It was a pretty unproductive sewing month for me, everyone. I started December’s dress on the 1st and immediately messed it up, got discouraged, and left it where it was until last weekend. When I picked it up again, it seemed my major mistake could be worked around, so I thought I would give it another try – practice makes perfect, right? Things were going well, it seemed like I could make it work, until I noticed some torn seams due to my fabric choice and that original mistake. There was no fixing it now, so the bodice was binned. I had no extra material, super-clearance and all, so I had to find something else.
Here is where Walmart came to the rescue. Their sewing section seems somewhat decent these days, so I was able to find some replacement fabric and get back to my sewing machine. I really thought about making something completely different, but started back with my original plan.
I definitely had a few things come up with this dress. First off, just as I was starting again, my one and only needle broke. I should know by now NOT to sew over pins! Then I ran out of thread, forgot to pick some up at the store, and ended up winding my own from one of my serger spools, by hand. I also had a bit of trouble with the fit at the back of the dress and had to unpick the zipper, which was no fun at all. I also forgot all about the waist ties so had to put those on after the bodice had already been finished. (I couldn’t get a good enough picture of the backside of the dress with the ties, sorry.) Despite all of those issues though, the dress didn’t come out that bad. I wasn’t too crazy about the sleeves initially, not smooth enough at the seams, but after wearing it and seeing myself with the dress on, they aren’t that bad. The pattern does show them smooth, so I am sure I did something wrong. Sleeves have never been the easiest for me, I definitely need more practice with them.
All in all, I like the finished product, and I will wear it – my true test for a project well done. What do you think? I would greatly appreciate any feedback.
I probably could have done a bit better with my pattern matching in a few places, but there’s always next time.
Now to think of what I should do for January. I am torn between another dress with sleeves or not, and something without darts would be nice. After working with princess seams a few months ago, I much prefer them to darts. I am also thinking of going with one of these Independent pattern makers that I have been reading so much about lately. By Hand London is one that I really like – perhaps the Elisalex dress…
*Linking up with:
Rejoice for the Day 
Loved reading thiis thanks
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I love this dress! What kind of fabric is this? I’m going to try to find this pattern. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Thank you! I am not too sure about the fabric details. It has a slight stretch to it, but not much. It was some cheap Walmart stuff that I used to practice with. It didn’t come out too bad for practicing. 😉 So happy to hear I have given you some inspiration. I have been thinking about making this dress again. It is a great pattern, I got mine at Walmart, but I saw them at Joanne’s last weekend also.
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I was thinking it drapes too well to be 100% cotton. Thanks for the info.
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Love it! My own daughter used this exact pattern for a 4H project in the spring of 2014, using E , in navy blue cotton embellished with embroidered white anchors and a contrasting white yoke. I can’t wait to show her your fabric choice & encourage her to create another dress. The fabric you choose lends itself well to the winter season & I’d like my daughter to see how fabric choice can completely change the mood of the pattern.
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Thanks again for your comment, and I thank you again for sending the picture over to my Facebook page. It is amazing how a slight change in fabric can transform a dress so much! I made the E version also, but I had a little trouble with the fitting on that one, especially at the neckline. I am wanting to give it another go though. (Here is a link to that dress: https://rejoicefortheday.com/2014/03/12/the-party-dress-that-was-not/)
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I miss making my own clothes. A sewing machine is on my to-get-list.
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It is a lot of fun! If it weren’t for putting mine out on its own table, I probably wouldn’t be doing as much with it. It was such a pain to have to set everything up before, but now it’s so easy to sit down and sew when I have a few free moments.
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I think the dress looks terrific on you.
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
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I love it! I am looking for a dress for engagement pictures and this pattern most definitely seems to be it! Thank you : )
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You are very welcome! How exciting, engagement pictures. I am sure your dress will be lovely!
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The dress looks lovely and looks really nice on you. I would avoid using serger thread in basic construction for the most part and as a general rule as it is only 2 ply and not designed with the strength to hold up for seams or so I was told by the sewing store. Most sewing thread has more ply if 100%cotton or a polyester filler for strength. I love reading your blogs and seeing your projects and as well as all the things you are doing. Love you, Pat
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Thanks for your comment. I am glad you like reading the blog, it makes me happy knowing that you do. 🙂
I didn’t know that about the serger thread, but it makes sense since I did notice that it felt thinner. I guess I was in too much of a rush to get the dress done and didn’t want to wait until I went to the store again.
I appreciate the tips!
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I have sewing envy looking at your beautiful dress, well done on a wonderful project 🙂
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Thank you so much, I am glad that you like it.
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Reblogged this on Fashion Makes Us.
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The dress looks really nice! How do you do your gathering for the sleeves?
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Thanks! What I did with the sleeves was just the basting stitch at the top, and pulled it a little for the ease. It came out looking kind of gathered, but I think I like it like that for this dress. Most of the time, I don’t like gathered sleeves.
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Such a difficult road to travel but look at the destination! This dress is lovely, perfect for the winter. You look so ladylike, great job!
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Thank you, I appreciate it. Yes, this is a great dress for winter since most of my dresses are more of the summery type. 🙂
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