 100 of them and it took me almost 2 weeks to sew them on. I told myself to attach at least 10 each evening and it wouldn't be that bad. The most difficult part was to attach them to the bust band and not catching the lining.<br />
<br />
The hem was the next difficult part. I only found the shoes to go with the dress a couple of days before the hem had to be done (thanks Thea). Again it took a whole afternoon, loads of tea and loads of standing on books to get it done. I can only recommend to put straps on their right position before starting to work on the hem!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_oI0VSWIa1ZRT88C40NaqFb-WeUX8qOHjeEDgnNJcnVAsgqi-5zxNyztK1hIoVcGNufBgTDDt2elNYL2D1w7KCE8x3XLa03isilwBn6SSXMdZhWgXLt7deYWXa7PpSL4Nbi2ucGimF-/s1600/Dani_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_oI0VSWIa1ZRT88C40NaqFb-WeUX8qOHjeEDgnNJcnVAsgqi-5zxNyztK1hIoVcGNufBgTDDt2elNYL2D1w7KCE8x3XLa03isilwBn6SSXMdZhWgXLt7deYWXa7PpSL4Nbi2ucGimF-/s640/Dani_0009.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flower on the train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
because the chiffon and silk are so delicate I decided to go for a 2-thread rolled hem that I put in with my overlocker. The rolled hem of the chiffon is white as well and matches the flowers. The lining is about 0.5 cm shorter than the chiffon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2mNuTdWQ71WG8a-VmkIVSOs2DEf40-qHTjG0-_d5lXVfFfoAWZUFlXRtYTXNzfPLs9NaiVSBSsffGrjNQ0JwqXdjJDptFj2rc7mAkopXq76kVwjKuv0Qq2qPmkKwT_BiWBiCN6Eii58h/s1600/Dani_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2mNuTdWQ71WG8a-VmkIVSOs2DEf40-qHTjG0-_d5lXVfFfoAWZUFlXRtYTXNzfPLs9NaiVSBSsffGrjNQ0JwqXdjJDptFj2rc7mAkopXq76kVwjKuv0Qq2qPmkKwT_BiWBiCN6Eii58h/s640/Dani_0007.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I needed a bustle. There are several different types and I went for the simplest one as for the other styles the dress had not enough layers. In my case we attached ribbon to the hem of the chiffon and lining and then a little ring onto the lining at the height of my bum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy7usWpdsND-HxAOFymUCWmqjI0X04K-srWCsk9oy2ka_vOlUglDqGkE3B5WoKvIy7eyImiJ74bLnfgWC0ka38V97HieZzugqzDRfeHASkFFunMFA9uIdIsdPefeZtGl2uRttl_4NS4sS/s1600/Dani_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy7usWpdsND-HxAOFymUCWmqjI0X04K-srWCsk9oy2ka_vOlUglDqGkE3B5WoKvIy7eyImiJ74bLnfgWC0ka38V97HieZzugqzDRfeHASkFFunMFA9uIdIsdPefeZtGl2uRttl_4NS4sS/s640/Dani_0010.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After the ceremony the train can be bound up by just threading the ribbon through the hook and tying it, voila. In case you wonder how I will prevent the ribbons from showing when the train is down: there will be a seam ripper at my wedding :) and it will be used to remove the basting from the ribbon. The ribbon will be basted to the seams - I haven't done that yet - it's only three ribbons.<br />
<br />
To make the dress look a bit more bridal, I sewed a white lace cardigan. It's the pattern from Kwik Sew (K3400 - here is the link to<a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank"> my inspiration post</a>). I made a muslin first and added some length to the bolero and removed some curve/fullness from the front panel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lPOJuXl7C2OPJVco_UXphPoy33mCPLDuHPKBVJJvWdKyf3vDynhy_k9d0w4eS4RfdWy9kpcxlSZSbr0fVKC1C97gxQvOA54dPpgJHC9-viu5ccoiwIyMjnMHDgK8O-9G3Jb-nElbb5XH/s1600/Dani_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lPOJuXl7C2OPJVco_UXphPoy33mCPLDuHPKBVJJvWdKyf3vDynhy_k9d0w4eS4RfdWy9kpcxlSZSbr0fVKC1C97gxQvOA54dPpgJHC9-viu5ccoiwIyMjnMHDgK8O-9G3Jb-nElbb5XH/s640/Dani_0013.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I bought 1 meter of mesh lace from ebay and found a trim for finishing the raw seams at a local haberdashery. I was all positive about it and had no worries at all about sewing with lace. Then I read on the internet how difficult it is to sew lace especially mesh lace. I procrastinated a couple of weeks and then just plunged ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QmQl5AgkFdEEirgJRMTdoPWUEyEWH7GA2kUsIHLdkWyHqjTEeLhfm_keXY1w35CeJFfX5J0kFNKrP6_QMjoHL_a28kvw3Tvz2UrYPb3g0N4utlXPVVy05HwrAfUl17pguk4Ip4C6cvpe/s1600/Dani_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QmQl5AgkFdEEirgJRMTdoPWUEyEWH7GA2kUsIHLdkWyHqjTEeLhfm_keXY1w35CeJFfX5J0kFNKrP6_QMjoHL_a28kvw3Tvz2UrYPb3g0N4utlXPVVy05HwrAfUl17pguk4Ip4C6cvpe/s640/Dani_0012.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
It took me only one afternoon to finish the bolero and had no problems at all. I used my 1/4" (quilting) foot to sew the seams with a straight stitch at length setting 1.8. The advantage of this foot is that it has a small hole through which the needle goes (I don't have/ didn't need a special needle plate). To finish the seam I sewed a tiny zigzag stitch 1/8" away from the first stitching line and then cut the seam allowance away. What really helped to start sewing was to sew a couple of stitches on some scrap cotton and then start on the lace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTP7JILFD6f98LCUzZ9sczoJRTqouJOAz_6z5eHlKwGnXebPiLLs4SCk8YlageZvqIAppir71b8ao50LWHyaDbnIB9Xp0o9aiIlBUR5mb8IQlVPNgiVZcdNzwrlNePLBeScT6ql22zcgN/s1600/Dani_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTP7JILFD6f98LCUzZ9sczoJRTqouJOAz_6z5eHlKwGnXebPiLLs4SCk8YlageZvqIAppir71b8ao50LWHyaDbnIB9Xp0o9aiIlBUR5mb8IQlVPNgiVZcdNzwrlNePLBeScT6ql22zcgN/s640/Dani_0014.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Final thoughts: You can't believe how relieved I am to have finished the wedding dress. I have been sewing it since April and spent almost every weekend on it. It was a very stressful and at times desperate journey. The wedding dress was all I could think about. I couldn't do anything else because I would have a bad conscience.<br />
I am very happy with the end result - I have my dream dress - and I'm very proud of all my hard work, but I wouldn't do it again :) The groom to be summarised it with the following words: The last couple of month were all about the dress but not about the actual wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77E4D7HSrIk4mGOVbezFkWlND-_9xPiAmfG2eiaZBwOY39eMw8Wq3HSbbjWhn94m_X_vIj5S-cQXhq2xRFBC4x8-qrpsX8dstzMdsQyriVGKr-6rjqfqlTLgSD01CaTPoEpn5b3tFKqjb/s1600/Dani_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77E4D7HSrIk4mGOVbezFkWlND-_9xPiAmfG2eiaZBwOY39eMw8Wq3HSbbjWhn94m_X_vIj5S-cQXhq2xRFBC4x8-qrpsX8dstzMdsQyriVGKr-6rjqfqlTLgSD01CaTPoEpn5b3tFKqjb/s640/Dani_0061.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I learned a lot when making the dress and so far it is the most advanced garment I have ever made. It is beautiful and I feel beautiful in it. So I can't wait to actually put it on and say yes :)<br />
<br />
Thanks a lot for your support and know I have started to make every day clothes again (without having a bad conscience). So you can expect to see the usual pre-wedding dress stuff on this blog again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-43039915417196725182015-07-14T19:08:00.000+01:002015-07-14T19:08:39.516+01:00Wedding Dress Progress Part IV: Sewing Silk and Assembling Skirt and BodiceGood news: THE dress finally looks like a dress! Skirt and bodice are attached (including the lining), flowers are hand sewn on and the zipper has been inserted, yeah. The only thing missing now is the hem and bustle! I can't show you the full dress before I get married (6 weeks to go, so be patient), so I'm showing you some detail shots instead.<br />
<br />
This post will be mainly about my experience when working with silk. I used the silk for the lining, but forgot to take pictures of it. So here are some random pics :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuQSW8BtXmdBufgouXKzKdoIIwk7gQ7rNzhNExSEV8f_8ZchLQzvnaK14YhF9XwPBiIMMYq7Wg75oTlU2IXH6VSNRqZzQQWJXCjORkYq0A6Ch3fPfl3NrC6poEYpty4H9O93csZ8Iue1-/s1600/wedding+dress+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuQSW8BtXmdBufgouXKzKdoIIwk7gQ7rNzhNExSEV8f_8ZchLQzvnaK14YhF9XwPBiIMMYq7Wg75oTlU2IXH6VSNRqZzQQWJXCjORkYq0A6Ch3fPfl3NrC6poEYpty4H9O93csZ8Iue1-/s640/wedding+dress+%25281%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skirt is without the lining in this photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The silk didn't like me at all and I didn't like it either because there were a couple of hiccups on the way from silk to skirt.<br />
<br />
1. Should you decide to gelantin bath your silk - fold it before putting it into the bucket. Otherwise you will have a wrinkly mess that takes a long time to iron. I had to iron with steam and because it took so long, the steam was condensing on the metal of my iron board and from there dripping onto my silk. Water stains!<br />
<br />
2. If there is any writing on the selvage of the silk (like 100% silk for example) try to cut if off before the gelantin bath because it could stain you fabric. Mine did. But luckily with the chiffon layer on top you can't see it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2zqNSNR6qpOPJffCa__FQIzum_IRMccTVv6AgCnbAcjSbYLm49K-jgkQutI9qlIHi3lrolb3EkpprbGTEfmDJIMBl1Ehe0hIiKpqhlVcZQdGE10M7yD0FiXCnkrpuhQRQs6IE6gPbaD4/s1600/wedding+dress+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2zqNSNR6qpOPJffCa__FQIzum_IRMccTVv6AgCnbAcjSbYLm49K-jgkQutI9qlIHi3lrolb3EkpprbGTEfmDJIMBl1Ehe0hIiKpqhlVcZQdGE10M7yD0FiXCnkrpuhQRQs6IE6gPbaD4/s640/wedding+dress+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembled bodice with straps! Yes my dress is having straps, because otherwise it would fall down. There is not enough boning in there to hold it up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
3. I decided to cut my lace single layered and layed it out in front of the window. Having cut out the first piece, I realised that my silk had a purple or white shimmer depending from which side I looked. I was fretting for 2 hours about it and then found out that if you layed out the fabric the other way around the shimmer didn't change. So when looking towards the window it would always shimmer purple and when looking towards the room it shimmers always white, phew.<br />
<br />
4. Make sure you have enough fabric - I was short 2 meters - I was just missing the last piece. And pay attention how you lay your pattern pieces down. Ups, I was just frolicking about what else I could do with that lovely leftover silk, when I realised I had layed out my pattern piece the wrong side up. I only realised when I had cut 3/4 of it. Why not earlier?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ToO7TP2CWrfJMwKwmuvMd_WEFy8nEmz5-UN1S4Uu_0khpMtfHiukWTQpayJOZJD5wXW8OvCCbxwvzVjhWW1aEI-G54B8mYRn8rVhny7mlFwFhDAmfRhqPzc-XYHatW6CQ4QHLfCQAjiS/s1600/dress+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ToO7TP2CWrfJMwKwmuvMd_WEFy8nEmz5-UN1S4Uu_0khpMtfHiukWTQpayJOZJD5wXW8OvCCbxwvzVjhWW1aEI-G54B8mYRn8rVhny7mlFwFhDAmfRhqPzc-XYHatW6CQ4QHLfCQAjiS/s400/dress+%25283%2529.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when sewing silk - use loads of pins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Finally sewing! I pinned every 1" and I don't think it was enough because my seams are twisting. It doesn't show that much because I can iron it out with some steam. I french seamed all seams (silk and chiffon) and my first seam was 3/8" and my second/last one 1/4". To get a neat 1/4" I bought a 1/4" foot which has a little guide on it. I can only recommend it. It made sewing these thin seams much easier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYKB-3y8M0G_S-CHidtS8A4RZXo9Y9tAU24Z50MgXVE32RQiegPZNRlkKHwp3kE15LmomePEtUjKlj3NWs1J_t9RgpsiAAz_YxbVPZf6SkqWqDs2zUUiCJB9_P1J0d59-hYHGlpJ5wfPD/s1600/wedding+dress+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYKB-3y8M0G_S-CHidtS8A4RZXo9Y9tAU24Z50MgXVE32RQiegPZNRlkKHwp3kE15LmomePEtUjKlj3NWs1J_t9RgpsiAAz_YxbVPZf6SkqWqDs2zUUiCJB9_P1J0d59-hYHGlpJ5wfPD/s640/wedding+dress+%25287%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1/4'' foot - I can only highly recommend it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now back to the dress construction: Before I attached the chiffon skirt or silk skirt to the bodices, I washed them both to remove any starch or gelatin. I was worried about having any residues left so I did a two hours soak first and then but them (separately) into the handwashing program of my washing machine. I didn't wash the bodice to avoid getting soggy pleats.<br />
<br />
