tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28424557067657164532024-03-12T22:35:38.988-04:00made by meli88ameli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-4003970729111031232014-09-21T19:23:00.001-04:002014-09-21T19:23:28.792-04:00On the verge...First, thank you all for your kind comments and wishes in response to my last post. I have a photo that shows the back of my dress, which I will have to post. Again, thank you SunnyGalStudio for pointing out the best starting point for my dress!<br />
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Now... what do I sew? I've been making separates, but there is the possibility of another big project in my future. My sister is getting married next summer, and can't quite put her finger on what she wants (it does not seem to exist.) Perhaps when she figures out what it is, I might be able to help her with that. I also am on the hunt for a good down jacket. I have a Primaloft jacket from high school, which is enormous on me but I haven't gotten rid of it - instead, patching it as needed, all to the embarrassment of my Very Stylish Husband. He has to be seen with me after all, and is merciless about this jacket. I wore it to meet up with my parents for dinner last year and my mom asked me why I am wearing it still! So I'll be honest, it's not just my husband who's on my case but pretty much anyone who has seen this jacket. And I will admit, this jacket has lived out its useful life. I need something that will fulfill many functions and this jacket can't do it.<br />
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I want a lightweight down jacket that I can wear under my hard shell for skiing, will keep me warm at the crag (I am entertaining the thought of ice climbing), and can be worn out and about as a stylish kind of thing. This jacket has to live up to a lot!<br />
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And, as I've been trying on jackets - not naming names - I am finding that they are just too big if they are women's sized and too childish (what is with the colors for girls?) if from the girl's section. I am in this weird land between L or XL girl and XS woman. It's really the sleeves. I think I could handle a boxy jacket torso if only the sleeves did not engulf my hands. <br />
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So I am toying with the idea of making a down jacket. I've gotten so used to having sleeves that fit (I now hate trying on ready made button down shirts) that I likely never buy another shirt or dress for as long as I can sew. I've made coats. Why not a down jacket? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQoWp6BB9TQKFjKqpF7LgGEaqgVIrbWwXpqHFe__PElDCwxylr6" data-sz="f" name="3GkuqSFK9Gwm5M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQoWp6BB9TQKFjKqpF7LgGEaqgVIrbWwXpqHFe__PElDCwxylr6" style="height: 183px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 275px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just imagine cleaning this up. This is what I imagine making a down jacket will do to my house.</td></tr>
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Or should I suck it up and deal with the 2" extra length on said jacket? Down jackets are pricy, but this seems like a worthwhile price to pay for something that I'm not really chomping at the bit to try to make myself.meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-69558296056917179102014-08-12T20:58:00.000-04:002014-08-12T21:07:16.625-04:00Wedding update and other catching upHi everyone! Thank you all for your thoughts on whether to hang or fold my wedding dress. I figured I've been away too long because I've started getting some rather spammy comments as well... most are deleted now as I've done a bit of housekeeping on the blog. The wedding was everything I hoped it would be - a very small ceremony in Acadia, Maine. It combined our favorite things, mountains and oceans. We went climbing at Otter Cliffs, which has long been on my to-do list with amazing views of the ocean and awesome sand blasted granite. We are so lucky to have so many loving people close to us. My new brother in law took photos that make us look taller/thinner/smarter (the one I've posted here was taken with a large format camera), a dear old friend flew out from California to officiate, a friend baked our cake, and another made AMAZING meals for all to share. Even our jeweler got in the on the action with a <a href="http://www.rebekahbrooks.com/2014/07/july-wedding.html">blog post singing our praises</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qC_B0N37nAUkD8uL2YagQwcZTfcKX6KDl5G4lDFcpenS4oPi3JknL4nUTM-HYU873eBlnM_NrcH4JI8r00tn_PUIHyiNQvXifa4dBOCy8VlCR30azntRpoAHcuu4X4vAoIhkT3g3FEdo/s1600/Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qC_B0N37nAUkD8uL2YagQwcZTfcKX6KDl5G4lDFcpenS4oPi3JknL4nUTM-HYU873eBlnM_NrcH4JI8r00tn_PUIHyiNQvXifa4dBOCy8VlCR30azntRpoAHcuu4X4vAoIhkT3g3FEdo/s1600/Melissa.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wedding dress in silk crepe back satin.</td></tr>
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In case you're wondering what I ended up wearing under there: Va bien backless plunge bra (it has shoulder straps) and Va bien control top shorts. I ordered the shorts on a whim thinking they'd hide panty lines, and honestly didn't think they'd make a difference otherwise (not to brag but just a statement of fact - I don't really have much extra skin around the middle), but they did. Seriously, wearing the right undergarment is all about letting the fabric skim your frame and not get cling on your skin or catch in strange ways. It was the difference sleek and well, not so sleek.<br />
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I am still sewing, but I realize my life has changed since I started this blog and I can't keep up on all the blogs I like to read as well as keep track of my sewing projects. It's unfortunate because I sometimes I'm about to sew something and wonder whether I've already made it in the past, or wonder what I altered the last time I sewed it or something similar. Blogging and keeping records is helpful. <br />
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A note for Mairead: I'm sorry, I'm not selling my Burdas at the moment. I've often had good luck looking on etsy and eBay for past issues, and I hope you will as well!<br />
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-66879008721889312212014-04-13T19:07:00.001-04:002014-04-13T19:10:43.779-04:00Hang or fold bias cut garments?Hello. It turns out I am going to sew two wedding dresses. One for a civil ceremony at City Hall to be held in 3 weekends (!) and one for our ring ceremony in Maine. The ring ceremony dress, the one that I've been blogging about off and on for the last few months is done. Note, the dresses are the most fun thing about the planning. With less than two months to go I'm realizing that I need to line up several essential services: caterer, rehearsal dinner venue, guest entertainment. <br />
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Did I say that planning is my forte? I lied.<br />
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Now I'm fretting about where and how to keep it until June. Should I fold it (and then re-press it closer to the date), or hang it (I'm afraid of it getting growing longer and longer on the bias)?<br />
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And because I don't want to make this a completely pictureless post, here is the inspiration for the civil ceremony dress:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesewingfashionista.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/drape-drape-no-5-drape-drape-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thesewingfashionista.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/drape-drape-no-5-drape-drape-dress.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drape Drape 1 No. 5 </td></tr>
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meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-91724742708066120282014-02-13T22:31:00.004-05:002014-02-13T22:33:26.503-05:00Ready for prime timeHi guys, this happened a lot faster than I thought it would. Your comments along the way have been most wonderful!<br />
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It took 10 muslins to get the top right, which I made up out of an old bedspread (I'll spare you photos) and then this version in poly crepe satin. I've got swatches of red and gold crepe satin on their way from Mood to pick from. I decided to choose colors that I would probably want to wear again. Oh, and I need to figure out what to do about a low back b.ra and get a manicure before I handle real silk (too many calluses from climbing means fabric pulls!) But that should be pretty easy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYQpUY8l7etwsasrsNsC3VOXCzDhZxqtB0vptn-svr2QJJty-gTLSrHqaeyJ3uf-3f11UMkR4f9SIpuOzrC_Jsjw9AHHzZ-QBsE0LXhXK7Btmgs9bVQBuDtlnsIVIPSRksRaU4C_QDEjW/s1600/Candid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYQpUY8l7etwsasrsNsC3VOXCzDhZxqtB0vptn-svr2QJJty-gTLSrHqaeyJ3uf-3f11UMkR4f9SIpuOzrC_Jsjw9AHHzZ-QBsE0LXhXK7Btmgs9bVQBuDtlnsIVIPSRksRaU4C_QDEjW/s1600/Candid.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I look like if you look down at me (photo taker is much taller than I am.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7SWcxER6BH4FfO7iFkoXnDS7K24WTWG7HEzXnQIQScE_B7s36kEeZm3ycyDT7kwU2HTtm2q9yQdmmIczirLx1DVq0UZh0UaoQ1Ndpg1rxgSfeIeZ080LWOhue_vqOPc46zTn_fVtQYpZ/s1600/FrontSatin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7SWcxER6BH4FfO7iFkoXnDS7K24WTWG7HEzXnQIQScE_B7s36kEeZm3ycyDT7kwU2HTtm2q9yQdmmIczirLx1DVq0UZh0UaoQ1Ndpg1rxgSfeIeZ080LWOhue_vqOPc46zTn_fVtQYpZ/s1600/FrontSatin.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the front. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CTdTVr3SWF-Ap_K0sKv-sNAYVS27IoQIe55GE5xZKBd0PIlqtKZHuN63pIeqd4jDas4c5uo-OfP6W_oPjAiBSZUftlMglL315TN_76A51MFkFDy3HKeOzo93S8Mmnjrl9jNs_6LsQvAq/s1600/BackSatin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CTdTVr3SWF-Ap_K0sKv-sNAYVS27IoQIe55GE5xZKBd0PIlqtKZHuN63pIeqd4jDas4c5uo-OfP6W_oPjAiBSZUftlMglL315TN_76A51MFkFDy3HKeOzo93S8Mmnjrl9jNs_6LsQvAq/s1600/BackSatin.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please forgive my hair. What a mess. Good thing we don't get to see ourselves from the back very often, eh?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZF4MlUaRM3j0h9y1k9rz9O9q-FiPD3eCAi7Rq3Oi8pcUVQ7eHuLczq6qIreMusRreyirwWuFOOti83UcRux4STeLNJ4bHowWkjf9tovR92ITF4vlbFoS_5819bo5dfqVojV7Lq-ZORbm/s1600/SideSatin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZF4MlUaRM3j0h9y1k9rz9O9q-FiPD3eCAi7Rq3Oi8pcUVQ7eHuLczq6qIreMusRreyirwWuFOOti83UcRux4STeLNJ4bHowWkjf9tovR92ITF4vlbFoS_5819bo5dfqVojV7Lq-ZORbm/s1600/SideSatin.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And from the side. I'm pretty happy with my decision to ditch the train.</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-37280706857725484082014-01-21T22:17:00.001-05:002014-01-21T22:17:32.999-05:00Getting thereIt took about 8 drafts but I think I've come very close to approximating the drape on the top. Now I need to drop the waist; draft and mock up a corselette; draft and mock up the skirt.<br />
