First Zipper.
First Interfacing.
First project with more that two pattern pieces.
First Sleeves.
First Hook and Eye.
First time trying to baste anything, legitimately, by hand... No, for realz (and now I want to be called "Count Baste-y").
At the end, I got more things wrong than I did right. I also cut a size a little too tight for me. Oh sweet vanity! I can't believe that I need to lose about 5 pounds (meh-err...or 10) before the dress isn't scandalously tight on me. Right now I look like a 50's or 60's harlot when I wear it.
It is Simplicity's 1878, p.s. I love how my pattern envelope is different (a different picture and even Pattern Number).
See?! Interesting, Yes?
So here it is, my first dress. I'm pretty proud of it. I love how many new things I got to try. Everything seems so scary at first, but slowly I got over the fear, and it makes me stoked that so many things were demystified. And I totally used a vintage bed sheet I found at a thrift store, always fun.
Like I have said before, everything I make this year is really a wearable muslin. I have so much to learn. I still don't really even understand how to adjust my pattern, but there are still a few things that I came away with while making this.
Inserting the zipper would have been way easier if I had not followed the instructions and just tried to do it like I have seen in so many tutorials. Two, sleeves should be nicknamed "God Why Have You Forsaken Me?!" because they are the HARDEST thing. EVER. And, finally, there is a reason why my machine doesn't recommend the blind hem stitch on thin fabrics (what a mess!).
Oh! Another first! First time using the steam setting on my iron correctly. No, seriously, AND IT WAS AWESOME! And yes, this was in part me doing by best to deal with the blind hem fiasco (because as I have learned from Ms. Lladybird "That'll Steam Out."). Sometimes I feel so foolish getting so many things wrong. But it is so much fun when I look at the things I make, even if they are a big old mess.
This month was extra crazy. It was so short and I crammed so much into it. I visited my mom, I cannot believe that was only a month ago. I got a part-time job. I quit that part-time job two weeks later. And all that and more also left less time for sewing, so I don't feel too bad about only getting this one project done.
AAAANNNND now that it is over (the dress... for now) I get to move on to a fun new challenge. I want to sew up a few things this month so I am gonna put away the wovens (ma am, step away from the wovens and put your hands up slowly) and try knits for the first time. I have a pattern all picked out and ready to go. Guess which one?!?! Yup, the Amazing Coco from Tilly and the Buttons. I can't wait. It just arrived last night, just in time for me to be a part of my first sew-along.
Isn't she lovely?
So, that's it for now, thanks for putting up with this longer post, it's been a while.
Stay tuned to ME VS. KNITS, the epic saga!
I'm so excited for you! I still feel the same way when something goes right.
ReplyDeleteI sewed my first knit dress in seventh grade--early 80's. I didn't know enough to be scared of knits, so I never have been. Use a stretch stitch or a very narrow zigzag and beware of trying to pick stitches. That is my only advice on knits. I think it is often more satisfying to sew a knit--fewer fitting issues.
Congratulations and Good Luck!
Thank you! yeah, I'm pretty much scared all the time with these new sewing hurdles. But it is exciting and funny how it all feels like brain exercises.
DeleteI love your advice. I probably would have tried picking stitches as usual, but this makes so much sense!