I couldn't decide how I would attach the skirt to the bodice. My pattern suggested to first sew outer skirt fabric and lining together and then attach it to the bodice. But that meant the zipper would show on the inside. Why would you use a lining then? The lining is supposed to cover the zipper. So I sewed the outer skirt fabric to the bodice outer fabric and then I sewed the skirt lining to the bodice lining.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcE-AQ3A1TEzjwHVgtqbZ78549Gom1QlvbT86U87saKg13bMepahSOLy691Xh5L69jKpli6mc2W7PoWo7o3yOR1qlDobRO8tRwlET1MEHuDyLM5skXR3eZt9MAv2H1gLcPjgs-wmA6lGe/s1600/wedding+dress+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcE-AQ3A1TEzjwHVgtqbZ78549Gom1QlvbT86U87saKg13bMepahSOLy691Xh5L69jKpli6mc2W7PoWo7o3yOR1qlDobRO8tRwlET1MEHuDyLM5skXR3eZt9MAv2H1gLcPjgs-wmA6lGe/s640/wedding+dress+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">handstitched ribbon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before the zipper could go in, I had to hand stitch the satin ribbon in place. It has the same color as the straps. I attached it on top of the underbust seam and when attaching it with tiny back stitches took care to only catch the outer fabric and not the lining.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82sxtx57qtq2xo0gfHwK5sDf58wl7jVUj4NEqxflMzdfNPE49KzGtXmrZzslbBm05klydQoG2V4QfxrAKfMLS5P6GFPyZmV0yUjJeRaU5Q-ohyphenhyphenXVxGA_JuMpmrvVk71y-5sSDRzn29VsP/s1600/wedding+dress+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82sxtx57qtq2xo0gfHwK5sDf58wl7jVUj4NEqxflMzdfNPE49KzGtXmrZzslbBm05klydQoG2V4QfxrAKfMLS5P6GFPyZmV0yUjJeRaU5Q-ohyphenhyphenXVxGA_JuMpmrvVk71y-5sSDRzn29VsP/s640/wedding+dress+%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pinned and stitched the ribbon onto the dress when having it on the dress form - just to make sure the dress was falling straight. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One last pic: The dress with it's complete lining and ribbon attached.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjoaAVUA6NsJr5WVjQL_d70zAn3u6kr6LG5tWmBR-cB2bv-KS8gAmJTveZP-HulfPDXa8Tyadd1CZ0wRchmmODFV0ewjCNxA1V0Rxds56SiuSi3O8GAUZhv4hDxE4yYDtaaPfO_IiCETr/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjoaAVUA6NsJr5WVjQL_d70zAn3u6kr6LG5tWmBR-cB2bv-KS8gAmJTveZP-HulfPDXa8Tyadd1CZ0wRchmmODFV0ewjCNxA1V0Rxds56SiuSi3O8GAUZhv4hDxE4yYDtaaPfO_IiCETr/s640/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so glad that I decided to add a train. I love it :) So thanks to everybody who encouraged me to do so. I still have to figure out how to add the bustle so that I can take the train up when we are at the restaurant.<br />
<br />
You can't imagine how excited I am. Only six more weeks to go and I will be Mrs :) Make-up and hair have been sorted out, phew. We also had our pre-wedding meeting with the registrar which left me more confused and anxious then before.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to get the next post up a bit sooner now that most of the sewing is done. In case you wonder, no I'm not working on anything else other than the wedding dress, its lace bolero, ring cushion and pouch. So plenty to do! I would love to sew some dresses especially because I'm seeing all your lovely ones. But that has to wait - so keep posting and help me over my no-summer-dress-sewing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-37897487456954638802015-06-20T21:16:00.000+01:002015-06-20T21:16:09.034+01:00Wedding Dress Progress Part III: Constructing the bodice<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Disclaimer: This post is a pure construction post with no pretty pictures. I've tried to put some more detail into the construction of the bodice in the hope that it might help somebody else when making a structured dress. At least I struggled a lot with deciding what to do. </i></span><br />
<br />
Another month has passed since my last Wedding Dress Progress Update! Two more month to go before everything has to be ready. I'm making good progress with the dress:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bodice is assembled, voila!</div>
<div>
It consists of 5(!) layers:</div>
<div>
1. Pleated chiffon shell</div>
<div>
2. Silk dupion underlining for the chiffon shell.</div>
<div>
3. Cotton batting with sewn-in bra cups.</div>
<div>
4. Old bed sheet with boning to which the cotton batting is attached.</div>
<div>
5. Silk lining.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It took me a while to decide in which order and which way around to stack layer 3 and 4. So here are a few more details on the bodice assembly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hand basted the pleated chiffon to the silk dupion bodice pieces with silk thread and then sewed the bodice pieces together (layer 1 and 2). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMD0PxCY2RjQyTZeOoGp0Lqsu94A6dEEmvBDlLIsb0bs8JCTrpBIXR0jLFtSJxOMEd-rL8jLg1J2kIXLF7-7c7bIDocBhuW9ypecJtXPKU9w6I4xn3B6hf6jGpTZu2P0dFprUW_bLsiXj/s1600/ElaKleid_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMD0PxCY2RjQyTZeOoGp0Lqsu94A6dEEmvBDlLIsb0bs8JCTrpBIXR0jLFtSJxOMEd-rL8jLg1J2kIXLF7-7c7bIDocBhuW9ypecJtXPKU9w6I4xn3B6hf6jGpTZu2P0dFprUW_bLsiXj/s640/ElaKleid_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of silk lining (top) and chiffon pleats basted to silk dupion (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfbsqwlkJWWFzvVO4umYPgjxYOjeyqmgBjRVK8xeVTAue2vNL_53zpsRbEdmNZmrrKHmmmN7vM7iUay1fGlO6F_B0I4Db68l_gPD0JIqeuxH7uuWm-VKbkJm3pL6JBlVn8-lP_Udq_ew5/s1600/ElaKleid_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfbsqwlkJWWFzvVO4umYPgjxYOjeyqmgBjRVK8xeVTAue2vNL_53zpsRbEdmNZmrrKHmmmN7vM7iUay1fGlO6F_B0I4Db68l_gPD0JIqeuxH7uuWm-VKbkJm3pL6JBlVn8-lP_Udq_ew5/s640/ElaKleid_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrong side of silk lining (top) and chiffon pleats basted to silk dupion (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Following the tutorial from <a href="http://sewaholic.net/sewing-a-butted-or-abutted-seam/" target="_blank">sewaholic</a>, I made a cotton batting layer just for the three front pieces (the ones connected by the princess seams). To avoid fabric bulk at the princess seams, you have to cut off the seam allowances and then stitch the side and front panel together on top of twill tape. I bought simple sew-in bra cups from amazon and after a bit of trial and error managed to get a good placement of the cups on the batting. I sewed all the way around the cups with a zig zag stitch to secure them. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv4rMjsOyvvoBqw_-TvfdAkmZvUTa4cOpK5fUqyeD2sejx_h2Ghb0b0Db2RoIF3SFAn6zYOM_4jEbXfyN0sJNpdqJTioHZWPpWM6T0Gp4BKPH-oITKiom_6BMTpNwSGZqNGOETGu7MHw2/s1600/ElaKleid_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv4rMjsOyvvoBqw_-TvfdAkmZvUTa4cOpK5fUqyeD2sejx_h2Ghb0b0Db2RoIF3SFAn6zYOM_4jEbXfyN0sJNpdqJTioHZWPpWM6T0Gp4BKPH-oITKiom_6BMTpNwSGZqNGOETGu7MHw2/s640/ElaKleid_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of cotton batting with bra cups (top) and bed sheet with boning (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nT14AhBBNMpQf6FHbzJhJMUp-PRY5QwzDHY0AGncjvnHR1gD4_aBy6LGosuxBBFuIyWDSBY5qvP6oHGz8mUwxxTJoQXzOubGIDPyG0j1ENMS8e8db6U6tXEbsmIfSF_oRPQPqNtlR2sv/s1600/ElaKleid_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nT14AhBBNMpQf6FHbzJhJMUp-PRY5QwzDHY0AGncjvnHR1gD4_aBy6LGosuxBBFuIyWDSBY5qvP6oHGz8mUwxxTJoQXzOubGIDPyG0j1ENMS8e8db6U6tXEbsmIfSF_oRPQPqNtlR2sv/s640/ElaKleid_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrong side of cotton batting with bra cups (top) and bed sheet with boning (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then I constructed the "old bed sheet" bodice which I wanted to use to underline my silk lining. I added the boning to this layer because it was the most stable one. I had to make the princess seams for this (and the silk lining) a bit smaller, because they are on the inside of the bra cups. Next I stitched the cotton batting to the bed sheet layer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmLpsZHz_umZbqyCQLWCXk0AaCanpEyfzH4qHhEjpV4q-euXFSEqiOpnHzsJz6Fsqg-vQ-gYHsieAPSgJWsdXnEWtPMqaBPGm1o7e4AOP4c-Zjx_2ZloecFv9paYNOSl8jVKly0oKCYhT/s1600/ElaKleid_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmLpsZHz_umZbqyCQLWCXk0AaCanpEyfzH4qHhEjpV4q-euXFSEqiOpnHzsJz6Fsqg-vQ-gYHsieAPSgJWsdXnEWtPMqaBPGm1o7e4AOP4c-Zjx_2ZloecFv9paYNOSl8jVKly0oKCYhT/s640/ElaKleid_0021.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boning attached to the bed sheet layer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkvVF9H48bhS9taP142oARXE0EgcO0OTFj1U1QaqhM9jkszXbtwPm_MkmfN9a2bWIoTdpwVkenW8skLPNCNOOzRGmP9mTdRlX8fB-IOnswfIKbMT_arvheSPUyDWJ9oaJs3ovZQssNq4D/s1600/ElaKleid_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkvVF9H48bhS9taP142oARXE0EgcO0OTFj1U1QaqhM9jkszXbtwPm_MkmfN9a2bWIoTdpwVkenW8skLPNCNOOzRGmP9mTdRlX8fB-IOnswfIKbMT_arvheSPUyDWJ9oaJs3ovZQssNq4D/s640/ElaKleid_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up on bra cups sewn onto cotton batting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then sewed the bodice a fifth time - this time from silk to make the lining. The assembled silk bodice got attached to the bed sheet layer as well. Now the bed sheet layer was sandwiched between cotton batting and silk. I hand stitched the cup of the silk lining to the bed sheet bodice by stitching in the seam line of the princess seams.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17n1vywXBfUl8J4L-Sfy7Jqtza-J7hUrcpfCo5D5etShYAFxe7oBm5VBu2l7bDGhf2mnZpzkZ_nkLD9ZfTgjFj_CVIA9eRLycYq79TTiHS7-RKSqjqM58wJO0Cy3bwFDOPkjs4bsAAWOA/s1600/ElaKleid_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17n1vywXBfUl8J4L-Sfy7Jqtza-J7hUrcpfCo5D5etShYAFxe7oBm5VBu2l7bDGhf2mnZpzkZ_nkLD9ZfTgjFj_CVIA9eRLycYq79TTiHS7-RKSqjqM58wJO0Cy3bwFDOPkjs4bsAAWOA/s640/ElaKleid_0035.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitches in the seam line of princess seams to secure lining to bra cups.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_ucf09J0pzN9SR9olS0pwH21GMm4fID5S50hYcl4y-wy1oyyYuQk-oR2NkMVJFVsAZsMrtUVZ19XK_NcAwosMPpQMXZjo9i-D81Un-iRACGfbRVKRF699qTf_CvKmStZ8WnpZr23XTs-/s1600/ElaKleid_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_ucf09J0pzN9SR9olS0pwH21GMm4fID5S50hYcl4y-wy1oyyYuQk-oR2NkMVJFVsAZsMrtUVZ19XK_NcAwosMPpQMXZjo9i-D81Un-iRACGfbRVKRF699qTf_CvKmStZ8WnpZr23XTs-/s640/ElaKleid_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of all layers sewn together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Construction wise the most challenging part for me was to attach and position the bra cups. The boning was very easy to put in. I was contemplating for a while to add some horse hair braid to stabilise the neckline but decided against it. Because there were already 5 fabric layers at the neck seam line and I didn't want to add more bulk.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVZjSVZYgFzliHXqZ2QHDkcjzQ0ecE6R4rodb_uKZo3x1BiJLkTicyI1lVQEGTGZXx15zAfM0eB1iyo2iE2UTvJw4sY1LkwcMzdQzW3BBO5jVnyWf7dJVn-Ak_axx8WQ4kMfHinlr_UMX/s1600/ElaKleid_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVZjSVZYgFzliHXqZ2QHDkcjzQ0ecE6R4rodb_uKZo3x1BiJLkTicyI1lVQEGTGZXx15zAfM0eB1iyo2iE2UTvJw4sY1LkwcMzdQzW3BBO5jVnyWf7dJVn-Ak_axx8WQ4kMfHinlr_UMX/s640/ElaKleid_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I first trimmed the batting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally I stitched all bodice layers at the neckline together. To make sure I had a nice crisp and flat neckline seam, I graded the different layers at the seam during trimming before understitching. And voila here we have a really structured bodice. Despite being stable I do not trust it to not slip down thus I've added ribbon straps to have some security :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLlgus19qv5kTSHVAmeGIAAC2dWrkrs6V1G6GYSepLglK2vh5ZvnBBqMK8WEkE1otIWfYJcKczt937WW1nH2QmkABoj_56CGCUEcrLWQ1TofgIPPbnQJgGOh2A1MgE8NCThP57AECnAEb/s1600/ElaKleid_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLlgus19qv5kTSHVAmeGIAAC2dWrkrs6V1G6GYSepLglK2vh5ZvnBBqMK8WEkE1otIWfYJcKczt937WW1nH2QmkABoj_56CGCUEcrLWQ1TofgIPPbnQJgGOh2A1MgE8NCThP57AECnAEb/s640/ElaKleid_0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimmed and graded seams at neckline seam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y1SxzoySK75Cyvy54XFjruFFW9ZP34htcJA77MeaIAXggFC8Rfv5H-0MDZ4D7kUGYfROZo55y0omqT3kiy9fGjHKLDgaF7-MGKA7ceQ6s3r48Vcc8kHZD5bI996P3AGnGM55D5PCrS4U/s1600/ElaKleid_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y1SxzoySK75Cyvy54XFjruFFW9ZP34htcJA77MeaIAXggFC8Rfv5H-0MDZ4D7kUGYfROZo55y0omqT3kiy9fGjHKLDgaF7-MGKA7ceQ6s3r48Vcc8kHZD5bI996P3AGnGM55D5PCrS4U/s640/ElaKleid_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neatly understitched and trimmed neckline seam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pegQZYQ0DnQNzTEFKvKF6yMcrJz_sw6SpjkMPWzEQVSixOO7bVvB3qaVza9RFu6nsAe9DTckNrwQCf5wthnE_Jw-N9-lamNlK1jzCHqYywJR2YsCU03wemaxVFbp3hxcHvJcMZ4edce8/s1600/ElaKleid_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pegQZYQ0DnQNzTEFKvKF6yMcrJz_sw6SpjkMPWzEQVSixOO7bVvB3qaVza9RFu6nsAe9DTckNrwQCf5wthnE_Jw-N9-lamNlK1jzCHqYywJR2YsCU03wemaxVFbp3hxcHvJcMZ4edce8/s640/ElaKleid_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Understitches on the right side of the neckline seam. Pretty ribbon straps have been attached as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Are you still with me? Well done! Then let me tell you what to expect in the next progress post: the
assembly of the dress and lining and first hand stitching :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One question, please: Does the train have to be lined?