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The waist drop and skirt don't worry me as much as the prospect of making up a corselette.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsurcsYJMLCHZ-l5Y0QY5_0Ls5Hyssn0oRUg2nm6tmcWkZNtQV1jk9gPaCYLJnONQhPcKTtzJPmSAMu_0F5_p6-F-nf9Y7l0hwKWrECLf-HldsJXIWpPiJmkNcKp1KDMuFZfWgxqcjBZc/s1600/alix-kelly-kate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsurcsYJMLCHZ-l5Y0QY5_0Ls5Hyssn0oRUg2nm6tmcWkZNtQV1jk9gPaCYLJnONQhPcKTtzJPmSAMu_0F5_p6-F-nf9Y7l0hwKWrECLf-HldsJXIWpPiJmkNcKp1KDMuFZfWgxqcjBZc/s1600/alix-kelly-kate.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-10923551976720323012014-01-20T01:04:00.003-05:002014-01-20T01:07:20.203-05:00Getting closer to the right drapeThis Threads tutorial has been handy:<br />
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<a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/33848/how-to-create-a-draped-cowl-neckline/page/all">How to create a draped cowl neckline</a><br />
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It worked great for the front, not so much for the back. I am very close to getting the back to resemble that of the inspiration dress, thanks to this photo. Drafting a triangle rather than slashing and spreading (as suggested by the Threads article) wasn't intuitive until I saw this picture. Thanks, internet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViIfqcHvc7X-XKPzJsmer2OtfiL9FHJR1VnxbnuMi-DTvZ2-e81OQURjC_6LxPlVQaT6SyfMh3SFw0omnHf0xIvwW-9gvyiht_hIoRKUzcBTkYKVnpGeXxfMb6d2XcjtfSQQZFbk9KWCH/s1600/Back+drape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViIfqcHvc7X-XKPzJsmer2OtfiL9FHJR1VnxbnuMi-DTvZ2-e81OQURjC_6LxPlVQaT6SyfMh3SFw0omnHf0xIvwW-9gvyiht_hIoRKUzcBTkYKVnpGeXxfMb6d2XcjtfSQQZFbk9KWCH/s1600/Back+drape.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone pinned this image... while I couldn't find it on the website in the watermark, moldesedicasmoda.blogspot.com looks like it is worth a visit. It shows you how to knock just about anything off through pictures. If you can read Portuguese, you'll get even more from it.</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-12035447845148207292014-01-14T21:39:00.005-05:002014-01-14T21:44:17.022-05:00Pretty/sexy/sweet/edgy/tacky is all in the eye of the beholderMy long time blog friend, Gail, posted an interesting comment on a previous post about wedding dresses. She commented that one of my dresses looked very sexy, raising the question of whether brides should be sexy. Good question, Gail! What is a sexy bridal gown?<br />
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Interestingly, when I search Google Images for "sexy bridal gowns," the top hits are a variety. Withholding judgment (for now), here they are.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B0hHVYM30bqzrJ3ojN1IgK7L70h4IAcVwqn_LxifUvlKRzAnA9sYfk59odAMYtwd9HfGaplSzptNjDacsgjf4L9s2V2V9L5H9JYgm2z6q0wBgriW2lmh2Pa1lA66USQoNYc7N1hzyR4N/s1600/attachment.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B0hHVYM30bqzrJ3ojN1IgK7L70h4IAcVwqn_LxifUvlKRzAnA9sYfk59odAMYtwd9HfGaplSzptNjDacsgjf4L9s2V2V9L5H9JYgm2z6q0wBgriW2lmh2Pa1lA66USQoNYc7N1hzyR4N/s320/attachment.php.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96C6n3-A3QGGJYr_dIpYEarnHEA7gCoLoq87kioXcF-hIovOrjDiXMLE-MKErZAklEGxwmpKiWkwf5MjSgNataJr2c9_Ut3YqIHDGpYg72YkJgOErJnoMp3u8bIuu4L-xnZIUhWCNGs7e/s1600/sexy-mermaid-style-designer-wedding-gown-for-cheap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96C6n3-A3QGGJYr_dIpYEarnHEA7gCoLoq87kioXcF-hIovOrjDiXMLE-MKErZAklEGxwmpKiWkwf5MjSgNataJr2c9_Ut3YqIHDGpYg72YkJgOErJnoMp3u8bIuu4L-xnZIUhWCNGs7e/s320/sexy-mermaid-style-designer-wedding-gown-for-cheap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit B.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq7qWR7EO_fk_GkTJuDD2zQw5bLXoJ98HsX4AZWIfptzaw8o-LJFfGNLOftpdHrR7ZNCAqeM0fZOMOYGDGZaK7BUNxHDCF9hRhxiVnPBvkZINzDOvps3p9ZyE8skWQ7AyTMKamESOHXwH/s1600/sexy-mermaid-wedding-dresses-open-back-chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq7qWR7EO_fk_GkTJuDD2zQw5bLXoJ98HsX4AZWIfptzaw8o-LJFfGNLOftpdHrR7ZNCAqeM0fZOMOYGDGZaK7BUNxHDCF9hRhxiVnPBvkZINzDOvps3p9ZyE8skWQ7AyTMKamESOHXwH/s320/sexy-mermaid-wedding-dresses-open-back-chapel.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit C.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgbjUkcefv91Se4eVz0q7s8Dfet-QUxK3tkbeJzsa13vMgSksK1y1LtO4LxR2la701i5aZsNjUijGpWx7Cpp9mJNMuA9fA-LJDogmvIOKO0jjM5yW1atYSrhKfQOOVavL1aUNENWWM6XM/s1600/sexy-wedding-dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgbjUkcefv91Se4eVz0q7s8Dfet-QUxK3tkbeJzsa13vMgSksK1y1LtO4LxR2la701i5aZsNjUijGpWx7Cpp9mJNMuA9fA-LJDogmvIOKO0jjM5yW1atYSrhKfQOOVavL1aUNENWWM6XM/s320/sexy-wedding-dresses.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit D.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6o8cJifpl1094KtCfbqBmlTQhzFUuxB1GjYPOFlWO4E2pZ8mdnhQBgy_Qjf-cC7AIhMr3rvNM_4YPRmjhEotrZGta1wJ68YoYLyyT2iLcZsJmsc4Q5c1TC0waf6LYqwCHYJ-za4YU3uq/s1600/Unusual-lace-wedding-dresses-with-half-sleeve-and-sexy-V-back-ALOP03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6o8cJifpl1094KtCfbqBmlTQhzFUuxB1GjYPOFlWO4E2pZ8mdnhQBgy_Qjf-cC7AIhMr3rvNM_4YPRmjhEotrZGta1wJ68YoYLyyT2iLcZsJmsc4Q5c1TC0waf6LYqwCHYJ-za4YU3uq/s320/Unusual-lace-wedding-dresses-with-half-sleeve-and-sexy-V-back-ALOP03.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit E.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, I'm not about to wear a dress like any of these for various reasons, but I imagine that most of you reading all have your opinions about these dresses. For example, I don't think any of them are sexy. I think dress C is rather sweet looking and a little bland (this appears to be a very common design for sale in the States right now), B is a yawn as well, E is arguably modes with its sleeves, and A and D are outright tacky. I don't know why D is bothering with a veil, as her dress is split to her navel, has a front hemline that looks like it's shorter than the length of her arm (if she straightened it) and the bodice is <i><b>see through</b></i>. But you know, there's no accounting for taste, eh? Maybe she can get a second wear of it if she becomes a can-can dancer? <br />
<br />
All that trash talking aside, this opens questions about what is sexy, what is modest, what is classy, and what is tacky? I guess part of this is cultural, and part of this is personal preference. I have friends from Africa and Southeast Asia who are very modest about their upper arms and shoulders but have no issues baring their bellies or lower backs. On the other hand, although I enjoy wearing sleeveless tops and dresses, you will never see my belly unless I am in athletic wear. Or maybe it's more contextual than that. I remember a few years ago I had the awkward conversation of "just because it's <i>nice</i> doesn't mean you can wear it to work," with an intern who showed up every day of her first week in club wear. But I guess the thing about a wedding dress is it's all individual taste, right?<br />
<br />
There are two sides to this argument. One, if you can't wear what you want on your big day, well, when will you ever get to wear it? Two, your "big" day is more than "your" day -- it belongs to all the people who helped you get there, whether it's your parents, friends, and your husband, so shouldn't they see you in something respectful? Frankly I'm somewhere in between these two camps. While you won't see me in a can-can dress with see-through bodice and navel exposure, that doesn't mean I'll knock you if you decide to wear it yourself. Hell, props to you for having the nuts to wear that in front of your grandmother!<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts?meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-63863529001418298112014-01-06T15:29:00.001-05:002014-01-06T15:29:12.096-05:00Draft 0: Testing V1351I bought Vogue 1351, thanks to Beth at SunnyGal Studio for the recommendation. I also had a spurt of Crazy and bought Vogue 2880 in hopes that the corselet pattern will be handy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUyjN_1G_0pn_ZfZ3tigFg27JVfdpSdKvG_IwCDdpHJi5VbdwUt2lmOVJYCzkvvoG9SKTfNYhUTnAviqJe11oMaiCNREwsAWXCHS8w96tKh-xiwGjdo9eqw91ZP6kEa_A4qdNbh-tNUwE/s1600/2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUyjN_1G_0pn_ZfZ3tigFg27JVfdpSdKvG_IwCDdpHJi5VbdwUt2lmOVJYCzkvvoG9SKTfNYhUTnAviqJe11oMaiCNREwsAWXCHS8w96tKh-xiwGjdo9eqw91ZP6kEa_A4qdNbh-tNUwE/s1600/2880.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 2880 has a corselet pattern that looks like it could stand on its own.</td></tr>
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I've just finished a first test of 1351 to get an idea of how it fits right out of the package. I sewed a size 6 and made a poor choice of fabric for the front drape. The default design has a side zip, and front drape and skirt pieces cut on the bias. The front lining and the back bodice/lining are cut on the straight grain. The front lining is just as promised - keeps the cowl from rolling out and as drafted keeps you modest. <br />
<br />
I think that this dress is a great start to get to the inspiration dress... I need to redraft the front so that it is lower and has a drape at the waist. I also need to draft a drape for the back and redraft the back bodice so that it is low cut to match. But so far, so good - at least I know that this fits out of the envelope!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRl52sdTKAGqvVxV_wFBQPK0no0LtQoVGlihz7ms0r0KS3u1uAgyxth-JCDpOVIpskitGgqqYwt5z3xyy4NTcEIsHLbQLsxLp1QmeSmytrpRJy3tT-_ROf4AKsRRN6LOFmiHBTDR2j2xG/s1600/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRl52sdTKAGqvVxV_wFBQPK0no0LtQoVGlihz7ms0r0KS3u1uAgyxth-JCDpOVIpskitGgqqYwt5z3xyy4NTcEIsHLbQLsxLp1QmeSmytrpRJy3tT-_ROf4AKsRRN6LOFmiHBTDR2j2xG/s1600/Front.jpg" height="640" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the 0th draft. As drafted the bodice is quite fitted except for the cowl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI5LgCnrBYD1EjDfe6Ve9xHwanOs_ZKHV3MJpEmYL4GRzBxyPtihSWfZ3LrHssh7wrP1FNc1pSh7jH5ywan_5UG7tBsTWoNOhvHKdJMDZU769cBvK3xuUVgG115lj1KYmyM7pxTthZ5_4/s1600/Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI5LgCnrBYD1EjDfe6Ve9xHwanOs_ZKHV3MJpEmYL4GRzBxyPtihSWfZ3LrHssh7wrP1FNc1pSh7jH5ywan_5UG7tBsTWoNOhvHKdJMDZU769cBvK3xuUVgG115lj1KYmyM7pxTthZ5_4/s1600/Side.jpg" height="640" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side of the zeroth draft. I think I might have a bit of a swayback, or perhaps excited about taking pictures?</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-11741004846086065152013-12-29T20:44:00.000-05:002013-12-29T20:44:06.626-05:00The contendersSorry, no photos of my latest projects. I made a plum colored brocade shrug for my mum (sleeves need to be shortened) and an Amy Butler flannel tunic (believe it or not, it works) for my sister. Both gift recipients are happy with their gifts.<br />
