OK, it's pretty much a potato sack. I have body issues, you know? The fabric drapes nicely, and I knew it would be comfortable, and I wasn't up for dealing with putting a lot (or even a little) work into something and having it be too small. Well, it wasn't too small.
Plus the neckline was awful--I could not get the facings to stay inside the dress. I wore something else.
So today I decided to try to fix it. I find it much easier to work on a garment after I have screwed it up and there is nothing to lose. I cut off the raglan sleeves, took in the side seams a total of 4 inches, switched over to view B with the stand-up collar--I just made it work! It fits and looks much better now. See?
Damn. It looks just the same in the picture! (The tiara (from Oona Balloona's birthday prom) is so you will forget I'm having a bad hair day.)
Oh, well. Nice print, don't you think?
Yes, a very nice print, indeed. I like the dress but wonder if you could take it in even more? There seems to be a lot of extra fabric. Which, being a full figured gal, I understand. But maybe it could use a bit more shaping. Hard to tell without seeing you in person.
ReplyDeleteSwitching to the collar was a good solution to the facing problem. Enjoy wearing this!
No maybe about it--the dress and I could both use a bit more shaping. :)
DeleteThe facing issue you had with this dress is the reason I finish all similar garments with bias binding. I don't know why all patterns don't include this finish, it is easier than facings. Especially when the damn things don't work. As for this dress, call it a caftan and you have a lovely stay at home garment that you can feel elegant wearing, because it is called a caftan. If that doesn't make sense it is because I am writing this at 5:05AM.
ReplyDeleteI sort of knew the facings would go wrong but I thought I should try following the directions a few times before striking out on my own. Are you up already or not in bed yet?
DeleteI was barely up, I start work at 6:30 am. I am in bed at 10 at the very latest. How did I get this old?
DeleteI can tell a difference in the second pic and with a little more "taking in" I think you will have a great dress! Perhaps some 2-ended vertical darts on each side below the bust? (you could pin them in and see what happens). don't give up on this as it's a beautiful fabric---I love reading about your sewing!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll try some darts, thanks.
DeleteThe fact that you didn't give up and altered it so now you have a wearable garment is great. How many of us would have just toss it in the rubbish bin? Yes that would have been me! I had to send my tiara out for cleaning - it has gotten SO tarnish the last few weeks. I wasn't sure if I was wearing a tiara or a birds nest on the top of my head LOL!
ReplyDeleteIn fact, while I am determined to alter it again so it can be worn in public, the dress has already become my favorite lounge around the house attire. :)
DeleteMagnificent blog! I love your sense of humour!! You're the kind of sewer (pronounced sower) that I aspire to be. I heartily agree that the second time around is so much more liberating. You deserve that princess crown. This is a beautiful garment.
ReplyDeleteHaving just found your blog today I am extremely honored to read such kind words from you. Thanks!
DeleteIt is a pretty print. I've been looking around your blog and am impressed with your sewing ability, a skill I'm only beginning to learn. Plus, your sense of humor is palpable. Loved the picture of your "prom dress" from years ago.
ReplyDeleteI like it!!! Maybe take it in just a little more? You can totally see an improvement between the two photos.
ReplyDeleteAppreciated your comment at Rags today! I like the fabric, but the dress looks decidedly different on you than it does in the pattern illustration--like maybe you could take in even more. But, I'm no seamstress!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great lounge garment, love the print. The colors look good on you and I think it's a great style of pattern for you. I'd make it up again about two sizes smaller!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the comments, I'll throw in my own 2 cents and go with the version where you approach those side seams one last time for more trimming away. Altho, considering the weather, maybe the looser version is best.
ReplyDeleteHello!!! Love the fabric! I think taking in the side seams a bit would do the trick. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd here I am making a second comment! I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! The original link is here: http://amityoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-award.html
ReplyDeleteWhere aaaaare yooooou? Where aaaaaare yooooooooooou? Sorry if you've got real life things to do but I just stopped by to distract you from them XD
ReplyDeleteI too am wondering the same! Although i should get some sleep....
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