My lining has a train :O And do you have any experiences with bustles?
Any tutorial you can recommend? Thank you.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-83133871128814880402015-06-10T19:26:00.000+01:002015-06-10T19:26:11.468+01:00Two Ms: Mimi and Mabel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRNQFch6oWS67hku7LThgENTMYBovOCapNsEZfTowf-9IAFSnCjOlmoVY_PJs5_B_WdJlUOuAvw9b3y-M3WhZW571LiqhnrymP37Ut6Y4haeB2wBGgmX2nEMYjj9WGQi2gfAYzScS4SOc/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRNQFch6oWS67hku7LThgENTMYBovOCapNsEZfTowf-9IAFSnCjOlmoVY_PJs5_B_WdJlUOuAvw9b3y-M3WhZW571LiqhnrymP37Ut6Y4haeB2wBGgmX2nEMYjj9WGQi2gfAYzScS4SOc/s640/Mimi+blouse_0005.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I’ve given you enough time to forget about my last version of the Mimi Blouse :) The pattern is from Tilly and the Buttons book “<a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">Love at first stitch</a>”.<br />
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> My <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/lets-fly-away-mimi-blouse.html" target="_blank">first version</a> was made from a drapy and soft fabric - it was actually a fabric used by the Oasis retailer to make a blouse. I found out about it on twitter because JessB had the blouse, haha. I always try to get my hands on shop fabric and I actually succeeded without knowing! For my second version I used a liberty copy print cotton lawn. It is a lightweight fabric, but much stiffer than the fabric from version one. I’ve used this fabric before to make a <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/pattern-fitting-part-2.html" target="_blank">dress at a sewing class</a> and was happy to finally use up these leftovers!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRIVHjV1ql9BNvKwmHUK-hOrMsqVzFaEU-svDz8t_kAwv5_tMe-iS2ljnC7QbeY2Wuii7XSohr92vMg8_Qm_RdMeM_0HY0MUYN8tRJ1rXUd5yFuHEdY4iBvsHuFfIussKWbG7oBJkkFSi/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRIVHjV1ql9BNvKwmHUK-hOrMsqVzFaEU-svDz8t_kAwv5_tMe-iS2ljnC7QbeY2Wuii7XSohr92vMg8_Qm_RdMeM_0HY0MUYN8tRJ1rXUd5yFuHEdY4iBvsHuFfIussKWbG7oBJkkFSi/s640/Mimi+blouse_0029.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
For the collar I used some leftover cotton lawn also from my stash. The buttons come from my button jar as well. So you can say, this blouse cost me almost nothing :) I love it when this happens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID0nr-aUGyAT0wjxzKVGRzk9bMQZPVKPZNR4-n6bkA6I2JcGvMESE5ZhvIX2fv6nDdgE_tubZ9z3X7So67noPZeMzO3UGcMdXQQzef4Zvr1Ce3Cjr7XYu6M26OJqsr_DeOCmB_sBiMVTr/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID0nr-aUGyAT0wjxzKVGRzk9bMQZPVKPZNR4-n6bkA6I2JcGvMESE5ZhvIX2fv6nDdgE_tubZ9z3X7So67noPZeMzO3UGcMdXQQzef4Zvr1Ce3Cjr7XYu6M26OJqsr_DeOCmB_sBiMVTr/s640/Mimi+blouse_0013.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fitting:</b> The fit was quite good in <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/lets-fly-away-mimi-blouse.html" target="_blank">my first version</a> but I was not 100% happy with it, because the collar was laying not flat. It wasn't that obvious because of the drapy fabric. But you know how it is: when you know it’s there, it bothers you. So back to collar drafting I went and a thorough measuring of the neck curve revealed that my collar curve was longer than the one on the yoke. I can’t remember the exact measurement, but it was something around half an inch. I removed the fullness and after some more fiddling on my dress form was happy with the fit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIt84ntqBFqOTw2SWa9KrBpmghLiPDka-6fD_QUlBNnavXcCfiDN8SLPWBisKspxXHUcq9ePxTQ4KxD_CqW4zA3MJJdHftTBRufCaGmoqHuL15B6Qq0zZAg4ZPERO2nVaBnTy-7p8WjE1/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIt84ntqBFqOTw2SWa9KrBpmghLiPDka-6fD_QUlBNnavXcCfiDN8SLPWBisKspxXHUcq9ePxTQ4KxD_CqW4zA3MJJdHftTBRufCaGmoqHuL15B6Qq0zZAg4ZPERO2nVaBnTy-7p8WjE1/s640/Mimi+blouse_0035.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hand stitched the hem on the sleeves. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Construction: </b>Having sewn the blouse before, sewing this one was really fast. I mostly followed Tilly’s instructions. The only change I made was to sew the collar in flat. That means I sewed the collar to the yoke before sewing the side seams. I think it results in a nicer collar because you can press it much better :) and it is easier to pin and sew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M4d9joqOK8MvYcjb_-zmoSPf5B_hrEx3ueH4Y6Fy6oriLPnks1rCLpBQZN9Z8Tn3hNz0A9xsZ_09n8M3-zR_uuUryBCXQ0gPH8aNsN5STQCA7keL5YyA2pbata9BXgEpneK4yNKCL83s/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M4d9joqOK8MvYcjb_-zmoSPf5B_hrEx3ueH4Y6Fy6oriLPnks1rCLpBQZN9Z8Tn3hNz0A9xsZ_09n8M3-zR_uuUryBCXQ0gPH8aNsN5STQCA7keL5YyA2pbata9BXgEpneK4yNKCL83s/s640/Mimi+blouse_0007.JPG" width="423" /></a></div>
<br />
By the way, the skirt I'm wearing is the <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/mabel" target="_blank">Colette Mabel Skirt</a>. It is made from a Romaknit Jersey that I bought in Goldhawk Road. It is a bit see through and I can wear it only with similar colored tights or underwear. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDDUjwn1UYcT-KzhmjOoR9u5pEtUZYWWB1XnM4PL5nbA18vG4tJ6kGy4B6n4LqHkqAVmSpt_rmU5vQujNQqmKJLAZY9DbjCcjKuc_7D8DRz45ShE-oxk-CDxF8QFpXRx0VjC9ukpJ4pxh/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDDUjwn1UYcT-KzhmjOoR9u5pEtUZYWWB1XnM4PL5nbA18vG4tJ6kGy4B6n4LqHkqAVmSpt_rmU5vQujNQqmKJLAZY9DbjCcjKuc_7D8DRz45ShE-oxk-CDxF8QFpXRx0VjC9ukpJ4pxh/s640/Mimi+blouse_0022.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the reason why I'm not showing you the skirt in its total glory - I had a big afternoon tea before taking the pictures.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I made the pencil skirt version 3 in size M. The pencil skirt has side seam details and a kick pleat. I'm not sure if I cut the wrong size or if it was because of my fabric, but I had to take out 8 inch from the waistband and then from the top of the side and back seams to make the skirt fit. The skirt is sitting now on my natural waist - I'm not sure if that is the right position because the pattern says mid-rise. But anyhow the skirt felt very loose before and I was afraid it would slide down when stretching over the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YQaL-SRBb3qfGO6OKTmdfpkV-fCcPjP0ELGklm4kxIBqRySXdLyTXoXHnADpNYtn5cNG8w_0J_lmVF9wBQ6aQ7ctID8zKKRmSsOoWkJUxcnheLJa4eeXP5aJVu_Kju5kC_4knSW3Wt-v/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YQaL-SRBb3qfGO6OKTmdfpkV-fCcPjP0ELGklm4kxIBqRySXdLyTXoXHnADpNYtn5cNG8w_0J_lmVF9wBQ6aQ7ctID8zKKRmSsOoWkJUxcnheLJa4eeXP5aJVu_Kju5kC_4knSW3Wt-v/s640/Mimi+blouse_0033.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The skirt was easy to sew otherwise and I sewed it mostly on my overlocker. It was a race against time. I have to stop sewing at 9 pm because the walls in our new flat are so thin. I started cutting the fabric at around 7 pm and then participating in my own little sewing bee. And lost. But would have won, if I wouldn't have fitted the skirt :P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoTKl1be8fR6SHX1nlRMMdIUVkaeJZHs4hpVgenGzBmUom4LxigLION_uuzp_ECM1YJVrCIc3yj1L2y7RlOyICJX1JzXPwA4t95LXh04-u-_WPCsiB5BuySJg9qGtG9PRRxkQlTFAhYoG/s1600/Mimi+blouse_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoTKl1be8fR6SHX1nlRMMdIUVkaeJZHs4hpVgenGzBmUom4LxigLION_uuzp_ECM1YJVrCIc3yj1L2y7RlOyICJX1JzXPwA4t95LXh04-u-_WPCsiB5BuySJg9qGtG9PRRxkQlTFAhYoG/s640/Mimi+blouse_0015.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm a bit disappointed with the kick pleat because it is only a mock kick pleat. My mum asked me actually if I had forgotten to open the pleat. Nope it is closed - unless I misunderstood the instructions? Any thoughts from your experience with the pattern?<br />
<br />
Despite it little quirks the skirt is a favorite of mine and I wear it at least twice during the week. Yeah for basics again :) <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-51644178238043925562015-06-01T19:12:00.001+01:002015-06-01T19:12:48.461+01:00A cropped Renfrew Cardigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrGRuO_3Zvns1lyGEM4HyT9c-VAwACLN-jY4Y9ZklSM87s0UGJZ5UhIev2l9CAxo8inMmfc9caEKDadCKLBNwCF1jtonmtNsj0_yOIyfJIXPFL-yQctuKn6j1Q0pd0clce2SnLfu5K14t/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrGRuO_3Zvns1lyGEM4HyT9c-VAwACLN-jY4Y9ZklSM87s0UGJZ5UhIev2l9CAxo8inMmfc9caEKDadCKLBNwCF1jtonmtNsj0_yOIyfJIXPFL-yQctuKn6j1Q0pd0clce2SnLfu5K14t/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_12.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a lot of high-waist dresses and skirts, but only a handful of knitted cardigans that I can wear with them. I just can't knit that fast, pity. Thus I thought I would sew a cropped cardigan. But I couldn't find a pattern that I liked. I wanted a cropped and tight fitting cardigan. Something that goes with the style of my dresses and skirts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr9tq63SvGYg66lJ4joWCpY9Uo7WCo23dOzu3R_vieKRbK977xxLgXfCnZMp2dP-IDdmizQ6mljXQumDpgjczrhGHDcy9It-nwc5C7joRNmgj8Spuw1SBZ4PE7egX4a6IcDbda4DH6o1-/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr9tq63SvGYg66lJ4joWCpY9Uo7WCo23dOzu3R_vieKRbK977xxLgXfCnZMp2dP-IDdmizQ6mljXQumDpgjczrhGHDcy9It-nwc5C7joRNmgj8Spuw1SBZ4PE7egX4a6IcDbda4DH6o1-/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_44.jpeg" width="424" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I then accidentally found a post by Andrea from <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/another-renfrew-mod.html" target="_blank">FourSquareWalls</a>. A post where she showed her newest Renfrew mod - <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/another-renfrew-mod.html" target="_blank">a cardigan</a>. An idea was born! I had that pattern but never came around to make it. So I made a normal test Renfrew first (which you will see soon) to asses the fit. The shirt was a bit big on me in my back. Thus I decided to combine the Renfrew and Ladyskater pattern.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8q27qeekiMMTNYjEzl5Ok23qtLClV-NMlSKOkdvW_mGoHHRdynpZfeK-qH-kkNvtOTCemSe5hE59fDDf1aRpuhJibOVvhA8a_KWq7LYglbKk4Vdw7JfrsgZxC3-L3bY61bSi43TT72Mu/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8q27qeekiMMTNYjEzl5Ok23qtLClV-NMlSKOkdvW_mGoHHRdynpZfeK-qH-kkNvtOTCemSe5hE59fDDf1aRpuhJibOVvhA8a_KWq7LYglbKk4Vdw7JfrsgZxC3-L3bY61bSi43TT72Mu/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_26.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
The Ladyskater is super fitted on the waist - the style I was opting for. Thus I traced the Ladyskater pattern from waist to under armhole and the part above the armhole is the Renfrew. Sleeves are Renfrew as well. I the shortened the Renfrew waistband a bit - I made it 1" shorter than my waist seam would be and then followed Andreas constructions. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9agLqdNNx3Yrh-KzmMk4NqHP2kA47ajbNKalVmDPVErRPkVoHd1yxRKqG2MdsfQr00Vi1zEDvaKNIgOSm7q8Zt32cypOc0DmYj7A_1DHQkQgmQVgNwVe4ORfry133kVtyTUK4IZYminE/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9agLqdNNx3Yrh-KzmMk4NqHP2kA47ajbNKalVmDPVErRPkVoHd1yxRKqG2MdsfQr00Vi1zEDvaKNIgOSm7q8Zt32cypOc0DmYj7A_1DHQkQgmQVgNwVe4ORfry133kVtyTUK4IZYminE/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_30.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