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After they so graciously accepted these gifts, I dragged the two of them out to watch me try on dresses. I turns out that there is no escaping piles of lace, sequins, beads, or at the very least a pile of crinoline or a train. Even the shortest train seems to envelop me. I don't want lots of glitter, and I don't want lots of seams.<br />
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<b>Dress #1</b><br />
There is one dress that I tried on that is a possibility, but I don't want the little blingy thing on the waist, the buttons down the back, and wish that the top were a little more draped. I learned, though, in trying on this dress that even a simple looking dress like this has a substantial structure inside. It's like a strapless dress within a dress, and I am keeping that in mind because I think it makes a big difference in the way the dress looks. More on that later.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHDRJJWAmSYEqgVw5iVcmvdsmTE-YNIkncZMft8b-U1BVk3zafp3NjQRLSFbsobOp027KH5SXnsAIfC9lhKpFTJu2A3lu1sOUHHutizi8JaFLCkuFOq1Tft6j7CmN-EiX50vXu0PpFhT5/s1600/casablanca+2128+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHDRJJWAmSYEqgVw5iVcmvdsmTE-YNIkncZMft8b-U1BVk3zafp3NjQRLSFbsobOp027KH5SXnsAIfC9lhKpFTJu2A3lu1sOUHHutizi8JaFLCkuFOq1Tft6j7CmN-EiX50vXu0PpFhT5/s640/casablanca+2128+back.jpg" width="403" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, Casablanca Bridal 2128 from the Fall 2013 collection.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSpjOY1kcIk144aTP-UslGl0mOn2Puwlt3OIJbSHEUR1wi5ZMdv6tXtewJ_qThg6JCWkLaxN2iERWElGqgMW96MSrE2Wi0B8TkVLsJVv-cumO17k5PnhDF8hydddch3kMoybMqLJOuG-I/s1600/Casablanca+2128+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSpjOY1kcIk144aTP-UslGl0mOn2Puwlt3OIJbSHEUR1wi5ZMdv6tXtewJ_qThg6JCWkLaxN2iERWElGqgMW96MSrE2Wi0B8TkVLsJVv-cumO17k5PnhDF8hydddch3kMoybMqLJOuG-I/s640/Casablanca+2128+front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of dress.</td></tr>
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I think that this is possible to piece together. This is a bias cut skirt with a halter top similar to Cynthia Rowley's Simplicity 2281, minus the flutter sleeves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2281/2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2281/2281.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halter top, with keyhole back, spot on.</td></tr>
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<br />
The tricky thing was to find the right kind of bias skirt draft. I won't go into details, but if the bias skirt wasn't a circle skirt, it has an elastic waistband. While there's nothing wrong with elastic waistbands, I want to be sure that the skirt waist matches my own waist. I spent a few hours yesterday scouring Etsy for a narrow bias skirt with fitted waistband. I came up with McCall 4258. I have several bias cut dress patterns with trains so figure I can combine patterns to make a small train - I wanted to be sure, though that the waist would fit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k0MiUuR1pXVCf9egYwwRL2ljVGfo5Ny7QkSGfuD3MjTWdr0LFTFIqDeaj_E0XfITqggIQaRpqTL_LsBfSfJMBt-2C1j5-e3BBVbWjQB74P8TdGWFLveKUR53kd1xP-9VoU2EzgbNeQrg/s1600/McCall+4258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k0MiUuR1pXVCf9egYwwRL2ljVGfo5Ny7QkSGfuD3MjTWdr0LFTFIqDeaj_E0XfITqggIQaRpqTL_LsBfSfJMBt-2C1j5-e3BBVbWjQB74P8TdGWFLveKUR53kd1xP-9VoU2EzgbNeQrg/s400/McCall+4258.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCall 4258. Bias cut skirts with fitted waistband and narrow fullness options. Harder to find than I'd have thought.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Dress #2</b><br />
I found this dress during an internet search trying to figure out whether I wanted crepe back satin, 4-ply satin, or charmeuse. It's made by a now defunct company called Alix and Kelly. If they were still in business, I'd very likely buy this dress On The Spot. Because that is not an option, I will probably try my hand at a draft of this with a few tweaks.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CnUexmXHiYIH0hHSPFEoeVjh5mihxVT9Aw58F629eCHLGmB1HX7-zP2KvScZ2JCHnG7Gd1q6mHOP_LLjObnLrI90eUD1nltUF6LSK_TNN_LHcDHTqRmufeQPn1RUxOTr8XXsquJ-F44/s1600/alix-kelly-wedding-dresses-kate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CnUexmXHiYIH0hHSPFEoeVjh5mihxVT9Aw58F629eCHLGmB1HX7-zP2KvScZ2JCHnG7Gd1q6mHOP_LLjObnLrI90eUD1nltUF6LSK_TNN_LHcDHTqRmufeQPn1RUxOTr8XXsquJ-F44/s640/alix-kelly-wedding-dresses-kate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate by Alix and Kelly. I love the drape and look of this dress. I would make it with a shorter hem to avoid dress puddle, though.</td></tr>
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<b> </b>This skirt is seamed at the waist to the bodice. Through my internet stalking, I saw that there is a seam at the waist. The bias skirt is split at the back to add a godet (I'm not sold on that, though.) The killer part of this dress to me is the draped, double cowl bodice. Is there or isn't there a zipper? I can't make this dress as a pullover style because I value structure too much and don't want to run the risk of (a) showing everyone that I'm naked under my dress by leaning over too far (b) have the top slide around because it's not anchored to anything, (c) not that this is ever happened, but I don't want to run the chance of being cock-eyed or <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pancake%20boobs">pancaked</a>.<br />
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Not to worry though, because through my research, I've discovered that it's possible to have a blousy top <i>WITH A ZIPPER</i>. Win for everyone!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdBOaqys7NFifJnlHcxA_2y1-rAFC2unn5hwGND-jOSlHevTJX7x-bbcbCC8rFLQnoKi4E_oVJuQkm9ipcCDIw1sJBDhT82rFvtqEPTthR_nyxLi1q3XIXfs8FYE6JY79RG2d6ZxfJUcU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-29+at+8.36.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdBOaqys7NFifJnlHcxA_2y1-rAFC2unn5hwGND-jOSlHevTJX7x-bbcbCC8rFLQnoKi4E_oVJuQkm9ipcCDIw1sJBDhT82rFvtqEPTthR_nyxLi1q3XIXfs8FYE6JY79RG2d6ZxfJUcU/s640/Screen+shot+2013-12-29+at+8.36.22+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a zipper there! And it's blousy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finding this photo opened my eyes to several possibilities. I could have a side zip and maintain the blousiness but create the fitted inside structure that I need. <br />
<br />
<b>Resources</b><br />
I will need to figure out how to create an interior structure to these drapy dresses... a quick Google search told me the right reference would be Susan Khalje's Bridal Couture. Talk about precious. It's out of print and nobody's willing to sell their copy for less than $75. I realize that's cheaper than any one of my engineering textbooks from my college days, but I've decided to check it out from the library before taking the plunge and buying my own copy. <b> </b>meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-62987753952035864882013-11-11T20:02:00.001-05:002013-11-11T20:02:06.293-05:00Regrading pattern and rejoining the worldHello. I've been absent for a long time, no?<br />
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I was sick for a while, and am now returning to my normal self. Over the summer, I had an autoimmune condition that caused my body to attack its own muscle tissue. As you can imagine, this presented a lot of problems and I couldn't do much of anything. I don't recommend it as a way to lose weight, though it is quite effective!<br />
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Right now I am just bookmarking a note to myself on how to shrink a pattern. I sewed up a test muslin of Vogue 2241 in size 8, which of course, is the smallest size available <i>and</i> too big at the same time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all">Threads article on pattern grading</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://patternvault.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/vintagenights4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://patternvault.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/vintagenights4.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would love for the dress to fit like this.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2-www.thefashionspot.com/assets/uploads/gallery/if_we_were_the_stylist_andrea_riseborough_wouldnt_be_frowning_over_her_botched_beauty_look__other_celeb_style_fixes_10643/sack_the_sack-dress__sarah_jessica_parker_20130212_1651806939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn2-www.thefashionspot.com/assets/uploads/gallery/if_we_were_the_stylist_andrea_riseborough_wouldnt_be_frowning_over_her_botched_beauty_look__other_celeb_style_fixes_10643/sack_the_sack-dress__sarah_jessica_parker_20130212_1651806939.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead it looks like this (Thanks SJP for modeling!)</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-8382695325077415992013-07-28T10:12:00.001-04:002013-07-28T10:20:11.161-04:00Relearning pattern alterations for Simplicity 1607Do you remember this <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2010/04/open-letter-to-vogue.html">Tracey Reese dress</a>? I do, and when Simplicity came out with this, I figured, <i>close enough</i>. I'd change the full skirt for a straight skirt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1607/1607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1607/1607.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 1607</td></tr>
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<br />
Turns out that was easier said than done. <br />
<br />
I've gotten lazy and used to how well Burda patterns fit me. I am one of those lucky few who can just trace off a straight size and get it to work. I know, don't feel bad for me. So I didn't know how to make this pattern work. The bodice is a princess seam pattern and I've done plenty of princess seam full bust adjustments in the past. But that didn't work this time.<br />
