I had a birthday this week, which always calls for a little introspection.
When I was younger, I always imagined my life would be more glamorous. Honestly, I also imagined I would have bigger boobs. (Bigger hair and longer fingernails, too, but that's beside the point. There may have been shoulder pads in that fantasy, too.) My hair hasn't lived up to expectations, but in the last month I've broken a dishwasher, cleaned a chimney, and fixed a toilet. So screw glamour, I have skillz.
When I was younger, I always imagined my life would be more glamorous. Honestly, I also imagined I would have bigger boobs. (Bigger hair and longer fingernails, too, but that's beside the point. There may have been shoulder pads in that fantasy, too.) My hair hasn't lived up to expectations, but in the last month I've broken a dishwasher, cleaned a chimney, and fixed a toilet. So screw glamour, I have skillz.
I've also made this dress twice this month.
The first was, well, a failure.
I used a navy cotton/poly blend that was just too stiff for this pattern. When I tried it on, my husband remarked that the sleeves stuck out like judges' robes. And, considering I skipped a muslin, the waist was way too big, the neck was way too low, and there was just no recovering from that.
The Details
Pattern: Simplicity 1801
Fabric: Joel Dewberry rayon (sooo not warm for November), and cotton lawn for underlining
Notions: 14" zipper and interfacing, as you do
Time to complete: eh, a couple of days, plus a couple more
First worn: to a conversation with Stephen King
Pattern alterations:
1) I raised the neckline about an inch, if not a squish more. Holy hell. Here's where bigger boobs may have come in handy. All was cool if you were looking straight on, but the minute I leaned forward, it was a straight shot clear to my belly button. For reference, the point of the V ended at the top of the bridge of my bra. In theory, fine, but not a great look for work, yo.
2) Um, the waist band. I cut a size 14, as that size was pretty close to my bust/waist measurements. In the interest of clarity, that's 36" and 28" respectively. When I couldn't figure out how the first version ended up so huge, I went back and measured the pieces; as drafted, for a 28" waist, the finish measurements produced a 32 1/2" waist band. Who in the hell needs more than 4" of ease in a waist band, much less a waistband that is sandwiched between a gathered top and skirt?! And framed with loose gathered-y sleeves?
I looked brick-shaped. Like a brick-shaped judge. With disappointing cleavage.
Not.Flattering.At.All.
Needless to say, I graded in about 1/2" on each side seam at the waist.
And switched to a drapier fabric.
back view
A- invisible zip insertion.
I give credit to a pretty good color match.
the inside scoop
I have exactly one picture of it on.
My beautiful sister with a signed copy of his new book, and me, squinty-eyed.
I meant for this to be my birthday dress, but it ended up being a Stephen King dress instead.
Which is cool. I guess.
In a way, I didn't know what to expect from Stephen King, either.
Which was coming out donned in a Royals hat...
...and leaving with a little bit of rock and roll.
It's pretty awesome getting old.
Ah yes the modesty of work. The dress looks lovely. I hope one day I will automatically measure pattern pieces before cutting fabric to get the size/ease correct. One day I would like to underline a dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hear you on the pattern measuring! I know better, but still can't be bothered unless unless it's already too late!
DeleteI don't think I'd go as far as saying underlining is fun, but it is pretty straightforward-- you'll do great! I just did it here because my fabric was so thin and I didn't want bra lines showing through, and I was secretly hoping it would help prevent wrinkling! The best part though, is that I could tack the facings down to it so they stayed flat inside.