To make the button band I just added 5/8" to the seam allowance of the front bodice paper pattern and on the actual cardigan I just folded it back and topstitched it down. I then attached the neck and waist band. To get neat corners at the waistband and neckband, I sewed the corners together first (right sides together). Then turned the right side out and topstitched the seam allowances down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN7dgNV0toTmyRLbQ5Jy8a0PNnlP2mD5SLbz7WJybZIF78aHHQHN2nrI0yjLFFtEPy3H55dFYU4Ate1_dwueSk8uOKjHcDJxOETPlsdSonG0veOU7aITVMMfSwhfDWizuiJ1_Jc2QhvYK/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN7dgNV0toTmyRLbQ5Jy8a0PNnlP2mD5SLbz7WJybZIF78aHHQHN2nrI0yjLFFtEPy3H55dFYU4Ate1_dwueSk8uOKjHcDJxOETPlsdSonG0veOU7aITVMMfSwhfDWizuiJ1_Jc2QhvYK/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_14.jpeg" width="424" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What do you guess was the most difficult part? The button holes! I really dreaded them because I knew they would either make my cardigan beautiful or super ugly. I guess I hit the middle. I can only recommend to stabilise the button band and parts of the neck and waist band where the buttons go. I didn't and my fabric was stretching. I would also recommend to sew the buttonholes before you sew the neck and waist band to the bodice. Because my sewing machine just didn't want to sew over that seam. It was a really messy job that you luckily can't see because of my big buttons and dark fabric. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o7FdWUUn2o2m95oecoE722TUZpcOA1XVC_-42C57TdL6wT5Vgs8z_r3rHer6yxBekFrGsoQwXpKgDrCa1MVxlNtqdh0wbMPIB7I1e2Bck0qvEnRvwTvUlvxkT1xnG18CZ_kMCZKxVBKI/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o7FdWUUn2o2m95oecoE722TUZpcOA1XVC_-42C57TdL6wT5Vgs8z_r3rHer6yxBekFrGsoQwXpKgDrCa1MVxlNtqdh0wbMPIB7I1e2Bck0qvEnRvwTvUlvxkT1xnG18CZ_kMCZKxVBKI/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_32.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how the cardigan turned out! He is not perfect yet. I think the sleeves are a bit big and I will make them a bit slimmer for my next version. The length I like :) I like to pull up sleeves so that they cover my nuckles - I always have cold hands.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr30vOo285YGf_4BVhsbENVJkYVBBm6CUBqtBBEuIqvDXWncagw6pEyRmqURWX3MhWL-Pe9qHvBr2wL_zjbJDDZozd_WLtYP85vBNybaPXZKtvMrlHxOk2F2WlbnuChNe40tLxE0Wie9_/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr30vOo285YGf_4BVhsbENVJkYVBBm6CUBqtBBEuIqvDXWncagw6pEyRmqURWX3MhWL-Pe9qHvBr2wL_zjbJDDZozd_WLtYP85vBNybaPXZKtvMrlHxOk2F2WlbnuChNe40tLxE0Wie9_/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_28.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've bought already some jersey snaps to try on my next version :) hope they will be easier to put in than the button holes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm almost at the end and I haven't told you about the fabric yet! It is a <a href="https://www.myfabrics.co.uk/81-9546-009_romanit-jersey-classic-3.html?q=romaknit" target="_blank">romaknit fabric</a> that I bought from myfabrics.co.uk It does not have much stretch and is a bit thicker. And just perfect for a tight cardigan. I'm a bit disappointed though because it has started to pile already at my shoulders. At the spot where the strap of a handbag runs over the shoulder. I have worn the cardigan maybe 10 times and would have expected it to last a bit longer. Nonetheless, the piling will not stop me to make another one from the same fabric but in dark grey. I need more basics in my wardrobe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq8jVBGoatGzeQDELFPZUKMwnvV3Aw79W1JRT9Ka7N4SlST_Ek9RS-IVSN_yRG12wjkd9eijw5ocZrlMM_U6Jfo0AQqbw_XtEjc_DUqP4IwNqujZnF3h8qxCfIlZqTsMuNaqr3E_V_neo/s1600/Renfrew+Cardigan_20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq8jVBGoatGzeQDELFPZUKMwnvV3Aw79W1JRT9Ka7N4SlST_Ek9RS-IVSN_yRG12wjkd9eijw5ocZrlMM_U6Jfo0AQqbw_XtEjc_DUqP4IwNqujZnF3h8qxCfIlZqTsMuNaqr3E_V_neo/s640/Renfrew+Cardigan_20.jpeg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the proud owner of a cropped cardigan :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-67188433001839258122015-05-21T19:13:00.001+01:002015-06-20T21:20:40.703+01:00Wedding Dress Progress Part II: Pleating Chiffon and Sewing the Chiffon SkirtAre you already wondering if I make any progress on my wedding dress?! I've started too and it helps that I have forbidden myself to sew anything else until it is finished. I still have 3 month time, but can feel a bit of pressure already.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVM_Ye0z-tAqLV3-Dh0voy67kGJZV7jSHoZNIBzO4q2a5Z7gIt9a4AhlDsg2Pk0-x-u7z3nzDHFdekIax6ghEgqPQbwr2QnbBWcnWGpzPZaGLd7RjreIX_ujNM8daNaCkfO2RV5A2Z4MU/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVM_Ye0z-tAqLV3-Dh0voy67kGJZV7jSHoZNIBzO4q2a5Z7gIt9a4AhlDsg2Pk0-x-u7z3nzDHFdekIax6ghEgqPQbwr2QnbBWcnWGpzPZaGLd7RjreIX_ujNM8daNaCkfO2RV5A2Z4MU/s640/image_4.jpeg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse my untidy sewing room and focus on the pinned dress please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At least the dress is now my mean concern as we have sorted out the restaurant, photographer, bouquet, hair and make-up. It will be a beautiful day and I will be hopefully wearing my dream dress.<br />
<br />
Progress so far:<br />
<br />
<b>I've sewn the chiffon skirt with mini french seams</b>. Before cutting the chiffon, I sprayed it with starch and ironed it dry. It worked beautifully and made the chiffon crisp. So I had no problems sewing the tiny french seams. Because of the starch the dress has no drape at the moment. I hope it will wash out easily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vHIHj1KSwgIDg3W1VuGYTzS8zAaE8YT8R_2u-pUunotqRGTqWX8-n_IUIJS_D9XNj7R_Cp-CBXxUHrlGeTYawWRf-YvLoO-xS1qztIhQDN1ja2VsiBpwuuaqF-5NNGnkf1KgT95jK_Ro/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vHIHj1KSwgIDg3W1VuGYTzS8zAaE8YT8R_2u-pUunotqRGTqWX8-n_IUIJS_D9XNj7R_Cp-CBXxUHrlGeTYawWRf-YvLoO-xS1qztIhQDN1ja2VsiBpwuuaqF-5NNGnkf1KgT95jK_Ro/s640/image_1.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(I would recommend you remove the starch spray bottle from the bathroom after you are done, otherwise you might confuse it with hair spray in the morning. But I can attest that starch gives your hair a really good hold - for the whole day.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEKOo4etItlj95XRyqZeDcjdhMago8LcrzmjRxLrRWved-Y54s_l4o8MoaOSy1UgNHr8aJ3YFOLUuJ5i8TePG5E81HmXRk_-lKLYjoxqAEcO7P0_vYeJJe5L_etfpWLdXNyMe4qMHWZte/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEKOo4etItlj95XRyqZeDcjdhMago8LcrzmjRxLrRWved-Y54s_l4o8MoaOSy1UgNHr8aJ3YFOLUuJ5i8TePG5E81HmXRk_-lKLYjoxqAEcO7P0_vYeJJe5L_etfpWLdXNyMe4qMHWZte/s640/image_2.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>I've pleated the center front piece. </b>It took me four tries. The problem was that although the pleats looked ok, the center piece didn't had the right size suggesting that my pleats weren't even. So I tried different methods to mark the pleats: I tried twice to use tailor tucks to mark the pleats and then I tried with a fabric pen and ruler to draw lines.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXutwneRDqdL5QOZUUUa3MmFoDVKQ7zk2DgCNdHH0FEwQScL6vz4QAH2TvP3ExBtbKEZ5MKkPfwVT0dKkdf4g77xy22axq2lT8nf45iI1XINvQz-RsQduu1uyw_C55Dk2vyY4kHAOM-J5N/s1600/image_9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXutwneRDqdL5QOZUUUa3MmFoDVKQ7zk2DgCNdHH0FEwQScL6vz4QAH2TvP3ExBtbKEZ5MKkPfwVT0dKkdf4g77xy22axq2lT8nf45iI1XINvQz-RsQduu1uyw_C55Dk2vyY4kHAOM-J5N/s640/image_9.jpeg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a mess of tailor tucks - didn't help.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Both methods should have guarantied accuracy, but still the piece was too small. Chiffon is not the best material to be pleated because it is still slippery even after starch treatment. To stabilise it I fused the thinnest fusible interfacing I had to the chiffon before cutting out and it is now really nice and even.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MtODXJTI7JIBPqn3v5-AxBNUWEGmWAq2U4Ao2XSqZkohEgRkc2TtHWMErSSTwJ19YamAC1BbIsBj0mepnsUiqZVwa_pae2XRYgQKl1aH8UMFGG8TJMghAmC8JYKKaluW7Wh9CbkW2xDW/s1600/image_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MtODXJTI7JIBPqn3v5-AxBNUWEGmWAq2U4Ao2XSqZkohEgRkc2TtHWMErSSTwJ19YamAC1BbIsBj0mepnsUiqZVwa_pae2XRYgQKl1aH8UMFGG8TJMghAmC8JYKKaluW7Wh9CbkW2xDW/s640/image_12.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: chiffon stabilised with fusible interfacing. Right: not stabilised. Can you see the size difference?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>I've gelatin bathed the silk</b>, gasp, to make it less slippery (I was not sure if I could use starch and other bloggers made good experiences with the gelatin. I can only recommend that you fold your fabric before bathing it because otherwise you have a crumbly mess that you can't entangle when wet because the silk might tear. After drying the silk felt stiff like a board and was a mess of folds. I've managed to iron most of them out and the silk is still in one piece. Now the bad news: I'm not having enough to cut the back panel with the train. That's because initially I didn't want a train and thus bought less. But I'm pretty confident that I will be able to get more in Goldhawk Road (that's where I bought it). Now the question: should I cut into the silk now or wait until I have more?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJorjOmA2G64pAPhqIbr6s556gtc8Sb7LkE9OR1I52xdL3vBbOLw5XmZLp1TeFlmIEDgV5WXbWyEkZqLV4yJgIgi7qY1BlqfIFkRAQYulQvaEuPRndieED7VYTORs4eC_HMl5RPQdWkCb/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJorjOmA2G64pAPhqIbr6s556gtc8Sb7LkE9OR1I52xdL3vBbOLw5XmZLp1TeFlmIEDgV5WXbWyEkZqLV4yJgIgi7qY1BlqfIFkRAQYulQvaEuPRndieED7VYTORs4eC_HMl5RPQdWkCb/s640/image_11.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk on the ironing board: Left ironed and right, obviously, not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Together with a very motivating friend (wink Charlie) I pinned the parts of the dress on my dress form. It looks really nice, especially with the lace mesh flowers and ribbon. I'm thinking about sewing a lace cardigan with the lace you can see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy0mkNdIRcqU-_ew9lT4BaJJo5AiLjGazlK0jdOP-mOC8tGd2hyphenhyphen8D-52rQwA5cqQ_c4trbnKFvjNmOHvShhZWILPJU8UsHzqMkvrcD7Ub60lDt_S11lUJjfdIcZgxlV3p7Lj5Uwq0PLbv/s1600/image_8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy0mkNdIRcqU-_ew9lT4BaJJo5AiLjGazlK0jdOP-mOC8tGd2hyphenhyphen8D-52rQwA5cqQ_c4trbnKFvjNmOHvShhZWILPJU8UsHzqMkvrcD7Ub60lDt_S11lUJjfdIcZgxlV3p7Lj5Uwq0PLbv/s640/image_8.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've bought horsehair braid, boning and bra cups. Everything will go in the tiny bodice to stabilise it. I'm really scared of sewing these in. Especially because I've never sewn with any of these before. But with the long bank holiday ahead I will hopefully be able to tackle them!<br />
<br />
PS: I'm sorry for the bad picture quality, but work in progress means mobile phone photos! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-75130633329831697882015-05-17T16:45:00.000+01:002015-05-17T16:45:30.129+01:00Smart Casual or Girly? A Polka Dot Coco!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIY_F1dap4Zvbz5utgd99igKFHqSBk_rdoRuofg7Bj8Ik2-xO81I5RuGRzIsCvHgRu30XqG3o0rVsf0Zj6CkVsmoMU9aB6vDhNyb25nIELD4bJpJ4c-fwYGmbHgA_HJP9w5OR-oD9plhfq/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIY_F1dap4Zvbz5utgd99igKFHqSBk_rdoRuofg7Bj8Ik2-xO81I5RuGRzIsCvHgRu30XqG3o0rVsf0Zj6CkVsmoMU9aB6vDhNyb25nIELD4bJpJ4c-fwYGmbHgA_HJP9w5OR-oD9plhfq/s640/Spotty+Coco_0051.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here it is finally. My latest Coco in a Polka Dot Fabric. It is not perfect, but I love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-IP84bGuns-jRCnUs-sEivKBNpqVgi22iAw10Aryy0asbRrdhyphenhyphen5Ak-6s-7O2LkVuw_WBincc_NQhHSCVdxhu_AP4tnZaTNQlcnjLfXoWu2gksKbQp4Ar8TXQXG8Wqy1MUNj8INi7hF9u/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-IP84bGuns-jRCnUs-sEivKBNpqVgi22iAw10Aryy0asbRrdhyphenhyphen5Ak-6s-7O2LkVuw_WBincc_NQhHSCVdxhu_AP4tnZaTNQlcnjLfXoWu2gksKbQp4Ar8TXQXG8Wqy1MUNj8INi7hF9u/s640/Spotty+Coco_0040.JPG" width="422" /> </a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern: </b>Tilly and the Button Coco Dress. This is already my second version of this pattern and this time I made the dress with a fold-under neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kl2beDR5at3oIsgfaF57e_rAozdctYX2xSRNjarVac3gZV9XIoDsQ72fH5m-KptCseHUm3uS_QfDDWkppEYcmaRdsfc8LZMA8jAKvYobySsgH87zneHYAgYvgI1zqM_sjrURDSKqEpNr/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kl2beDR5at3oIsgfaF57e_rAozdctYX2xSRNjarVac3gZV9XIoDsQ72fH5m-KptCseHUm3uS_QfDDWkppEYcmaRdsfc8LZMA8jAKvYobySsgH87zneHYAgYvgI1zqM_sjrURDSKqEpNr/s640/Spotty+Coco_0052.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've added again two long darts to take out all this extra fabric that would otherwise be pooling in my swayback.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Fabric: </b>Ponte Jersey Knit that I bought in Goldhawk Road, London. It is slightly textured and unluckily has not much stretch. Do you always test die stretch of your knit before cutting out? I keep forgetting. Because this jersey has hardly any stretch it would have been better to use it as a woven. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn0CLo885AJvP_S6gfGPGcyUmVvx4tsGme7e0_Ir_ktBiLWBgTtFcFOJKw4r1Y1kn1LYSihpyVAgCXw2V4HsYz4TZFaKeBLBzg845BcGK0ib34svZx4Sxn6FltuuZ-KpOZ0Sy5iJBRbtY/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn0CLo885AJvP_S6gfGPGcyUmVvx4tsGme7e0_Ir_ktBiLWBgTtFcFOJKw4r1Y1kn1LYSihpyVAgCXw2V4HsYz4TZFaKeBLBzg845BcGK0ib34svZx4Sxn6FltuuZ-KpOZ0Sy5iJBRbtY/s640/Spotty+Coco_0077.JPG" width="422" /> </a> </div>