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The first time around, I traced a size 6 and added 1 inch through slash-and-spread for a D cup adjustment. The result (Sorry, no photos. I threw it out in a fit of rage after cutting it off my body -- I know. So. Frustrated.) was a floppy mess of some kind of hammock like sack on my chest. I think it's because the bust point ended up getting shifted pretty high. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV0oiDqToU5TBTwpK-5FupJ7ar3f1gzvOcWzly8smTe-wiKvTzH_KlZ04lDp-MacS1Z3n4grn0nhe4E6c0PB0CCmZQ0uZUHsoihLJC2niX1C-nczlZFkDZhivnvzK9T2qHfYV0T9gn5MW/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV0oiDqToU5TBTwpK-5FupJ7ar3f1gzvOcWzly8smTe-wiKvTzH_KlZ04lDp-MacS1Z3n4grn0nhe4E6c0PB0CCmZQ0uZUHsoihLJC2niX1C-nczlZFkDZhivnvzK9T2qHfYV0T9gn5MW/s1600/photo(6).JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First attempt at full bust adjustment. Bust point shifted up and out of place. However, I liked how this adjustment tightened the armscye. That is my ironing board in the background. Yes, it needs a new cover.</td></tr>
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The next attempt was making a straight size 10, which was too big all over (and again, no pictures, because there were too many undergarments showing and again thrown out in frustration.)<br />
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The last attempt, which is the closest to fitting (though I still like the armscye fit of the first adjustment) was a size 6 in the shoulders, shifting to size 10 in the bust and below. This seems to have worked out well, because I do not have the 23 inch waist that Simplicity thinks I should have... Again, don't feel bad for me. I ended up borrowing the straight skirt from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9668-products-2365.php?page_id=942">Vogue 9668</a>, and in my muslin realized that my hips are not a size 10.<br />
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So all in all - size 6 in the shoulders, size 10 bust to waist, tapering to size 8 in the hips and below. So much work. So many muslins, so many seams to rip and re-sew. So not surprised that people hate sewing with the big 4. Don't even get me started on how Simplicity suggests you insert the zipper and then tack down the zipper ends to finish, so ugly and amateurish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtErp6y5PSK3mkl-Yc7V-0og8VrYy-IMREtzMZpA77vHgWTsZkwlfTxbLMfj9Ks77_R11jopcMhwDnEE9w_Dp2zT1wGbNcZ5srD4HZMCxsH9Nqh8sQ0GsxDYtS3J2IEi_77BDGdncxA60/s1600/photo(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtErp6y5PSK3mkl-Yc7V-0og8VrYy-IMREtzMZpA77vHgWTsZkwlfTxbLMfj9Ks77_R11jopcMhwDnEE9w_Dp2zT1wGbNcZ5srD4HZMCxsH9Nqh8sQ0GsxDYtS3J2IEi_77BDGdncxA60/s1600/photo(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 6 in the shoulder, size 10 in the bust and waist. I don't know how or why this worked.</td></tr>
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After this project I'm ready for something easy.meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-54701486336202451452013-07-17T13:39:00.002-04:002013-07-17T13:39:58.283-04:00Let's talk wedding dresses!Enough time has passed that I think I've told all the people who need to know in real life - Lee and I got engaged. I know this may seem strange to my blog friends, but I'm one of those weirdos who isn't on Facebook so that when Lee proposed around the winter holidays, I couldn't just post a status update (besides, who wants to find out that way?) For the last few months, I've been catching up with friends and family. It's been great to have happy news to share and then to learn about what's been going on in their lives. So... if you know me in-person and this is the first you're hearing of this news, call me! I have exciting news to share and want to know what you're up to!<br />
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All that frontspeak before we get to the good stuff. We haven't picked a date, but of course, I am thinking of dresses. I've been looking at ready-to-wear dresses and haven't really been all that inspired. I guess I'm kind of boring. I don't want a dress with a train (why would you want to drag all that expensive fabric on the ground?!) and I don't want to look like a layer cake. Because I have ruled these two things out, I feel like there are few options to draw from. <br />
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Sewing patterns don't offer much interest either, because I think most people either buy dresses or are pretty happy with the standard ballgown, mermaid, or full skirted silhouettes. And then my moment of zen came to me - I remembered being at the Strand bookstore years ago and coming across a book of Vionnet designs. That is what I want.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkl5oYsH2A3MBtzwCDSYCqfekqD_XA845bZRBC6zuCbaOiGzUiRjhsMmDuRasC6UxTlS4NU0uES00buiKcVUvOg3o8efOGS7s6fBk5Q74GPKf0fdbI6reb9wHqJIV37z2DgXNRxDpuh-L/s1600/Vionnet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkl5oYsH2A3MBtzwCDSYCqfekqD_XA845bZRBC6zuCbaOiGzUiRjhsMmDuRasC6UxTlS4NU0uES00buiKcVUvOg3o8efOGS7s6fBk5Q74GPKf0fdbI6reb9wHqJIV37z2DgXNRxDpuh-L/s1600/Vionnet1.jpg" height="640" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vionnet on display at the Met. They probably won't let me borrow this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf5Zfi8HsJcRtAJU1ZDXM_DbRUMsbU_nZ8hxImdwpQdNTTFWbKZIemxNrPgv_fUQZRSCf-Qp_raDMm2fsVSS2JxT90cj3hOfTiIv96izrzmC4_q7fRWmDCs4L3pM0s1xv_NNJlMabzgoY/s1600/vionnet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf5Zfi8HsJcRtAJU1ZDXM_DbRUMsbU_nZ8hxImdwpQdNTTFWbKZIemxNrPgv_fUQZRSCf-Qp_raDMm2fsVSS2JxT90cj3hOfTiIv96izrzmC4_q7fRWmDCs4L3pM0s1xv_NNJlMabzgoY/s1600/vionnet2.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Vionnet with simple lines and beautiful draping - I love the ombre effect in the skirt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFATOrmfEjMTf7yHSZozrk8k1qMyMNGKNEBOvqlG9QChcMleAtjPalJYe-sBnlxkxpY14PyLPnjnlF9E7Ft1ghOaXdjbfpGEAAT9470gY61wj52W29PCam5bYZaT_YySE2k5vJpw6zjo0u/s1600/vionnet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFATOrmfEjMTf7yHSZozrk8k1qMyMNGKNEBOvqlG9QChcMleAtjPalJYe-sBnlxkxpY14PyLPnjnlF9E7Ft1ghOaXdjbfpGEAAT9470gY61wj52W29PCam5bYZaT_YySE2k5vJpw6zjo0u/s1600/vionnet3.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost didn't include this one because of the photo quality, and because it's got Crazy Cape going on but it is still gorgeous and I can forgive the cape.</td></tr>
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And so where to start for a dress like this? After turning up my nose at all the readily available bridal and evening patterns available from Vogue and Simplicity I then remembered that the internet is a big place. And you can find vintage 1930s patterns somewhere on the internet. Turns out eBay isn't such a great place. Etsy is even better. I ordered one of these to make a muslin. The reviews on PatternReview aren't exactly glowing but I figure this is worth a try.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oldmanandc.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/v2241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://oldmanandc.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/v2241.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OOP Vogue 2241, a reproduction of a 1934 dress. Stunning!</td></tr>
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I did keep looking around and hit the motherlode when I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mrsdepew?ref=si_shop">Mrs. Depew</a> on Etsy. All I can say is this is an Amazing Work of Love. She is an avid pattern collector turned pattern designer who is digitizing and selling vintage patterns for download that can be graded to any size. I am intrigued to say the least and will work up the courage to try this. Sometime soon. The selection is amazing and overwhelming. I scoured the internet for that one Vogue pattern but here Mrs. Depew has 4 patterns that I want to try - FOUR! <br />
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And just for good measure because there are other beautiful dresses from other eras:<br />
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-41833228212631347352013-07-09T19:06:00.000-04:002013-07-09T19:07:34.393-04:00Know when to fold 'em (Vogue 1221 and 1304)I'm the the rebound from a sewing failure - I tried sewing Vogue 1221 (see my first fail <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2011/08/vogue-vanity-sizing.html">here</a>) which just didn't fit although I remade it in a size 6. It was saggy in the bust, and kind of wide in the hips and the front drape didn't work no matter how much I fiddled with it. I think there's a reason why the envelope photo shows the model with her hands on her hips.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gX1wvW234G_brUGJLlq8yjQVq4GycflHgQzgqmuFWeMb963UI7coMJ6hyphenhyphenFOdbc7NKQB2u9M3c-XAEGcICQg3I5sb_2fcT_DwEK-uNEQID_F0JaclniQLA-Qxu-btMCeVdRA0lHVsxhHD/s640/V1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gX1wvW234G_brUGJLlq8yjQVq4GycflHgQzgqmuFWeMb963UI7coMJ6hyphenhyphenFOdbc7NKQB2u9M3c-XAEGcICQg3I5sb_2fcT_DwEK-uNEQID_F0JaclniQLA-Qxu-btMCeVdRA0lHVsxhHD/s640/V1221.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe V1221 would have worked out OK if I could figure out a way to spend the day holding my dress in place.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Here we have my muslined bodice of the LiaLia dress (Vogue 1304) that I liked so much about a year ago. I don't think that this is a go. I still think this is a cute dress, and the alteration to make it work would be pretty easy. As it is, the seam under the bust falls under my bust, but the top of the bodice... well, I'm sure you're all grateful I'm wearing a bra. This would be a simple princess seam full bust adjustment, but I'm not sure I'm sold on making this dress. Maybe for a winter formal event? It's very close-fitting, boned and lined. All I can think of if I were to go through the trouble of making it is... sticky sausage casing. Granted, it's not hot and humid all year long. Maybe I will adjust the pattern and test it out so that it's ready to go if I want a winter fancy-dress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof-MiiY47rDpaswY6xjAs5KivBoxlZs0zjSALFKUDJL0_kWf-Ci97l7ld4Y31YJ1yyz3ef66LX8N2PasAZEGSCq5b1_d-FNsaU_84j-Yi6EXtFquy-U85umjGgHY89-QscGYRb2faDP0C/s1600/photo(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof-MiiY47rDpaswY6xjAs5KivBoxlZs0zjSALFKUDJL0_kWf-Ci97l7ld4Y31YJ1yyz3ef66LX8N2PasAZEGSCq5b1_d-FNsaU_84j-Yi6EXtFquy-U85umjGgHY89-QscGYRb2faDP0C/s1600/photo(4).jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the blurry Myspace style phone photos. Sometimes it's not worth the trouble to get the camera out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRwYNSPklZ9qPbmwuE20r3PRWmYAunkrBIi_JIrAT4hKr2PoVc2Iv1MeN0RJ2EzHc_wkeDokGnILuBvIg5w9VdWdYOlxBW1Nvel3ne1N_zzr4HsB0GBKlU9wZlur2wS4wVQAQFkDI5OUM/s1600/photo(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRwYNSPklZ9qPbmwuE20r3PRWmYAunkrBIi_JIrAT4hKr2PoVc2Iv1MeN0RJ2EzHc_wkeDokGnILuBvIg5w9VdWdYOlxBW1Nvel3ne1N_zzr4HsB0GBKlU9wZlur2wS4wVQAQFkDI5OUM/s1600/photo(5).