Before I went off on a bag making tangent, I was working on some dresses for me. Aggghh! Why is sewing clothing for oneself so frustrating? Too many curves, I suppose. Because I don’t sew clothing for myself regularly, I have to re-teach myself certain techniques every time. Use it or lose it, it’s true.
The first dress I attempted was a tunic dress New Look 6803, which was a flop. Once I finish the arm holes and hem it, I’ll wear it around the house, but that’s about it. I should have done a full bust adjustment, but I jumped in without it. Yes, I should have known better. It fits in the bust, but looks like a sack on me. I took it in a little on the sides, but it has pockets, so I was limited with what I could do without taking it apart (and I’m too lazy for that!). I’m leaving it for now, and may return to it later, but like most things I make for myself, it was a learning experience.
Next I turned to Simplicity 2798 Unfortunately, it is out of print. I chose this one because it is one of those patterns with built in cup sizes, which always makes things easier. After my last sack-like dress, I chose to alter the bottom of the dress by flaring the skirt panels for more fullness to give me some shape. Before fine tuning it, I liked where it was going, but that neckline had to go.
Using the first dress as inspiration, I scooped out the neckline (which meant I could fit it over my head) and added a placket. I could have let the seams out along the fullest part of my bust a little (there's some pulling), but I already clipped the curves – lesson learned: try on before clipping curves!! My princess seams are a little wonky, but this was a test run before using “good” fabric. Next time I’ll try to do better.
I added a self tie belt to give myself a little more waist definition without having to take in the seams too much. I like it and probably will wear this one out the house. I think I may have been channeling my inner Mad Men while making this….cocktail anyone?
*pretend like you don't see the dirt on the mirror and the laundry basket in the background, okay?