<br />
<b>Fitting:</b> I didn’t do any additional fitting this time (for fitting details of my first version please have a look <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/better-late-than-never-i-made-purple.html" target="_blank">here</a>). However, because the fabric is not very stretchy one fitting issue has arisen (or is more pronounced than in my previous version). The shoulder/armhole seam does not hit my shoulder. It causes the drag lines in the sleeves. So for my next version I have to do a broad shoulder adjustment by adding to the front and back shoulder/armhole. Otherwise I would say the fit is spot on :) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9cTwHGChR5u7oqp1y3BE6Ei99qu5FKKBD8YChyphenhyphenwBJs6ZUJQurO4J_WwNEtYOfBm1Cm7DAhgVPMEMtNe7P0Ev0Se6VNQCDzOsonUdvkmnDRPwR5uYbrP_GKpL6u-Q5DiglRSe_C2yC5i3/s1600/ElaGraduation_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9cTwHGChR5u7oqp1y3BE6Ei99qu5FKKBD8YChyphenhyphenwBJs6ZUJQurO4J_WwNEtYOfBm1Cm7DAhgVPMEMtNe7P0Ev0Se6VNQCDzOsonUdvkmnDRPwR5uYbrP_GKpL6u-Q5DiglRSe_C2yC5i3/s640/ElaGraduation_0025.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Daniela :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love the silhouette of the dress that is so pronounced with this rather stiff fabric. The black polka dots on white background make the dress look very classy. So classy that I decided to wear it for my graduation ceremony which took place in the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=royal+albert+hall&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=67RYVZ-tLcT6UrH1gIgK&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1440&bih=794" target="_blank">Royal Albert Hall </a>in central London. Thanks to the polka dots my family which was sitting on the upper stalls had me in good view all times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BWT5gmV1u2Hvp-iSxjS4_ApnMgt4UMxd1Kw02Tqg0ChEcjcZpaXHHhMZIdr-f0qdkd4OWenWsi_PPq7vLRQ_496FimGEIfppeidxB4okHQefaySLXfa2DY7G0_JicSl5tbg_Cjx0iuQe/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BWT5gmV1u2Hvp-iSxjS4_ApnMgt4UMxd1Kw02Tqg0ChEcjcZpaXHHhMZIdr-f0qdkd4OWenWsi_PPq7vLRQ_496FimGEIfppeidxB4okHQefaySLXfa2DY7G0_JicSl5tbg_Cjx0iuQe/s640/Spotty+Coco_0089.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've spent some time the last couple of weeks, trying to figure out what kind of cardigans I should wear with my dresses. I have a lot of cropped and knitted ones that don’t go with such an A-line dress. I didn’t want to wear a black cardigan with this dress, as blacks makes me look really pale. But I think this long rose cardigan paired with a bow belt and rose shoes makes the dress look really girly. Which is the style I like :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GhM4eH_VeipzD7-BOAJ-q822oZ5rK0bT515MrnGbw6RUaXu9m2S107AAIzFnGtwgeejbM5YyCw7vn_296Kaw_FcRS-9O2_uXGnCrnd3mmXf0ATOtB46SE7-j-T7Ufnv-Tz6rMFZK8F56/s1600/Spotty+Coco_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GhM4eH_VeipzD7-BOAJ-q822oZ5rK0bT515MrnGbw6RUaXu9m2S107AAIzFnGtwgeejbM5YyCw7vn_296Kaw_FcRS-9O2_uXGnCrnd3mmXf0ATOtB46SE7-j-T7Ufnv-Tz6rMFZK8F56/s640/Spotty+Coco_0011.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
Good news: I'm currently spending more time on my wedding dress (I've forbidden myself to sew anything else!). I've taken a couple of pictures of my progress - which is rather slow. There are so many decisions to make and I tend to procrastinate a bit. But I'm back on track and will give you an update in my next post!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-1535341247725889142015-04-23T19:00:00.000+01:002015-04-23T19:00:04.010+01:00Let's fly away Mimi BlouseLittle preamble: <br />
Me: Shall we go for a walk? We still haven't explored the surrounding area.<br />
He: Yes sure. I will take my camera in case we see some birds, deer...<br />
<i>Out and about.</i><br />
Me: Can you take a picture of me?<br />
He: Yes sure.<br />
Me: Wait. I have to take off my coat.<br />
He: What??? I can't belive it. Are you taking every opportunity to get photographs for your blog?<br />
Me (broadly smiling): YES!<br />
Does this sound familiar to you?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaPIhfG_1tX0_huuGHy-_4kYpMpVBDP8mj1kJKaMm206LmNT9AxpDIVALPHhMOGu_BfU2S9rNrdy4eBiE5sD_jja-T8iRUUnyjfjNKaTKGYGxo7Lb27zGebJo0KTCE77LNalIB_IkOIGj/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaPIhfG_1tX0_huuGHy-_4kYpMpVBDP8mj1kJKaMm206LmNT9AxpDIVALPHhMOGu_BfU2S9rNrdy4eBiE5sD_jja-T8iRUUnyjfjNKaTKGYGxo7Lb27zGebJo0KTCE77LNalIB_IkOIGj/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0033.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a> </div>
<br />
It looks like I'm working my way through Tilly's sewing patterns. Because next on is the Mimi Blouse from Tilly's book "Love at first stitch". But what can I say, I just love Tilly's style (just to warn you, I'm also having the <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/francoise.html" target="_blank">Francoise</a> pattern in my stash and I'm eyeballing the <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/arielle.html" target="_blank">Arielle</a> skirt).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujTDw_aWOFjBeFqGa3IOpDicce57w1WaSwfwMGQgVtYpI8StprUqjSmfFxy1BerRN4aQxnZKpm9rrfXBUbSeoJU_gcwkSqbEyb-AN7jhzl6JX-XECyqF7AWVkhB9eBLtOo4dJX9b0Z8TE/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujTDw_aWOFjBeFqGa3IOpDicce57w1WaSwfwMGQgVtYpI8StprUqjSmfFxy1BerRN4aQxnZKpm9rrfXBUbSeoJU_gcwkSqbEyb-AN7jhzl6JX-XECyqF7AWVkhB9eBLtOo4dJX9b0Z8TE/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0003.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujTDw_aWOFjBeFqGa3IOpDicce57w1WaSwfwMGQgVtYpI8StprUqjSmfFxy1BerRN4aQxnZKpm9rrfXBUbSeoJU_gcwkSqbEyb-AN7jhzl6JX-XECyqF7AWVkhB9eBLtOo4dJX9b0Z8TE/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I started to fit the Mimi Blouse last year, but couldn't get the fit on my shoulders right. You can see a photo of the muslin on <a href="http://www.iwanttobeaturtle.com/2014/08/notionally-speaking-muslins.html" target="_blank">Claires Blog</a> where I wrote a guest post about Muslins. (It's the "fitting a blouse" photograph near to the end of the post.) I gave up on fitting the blouse. But the thought that I gave up (and got defeated by a piece of clothing) kept nagging on me. Thus I started anew and succeeded :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bCVEQ7V7mXYetCh7juQ1BWpTZlaTXWjkCx8vqf6MP4RAC3etpLcLbDnaKSyVB0K54SWnQbUJ6bg4P6RvXgg2sNIIz3ZIY2sAK2c_qRqvHKIrB6-nGxIGADhg2ru0qAvqrcP7_7RbxE_C/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bCVEQ7V7mXYetCh7juQ1BWpTZlaTXWjkCx8vqf6MP4RAC3etpLcLbDnaKSyVB0K54SWnQbUJ6bg4P6RvXgg2sNIIz3ZIY2sAK2c_qRqvHKIrB6-nGxIGADhg2ru0qAvqrcP7_7RbxE_C/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0011.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Alterations:</b> The biggest change I made was to add 1 1/4" to the yoke at the shoulder to adjust for my square shoulders. Before, the neckline didn't lie flat, but now it is! Adding so much fabric to the shoulders meant that my neckline changed a lot and thus I had to draft a new collar and facing. I also did my usual 5/8 forward shoulder adjustment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jJ-TaDQEMlXq3Yj9lT934HOTBBDzRMxBCvqWLktGqcDDtsxV4gzTAwUhBjD4kT5L8RKdri3db8ZEBnSIAg3FUMHhp5og_jaCIl8UQX4Dijg2jmCeKjisFXQX1nPwZ_DCFl6T4kuNOvPL/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jJ-TaDQEMlXq3Yj9lT934HOTBBDzRMxBCvqWLktGqcDDtsxV4gzTAwUhBjD4kT5L8RKdri3db8ZEBnSIAg3FUMHhp5og_jaCIl8UQX4Dijg2jmCeKjisFXQX1nPwZ_DCFl6T4kuNOvPL/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0038.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I had the feeling that the sleeve hem looked a bit tight on some photos of the Mimi blouse. Thus I added 3/8" to each sleeve hem tapering to nothing towards the armhole. I also raised the sleeve cap by 3/8" and moved the shoulder point forward 5/8". That's it. These are not a lot of changes for me and I managed to sort them all out in one afternoon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyi9nEaMV3WxwkJmypTl2PvxQKZw9OFvpaxpjQ6VFqZqxjwYhrnmpx9_leUMrreSG0q9lEWOmVGTAvv6w9tDQ6cZdfka-y2lqhlD918oD-n-RlpGQxT4zgGxXVuu_YTIwjZmI6oEm-QE2/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyi9nEaMV3WxwkJmypTl2PvxQKZw9OFvpaxpjQ6VFqZqxjwYhrnmpx9_leUMrreSG0q9lEWOmVGTAvv6w9tDQ6cZdfka-y2lqhlD918oD-n-RlpGQxT4zgGxXVuu_YTIwjZmI6oEm-QE2/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0039.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> I followed Tilly's instruction, which were brilliant as always. Tilly suggests to sew the side seams first and then to attach the collar. I think for my next version I would prefer to set in the collar flat first and then sew the side seams.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ani3HZt9hmrWu7IMuBj0rtDoUVpY0cc1EP1W-QCamLAo21vgyko07SxcSIy-OZvobI69m2VY4I2Yx3rEHRMdf8Ve6fkXCdXNrCLdwlAoWXoO1MzbbYGKP5lhuyhBE8sv6YzVIr9UYXfU/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ani3HZt9hmrWu7IMuBj0rtDoUVpY0cc1EP1W-QCamLAo21vgyko07SxcSIy-OZvobI69m2VY4I2Yx3rEHRMdf8Ve6fkXCdXNrCLdwlAoWXoO1MzbbYGKP5lhuyhBE8sv6YzVIr9UYXfU/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0005.JPG" height="640" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> It is because of this fabric that I decided to revisit Mimi. It is super soft and drapey and I knew immediately that it is perfect for the blouse. I think it is some viscose polyester. I bought it from a market stall in my new home town for £2.99/m. Guess what convinced me to buy it? The birds, haha. It looked awful on the bolt, so many creases. Ironing helped :) However, it was off-grain. A lot as you can see on the photo below. But that didn't stop me to cut the blouse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e9VjfmfXY6gAEplxZWX5flMIHIEXS5xzP1KyV9U5bwcQEdS6O1Z-UdEHRMjYNpp7wyVOdQMD4hvesOOZYW1GtDj4sDw7mbiGU1QpNUSQVLPob4pJngPpiFvvBcN7F8NFWie_Lv5SnHRq/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off grain fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Do I like it?</b> I love the blouse, it looks so playful and feels so nice on the skin. I was planning to wear it with my Delphine skirt (version <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/delphine-skirt-and-bronte-top-for-autumn.html" target="_blank">1</a> and <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/as-long-as-you-dont-look-at-back.html" target="_blank">2</a>) like Tilly does in her book. But unfortunately due to my sway back, there is a massive fabric balloon on my back. It just doesn't look pretty, sniff. But I had a rummage through my pattern stash and found the <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/mabel" target="_blank">Mabel Skirt</a> pattern from Colette patterns. I'm planning for ages to make that skirt. The time has come :) Mabel is a tight fitting jersey skirt and I think will look lovely with Tilly's blouse - if the blouse is not tucked in - that's how I plan to wear it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVELsZ58WLToHEHXHMTJ2LVACO_0ngnTFh1CW4J1Yk7Rmmvb_DD5e80cPEysOGZNWXYZn_GSrZk2zKcZcN5qDzbKwn_SZKdlaz2q2LBrNyyvLgDgE6vc30_vLgu4cwDZaOaYPdYyq58OX/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVELsZ58WLToHEHXHMTJ2LVACO_0ngnTFh1CW4J1Yk7Rmmvb_DD5e80cPEysOGZNWXYZn_GSrZk2zKcZcN5qDzbKwn_SZKdlaz2q2LBrNyyvLgDgE6vc30_vLgu4cwDZaOaYPdYyq58OX/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0013.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first button is gold-blue because I didn't have enough of the blue ones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Will I make it again? </b>Ahem, at the time of typing version two is already made up and version three has been cut out. I'm in love :) I hope you are getting not bored, but I try to not show them to you one after the other! Have you ever been so enamored with a pattern that you HAD to make it at least twice - without sewing something else in between???<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWLxUXxy9u6syLf79icoDN0sYEh3lJMoj8p4JeI1sju9L9B1UEi51FaMmsbwn0x2Aogt5uU7WETu3m97ZLMu0GEr7P8kQkDv2DXf4W1fQFGaLtPxP3M0LO6UCLARRPd1Z9DTSNm6rSPSh/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWLxUXxy9u6syLf79icoDN0sYEh3lJMoj8p4JeI1sju9L9B1UEi51FaMmsbwn0x2Aogt5uU7WETu3m97ZLMu0GEr7P8kQkDv2DXf4W1fQFGaLtPxP3M0LO6UCLARRPd1Z9DTSNm6rSPSh/s1600/Mimi+Blouse_0021.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-83025429825326869842015-04-16T19:00:00.000+01:002015-04-16T19:00:04.870+01:00Better late than never: I made a purple Coco!I have to admit that at first I wasn't convinced that Coco would be my style, but having seen so many pretty versions I started to yearn after the pattern. So, I went to the backstitch shop one rainy afternoon and got it (along with the Francoise dress by Tilly and the Dahlia dress by Colette, ahem.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb2yhLfNVeiB9JqCX4K1447h-kMqQRpP-RROvqIh-OmCGWsVGsYpF6pDp0p0ZNlBkseZfLpE5NMKvA6PGzRzRqdzUEaPnVoMUKzfGxTAVDjyLX7O94AWEn6vHnE3-pxNdyMoLp9Q-KfuF/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb2yhLfNVeiB9JqCX4K1447h-kMqQRpP-RROvqIh-OmCGWsVGsYpF6pDp0p0ZNlBkseZfLpE5NMKvA6PGzRzRqdzUEaPnVoMUKzfGxTAVDjyLX7O94AWEn6vHnE3-pxNdyMoLp9Q-KfuF/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only realised after taking these photos that the fabric is <strike>a bit</strike> clingy. <br />So excuse the folds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/coco.html" target="_blank">Coco Dress</a> by Tilly and the Buttons. It is a jersey fabric pattern and contains instructions for a dress and jumper. I made the dress with long sleeves, turned under hems and funnel neck as the fabric still screams winter.<br />
