Thursday, June 20, 2013

Finally, a finished project!

Now, this is the not the garment previously discussed in the last post...BUT I'm taking it as a win anyway. Apparently yesterday, the gods were smiling, because not only was I showered, with make-up AND decent hair, I was also wearing a new, handmade dress AND I remembered to take a photo. Truly, a blessed day. Anyway, moving on...

Last month I needed a new dress for work, so I dug around in my stash and came up with this number. I used View C from Butterick 5794 - a fairly straight forward knit dress with a cowl neck, 3/4 sleeves and a slightly hi-low hemline. I used a polyester based knit from East Coast Fabrics. I like the colours, but wouldn't have been devastated if it hadn't worked out.



Seeing as though I don't have the same figure shape as the model, I did have to do a bit of modification to get it to fit me, and to move that waist seamline, but nothing too major. It was a very quick and easy garment to sew.

And here I submit proof that I actually can, and do, sew instead of just planning... :)


Details:
Size:
  • Bust 46.75", Waist 42.5" and Hips 49" - size selected 24W
Modifications/Alterations:
  • Added extra width through the waist area - subsequently removed. This dress runs a little large.
  • Raised waist seam (to more of an empire line) by ~ 2"
  • Narrowed sleeve towards the bottom so it would stay up when I pushed the sleeves up.
Construction:
  • Used serger mostly, although gathering done on sewing machine, coverstitch used on hems
  • Used seam tape on shoulder seams and a tiny spot of Fray Check on coverstitched hems as I've been having a little trouble lately with the hems coming undone.
Results:
  • Dress was a bit big overall, but that was easily rectified.
  • Neck/collar is a bit floppy for my liking.
For Future Versions:
  • Remove waist seam
  • Check notches on sleeves, I think they're twisting in the armhole (either I missed the notches or they weren't there. Not prepared to commit at this stage.)
  • Either use lightweight knit interfacing on collar to give it some body or reshape the pattern piece.
  • Raise front neckline by 1" (for work modesty).

5 comments:

  1. Fab dress - love the fabric and the interesting hemline. Well done on a finish!

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  2. Looks fabulous Kelley. I know what you mean about showered, hair etc!

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  3. Loving your dress. Great fabric. Looks nice and warm for winter.

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  4. Love how your dressed turned out. It looks good on you.

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