Saturday, May 22, 2010

Second Thoughts... Or Just Plain Waffling

So I put the Bubble-less Dress on hold this week while I waited to make a run to the fabric store for lining fabric and a zipper. And while I was waiting, I began to have second thoughts. Do I really want to wear a pink, polka dot, puff-sleeve, babydoll dress? I am over 40 after all. Uh... I think not.

But I went to all that trouble fitting that dress, making two full muslins and two bodice muslins. I think I estimated I used 12 yards of stash up in the muslin process alone. I can't just not make it.

I began to wonder what I could do to make it more "me." Or at least more appropriate for me.

I finally decided to ditch the A-line skirt and try a sheath style. I dug out the pattern pieces from BWOF 02-2009-124 . You know, the other difficult easy dress.

I had to make a few adjustments to get the sheath skirt to fit the new bodice and to get the darts to line up, but here is my wearable muslin so far:


Bear in mind, this is just basted together. I haven't added the bodice lining, so the armholes are off as well as the neckline. I'm liking it, though.

I still need to tweak the front darts in the belly area, but that's no big deal. The back isn't perfect, but it's good enough. I already shaved 1/2" off the top of the skirt back pieces and adjusted the CB seam. I coud probably use a small sway back adjustment, but I haven't figured out how to do that with darts.

I also doctored the sleeves a bit. I added 1" of length and made sure the bands have plenty of ease. I have my fingers crossed that they will look like I plan for them to. I'll attach them next and share pics later.

I can't wait to wrap this project up and move on to something else. Remember what I said... it's those easy projects that turn out to be ordeals?

11 comments:

angie.a said...

ooh, I like this version aLOT. I thought it was the real thing! :D

Mary Nanna said...

very very nice - I smiled at your comment about age appropriateness- being in the same age bracket I do ask myself similar questions. My answer takes different forms but shares your sentiment - I want to wear things that feel right for me - that often involves lowering hems and raising necklines - but that doesn't feel old fashioned it just feels right. I like to have fun with my sewing so I would not let a "young" detail - like a bubble hem - put me off if I thought I would enjoy it. I think any detail can look right on anyone as long as it fits in with that person's personal style.

MushyWear said...

Fabulous! I have actually liked all your versions and definitely think you could wear the bubble hem, but this is my favorite. I think you will be happy with your decision to save the pink fabric for another project. Finding the right print for the pattern is the fun or frustrating challenge sometimes. I can't tell you how many times I've "sat" on a pattern or fabric until I have an "aha" moment. You've given this a lot of thought and come up with a very nice muslin. Can't wait to see the final version.

Venus de Hilo said...

Lovely dress-in-progress. I liked the bubble dress, but this one looks even better.

BTW: struggling with obtuse Kyoto skirt instructions today, remembering how well yours turned out kept me going. Not done yet, but getting closer.

elle said...

I can tell you that at 60 I'm still in that awkward age. lol I hear ya. But you do look pretty classy in this one!

lsaspacey said...

This is looking fab! As long as you hem it shorter than it is now it will look incredible. In my opinion, it's quite old looking at that length. I'd say 2-3 inches shorter?

Karin said...

This looks really good. The fit is great and I like the colour tones in the fabric. It is good the way it is and I think you would also look good with the bubble.

Shannon said...

Thanks for all of the encouraging comments, y'all!

Mary Nanna, you are so right! The more I though about it, the more I thought I'd feel silly in a pink puffy-sleeve dress with a high waist and a full skirt. I do feel better in this version.

This one is not hemmed, so it will be a little bit shorter- mid knee is what I usually shoot for.

Venus- hang in there and don't give up on that Kyoto skirt. It is so much fun to wear when it's all done!

Happy Sewing, y'all!

Mommyof2girlz/StephD said...

I just love it! You really have a wonderful eye for this and you look wonderful in it. Your so inspiring..one day I will try making myself something until then I will just live through you...lol

The Twilight Quilters Coven said...

I like this A LOT!!!!!! Shannon (too lazy to sign of of this user)

Alex Lupa said...

Can you tell me the pattern number, or the link to where you got the pattern? I've been trying to aquire a pattern for this dress for some time now, but can't find it anywhere. Thank you so much.