<br />
<b>Size:</b> I cut a size 2 for the bust and a size 3 for the waist.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawibW06TmmEPsFaV-bTs86_u6YrwKce25asejFewBcpmdA3JvPB9cIoURCqS2ioGT6T_vyle8aaB0WFzZzakD8fpSZns4E3cFMctzr1pWQCXNFPT8pxQj3vjlVQ-nWce9Y7oNpnNKPCSC/s1600/_DSC0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawibW06TmmEPsFaV-bTs86_u6YrwKce25asejFewBcpmdA3JvPB9cIoURCqS2ioGT6T_vyle8aaB0WFzZzakD8fpSZns4E3cFMctzr1pWQCXNFPT8pxQj3vjlVQ-nWce9Y7oNpnNKPCSC/s1600/_DSC0053.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might be able to see the backdarts I added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fabric:</b> I used some plum colored jersey that was living in my stash since last year. It was one of the few solid colored fabrics I have and I wasn't at all sure about it. I tried desperately to sneak in some patterned fabric for the pockets, but Lescha kept insisting that both styles didn't go with each other, meh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlKaSjDsE84NSfzSjWQBgXDNRcTiaDuYQyTnMs8kOqMHQAwjhbf9ZM97YQHbbd4sg5rzPzfOd-xqwLLkvEwXlRTQUmyATIgXlLGDeammPL50im27uxv9lRrfafJuRQi3gCzAbnZol4UMI/s1600/_DSC0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlKaSjDsE84NSfzSjWQBgXDNRcTiaDuYQyTnMs8kOqMHQAwjhbf9ZM97YQHbbd4sg5rzPzfOd-xqwLLkvEwXlRTQUmyATIgXlLGDeammPL50im27uxv9lRrfafJuRQi3gCzAbnZol4UMI/s1600/_DSC0022.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Alterations: </b>On the tissue I made my standard pattern alteration which is a 5/8" forward shoulder adjustment. You might have spotted already the biggest alteration I made: I added two back darts. These darts have a diamond shape and thus take out a lot of extra fabric in the area of my sway back. I didn't intend to do this alteration, but when I tried on the finished dress, I just didn't like the fit of the back on me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBWv08yXO8My0VDEnXWBC7OPHydggjnzVz_dwT7r2XYHm_gJPnN7EcJyO7RSIy0CfjS11RsFEtIBqIqiHVhTO-9FKHUesQDv-JV3cjonY3mlZBwcSX-L4vlW-rtEoFTvLy2xi5MvHHsgw/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBWv08yXO8My0VDEnXWBC7OPHydggjnzVz_dwT7r2XYHm_gJPnN7EcJyO7RSIy0CfjS11RsFEtIBqIqiHVhTO-9FKHUesQDv-JV3cjonY3mlZBwcSX-L4vlW-rtEoFTvLy2xi5MvHHsgw/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can actually "see" how much fabric I removed with the darts. <br />Just imagine a straight line going from my back to bum. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the big problems I have with similar style RTW clothes is that the fabric clings to my bum and then there is the excess of fabric just above my bum because of my sway back. Not a pretty sight. I didn't mind, but after starting to sew and caring about the fit, I just can't ignore it anymore.<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> With the help of Tillys instructions a joyous ride! I just love her photo instructions and how clear everything is. The whole dress was sewn on my overlocker and I used a simple zigzag stitch for the sleeves and hem. (I'm not happy with the twin needle on my Brother machine sewing machine, so avoid it as much as I can.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OcSAnHpFmKNY479ms_RpMGHmsybcacTqJDiJ3VcWq6sR2fk8qfkcf8txGqVpz8yQgfwhR5SOI3Eu2odyGcNmmm-7ri_uJO0bZBUsRFTVLHSIbakfdrAw-iSLEmIIsII11KqUSXsvAZj/s1600/_DSC0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OcSAnHpFmKNY479ms_RpMGHmsybcacTqJDiJ3VcWq6sR2fk8qfkcf8txGqVpz8yQgfwhR5SOI3Eu2odyGcNmmm-7ri_uJO0bZBUsRFTVLHSIbakfdrAw-iSLEmIIsII11KqUSXsvAZj/s1600/_DSC0029.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Do I like it? </b>I love the dress especially when wearing it with my mustard colored tights! I wouldn't have thought I would enjoy wearing a solid color so much. Maybe I should buy more?! Fit-wise I think there is still some room for improvements. The sleeves have some drag lines. I've had this problem before and usually the addition of height to the sleeve cap helps.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaFR6LayxqfRretS93c-t6s2YT42ANAsK2JYdBVwYI1_FPogmH0wlewBQM08ynlMMoGUtGAbBP7gEJ6mytA8_xhWC5iGnJnFKIcmoiZWPcfj2PtQtdC95IOiAggL4Bks1abkNhsLtXgVj/s1600/_DSC0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaFR6LayxqfRretS93c-t6s2YT42ANAsK2JYdBVwYI1_FPogmH0wlewBQM08ynlMMoGUtGAbBP7gEJ6mytA8_xhWC5iGnJnFKIcmoiZWPcfj2PtQtdC95IOiAggL4Bks1abkNhsLtXgVj/s1600/_DSC0023.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you wear a slip under a jersey dress? After seeing these pictures <br />I really wonder if I should!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Will I make it again?</b> I definitively will! Indeed I have made another version already! I just say polka dots! Hopefully it will make an appearance on the blog soon (fingers crossed for some sun!).<br />
<br />
<b>So tell me:</b> Have you made the Coco Dress or Jumper? Do you find them as comfy as I do?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA6UMt-2k9NijexbT93_1x7fL1uYbOQqNX5cMyeDyiZ2sghSrlzks84Kv94t0FJ3hFXAhs7n6B-O6YvHANfqcW-9khDh8yrAtNs2X0ul9iwm-Gd_G_zZNKPYWxO5ohWHkVUhElKyKEKeM/s1600/_DSC0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA6UMt-2k9NijexbT93_1x7fL1uYbOQqNX5cMyeDyiZ2sghSrlzks84Kv94t0FJ3hFXAhs7n6B-O6YvHANfqcW-9khDh8yrAtNs2X0ul9iwm-Gd_G_zZNKPYWxO5ohWHkVUhElKyKEKeM/s1600/_DSC0072.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me making silly poses. The sun was out - it made me so happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-51783914016864322222015-04-09T18:00:00.000+01:002015-04-09T18:00:03.421+01:00Here come the Racoons!<span id="goog_101763135"></span><span id="goog_101763136"></span>So here it is, another Megan Dress :) I love it! <span id="goog_1636795763"></span><span id="goog_1636795764"></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwVcKVOKPUWrQAQdzUZfbdM_WRinVqEOe_ptxQq3dx9KEJ42f9zrGbnsakw6jD1qhawaArk8_R9aXm1WcOt_Go-c__vebNkywF0MXqXXdgJ453KgpSa6cG2S2ISWGHcjrMnoosBjJTrGu/s1600/Megan+Dress_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwVcKVOKPUWrQAQdzUZfbdM_WRinVqEOe_ptxQq3dx9KEJ42f9zrGbnsakw6jD1qhawaArk8_R9aXm1WcOt_Go-c__vebNkywF0MXqXXdgJ453KgpSa6cG2S2ISWGHcjrMnoosBjJTrGu/s1600/Megan+Dress_0027.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fabric:</b> Cotton with adorable racoons. I bought the fabric at <a href="http://backstitch.co.uk/">backstitch.co.uk</a> last year as a treat after driving the first time without the driving instructor. It was £14/meter - more expensive than the fabrics I usually buy. But how could I resist?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaRisdwjRgDA_00_w9ojC1cbhpQKShE2lSz-GatamxwiQ_2JtLyPYNv-cL-LWRzXYnzgMnk0OuLhsk-QoguaM-Z2peDXuvdje9GWqr8vlbQ0e_n1AG9JmUkUQGxtgWyzLZtGVOaodFTBM/s1600/Megan+Dress_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaRisdwjRgDA_00_w9ojC1cbhpQKShE2lSz-GatamxwiQ_2JtLyPYNv-cL-LWRzXYnzgMnk0OuLhsk-QoguaM-Z2peDXuvdje9GWqr8vlbQ0e_n1AG9JmUkUQGxtgWyzLZtGVOaodFTBM/s1600/Megan+Dress_0012.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern: </b>Megan Dress by <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons</a> featured in Tillys book Love at First Stitch.<br />
<br />
<b>Fitting:</b> Having made the <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/yeah-for-buttons.html" target="_blank">Megan Dress once</a>, solving the residual fitting issues should have been easy. However, taking into account that I hadn't done any pattern alterations for several month, it took longer than thought. I had to retrace the bodice because I messed up completely. See that's the reason I'm tracing all my patterns!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDi1yGTzR5XUgcxIgd2akARAVt-c0gchuei21pDgjm2o0pen6pGH5Sr-x1YLxz4a0RmCQtfWa5k16KZMHybHWczfwBN2ccwG6IaP_8OnsSY7fLCCpgGSm0hfl5CKkPN2HSsnnk2ly6EOs/s1600/Megan+Dress+Racoon+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDi1yGTzR5XUgcxIgd2akARAVt-c0gchuei21pDgjm2o0pen6pGH5Sr-x1YLxz4a0RmCQtfWa5k16KZMHybHWczfwBN2ccwG6IaP_8OnsSY7fLCCpgGSm0hfl5CKkPN2HSsnnk2ly6EOs/s1600/Megan+Dress+Racoon+(27).JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I made the following changes:<br />
<br />
1. added 2 1/2" to the length of back and front skirt<br />
2. broad back adjustment of 1/2" because in <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/yeah-for-buttons.html" target="_blank">my first version </a>I can hardly move the arms forward<br />
3. deepened the back skirt darts which have now a diamond shape<br />
4. shaved off the curves for the hips on both back and front skirt<br />
5. lengthened the front and back bodice by 1/2"<br />
6. moved the bust dart down by 1/2"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI6IXJ4HHACMEKpLJNAEUi1W1Mk4rpRegvCYuf4vewcyuc9IQmzIhNTaACSYnxat8p2RxqDDnJUJXR2lWTdACewr3a2Ms4rPOQT0_IVlXEJcL-eXilnptWyDYD9-WYoj4g4UP-2cWMMUZ/s1600/Megan+Dress+Racoon+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI6IXJ4HHACMEKpLJNAEUi1W1Mk4rpRegvCYuf4vewcyuc9IQmzIhNTaACSYnxat8p2RxqDDnJUJXR2lWTdACewr3a2Ms4rPOQT0_IVlXEJcL-eXilnptWyDYD9-WYoj4g4UP-2cWMMUZ/s1600/Megan+Dress+Racoon+(28).JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neckline still gapes a little, so I have to take it in a bit at the shoulder seams for my next version :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> It took my about one weekend including cutting. I didn't want to hurry, but enjoy the actual sewing process.<br />
<br />
