Friday, February 10, 2017

Christmas Party Dress


Yesterday I wrote about my Rose Dress and my Christmas Party Dress is made from the same pattern. I changed the darts slightly but otherwise the pattern was perfect. I wore this dress to my husband's annual work Christmas party. It was a huge hit and is my favorite garment I've made to date. I hope to get more use out of it on holidays to come. 🎄🎅🎁




Thursday, February 9, 2017

Rose Dress


Front of the Rose Dress
The Rose Dress came about from a desire to have something with a deep sweetheart neckline. I've wanted something vintage and romantic and feminine and this dress was the result.

Bodice Pattern
I drafted the bodice pattern from my personal measurements. The skirt is a simple gathered affair and didn't require a pattern. The skirt is a rectangle that's gathered at the top and hemmed to my knees.

Mock Up
My first practice piece (aka mock up) was made in left-over fabric and not meant to be pretty. I just wanted to test the fit and make adjustments. I ended up changing the neckline slightly and I took the waist in a little. 

Lining and zipper placement
The dress has an invisible back zipper and is fully lined. The lining is under-stitched at the neckline and encases all the raw edges of the skirt.


Back of the Rose Dress
The back of the Rose dress could have had the print lined up but I was running out of fabric. However, the invisible zipper really gives it a nice finished look.

I wore this dress for the first time to a friend's wedding and didn't take a photo of myself in it. Next time!




Thursday, February 2, 2017

The Portrait Blouse


Scottie Dog Portrait Blouse- Front

The pattern for the Portrait Blouse came from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing, page 137. I have all of her books and highly recommend them!

Scottie Dog Portrait Blouse- Back

For my blouses, I decided to lower the front neckline scoop. I have a heart tattoo on my chest that I like showing off and the higher neckline cut it in half. I also needed a larger size and ended up making myself a muslin so I could get the fit right.
Close up of the Scottie dogs and the machine embroidered heart

I made both of my blouses out of cotton and especially loved the Scottie dog and yarn heart fabric I found. I also machine embroidered a heart to the center front of the Scottie dog shirt. I did this before I cut out my fabric so I could get it positioned properly. I did my best to match the stripes on the Scottie dog shirt and they meet nicely at the shoulders.

Yarn Love Portrait Blouse- Front

Both blouses have a neckline lining. I tacked it down at the shoulder seams and at several locations along the front and back to keep it from flipping out as I wear it. That's one of my pet peeves so I tack down the lining even in store bought tops.

Yarn Love Portrait Blouse- Back

One side has an invisible zipper for easy on and off. I've gotten quit good at putting in invisible zippers and prefer them over regular ones now. You can even paint the pull tab with nail polish to match your fabric better if you can't find the correct color.

Invisible zippers are awesome!

I love wearing these around. They're comfortable and stylish. In the book, Gertie uses nicer fabric, but it's not necessary or practical for me. I live in the country and work at home. For the most part just see my husband, sons, and chickens, and they don't care what I wear. ;) But I like wearing pretty things and Gertie's books have a nice mix of everything I want and need.




Total Pageviews