Sorry – too bad to show you.
A combination of the pattern, the fabric and a sewing machine which wouldn’t sew properly (aaaagh) because I couldn’t get the tension right for thin fabric (I think it needs to be serviced) I wasn’t happy with the result at all.
The basic style was OK, just not a good fit for a big girl like me.
So on to the next item.
So now that I’m sorted the first project is to make a top, by adapting a dress pattern and using some fabric I bought last year.
The pattern is Burda 7513 and the fabric is some turquoise cheesecloth which only cost £1 a metre so that I can test whether the pattern works and check the fit. The idea is to copy the style of some garments I saw and liked but couldn’t find a pattern similar, the dress pattern was the nearest so I am hoping it works – or that at least it can be adapted further, if necessary, to work.
I am making a cut-off version of view B.
This pattern has been recommended, with modifications, on Pattern Review so I am hopeful.
With spring definitely here, despite a return of cold weather, I’ve started thinking about making some new summer dresses and bought two patterns and some fabric to start me off.
I wanted something to remind me of the dresses I wore for my honeymoon (how soft am I!) because they were so cool and comfortable and these two patterns fit the bill.
Firstly Simplicity 5189
and secondly Simplicity 2888
I’ve bought the fabrics and already made the first one, which is loose and comfortable if we do get any hot days, (apologies for the awful photo) in a really soft polyester viscose:
The second will be a bit more tricky as I have to alter the bust to fit me so that the under-bust band actually goes where it should and not half way up my boobs – one of the disadvantages of being out of proportion and well endowed!
This is the fabric though, it’s a fairly stiff cotton satin (I think) and I reckon it will be well worth making the effort to get the fit right.
It’s been a busy week for me due to family matters and I thought I wouldn’t find any time at all either to relax or to make something.
However, I finally got some free time today and opted to start by making something simple which, if I was lucky enough not to have any distractions, I might possibly start and finish in one day. The pattern I chose was a very simple one, made in two pieces, back and front with the neck and sleeves hemmed along with the bottom of the skirt.
I had already bought 4 metres of a funky retro jersey fabric from a stall in Leeds market (a serious bargain at only £1 a metre). I bought 4 metres knowing that there would probably be a flaw somewhere in the fabric (the obvious reason for it being so cheap) and on inspection there were a couple of quarter inch holes near the selvedge where the fabric had obviously been caught up and ripped. Because I had allowed for this and bought far more than I needed I have still ended up with enough to make two items. I dug this old Vogue Elements pattern out and planned on making two dresses, one short and one long really to establish which I like best. I have only used this pattern once before and didn’t like the outcome because I found the plain black jersey which I used on that occasion attracted lots of bits (not a good thing with two dogs around!) hopefully a patterned fabric would ensure better results.
And do you think I was right?
I am really happy with the result – this is not the sort of fabric or style I would normally wear but as it fits (and suits) me I have decided that I should think about being a bit more adventurous with what I will wear in future. The dress fits really well and the way it hangs without clinging makes me think it will be lovely and comfortable for summer evenings (if we actually have a summer this year!) Another success!
I’ve looked online for the pattern which is probably 7 or 8 years old and the only reference I can find is a pattern review written in 2002 on www.sewing.patternreview.com . You have to be a member to read the reviews but it is easy to sign up and there is a free membership option.
I still have to make the short version of the dress so I will add a photo when I do, hopefully in the next few days since it is cut our ready to make up.
