9210 Progress
I have managed to stick to my guns and keep working on this, even with the new pattern sitting on my sewing table, calling to me. I’ve finished the bodice and ready to start on the skirt. Since my Pfaff still hasn’t gone into the shop, I’m working with the Babylock. While not a great garment machine, it is a state-of-the-art embroidery machine. I’ve had this thing for 4 years and beside the stacks of lace ornaments for the church bazaar, I’ve used the embroidery features exactly three times, including this dress. For some reason, the only time I think to use the embroidery is when I The Babylock out as a replacement for the Pfaff. I really need more practice. I’m not happy with the placement of the design, but I only had enough white fabric for the tester, then the actual collar. It’s not horrible, just not ideal.
I have sewing A.D.D.!
I’ve done some tweaking to the bodice that I started earlier this week. I added about an inch to the bodice and lowered the neckline. When I tried the original on, the neckline was so high that I could barely get my big ole noggin through the opening. I was looking forward to cutting the fashion fabric today. However, look what appeared in my mailbox today!
It takes only 2 3/4 yrds of 35″ wide fabric and I think I have the perfect fabric sitting in my stash. All I would need is a zipper and the bias binding. I want to start working on this NOW!
Current work in progress
The pattern is a mail-order pattern with not many details. There is no brand name or publisher listed anywhere. I plan on making this in a small check navy gingham that is already in my stash. I’m really struggling with the fit. I think this is partly because it is the smallest pattern I’ve ever used. It’s a vintage size 13 which means that it is a junior pattern and fits a 32in bust.
Here is the muslin.
It looks like I need to lower the waistline and adjust the placement of the bust gathers. Also, the neckline is significantly higher than in the pattern illustration. I haven’t decided if I’m going to change it or not. So far, the biggest problem is the shawl collar.
It is not well drafted and you can see all the wrinkles where I had to ease the collar into the back neck area. I need to take it apart, really look at the pieces and figure out why it isn’t working. At this point, I think the collar is too long for the back neck, but I haven’t messed with it yet.
New Outfit
The blouse is Simplicity 3777, a T&T (tried and true) blouse pattern that I’ve made several times. It is a cotton shirting from my local Hancock Fabrics. The skirt is Simplicity 0517, a vintage reissue, in a heavy linen from www.denverfabrics.com. I’ve made this skirt a few times, but this time I added in-seam pockets and it changed the fit. The fabric is heavy enough that I should have used a lining fabric for the pockets. To my eye, it makes the skirt a bit lumpy at the hip. I’ve made this outfit a few times, in other fabrics, and have always been happy with it. For some reason, this feels a bit matronly to me. I’ll probably wear it church, but no where else.
Simplicity 3263 complete
This pattern was very quick to sew up. From cutting to hemming, it took a total of 4 hours. Normally, I stay away from sleeveless tops, but I really like the collar. If I sew this again, I’ll try adding a cap sleeve.
Simplicity 3263
This is Simplicity 3263 printed in 1950. The fabric is a sweet cotton calico from my local Hancock’s. I was hoping this would be a quick project, maybe even wearing it tomorrow. However, the snap-on foot holder on my Pfaff is no longer holding the feet on. I do have a back-up machine, so I might be able to finish it tomorrow.
McCall’s 9158 Complete
Wow! What a difference between this dress and the purple dress. That one was so unflattering that I had thought that I needed to take a sewing break. I like this one much better. As you can see, I still haven’t taken apart the collar to add the white pipping. I also haven’t hemmed the skirt, but that is because I have finally one a nice, fluffy vintage crinoline from eBay. I’ll hem if after I try it on over the crinoline. I’d hate to hem it and have turn out to be too short to wear with the crinoline.
Here’s a close-up of the bodice. Do you think it needs the pipping?