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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I think the benefit of making muslins is that it gives me a good idea of fit (even thought it doesn't always work out - as in the case of Vogue 1221) and have a better idea of what I'm getting into with the finished garment. I didn't realize that the LiaLia dress is self lined and boned (I don't read the back of the envelope, just like I don't read the introductions in books) or that my b00bs would be hanging out until I put the muslin together. They're kind of mashed in and up, which I guess I should have picked up on in the envelope photo.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpc1qFppZ5t7PBESsutmHTH5vVsTVvxmmS7081kkqvIw018M4__-jEW35ycsVVt0zmxnIEi1CCL5BQYDPBlm47XayL-rLIKhDYCQ4ruY2zAiX4SUR7gZqXXd3KLK9wT_RZlFAuFSUXHWK/s320/V1304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpc1qFppZ5t7PBESsutmHTH5vVsTVvxmmS7081kkqvIw018M4__-jEW35ycsVVt0zmxnIEi1CCL5BQYDPBlm47XayL-rLIKhDYCQ4ruY2zAiX4SUR7gZqXXd3KLK9wT_RZlFAuFSUXHWK/s320/V1304.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, it is a cute dress. Just not what I'm looking for right now.</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-9394063799796360802013-05-27T15:39:00.001-04:002013-05-27T15:42:28.918-04:00Separates paradeI've been sewing, and lax at blogging. I feel like there's a tradeoff between sewing and blogging about it (I definitely enjoy seeing others posts about what they're sewing) as in, I only have so much time to sew and I'd rather sew than write about it. The problem, though, is that I forget what I've sewn. I need to start keeping notes on what I muslin up (and doesn't work) as well as what I've sewn that does work. This weekend I wanted to make a second pair of cropped pants and couldn't remember what pattern I'd used. So, here I am.<br />
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There's something in this post for everyone. I've covered the big 3 (though McCall is new territory for me!) and Burda, all in a variety of separates. <br />
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I changed my closet over from winter to spring/summer today, so it made sense to catalog as much as I could before I put it away. There are some things that are in the wash, so didn't make it into this blog entry. There were also several things that I didn't blog from last summer that didn't make it into this summer's wardrobe - it's really something what you can learn about fit in one year, and I'm not going to settle for wearing pants that don't have a curved waistband anymore.<br />
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<b>New Favorite skinnies: Burda 02-2010-111</b></div>
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A few notes on these skinnies: I keep thinking they're in 05-2010, but now I should remember they're in 02-2010. These are very sleek because they don't have a fly front. I don't know why I was so in loved with the fly front, it's a lot of work. These are so easy to put together! They have a side zip, and I think I've mastered my method of inserting a lapped side zip (which was trickier than I thought it would be, as there's a curve in the side) and the top of the zip gets a little exposed by the facing. I've become a fan of the lapped zip, which pays off because I have like a billion zippers that I bought in bulk from eBay a few years ago.<br />
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<b>Top: Gray tropical wool top with flounce (BurdaStyle 12-2010-121), Floral non-stretch twill cropped skinnies I (BurdaStyle 02-2010-111)</b></div>
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A few notes on the top: I haven't worn this very much. I thought I would like it a lot more, but I think it's telling that I haven't figured out what to wear it with. I think part of the problem is that it's a top that should be worn alone, but it's too warm for spring or summer and doesn't suit being layered under a sweater in the winter. The winters here don't suit going sweaterless, so I don't know that I'm going to wear this very much next year either.<br />
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<b>Top: Peplum in floral stretch polyester of unknown origin (Vogue 8815 with bodice view B and sleeves view C)</b>, <b>Tomato red cropped skinnies II (BurdaStyle 02-2010-111)</b></div>
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A few notes on the top: I graded down from size 8 to size 6. The bust point is a little wonky with my amateur grading job, and I need to fix the loop at the back neck (hopefully you didn't notice), and I hate making repairs. This fabric is a mystery fabric from FabricMart, and it's really grown on me. It doesn't wrinkle and is very soft, stretchy, and comfortable. I am not crazy about the length of these sleeves. I think that 3/4 length sleeves would be more flattering for this style, but when I sewed this in December, I knew that I would want long sleeves to layer with. I don't know whether I will sew view C, though I like that style on the envelope... it just turned out like a tent on me, whereas views A and B are far more wearable. I'm not sure whether I will sew this again, I was annoyed that the pattern did not include a bias strip pattern piece to cut a facing for the neckline - I used pre-made bias from my stash, but I do like a matchy-matchy facing when possible.<br />
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<b>Top: Poly-charmeuse abstract floral Grown-up T-shirt II (Butterick 5561 view A) and Cropped Skinnies II (BurdaStyle 02-2010-111)</b></div>
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A few notes about this top: First of all, I have no idea why I'm so blurry in this top. Maybe the camera just didn't know what to do with so much shimmer? I will try to re-take these photos because I love the fabric (you can still get some from Gorgeous Fabrics - <a href="http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=17648">Abstract Floral Charmeuse</a>), and think it was a perfect match for this top, even though it was absolutely uncooperative to cut. <br />
You can see Grown-up T-shirt I <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2012/07/butterick-5561-grown-up-t-shirt.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Top: Teal wool double knit peplum (McCall 6754) and Cropped Skinnies II</b></div>
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About this top: I coveted a similar cut top at Anthropologie last year, so when I saw this pattern, I had to have it. I cut a size 6 and used a remnant from <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2011/01/butterick-5559-in-wool-jersey.html">this dress</a>. I love this top, and think that a heavy knit is key to getting a flouncy peplum, but am not sure that I will want to wear it when it's really hot and humid (it is wool, after all!) I'm on the hunt for cotton or rayon ponte, but it seems every where I look for knits, the trend is slub or tissue weight knits. I am also not sure what I will wear this with, it's a bit much with these red pants.<br />
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<b>Getting out of my comfort zone: shorts. Burda 05-2010-136</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8gWTzK5B28Tv8xp4uzIqVw629QnivQjpsFE5dY1FWpNQh9Xq7bDdZb-k27ttURSCm8kMmpFD8hLUM91WjjAhgJAD0b7Ch0v3LC03hVw64tVb4_ELJ5TFSx47woL_MVFEFgaVuTnbRKz7/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8gWTzK5B28Tv8xp4uzIqVw629QnivQjpsFE5dY1FWpNQh9Xq7bDdZb-k27ttURSCm8kMmpFD8hLUM91WjjAhgJAD0b7Ch0v3LC03hVw64tVb4_ELJ5TFSx47woL_MVFEFgaVuTnbRKz7/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG" width="110" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZJnh6D51sL2lwNDVTv1tZuFUG41lS_g_5amCKjN0R4qqb5I2qppGh6MYFGCHnFxQon3EowQamfI6yWBE1Kkzb2vuMSzLJorXuQSMu0_EPigbyrdxuVjn7lLeCnjIodPCf1jsRvtaxogc/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZJnh6D51sL2lwNDVTv1tZuFUG41lS_g_5amCKjN0R4qqb5I2qppGh6MYFGCHnFxQon3EowQamfI6yWBE1Kkzb2vuMSzLJorXuQSMu0_EPigbyrdxuVjn7lLeCnjIodPCf1jsRvtaxogc/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8gWTzK5B28Tv8xp4uzIqVw629QnivQjpsFE5dY1FWpNQh9Xq7bDdZb-k27ttURSCm8kMmpFD8hLUM91WjjAhgJAD0b7Ch0v3LC03hVw64tVb4_ELJ5TFSx47woL_MVFEFgaVuTnbRKz7/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCzp5MgUfA6asvdS9HRS89e_GPbDrEs0nsS0yjbPdbO9_MyO8UGUr9_5rMrg9CAAQShNX5q27bI0jq8qg1jonXN_MVffPX4y2ZJ8bzoIcsnNk6R-uAW7poDjkmwQFgH2mVvDeVygaEX66/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCzp5MgUfA6asvdS9HRS89e_GPbDrEs0nsS0yjbPdbO9_MyO8UGUr9_5rMrg9CAAQShNX5q27bI0jq8qg1jonXN_MVffPX4y2ZJ8bzoIcsnNk6R-uAW7poDjkmwQFgH2mVvDeVygaEX66/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" width="127" /></a></div>
Note: I don't wear shorts. I just don't. I've only one other pair of shorts that aren't running shorts, and I've learned that sometimes you need a pair of shorts. Not a skirt, not pants, but shorts. So here we are. They have a lapped side zip. I'm not kidding when I say I'm on a roll with the lapped side zip! I thought that these were pretty cute with the pleats and wide waistband. Other options in the 05-2010 issue are to make them longer, add cuffs, add side pockets or welt pockets in the back. They used up a remnant from <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2012/04/channeling-1968.html">this skirt</a> (stash bustin'!). A note about the skirt: I've decided that the skirt is a little looser than I'd like and have been testing out other pencil skirt patterns... none of them I like so far. Any suggestions?<br />
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And a bonus post, as I was trying to figure out what kind of top to wear with these shorts (the teal peplum just doesn't look right with the pleats of these shorts) The top is Rachel Comey, Vogue 1170.<br />
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meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-78825319128083296122013-05-13T22:19:00.001-04:002013-05-13T22:19:34.966-04:00Baby elephants, Simplicity 2921It's been stressful at work with a high maintenance client. So much so that one of my colleagues jokes, "Melissa, I'm not going to have a <i>cow</i>, I'm going to have an <i>elephant</i>!" Hence, the idea for baby elephants. I figured this would be an easy gag gift, as Simplicity patterns were on sale last weekend for $0.99, and I had the gray flannel left over from pajama pants I made for Lee (sorry, I've been terrible at blogging, even something as easy as pajama pants.)<br />
