I think that I got more accomplished on sewing projects today than I have in a long time! Along with getting the kids rooms cleaned up, a little laundry, and writing a math test, I'd say it's been a very productive day!
I cut out the pattern for a dress I'm making for my sister. Family wedding in June, and it's been about 20 years since I last made her a pretty dress. She chose
Vogue 1302, so I've got to work up a muslin of the lining, and send it along to Utah, along with the muslin for my niece's dress, too. I'm a sucker for making pretty dresses, what can I say?
Then I had a few embroidery orders to do (supplementing the "fabric fund"!), so I took care of that. A friend is starting work for a new company, and hired me to digitize the logo and create a few sample shirts, so while the embroidery machine was stitching... I started working on The B Dress!
Cut the fabric into 3.5" strips, allowing for 1/4" seam allowances.
Threaded the machine with ivory thread and a black bobbin, and started piecing the strips together.
Sew and press, sew and press, sew and press... I pressed the seams toward the black stripe, as the color will hide the seams better.
I ended up with 2 large blocks of strips, 1 for the front and 1 for the back. I did the stitching 30 minutes at a time, taking a break for other responsibilities (there's that Mom thing I'm supposed to do, too). I think I ended up spending about 1.5-2 hours cutting and stitching, creating the striped fabric of the dress.
Laying out the pattern was really easy, as I knew that the hem would end exactly at the edge of one color, and the side pieces staggered. My son said, "Mumma! Are you making a racing flag? That would be so cool!!!" Oops, wasn't going for that look either. Gentlemen, start your engines...
I thought to myself, "Wow, this is going pretty smoothly!", which summoned the Sewing Gods to remind me that matching stripes along a princess seam bust curve is not so smooth and easy. So I took a break, fed the kids (again?!), wrote a math test and watched Beyoncé's half-time show. Wow. Amazing show. During which I noticed that her saxophonist was wearing a 2 piece outfit IDENTICAL TO MY B DRESS!!! Not kidding. Can't find a pic tonight, but I will show you when I find one! The break did me good, as I was able to pin the hell out of that curve...
and TA-DA! The front of my dress is done! Yes, it still needs a back and a full lining, but LOOK! Isn't it cute!?
It was a great day, got so much accomplished, including printed my first pattern with my Garment Designer software. I will muslin that (just a straight skirt) this week, and share it in a few days!
22 comments:
Not only did you get a lot accompolished but that dress front is awesome! This dress is going to be stunning!
Fab-u-lous! What a stunning dress!
it looks so cute :)
Truly fabulous!
That is an amazing dress.
Adore the stripes!!!!!
Very interested to see how Vogue 1302 goes. I want to make it badly!!!
That looks super great! I can't wait to see the finished product.
Kristine - look at this:
http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2013/02/optic.html
The dress on a fashion blog. Thought you would like seeing it!
Your stripe placement is much nicer than the original. This is going to be a wowzer.
Amazing! This dress is turning out so well! I have to say that the pinning looks a bit scary, but it certainly did the trick. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished dress.
That truly does look amazing.
It was totally worth all those PINS!
I can't wait to see it on you!
This dress will be fab! Don't think I've commented before - but that dress from the superbowl is from H&M, if you check out their twitter they have a pic of the dress!
I have to have this dress. Now. Um...shall I pick it up or would you like to drop it off?! That is beautiful, Kristine. How will you accessorize? Rather, how should *I* accessorize? =)
Yipee for some serious sewing especially with such great results. Love that dress!
Guess was I just saw on another fashion blog? http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2013/02/optic.html Looks like you're right on track! (You know the fashion track, not the race track ;)
Fantastic start, congratulations! Gentlemen, start your engines...
That is spectacular!
Wow, I am absolutely gobsmacked. That dress is amazing. I can't believe you pieced the stripes. Intense!
Yes it is absolutely cute. I'm interested in your sister's dress. I have the pattern but won't make it until goal weight is within reach.
What a nice twist for black and white.
I am so impressed with your ability to capture and actually improve this designer dress!
A little bit of bohemia toughened up with some urban pieces for a less feminine look. The hippies fought for us to have a little freedom of expression after all! digitizing for embroidery
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