I tried to pattern match the seams, but failed. Luckily the front looks fine with a row of racoons going down the center and also the matching at the waist line is not bad. But the back or side seams are not matched. I blame that on the fact that I cut the fabric double layered. Obviously the bottom layer was not straight :(<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlbURKo5yJun_aEmNEjL36DehZCeS6DTeYwEUJtspu3itpKjwxShU9D_i9eUFMYKArF1dILpIaarUphm1FUtcEjXsnNEbSwniM6X6y0c-3AcN1IPbBcRCnptXd_p_cXSKUF7UzoOBOwWa/s1600/Megan+Dress_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlbURKo5yJun_aEmNEjL36DehZCeS6DTeYwEUJtspu3itpKjwxShU9D_i9eUFMYKArF1dILpIaarUphm1FUtcEjXsnNEbSwniM6X6y0c-3AcN1IPbBcRCnptXd_p_cXSKUF7UzoOBOwWa/s1600/Megan+Dress_0003.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Have I worn it?</b> Yes I have worn it to work and I can attest that it feels super comfy. No more strain on the back bodice when stretching out my arms. I can sit down without exposing too much leg. I even got compliments at work from my colleagues which made me happy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lBnSqcggiYQSt_rCxbGLRrg_uQAMWUTnhOxwurjZNw5RYWj1GDV-V_GagwE0Bt09Nnqb7OuFDuLUrII_OPv1NBjfETuJb_f1qx1jYLwHx0HUpCyPAXI8Ru-4NxGGI5l2KSiSwe-v5X39/s1600/Megan+Dress_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lBnSqcggiYQSt_rCxbGLRrg_uQAMWUTnhOxwurjZNw5RYWj1GDV-V_GagwE0Bt09Nnqb7OuFDuLUrII_OPv1NBjfETuJb_f1qx1jYLwHx0HUpCyPAXI8Ru-4NxGGI5l2KSiSwe-v5X39/s1600/Megan+Dress_0010.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Will I make it again?</b> Yes! I'm hoping that Megan will become a TNT pattern for me. So far none of the dresses I've made qualify as a TNT. So fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuThL2PafdHboeRGbKCSJOlqfw96utMu0tcoA6qpd5Wzm55mAfaN3JC2jMMW7bW2LI8-n6RLyBLMwjlNfZyfTRWsWoMRCkzu8nKGLTApaEL6BT1gyPCbZz-T_0lybrkZWFrpvWwSUn1Uw8/s1600/Megan+Dress_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuThL2PafdHboeRGbKCSJOlqfw96utMu0tcoA6qpd5Wzm55mAfaN3JC2jMMW7bW2LI8-n6RLyBLMwjlNfZyfTRWsWoMRCkzu8nKGLTApaEL6BT1gyPCbZz-T_0lybrkZWFrpvWwSUn1Uw8/s1600/Megan+Dress_0016.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric is bunching over my bust. But that will be gone after I take it in <br />(on my next version) at the neck shoulder seams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-47646868793561907322015-04-04T18:04:00.000+01:002015-06-20T21:21:12.361+01:00Wedding Dress Progress I: Muslin and FabricIn the absence of good weather to take pictures of new makes outside, I thought it will be nice to update you on my progress on my wedding dress.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/blumarine-2014-romantic-wedding-dresses-empire-waist-gown-tulle-overlay-floral-straps-applique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/blumarine-2014-romantic-wedding-dresses-empire-waist-gown-tulle-overlay-floral-straps-applique.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration dress (<a href="http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2013/07/19/blumarine-bridal-2014-wedding-dresses/2/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've chosen <a href="http://ela-sews.blogspot.co.uk/2014_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Butterick (B5325)</a> which looks similar to my inspiration dress. It comes without straps so I will just add them. I've traced the pattern and graded it up several sizes for my waist and hip measurements. The only problem was that the biggest pattern size was 12 and according to the chart I needed size 16 at the hip. Thus I measured the distance between size 12 and 10 on the pattern and added it twice to the hip area. I then graded down to size 14 at the waist and size 8 at the bust.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DO2tG3DEO0fD4u6CjN4LpDHyD6t_eY3PoPnRfC9V3tceGQ5A01RF2vJN2Tx3fhmDWML3InecMLGgvCamI8b-Hw07Pbl-68hW-Td3q8zYbUiz84iva8tpwxrob8ovAGECXOT5RQTCzqqG/s1600/_DSC0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DO2tG3DEO0fD4u6CjN4LpDHyD6t_eY3PoPnRfC9V3tceGQ5A01RF2vJN2Tx3fhmDWML3InecMLGgvCamI8b-Hw07Pbl-68hW-Td3q8zYbUiz84iva8tpwxrob8ovAGECXOT5RQTCzqqG/s1600/_DSC0007.JPG" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to step on a stool, otherwise the fabric is just bunching up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A quick tissue fitting of the bodice showed me that it fit well and I went ahead to make a muslin. I used a cotton (a former bed sheet) for the bodice as it has to be structured. For the skirt I used some old curtain - a very thin polyester with some drape.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PUV57y6tL8YTC2ovUfeIHAAnFoWAhjRIHsPDezc2RHZS6ShKh3WL_J2WcH5MffvFeIsLooYZb0y0tz6knRaw-OMvjczqhMsqWZlabbITV0Z-aIUnbIGrfuvyX9pzIg0kXF75GKvMm_lH/s1600/_DSC0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PUV57y6tL8YTC2ovUfeIHAAnFoWAhjRIHsPDezc2RHZS6ShKh3WL_J2WcH5MffvFeIsLooYZb0y0tz6knRaw-OMvjczqhMsqWZlabbITV0Z-aIUnbIGrfuvyX9pzIg0kXF75GKvMm_lH/s1600/_DSC0009.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like the fit at the waist. You can see that I pinned out some fabric at the side seams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Surprisingly, the bodice fits me well. I expected to change the position of the apex but didn't need to! You can't imagine how happy this made me :) I just need to take out some fabric at the top of the bodice because otherwise my neckline is gaping. I might also add some horsehair braid to the neckline to stabilize and shape it. I've got the idea from a <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2014/10/shaping-neckline-with-horsehair-braid.html" target="_blank">great tutorial</a> by Gertie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGRq-T7KAaVZKVHoaXczI62W_558pSC93zkYDVAVgPA-E1sxKI3qfKfcQlm_8cEjnFcvwPt0Vd8prWEVay_iF0U56X2TdlgKZkfL_lkEOTzHd-YqB6Ar-xbT8-glC7gc6baLQx4cpyOVm/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGRq-T7KAaVZKVHoaXczI62W_558pSC93zkYDVAVgPA-E1sxKI3qfKfcQlm_8cEjnFcvwPt0Vd8prWEVay_iF0U56X2TdlgKZkfL_lkEOTzHd-YqB6Ar-xbT8-glC7gc6baLQx4cpyOVm/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodice dropping towards the side seams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The bodice is dropping towards the side seams. I think this is because the skirt is heavy and pulling it down. I'm not sure if this will improve if I add boning to the real dress. However, the addition of straps helps a bit in keeping the back more straight.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz78wQCcu9Silhx0gPBUgwvmFygGPUX93eQlcqnTJ_g0gc7_jwbN3rPH_t1Zn9DSqkXiB4_huM-p5me5MSDEyS1-Y_i6Xg2zA2d72jrZiP7WA2mArsVyPcdG0moEB0VIUIApG1-2JM0-rQ/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz78wQCcu9Silhx0gPBUgwvmFygGPUX93eQlcqnTJ_g0gc7_jwbN3rPH_t1Zn9DSqkXiB4_huM-p5me5MSDEyS1-Y_i6Xg2zA2d72jrZiP7WA2mArsVyPcdG0moEB0VIUIApG1-2JM0-rQ/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't decide where to attach the straps. I moved them further outside in the end (see below).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The skirt also seems to fit fine. I haven't decided yet if I want to keep the train or not. I really like the look and feel of it and when wearing the muslin kept walking in front of the mirror just to see the train. It makes such a nice noise when dragged on the floor :) However, because we are going to have a small wedding with only our parents and sisters, I don't feel the need to have one. Ah, I just can't decide!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3virK_ImzuQf1Tyk22ZQEqlX_my3YPrxvDOkJ9Jl2M21THyPhTQFcDX4bb8V96U4gPzEBea4PtKThXw4Z4f1S1kbAt0buliTMH0sETeKldrNJUJ6LPb0SgzkehvCOEQVJo1FPPGaZssM/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3virK_ImzuQf1Tyk22ZQEqlX_my3YPrxvDOkJ9Jl2M21THyPhTQFcDX4bb8V96U4gPzEBea4PtKThXw4Z4f1S1kbAt0buliTMH0sETeKldrNJUJ6LPb0SgzkehvCOEQVJo1FPPGaZssM/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the bunching at my hips - I'm holding the dress up in the front to avoid <br />
stepping on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've bought already the fabric. I got a lavender chiffon for the shell fabric and some sand washed silk for lining. The chiffon bodice will be underlined with silk dupion. It was the first time that I bought silk (and such expensive fabric). I have also bought a craftsy class about sewing with silk. So before touching the silk I'm going to watch that class. Do you have any tips about sewing with silk?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQPkPGarrEq62RIv5dssy5HgyABVimPuo_k8-YkqNAeI-nQTHPFTglGMoGc_5XHknjtVA5L9ActQ-nYgGUznRe1c7QeZhNy5-zEVXPOy9Ei91BoeIIz7j3KeSnUw7X7e-2NKf0T1QiMbZ/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQPkPGarrEq62RIv5dssy5HgyABVimPuo_k8-YkqNAeI-nQTHPFTglGMoGc_5XHknjtVA5L9ActQ-nYgGUznRe1c7QeZhNy5-zEVXPOy9Ei91BoeIIz7j3KeSnUw7X7e-2NKf0T1QiMbZ/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From right to left: silk dupion, chiffon, sand washed silk. The colors are darker than in reality.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what's the next step? I have to make the changes to the pattern and order some horsehair braid. I also don't have any lace flowers yet, so if you have any suggestions where to find some please share!<br />
<br />
Happy Easter to everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-4771250839547964552015-03-26T19:00:00.000+00:002015-03-26T19:00:02.615+00:00A full slip to wear under cotton dresses - a necessity!The big problem of cotton dresses (at least in my opinion) is that they stick to your undergarments. They stick to vests, shorts, not to mention leggings. It does not look nice when your dress is clinging to you and it restricts your movements.<br />
<br />
To solve this problem, I would usually fully line a dress. It takes a lot of time because you have to make to dress essentially twice. I decided it was time to sew a full slip. I had planned to make the Ruby Slip pattern, which is pinned to my pinterest board since last year, but sadly couldn't access the website anymore. I found another free slip pattern, but there was a problem: it didn't have any online instructions (by now I remembered that there is a slip pattern plus instructions in my GBSB book series 2 - next time!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-lZbBU31OG_fHrWG2YY8RdTWiJGz3QqFz4M1tWjPw8mTM9e18wvGT8GEh-_p6NH6S5E2Drg-LTzdOG8CIDIeiQD4pLCUE5Lo7wDEl5aw7W94BcOMhpz3Qind_ZstjCqgsw3QvTbKU3WX/s1600/unterkleid_0051.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-lZbBU31OG_fHrWG2YY8RdTWiJGz3QqFz4M1tWjPw8mTM9e18wvGT8GEh-_p6NH6S5E2Drg-LTzdOG8CIDIeiQD4pLCUE5Lo7wDEl5aw7W94BcOMhpz3Qind_ZstjCqgsw3QvTbKU3WX/s1600/unterkleid_0051.jpeg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> Vintage slip pattern from <a href="http://house-of-jo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/free-pattern-download-in-association.html" target="_blank">House of Jo</a> (in association with the Sew Magazine). It's free!<br />
<br />
<b>Fabric:</b> I bought some 2-way stretch shinny fabric on a market stall. It was only £2.99/meter. It is blue, feels soft to the skin, frayed like crazy and I guess is polyester.<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> When I made the slip I couldn't find sewing instructions, but I've just seen that they are on Jo's website in the comment section. I decided to use french seams to have a neat finish and hide the fraying seams. Surprisingly this went very well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgXTQEABmrvhQ2mkwZNjuhVTmiP3BrWc69gB8d2zPSySWxpqcVdgjfglyzy4JQmGReBr5VNRQGZf_g5ezd2S0i4_iqsTC7eCROpd8Nx_QB4o1adgSPelrpYM1E6ywEIhWwAuB8OpyNAdl/s1600/unterkleid_0052.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgXTQEABmrvhQ2mkwZNjuhVTmiP3BrWc69gB8d2zPSySWxpqcVdgjfglyzy4JQmGReBr5VNRQGZf_g5ezd2S0i4_iqsTC7eCROpd8Nx_QB4o1adgSPelrpYM1E6ywEIhWwAuB8OpyNAdl/s1600/unterkleid_0052.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, I had problems finishing the neckline. In hindsight and as suggested by Jo, I should have finished the neckline with a binding or some lace. But I decided to attach the straps to it and then fold the raw edge of the neckline under twice. Which didn't work well. The neckline stretched out slightly and because of folding them twice, the straps are now too short.<br />
<br />
It means the bust does not sit on the bust but above. It makes the dress too tight over the bust. I'm thinking about cutting the straps off the back and making a new piece of strap that I'm attaching to the old one and then to the back. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kzM71tx46csvlM55xY37ScMSRdU_eZqGnSYN0Ce5vOkQ8xvBginLJWYx6HIg9Ckw7WKG-JpI5DNSHAGd75ewfjYlENON5cg7ujqKzdJUUBBWxBznzNxURnUhD_QdKNj1Cx5JhhSA5VNW/s1600/unterkleid_0053.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kzM71tx46csvlM55xY37ScMSRdU_eZqGnSYN0Ce5vOkQ8xvBginLJWYx6HIg9Ckw7WKG-JpI5DNSHAGd75ewfjYlENON5cg7ujqKzdJUUBBWxBznzNxURnUhD_QdKNj1Cx5JhhSA5VNW/s1600/unterkleid_0053.jpeg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You might notice that the bra cups look pointy. That is because the pattern tells you just to sew a triangle dart. I'm not sure if this is the style of vintage patterns? It does not show under the dress, so I'm inclined to leave it like that.<br />
<br />
<b>Have I worn it?</b> Despite it's fault I have worn the slip underneath some cotton dresses and it fulfills its function. It prevents the clinging of the cotton to my undergarments, yeah!<br />
<br />