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I chose this pattern because it had more than two pattern pieces. McCall has a toy elephant pattern, and there's another Simplicity elephant pattern as well, but when I looked at them, I figured they would be hard to shape because they only have two pieces. <br />
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When I made the first elephant, Lee said immediately snatched him away and named him Elvis. He's on the left. So I had to make another one for my colleague. He's on the right. Lee's calling him Chunk because he's so plump. <br />
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Elvis was going to be completely scrap (he was stuffed with Thinsulate batting left over from making a winter coat for another friend a few years ago) but I had to buy new polyfill stuffing for the new elephant. Now I have half a bag of stuffing leftover, and no one else to make elephants for!<br />
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Surprisingly, the polyfill was harder to stuff with than the batting. The newer elephant ended up plumper than Elvis, and Lee insists I must open Elvis up to stuff him more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ-dZbhtFhadQiO4Gl1frW5I5hrzFFa-Pl09eGuwMy4AyHqV2RLjEp8Hy0DMDQZAlMvGJJH9tZ3sQBHM0mNI4hfERGmwkMKhP1bUwg2yyE5LO17cTfdr4ON8VKOCuooKOGxAix1fO0Zrv/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ-dZbhtFhadQiO4Gl1frW5I5hrzFFa-Pl09eGuwMy4AyHqV2RLjEp8Hy0DMDQZAlMvGJJH9tZ3sQBHM0mNI4hfERGmwkMKhP1bUwg2yyE5LO17cTfdr4ON8VKOCuooKOGxAix1fO0Zrv/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Elvis, Chunk. Note I did not fold Elvis' ears over. This means that you can flop his ears towards his face, which Lee likes doing. Not an intentional design decision, but one that turned out well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCbW6dxQ9muO4TCcOfsiR1lDW3soWtzH-vMhthzWw-3JTT3awC2TDZ9PC9y3BbvQvC3fAy5Jcgr_17AIsnV2XoZK8pR8lcqetCQPrLJyVvfXiZ63Vb0MUdQEIKGYTsypRcFPc7nU4lQra/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCbW6dxQ9muO4TCcOfsiR1lDW3soWtzH-vMhthzWw-3JTT3awC2TDZ9PC9y3BbvQvC3fAy5Jcgr_17AIsnV2XoZK8pR8lcqetCQPrLJyVvfXiZ63Vb0MUdQEIKGYTsypRcFPc7nU4lQra/s1600/photo(3).JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww.</td></tr>
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In all, this is a pretty easy pattern to make up. Most of the work is stuffing the darned thing, and if you don't go gangbusters like I did on Chunk it shouldn't take the better part of an hour to stuff and suture one up. Cutting and sewing took only an hour and a half, some of the seams are fiddly because the pieces are so small, but this is a satisfying thing to sew up. I'm impressed with this design - I did not expect their little faces to fill out so cutely!meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-67041449530108988922013-03-31T16:34:00.001-04:002013-03-31T16:34:41.374-04:00Panel print statement shirtI've been sewing, but not blogging about it. I'm mixing it up by sewing basics and fun stuff by trying things that I've wanted to sew for a while. Here is one of them, Burda 03-2006-106, a blouse with knife pleats. I wondered what the fit would be like, and as I sewed it found myself wishing the peplum were a little more pronounced. I used a panel print from Fabric Mart (sorry, all gone!) that I bought last year when feeling DVF inspired (who uses an abstract print better than the Furstenburg?) and decided to try it out with this pattern. About half way through I wasn't so sure I liked the result, as it seemed a little too symmetric for what I was going for, but I think I will still wear this. <br />
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There's a lot happening here. Pleats! Front band! Arm band! Buttons! Abstract print! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ljdkeWWjriyWIXCKuRMP5YA53hGYf8Atizyr16Bn3W_WYNimQ9pgcGi0ihB2uoUfWtcHrk8hQANtCuXsIk57d-9oQizzSzUPZSI6ZSCnPbXgLFRo08-tLEEdK-C6aUfhGt3fg4cOphMR/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+close.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ljdkeWWjriyWIXCKuRMP5YA53hGYf8Atizyr16Bn3W_WYNimQ9pgcGi0ihB2uoUfWtcHrk8hQANtCuXsIk57d-9oQizzSzUPZSI6ZSCnPbXgLFRo08-tLEEdK-C6aUfhGt3fg4cOphMR/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+close.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Burda 03-2006-106 in an abstract panel print. The sleeves are just the right size, not too big and not too tight.</u></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjamWPi43cdV5yizQ1xtwH2R2ln0u8vifg9BLF8wePhqbxooF6WaBRg51IhjpcG6yYNPkcUoeAQDHslJj0ixoxJpcE7SKZb1SNzPWfZvVHFVY3Y0igr30oV8rgZdIcfgjzLBzfO3O79mQ/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjamWPi43cdV5yizQ1xtwH2R2ln0u8vifg9BLF8wePhqbxooF6WaBRg51IhjpcG6yYNPkcUoeAQDHslJj0ixoxJpcE7SKZb1SNzPWfZvVHFVY3Y0igr30oV8rgZdIcfgjzLBzfO3O79mQ/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+front.jpg" height="640" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A front view, with a new pair of pants. I sewed up Vogue 1051 again, in doubleknit from Gorgeous Fabrics (again, sold out, and rightly so... it is awesome.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp2U3KSDFxTEu2_nWCfy-YPo0PGM805XCmkJaZS-UYmrJim4z3juduFtBlvFBpcRc4NdvV5nsakyA10JXDXTKUSpt0YfkNMDuRNBU1UzjoJpKvZTxCZzUs1ow-i0peE1iEDDFV5sWx040/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp2U3KSDFxTEu2_nWCfy-YPo0PGM805XCmkJaZS-UYmrJim4z3juduFtBlvFBpcRc4NdvV5nsakyA10JXDXTKUSpt0YfkNMDuRNBU1UzjoJpKvZTxCZzUs1ow-i0peE1iEDDFV5sWx040/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+side.jpg" height="640" width="128" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view Burda 03-2006-106 and Vogue 1051.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb8iP9Lpk_YEgFBu0_NAu_Tc4xGZ64h-kkk4Yc30-scBIzyNcEZ1JsYeEHcQBi3bXxrAV7xhopg9yz22I4qqq3SZOQLopOisZ8q9AC8GqY-gJjm_TGSpVFhN59U_VKUqBP3kMhU5MwZ49/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+back.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb8iP9Lpk_YEgFBu0_NAu_Tc4xGZ64h-kkk4Yc30-scBIzyNcEZ1JsYeEHcQBi3bXxrAV7xhopg9yz22I4qqq3SZOQLopOisZ8q9AC8GqY-gJjm_TGSpVFhN59U_VKUqBP3kMhU5MwZ49/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+back.jpg" height="640" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view, not sure what the pulling at the collar is. There are no crimps in real life.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ljdkeWWjriyWIXCKuRMP5YA53hGYf8Atizyr16Bn3W_WYNimQ9pgcGi0ihB2uoUfWtcHrk8hQANtCuXsIk57d-9oQizzSzUPZSI6ZSCnPbXgLFRo08-tLEEdK-C6aUfhGt3fg4cOphMR/s1600/Burda+03-2006-106+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMuZljMYvjFe4uKxAb6ibHqtyeRqqWXz93M4BQ_8OJxurxVNZZwSTF9C_1fn5f-d1NMkBRlA7-q0BjYwSkY-m8UjJiO2HiGjohy3F_EwX-0zlC-e-26zQpefrE04Q6lezqfj5oUcZ02mr/s1600/Vogue+1051+waist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMuZljMYvjFe4uKxAb6ibHqtyeRqqWXz93M4BQ_8OJxurxVNZZwSTF9C_1fn5f-d1NMkBRlA7-q0BjYwSkY-m8UjJiO2HiGjohy3F_EwX-0zlC-e-26zQpefrE04Q6lezqfj5oUcZ02mr/s1600/Vogue+1051+waist.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, I finally figured out how to keep the hook and eyes in place. Instead of completely trimming off the right waistband, I kept it so that I could add an internal button. Very comfortable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kZS6umVPUJUHO0qSIqe0Rrk6tcdtjvjWhlHVhbp_sI71uuwJoB5wyof9EdjTRt-GigRRFDFSXfLY5IJOLJbjfa11_TBizps24IZU_8NmVztJ44yVDtyYpDntpjpCL3fb6ihR-0vD0gTh/s1600/000_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kZS6umVPUJUHO0qSIqe0Rrk6tcdtjvjWhlHVhbp_sI71uuwJoB5wyof9EdjTRt-GigRRFDFSXfLY5IJOLJbjfa11_TBizps24IZU_8NmVztJ44yVDtyYpDntpjpCL3fb6ihR-0vD0gTh/s1600/000_0006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burda 03-2006-106 line drawing. I have been puzzling over that front piece (#1) for years!</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-10296066369317861092013-01-15T20:50:00.002-05:002013-01-15T20:50:13.020-05:00The sincerest form of flatteryA few weeks ago a coworker said about <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2012/11/boatneck-dress-revisited.html">this dress</a>, "Great color!" Today, I saw her wearing this dress. You can also get one, it's on sale for 30% off full price at J. Crew. No, I did not gloat! I praised her on her good taste. After all, I was wearing my dress too today. We were dress twins.<br />
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-66166804013751108832013-01-10T11:36:00.000-05:002013-01-10T11:36:02.071-05:00A little retrospectiveAll the sewing recaps that I've seen in blogland have made me think a little bit about my sewing (and blogging.) My blogging has really dropped off in the last year or two, as has my sewing. I don't feel that same desperate, "I <i>need this</i> <i>right now</i>" that I used to feel when I first started sewing. I don't have a lot of clothes, but am pretty happy with what I have. I am OK with a project taking a few weeks, and (shockingly) have picked up a bit of a muslin habit. Almost everything I've sewn, I've worn regularly. I've worn <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2011/02/another-pair-of-skinnies-burda-08-2009.html">this pair of wool doubleknit pants</a> to death. I mean, it would be obscene if I didn't wear black underwear when I wear these pants. That's what I mean when I've Worn Them To Death.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black skinnies in doubleknit wool. They go with everything.</td></tr>
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There are several things I've sewn that I have never worn or only worn once or twice. Some have not made it to this blog (and I want to get better at recording what I sew, but time is always escaping me!) I think that sewing is now more about the process, and I've really slowed down for quality rather than rushing through. <br />
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I really enjoyed making <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2010/07/inspired-vivienne-westwood-anglomania.html">this Vivienne Westwood inspired vest</a>, but never wore it aside from the blog post. I have, however, worn the jeans in the photo so much that I didn't realize that they had once been so dark. It may be time to make a new pair!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure why I am making this face. I really like this top and wish I could find a reason to wear it!</td></tr>
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On the flip side, <a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2012/05/not-blouse-burda-09-2009-118.html">I hated sewing this and I hate wearing it</a>. Why did it have to photograph so well? It looks great, but is so uncomfortable to wear because there is no stretch and I cut it slightly off grain. So it doesn't move at all with you, and kind of twists around you as you're wearing it. Double negative, as far as I'm concerned. After one wear, the seams are ripping the fabric apart and I just admire it hanging in my closet. I can't tell whether I admire the fabric, my stubborn will to finish such a fussy project, or the want for this to have worked out.<br />
