It took a bit of time and some basting to figure out what I was doing wrong with the large waist pleats. This is the first exposed zipper I've ever put in so wish me luck. When I cut it out I opted to go with the longer length, I had plenty of fabric.

My first BWOF Pattern

After subscribing to the BWOF magazine for a year I've finally decided to take the plunge. I think I've been intimidated by the job of tracing the pattern. Initially it seemed like it would be a time consuming project but it went rather quickly. In all honesty, there aren't many pieces at all - just right for a frist attempt. The sparse instructions and lack of construction photos were daunting.

First the pattern....1/2009 Skirt 105B.


The fabric....a light-weight, green plaid, poly rayon blend purchased at Hancock Fabrics. This may be a mistake - it may be too light to hold the crease. A muted gold zipper and topstitching thread complete the supplies.

Wish me luck!

Vintage Vogue 7383 Part II

Dress before washing



After washing


Button detail


Top


This dress looks TERRIBLE on me. The collar is too high, the shoulders & bust area are too big and the pockets are too shallow. The gathered top of the sleeve doesn't go well with the tailored feel of the dress and the too stiff fabric. I re-measured my dress form and realized that I had set the bust measurement too big (wishful thinking?). It wasn't off by much but enough to throw the fit off. To add to the blunder, I had added a little extra "just in case".

I cut the buttons off and put it in a pile downstairs where I don't have to see it. What a bummer...

Vintage Pattern Vogue 7393

This vintage pattern was part of a group of patterns purchased from eBay. I didn't particularly want the others but this one called my name. It's a "semi-fitted A-line, double breasted step-in dress with notched collar and pockets in the side seams."







I spent an hour or so measuring myself and She to get it just right. Turning dials, adjusting the height of her. I pin fit the pattern and decided the back needed to be widened about an inch - made a notation on the pattern piece and off to the dining room table I went. From my stash I chose an olive green stretch cotton with a very small grid pattern to it.










After I had the major seams sewn I tried it on She....waaaaaayyy too big. Damn. I took about 2.5 inches off each back side seam and viola - it fits! Making adjustments with a dress form was fantastic.






Bound buttonholes were a snap using this tutorial. They take a ton more time than regular ones but definitely worth the effort.










It's not quite finished...it needs a hem, buttons and snaps.

An Unexpected Gift

A very large mysterious package came in the mail shortly before Christmas. What could it be? A dress form from my parents! She stood downstairs in the living room for a few weeks - scaring the entire family regularly. My son spoke to it (it was dark) thinking it was J, A dances with it every time he comes over....scared the snot out of me when I came in from the garage. She's upstairs in my sewing room now, still catching me unawares at times. Can't keep calling her "she" or "the body". Hopefully she'll solve the fitting problems I continue to have.
Here "She" is :o)