<b>Will I make it again?</b> I would like to make it again, now that I know how to finish the neckline. The only problem, there are too many other garments that tempt me and not to mention my wedding dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPporukLvS76I2HIsiSvKOyPKszNnQnXLvcZYYBS2WtXiI-Cb0f2HZ96jiIFD6KSvHmgeqo29e5UpzioSrU6Y_gbKnDtqmlbj4kMm75ZKpnBMI9havgmVlECpFkEsXYcdG4lFuug0B5nb/s1600/unterkleid_0054.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPporukLvS76I2HIsiSvKOyPKszNnQnXLvcZYYBS2WtXiI-Cb0f2HZ96jiIFD6KSvHmgeqo29e5UpzioSrU6Y_gbKnDtqmlbj4kMm75ZKpnBMI9havgmVlECpFkEsXYcdG4lFuug0B5nb/s1600/unterkleid_0054.jpeg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-16914067204534248342015-03-19T19:00:00.000+00:002015-03-19T19:00:01.905+00:00A knitted Cardigan: Myrna Today I'm showing you a knitted make. A cardigan that I finished last year in November. I call it my commuter cardi because most of it was knit on my commute from Cambridge to London. Sometimes I got surprised views and remarks from fellow commuters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nKGi1GPGRWYNjrxhjvm6B_HOi5lHI9KtJmZXNcNdcF89zG0u3Mjj_es5iV15VvSnMrjflD5uaTpeK0EDX_6orF_VzeQv8U8UPBy1tCmuNrKdf_BgWji6DzcBaVXTaFklxYmifgV61fvn/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nKGi1GPGRWYNjrxhjvm6B_HOi5lHI9KtJmZXNcNdcF89zG0u3Mjj_es5iV15VvSnMrjflD5uaTpeK0EDX_6orF_VzeQv8U8UPBy1tCmuNrKdf_BgWji6DzcBaVXTaFklxYmifgV61fvn/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(7).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I even talked with a couple of interested woman about knitting which was really nice. Sometimes people kept starring, which is especially annoying when the person in front of you turns around on her seat the whole time and watches you through the gap between the seats. Have you ever made something on public transport? How did people react?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7rtH0EWWST3SJdVyYkq9BH-IS-G61oxt_lytD5WpwByYnrLrELtQjyH0gWiPnXSwcUVhhuaPYUPQ3Dwh1_oHm2gDZ2qEzXj9zjG7nttrjLuyt80FQmcujiiEmjlXgv1K7aWN3mIfLP5/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7rtH0EWWST3SJdVyYkq9BH-IS-G61oxt_lytD5WpwByYnrLrELtQjyH0gWiPnXSwcUVhhuaPYUPQ3Dwh1_oHm2gDZ2qEzXj9zjG7nttrjLuyt80FQmcujiiEmjlXgv1K7aWN3mIfLP5/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(1).JPG" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only realised when looking at these photos that there is button peaking out from the center of the keyhole, haha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://untangling-knots.com/shop/patterns/garments/myrna/" target="_blank">Myrna</a> by Andi Satterlund. In contrast to Andis pattern my cardi has long sleeves. That's because I'm always so cold and my three quarter or short sleeved cardigans don't get worn in winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMjEgS5YYOSI1tzwFyAwNwqdROZQa6di0cjSV_4BmnFn1UM2KiUlk4QWityvcla6eW6mCYzLtVjCWSsgCT-SfG_hyphenhyphenNbc2Nkna7gjv2-t-LNlPlSoHkG64YBxaEf3NuDXkhXu0t6egXGaS/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMjEgS5YYOSI1tzwFyAwNwqdROZQa6di0cjSV_4BmnFn1UM2KiUlk4QWityvcla6eW6mCYzLtVjCWSsgCT-SfG_hyphenhyphenNbc2Nkna7gjv2-t-LNlPlSoHkG64YBxaEf3NuDXkhXu0t6egXGaS/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(14).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Wool:</b> I had three skeins of Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 in lilac mist which I bought for half price when sadly the online retailer closed down. Because I had only three skeins, I was a bit limited for the length of the sleeves. I would have liked them to be 2" longer but had no wool left.<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> I think it took me about 1.5 month to finish this cardigan. I could have been faster but it took me a while to figure out how to knit the long sleeves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZWkaydoyPWv6BpJA6b7QJJGnbOZZ2uaH8Rz4pS52cNb52ERyYHNLo8BqdcbuI3dFiKpgdyH90xFtP72SWR_N1JWmMagKt-XdUzZ6wPIIry_jJtIf6NxIKWd8aua5zlDK7FuXy7v0XH5f/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZWkaydoyPWv6BpJA6b7QJJGnbOZZ2uaH8Rz4pS52cNb52ERyYHNLo8BqdcbuI3dFiKpgdyH90xFtP72SWR_N1JWmMagKt-XdUzZ6wPIIry_jJtIf6NxIKWd8aua5zlDK7FuXy7v0XH5f/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(13).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knitted too many buttonholes - 6 instead of 5 - by mistake. I was knitting in people carrier <br />with 5 lovely ladies and just got carried away ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Have I worn it? </b>Several times although I'm not so sure the color suits me well. Saying that I have a color consultation in April, which hopefully will shed light on the colors that suit me best! I'm a bit scared that my favorite colors don't suit me!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySA34wXEq_wL0A7x9fkhp11VMG_vlgaLNAmIJwagoLAFk8BiylNSSLcd-WheAo8GifEItZ3NCp4gMMhgxftutEIlm4A40z_D-j6KFWnPYiRXDhv8ERgTW27oAypnxj4hWnyT0sUofGTHH/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySA34wXEq_wL0A7x9fkhp11VMG_vlgaLNAmIJwagoLAFk8BiylNSSLcd-WheAo8GifEItZ3NCp4gMMhgxftutEIlm4A40z_D-j6KFWnPYiRXDhv8ERgTW27oAypnxj4hWnyT0sUofGTHH/s1600/Myrna+Cardigan+(4).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might remember my Megan Dress from last week. Here you can see that it is too short <br />and my slip is displayed because I'm lifting my arm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-7849376598686976072015-03-13T21:21:00.001+00:002015-03-13T21:21:27.140+00:00Yeah for Buttons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWTi6gwHbq4OpGD-3O0zkWHBqfrA94sAHwjPB9-BOrtY_9_x6Dw4TPFdhifzaRNEq0G8G-I_t0_rcnQg9KynXeHkhZ6PVP7ZP5ST-Thl4p9r85SDEM67eDRU1_bEdrmurcOc-96cveX6U/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWTi6gwHbq4OpGD-3O0zkWHBqfrA94sAHwjPB9-BOrtY_9_x6Dw4TPFdhifzaRNEq0G8G-I_t0_rcnQg9KynXeHkhZ6PVP7ZP5ST-Thl4p9r85SDEM67eDRU1_bEdrmurcOc-96cveX6U/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(5).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fabric:</b> 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.<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern: </b>Megan Dress by <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons</a> 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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPAoG4XCsiiTuuFHqJyPm3Bzc4XyfASGygCv2M9otPJh80IbC_20s9CjvIr5vKRsNMIYo9XCGjQ2nHiad7sZHUpGXd-FPyq2GMIZnDQstbYM2-bWfYInG-gkfoUcWeyfVg5-yGfAs57qN/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPAoG4XCsiiTuuFHqJyPm3Bzc4XyfASGygCv2M9otPJh80IbC_20s9CjvIr5vKRsNMIYo9XCGjQ2nHiad7sZHUpGXd-FPyq2GMIZnDQstbYM2-bWfYInG-gkfoUcWeyfVg5-yGfAs57qN/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(11).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Size:</b> 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.<br />
<br />
<b>Fitting:</b> 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?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq5SRkkAA10ElLThslCgbhEoqqJWDVqrDWpHY9e-Nzv4Zo3OqKjdRdJ3ISJ-_JaixoWI6k3Bcxg34hlxWZQF2LpAL5wQCV_LlmJs8I55qymqTu3BE0ppqQFAjxonzlZw0OTjJEuuad69H/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq5SRkkAA10ElLThslCgbhEoqqJWDVqrDWpHY9e-Nzv4Zo3OqKjdRdJ3ISJ-_JaixoWI6k3Bcxg34hlxWZQF2LpAL5wQCV_LlmJs8I55qymqTu3BE0ppqQFAjxonzlZw0OTjJEuuad69H/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(7).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Construction:</b> 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6anPoqne-DG3ZPksbWFzg_vyeZJtGtwBECqkIKDZfT5EFcWm69DRXV29jC3H5ZExNy2vhu52oInXzgr5vBguSI9eBz9UyA7nEolVUCuZkFMSiXmm2HkbooqSKgVax1l-xNCRxdAZ-eIL/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6anPoqne-DG3ZPksbWFzg_vyeZJtGtwBECqkIKDZfT5EFcWm69DRXV29jC3H5ZExNy2vhu52oInXzgr5vBguSI9eBz9UyA7nEolVUCuZkFMSiXmm2HkbooqSKgVax1l-xNCRxdAZ-eIL/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(3).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Do I like it?</b> 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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGhvo5z5m_IXa-e4PZ_fmnPSF6Gv6vqRVLg3dr1LgJj0En9pTH4ta0kZSN62ous2n63GaM5u-39_tGBjpwiGNYGLZyhOpMALdEf-kbxxtvtiiTCQs04etSA8WCGtjl7zU3nEZ876WbBF-/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGhvo5z5m_IXa-e4PZ_fmnPSF6Gv6vqRVLg3dr1LgJj0En9pTH4ta0kZSN62ous2n63GaM5u-39_tGBjpwiGNYGLZyhOpMALdEf-kbxxtvtiiTCQs04etSA8WCGtjl7zU3nEZ876WbBF-/s1600/Megan+Dress+Buttons+(6).JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648356968074720720.post-34714233936818329542015-03-08T20:02:00.001+00:002015-03-08T20:02:26.288+00:00I'm back...I'm creeping back into the bloggosphere.<br />
<br />
The last six month were exhausting. After I started my new job in September, I moved to Cambridge. The flat I rented was very small - too small for Lescha and me - and I hated it. Why did we rent it? Because we thought we can live there for 6 month, find a better place and town to live and then move on.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lp1MoQyXh5Kv2SMqNCBh1gkbNRLdVtrbPXO51oq3guwEVy1FveUERQjQkJOpH6czMEfkuHy0YVNmM7w6Do6V_DV3C4FmEEP-gYxBDLNgbEb7__MZv0K0wuyDUKxSF_N24pEymNbhSXfY/s1600/Hitchin_0014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lp1MoQyXh5Kv2SMqNCBh1gkbNRLdVtrbPXO51oq3guwEVy1FveUERQjQkJOpH6czMEfkuHy0YVNmM7w6Do6V_DV3C4FmEEP-gYxBDLNgbEb7__MZv0K0wuyDUKxSF_N24pEymNbhSXfY/s1600/Hitchin_0014.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my sewing table. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But as it happened, we were wrong. Being confined to a small space and being unhappy about the situation, my inspiration went zero. I didn't knit, I didn't sew. I read books instead (which is not bad).<br />
<br />
Then before Christmas we started to look for a flat in Hertfordshire, aiming to live somewhere in the middle between Cambridge and London (our working places). We succeeded and moved into our new flat mid February. It is a lovely two bedroom house. So plenty of space.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQwlNWncc-GPrC_gFROrmWFXddheUe1oRaiXHxFnA0czcVWcotVeQrSYzeRbBoId4l5hy3O9xBuAAaQvWdYUhR9DDwtJFiCCSysKrkaCgPN_RxRN_M2W_oz31Yp7HFgldOxyEk_leiKOS/s1600/unterkleid_0048.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQwlNWncc-GPrC_gFROrmWFXddheUe1oRaiXHxFnA0czcVWcotVeQrSYzeRbBoId4l5hy3O9xBuAAaQvWdYUhR9DDwtJFiCCSysKrkaCgPN_RxRN_M2W_oz31Yp7HFgldOxyEk_leiKOS/s1600/unterkleid_0048.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-shaped tables with cutting mat and sewing machines. The iron is also close by!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The new location means that I have to drive to work. Just the thought to drive on the left and on busy streets scarred me like crazy - I'm still scarred after having made my way to work for 3 weeks. I keep telling myself that I will be fine soon.<br />
<br />
Our new flat feels like a home already. One of the first things I did was to get my sewing machines out and organise the <strike>sewing room</strike> study. Since then I made one dress, one slip and finished a quilt top. My Sewjo is back! I have started to read blogs again :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_4YVHO2SJ_3bLZJWjEDNr42TIO-t7IMLERYQRckJrizCdyDtT1ve9bK8p_YUGHvkRYPbnIPJlOo1XXXNM4gpqoWoQAd4-wrirKgE12EG2Mfg_9pzc0DZg5UtIlBcpwTxMxY0MHiP1us8/s1600/unterkleid_0046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_4YVHO2SJ_3bLZJWjEDNr42TIO-t7IMLERYQRckJrizCdyDtT1ve9bK8p_YUGHvkRYPbnIPJlOo1XXXNM4gpqoWoQAd4-wrirKgE12EG2Mfg_9pzc0DZg5UtIlBcpwTxMxY0MHiP1us8/s1600/unterkleid_0046.jpeg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelves full of fabric, sewing patterns, sewing books, notions... and my mannequin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Which is about time because I have to start working on my wedding dress. I bought some lavender chiffon for the shell fabric and I'm planing to get my hands on a cream colored silk lining.<br />
<br />
So tell me, did your sewjo ever go down because you were unhappy? I really expected the sewing to pull me back to happiness, but it didn't. Have you made similar experiences?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxrzLQqnhkcghxOgBsSRfMCiHJCEbzCkuLVuQKEmwv0ZUT4yuZ1J-etNStB9B7XTP40P3HdesENZXpVocTJBRawf9tj0kgYx8_t4OiCMaIaI0-_sjRFcuGYAxn4idpXRt30e9zy69wMRg/s1600/unterkleid_0050.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxrzLQqnhkcghxOgBsSRfMCiHJCEbzCkuLVuQKEmwv0ZUT4yuZ1J-etNStB9B7XTP40P3HdesENZXpVocTJBRawf9tj0kgYx8_t4OiCMaIaI0-_sjRFcuGYAxn4idpXRt30e9zy69wMRg/s1600/unterkleid_0050.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is sleeping couch covered in one of my quilts as well. So if guest are staying - no sewing for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13008177057730600352noreply@blogger.com17