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These top tops may have been flops for me. But while I've learned that it's fun to sew unique items, I get the most wear out of serial projects. Over the last year I've finessed my button down shirt pattern until it fits just as I want it to, and am on the lookout for a new pant pattern that will work. While I thought that the skinnies (see the black pair above) would be my forever go-to, I've learned that it requires a very stretchy fabric to work. I made this pair of turquoise pants from the same pattern and only wore them a handful of times because the fabric was too unforgiving to wear in such a narrow cut.<br />
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Right now I am working on another pair of black doubleknit pants (this pair is bootcut, but I am thinking to make another skinny pair before my favorites completely die), and after that will be a robe (by request) for Lee. I'm not sure what else is on my docket for the year, sewingwise. I probably need to sew some new basics, but who really wants to do that? I bought a lot of dress weight cottons last summer, with the idea of making lots of sundresses (I think you know how that worked ou!) so maybe I will get on it this year...<br />
<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-3503204320756170542012-12-30T15:38:00.000-05:002012-12-30T15:43:55.262-05:00Vogue 1194: a bright pink dressAre you blinded by the snow outside the window in my photos? I've actually been sewing a bit last month and this month, but haven't taken any photos because the days are so short I'm not home to enjoy any sunlight. Today Lee snow widowed me (it's our first major snow) to ski in New Hampshire and I got to finish this dress while sipping tea and running a period romance in the background. I love Helena Bonham Carter movies, and now recommend Wings of the Dove. It's a little more twisted than you would expect, certainly not a Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice!<br />
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And well, here is my new dress. It's made from a pink rayon doubleknit from Gorgeous Fabrics. It pressed wonderfully, but if you look closely you will see some kind of salt residue from my iron on the front. I need to figure out how to get rid of that. The doubleknit is wonderful to wear, but I think I would make this dress again in a lighter knit. There are several points where you are sewing through 6 layers of fabric and I really had to wrestle with my machine to make it work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1194 side. Isn't the perspective a little quirky? It looks like the chair is twice my size!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1194 back</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1194 front. I've never realized this before but I think I have a slight forward right shoulder.</td></tr>
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This is another pattern that I've graded down to a size 6, and I made a muslin of the bodice only. From there I figured it would fit and am pretty happy with the result. The dress is a very easy one to wear with a full skirt -- I left out the pockets but if you added them this would be a nice casual dress to wear with heavy tights or leggings and flat boots (and I am on the lookout for some cute flat boots!)<br />
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And if you'd like to watch a preview for Wings of the Dove...<br />
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This is probably my last post of the year. I've enjoyed the sewing recaps that I've seen many of you, my sewing friends, post on your blogs in the last few days. I look forward to seeing more of your projects in 2013!meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-2108277453800829852012-11-23T13:34:00.002-05:002012-11-23T13:34:40.901-05:00Boatneck dress, revisitedI never wore the first version of this dress,<a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2010/11/menswear-and-sleeves-burda-08-2009-128.html"> made up in glen plaid</a>, because although I fixed the hem I realized that the problem with the skirt was that the front and back pieces were not to match. I shortened the skirt by 2" but the tapering in the pattern meant that I needed to pay attention to whether the front piece length matched the back piece length. If you look at the photos, you'll see there's rippling because I cut the front piece longer than the back. I never wore the dress because I hated how the skirt draped.<br />
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Here's my new version of Burda 08-2009-128, in an electric blue wool crepe from Gorgeous Fabrics. I bought the fabric about 3 years ago, intending to make a Roland Mouret galaxy dress knockoff but time passed and here we are. I've never sewn with wool crepe before, and really liked the spongy softness and how easy it was to work with. It's very easy to wear, and this dress is super comfortable.<br />
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The dress has a little more ease in it than I'm used to wearing, but I think it works for a winter dress. I'll be able to layer a dress shirt underneath when it's really cold.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burda 08-2009-128, front</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burda 08-2009-128, side</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burda 08-2009-128, back. I forgot how much I like using an invisible zipper, insertion and lining is a cinch!</td></tr>
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<br />meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-86718982100309386402012-11-18T11:35:00.000-05:002012-11-18T11:35:35.642-05:00Cuffed capris and a new take on a favoriteBefore you tell me that it's absolute folly to make capri pants during a New England fall, I'll tell you this: I hemmed and hawed over 3 (!!) muslins for skinny pants and finally just bit the bullet and made these without a muslin. I was sold on the diagonal front pockets. What an interesting design element. I made these in a very soft charcoal gray doubleknit so it's like wearing sweat pants. I should have interfaced the front pocket more than I did, the upper corners pucker (so no closeups, sorry.) They are actually the perfect length for wearing with snow boots to commute to work, as I learned a few weeks ago when we had early season snow.<br />
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You've also seen this shirt before, in parts. The body is Burda 10-2009-105, and the collar stand and upper collar are Burda 09-2009-105. Does Burda have some rule that pattern #105 be a standard button down shirt? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxgcuHPtqdJCYEXtWgD-FQP1CUYyeXKKVC0Nh9laTb4R-SmiZ-PKHb9Spqm9QgYCOTeWVxqLeiTXKq_H0as7JqbhGK-uLXiM96IdmQ4_7qDqNOtePOcj1jYtmn4hjaAEUHXsk9HrEV8Gf/s1600/000_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxgcuHPtqdJCYEXtWgD-FQP1CUYyeXKKVC0Nh9laTb4R-SmiZ-PKHb9Spqm9QgYCOTeWVxqLeiTXKq_H0as7JqbhGK-uLXiM96IdmQ4_7qDqNOtePOcj1jYtmn4hjaAEUHXsk9HrEV8Gf/s1600/000_0002.JPG" height="640" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pant: Burda 02-2009-117. Shirt: Burda 10-2009-105 and Burda 09-2009-105. Lee is in the window to my left, trying to photo bomb me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YeSHNBEpJEf2WpWif5SST8GN5HbLaTTjqW5U8Wm2Q_RAyRVI9HFlfBnUanEaflRKlyNioqKadNSYkKm9_nsFQuVnV_V2UpJ_tWbJ57r8GNNjk21ZKdtLOqF4g1uD66rz7TFX2j_heu-o/s1600/000_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YeSHNBEpJEf2WpWif5SST8GN5HbLaTTjqW5U8Wm2Q_RAyRVI9HFlfBnUanEaflRKlyNioqKadNSYkKm9_nsFQuVnV_V2UpJ_tWbJ57r8GNNjk21ZKdtLOqF4g1uD66rz7TFX2j_heu-o/s1600/000_0003.JPG" height="640" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see some of the pocket pucker going on here, but I'm not too bothered by it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfbO_mqCaCJOw_bXedrzq2l50WiI5uoMoJ2ck7OiIwYl-3mflrSFGz7F9UtFtj1U2e13vZttVJzwZWboe-Lr9voQU8VKRkiclgM24-H7uLlX6EsecV0koAC4U5K2DlGHjgRJRhJU9rRde/s1600/000_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfbO_mqCaCJOw_bXedrzq2l50WiI5uoMoJ2ck7OiIwYl-3mflrSFGz7F9UtFtj1U2e13vZttVJzwZWboe-Lr9voQU8VKRkiclgM24-H7uLlX6EsecV0koAC4U5K2DlGHjgRJRhJU9rRde/s1600/000_0004.JPG" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see where I cut my shirt yoke off grain (secret talent of mine)? I didn't think so. Speaking of yokes, I'm pretty happy with how the bake yoke on the pant aligned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWDMlv8zJBSSxrOezFnQjAXOUWB4APFfshBGUUlUn6YN1jC3WPYO6tMWlL1m2DHH_ApmdMiNll0o8GFVTr3PItAebOuHr7o4UkPTR0M1IU5axqZY1NcrYdCBhsmPwQEWrjRFrFfHG6F_W/s1600/000_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWDMlv8zJBSSxrOezFnQjAXOUWB4APFfshBGUUlUn6YN1jC3WPYO6tMWlL1m2DHH_ApmdMiNll0o8GFVTr3PItAebOuHr7o4UkPTR0M1IU5axqZY1NcrYdCBhsmPwQEWrjRFrFfHG6F_W/s1600/000_0005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these round buttons and think they make the shirt.</td></tr>
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Some sewing details:<br />
I learned in sewing the three pant muslins before jumping into this pair that a curved waistband makes all the difference. I liked the pant legs of one muslin but hated how it fitted in the waist -- it has a straight waistband gapped and pulled. This pant has a default straight waistband but I figured out how to draft my own curved waistband! Magic!<br />
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Along the same tune, I swapped out the straight collar stand on Burda 10-2009-105 (<a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2012/03/almost-perfect-shirt.html">see my first take in striped shirting</a>) for the curved collar stand and the smaller upper collar from Burda 09-2009-105 (<a href="http://meli88a.blogspot.com/2011/03/favorite-shirt-twice-in-paisley-burda.html">made up twice before in cotton paisley</a>) and am happy with the result. I have the close fit of 10-2009-105 but the more flattering collar from 09-2009-105. I also did not shorten the sleeves like I did no my first version of 10-2009-105, and it's a much more comfortable shirt to wear. Lesson in over-fitting learned.meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-67456915121555238732012-10-06T23:20:00.000-04:002012-10-06T23:20:20.408-04:00Clambake dress: Tracy Reese Vogue 1157<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this dress. Besides being a major sewing accomplishment (pattern
regrading, full bust adjustment, hand picked zipper!) I love wearing
it. It's such a girly silhouette and in this gingham, cutely preppy.
With a sweater over it, I look like I'm ready for a summer clambake. I
haven't gone to a clambake yet in this dress (not really the crowd I run
with) but it has been to work a few times and a wedding rehearsal. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side/back view, the sleeve ruffles just so at the back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back. The back arguably shows a lot of back for work, but a sweater solves the too-much-skin issue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRczmNlVx4cAC-Yl58G8P3GaThoF0idGxhHGc6p96WigfmeGnnpJiq_OesAOHuJVxFHdIh2PLhIN3DbQ6dks79d_5jtoZ00t8hWcWCX025JvH1pL8uC8z93YRpV9e9RKkqS1PLiARrEA0w/s1600/000_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRczmNlVx4cAC-Yl58G8P3GaThoF0idGxhHGc6p96WigfmeGnnpJiq_OesAOHuJVxFHdIh2PLhIN3DbQ6dks79d_5jtoZ00t8hWcWCX025JvH1pL8uC8z93YRpV9e9RKkqS1PLiARrEA0w/s1600/000_0004.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Lee had his way, I would style the sleeves like this every time I wear this dress.</td></tr>
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meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-29791249008104451432012-09-20T19:03:00.000-04:002012-09-20T19:44:02.215-04:00An all DKNY dayThis is what I wore today. I got so many compliments from my coworkers (male and female), and I think it's because I never wear jackets at work. The jacket is DKNY, Vogue 2833 in a heavy wool diagonal striped twill. The dress is also DKNY, Vogue 1257.<br />
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I bought the jacket pattern almost 8 years ago, cut out the pieces and never made it... when I moved cross states 3 years ago, I threw out the pieces thinking I would <b>never</b> make this jacket. And here we are, I've made it! I sewed the jacket in a size 8 and wonder if I should have sized down to a 6. There is a lot of wearing ease to it, which makes it kind of like a swing jacket and flouncy rather than fitted. It's very well drafted and went together very easily. I had gotten so used to Burda design and instructions that I had forgotten how user friendly Vogue instructions are!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCpKElKHfVPMtNF3IX1cR7rhdJ0bEQdQvswNCQQNvZ1scgGGJHUVarb0LTh7LDYHvMAgq3-s2HvQ-2p5AWkHmke0UAzV5kOYzk_aC3bWfGTTrjP3OxxukNQKpWoU9aYf3GJJ6TbqqMFzz/s1600/V2833Front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCpKElKHfVPMtNF3IX1cR7rhdJ0bEQdQvswNCQQNvZ1scgGGJHUVarb0LTh7LDYHvMAgq3-s2HvQ-2p5AWkHmke0UAzV5kOYzk_aC3bWfGTTrjP3OxxukNQKpWoU9aYf3GJJ6TbqqMFzz/s640/V2833Front.jpg" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU02HC4ihRzocem8mbBzBRegnO8WDa_sjbScL725ndqnIuTl1-5OTWmROID_ClzjSVIiCA1LMAu04agMLNaxDTq9XlAh1RAIuuXGP-7GO1gxHu23AMUwF8qt-bgU1Il6MuHVxVtArGcWe/s1600/V2833Side.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU02HC4ihRzocem8mbBzBRegnO8WDa_sjbScL725ndqnIuTl1-5OTWmROID_ClzjSVIiCA1LMAu04agMLNaxDTq9XlAh1RAIuuXGP-7GO1gxHu23AMUwF8qt-bgU1Il6MuHVxVtArGcWe/s640/V2833Side.jpg" width="116" /></a><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM3D_RQ_ovxyFI7t8tZy5cZhtYR4-KPTf7wOhLseZX5U_SCJz6HZJ-6w8WWSEXajwqti9DzMBucunNk0O-d8EphZYoi1M8NynueF8RZnu2V54myKWhxVuMrZp1Ub3tkFXLjZxBUVcdhNy/s640/V2833Back.jpg" width="192" /></div>
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You can't tell in the photos, but there are two in-seam pockets in the front. The bell sleeves have vents so that your hands are not completely engulfed in fabric. The collar piece and peplum are all cut in one, and the body is princess seamed.<br />
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The dress is a mustard yellow rather than the sunshine yellow it appears to be in my photos. This also went together quite easily but the bodice front got stretched out when I reinforced the edge with clear elastic, but I will take it. I should have cut the clear elastic shorter than the sewn edge (the instructions advise you to cut it the same length as the edge and stretch as you sew. I sewed this dress in a size 6, and am <b>very happy</b> with how the sleeves are drafted. The seaming is quite interesting, just a seam in the back armscye and the shoulder, then an underseam, and the draft is very narrow. <br />
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Looking at others' reviews of this dress, I guess I am fortunate to have found one of the few designs that require little twig arms -- many others have had problems with the narrowness of these sleeves, but I am quite happy with them. To be honest, I'm not sure how much wear I will get from this dress before it gets really cold in New England. The fabric is almost tissue weight cotton jersey, so probably not my best bet once winter arrives but it's perfect for Fall. <br />
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I have sewn several other items in the last month (including fixing that gingham dress!) and just need to find the time to take photos and post them. Next up on my plate is mocking up some fitted trousers. I've realized that my TNT skinny pant only really works with very elastic wovens or double knits, so I want to see if I can find a new alternative that works with less forgiving material.
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Thank you all for the encouraging, and sympathetic words to my last post. I really did try everything. Toteworthy gave me nearly step-by-step instructions to put the zipperhead back on the zipper (!!) but I noticed (thanks Blooms) that indeed, some of the zipper teeth were mangled from my wrestling with the zipper. Despite my reservations, taking out the zipper did not take that long. I was dreading picking out my handpicked lining and then the machine stitches for the fashion fabric, but it took less than a round of Olympic beach volleyball to get through it. A few of you kindly suggested handsewing the zipper in, and I did... to a point. I basted it (I couldn't get the waist and collar seams to align otherwise) and then stitched it in. A million handsewn stitches for the lining later... and I'm done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWgM6-RWqEurjZdMisL0KaotyPs0cMO2mK_QRTDHTfle5qdEELdbikwMbWvkBrH8zq4_JZWLzqizCEdeTJeFh4dZtwIk1sKV80XF62gZrI66191moQ0dV17wdWUTal_3tHUR7uwAnwuv4/s1600/hands-sewing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWgM6-RWqEurjZdMisL0KaotyPs0cMO2mK_QRTDHTfle5qdEELdbikwMbWvkBrH8zq4_JZWLzqizCEdeTJeFh4dZtwIk1sKV80XF62gZrI66191moQ0dV17wdWUTal_3tHUR7uwAnwuv4/s320/hands-sewing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old fashioned handsewing saved the day.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Which brings me to say something I thought I would never say before: thank goodness for handsewing. Tedious as it may be, it still beats pinning it for precision and speed, and sometimes you just can't manipulate the fabric around the needle to get things to work the way you want.<br />
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On another note, Margi posted a comment to my muslin post with a request that I share my methods for regrading a pattern. I figured that I am not the only one who regrades patterns, and I am right. I did a little internet searching (I am too lazy to create a tutorial of my own) and found a great tutorial by the (not so) Selfish Seamstress on Burdastyle. Here is a link - <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/make-a-pattern-larger-or-smaller">Make a pattern larger or smaller</a> - enjoy!meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842455706765716453.post-8628148812396567082012-08-09T21:15:00.001-04:002012-08-09T21:15:19.033-04:00Please rescue me.Can you see what's wrong with my almost finished dress? It's not that it needs to be hemmed (it does.) There's a reason I'm not wearing it for this photo. <br />
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The zipper is broken, and I am ready to throw this out the window. This dress has taken forever to make, and tonight I finally hand picked the lining in, eagerly tried it on, and then... tried to take it off. That's when I realized that the zipper teeth had gotten misaligned right at the top of the peplum, and I couldn't get this sucker off. I couldn't pull it down over my hips, or up over my shoulders. I ended up cutting off the zipper stops at the top of the zipper, pulling the zipper head off, and now I have this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnHnYi0xcIKuRHw7z6xve46SkIHeOGkz8-2EJ0J7Ksd00COhEGAMPtHKEs7ueooSGXJEIihWJKvyeNliMHqwuW6k6nk8yj0NVnyZjWQYAf90GrM18P0RAshp-S1CQ-hv0o1jYz3TzMHMp/s1600/000_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnHnYi0xcIKuRHw7z6xve46SkIHeOGkz8-2EJ0J7Ksd00COhEGAMPtHKEs7ueooSGXJEIihWJKvyeNliMHqwuW6k6nk8yj0NVnyZjWQYAf90GrM18P0RAshp-S1CQ-hv0o1jYz3TzMHMp/s1600/000_0001.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That black speck on the floor? The zipper head. How to get it back onto the dress?</td></tr>
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I have decided that I would rather start all over again than take the zipper out and install a new one (and yes, I know that makes no sense at all, as reinstalling the zipper will take much less time than starting all over again.) Is that the only answer? Does anyone know how to fix a broken invisible zipper?meli88ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283195290411152388noreply@blogger.com7