Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
  • Home
  • Knitting Patterns
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Project Archive
Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Game Changer.

2/17/2011

4 Comments

 
It took me a needlessly long time to muster the "want" to photograph my January sewing project. Which, you may recall, was this dress. Sorry about that. I realize I have a HELLA lot of catching up to do if I'm going to get everything squeezed into February, so I can be back on track for March.

I achieved my mini goal and got the pattern cut before heading out of town for the weekend (Jan 22)... This is where things took a wild turn. While I was gone, my pattern envelop, assembly instructions enclosed, dissapeared! (Now, I'm not pointing any fingers, but for the record, a certain somebody stayed home while I was out; that same certain somebody haphazardly cleared my craft table for use at his LAN party while I was away; the pattern envelop has yet to resurface. You can draw your own conclusions.)

After wasting two days taking everything off the bookshelves and replacing everything onto the bookeshelves, I scrambled and came up with a contigency plan. Instead of tossing in the towel, I decided to re-visit a project I'd scrapped a while back.
Picture
Simplicity 3993- View 1
Picture
The wikia vintage pattern database describes it: Juniors' and Misses' One-Piece Dress with Two Skirts: "Simple to Make". Dress has slightly lowered neckline, short kimono sleeves and left side zipper. Bodice front fastens with one button. V. 1 skirt has soft pleats at waistline. Belt is self or purchased. V. 2 has very short kimono sleeves, top-stitching detail, slim skirt with soft pleats at front waistline and self fabric sash.

I originally intended to sew this project way back last year. It was already cut, partially  assembled and ready to rock. Happenstance, really.
Picture

I finally succumbed  to indoor photography, as natural light is a sparse commodity at this point. Not the clearest shots, but you get the jist. 

I didn't do a lining. I regret it. The fabric is some sort of synthetic micro fiber, I loved working with it, but it's relatively heavy and doesn't have a lot of body or volume. I think my dress would benefit from a moderate pettiskirt to help the skirt drape further away from the body.  

Picture
The hem is hand sewn and time consuming. If it didn't require abundant energy, I'd probably go back and whack another couple/few inches from the skirt (I shortened 6 inches prior to pinning!) Just-below-the-knee is my least favorite dress length on my towering "5'2 form.  
Picture
Aside from length, the finished product fits beautifully. I altered out four inches through the center line on each side of the bust before pinning. This worked remarkably well; however, it's a bit snug coming over the shoulders during dressing. I probably should have done a tapered decrease to give myself a little more ease. .
Picture
Picture
Kimono sleeves may be my new favorite element to sew; they're  RIDICULOUSLY easy!
 
As seemingly negative as my commentary on this project may come across, I am happy, overall, with the dress. I'll definitely wear it out of the house. I'd like to sew this pattern again with all the mods specified above; maybe in a crepe or some type of print??

As for this dress. It's back in line for February. My valentine tracked down another copy of the pattern on Ebay, and gave it to me last week (THANK YOU INTERNET!). He's pretty awesome.
4 Comments
Karla Konieczki
2/17/2011 05:52:15 am

You did a great job. It looks look cute on you.

Reply
Tiff
3/30/2011 11:37:35 pm

Girl, I have a fall wedding to go to and this dress would be perfect! If you're willing (and have the time) to make one for me, what would you charge? : )

Reply
Wendy
6/1/2011 04:11:03 am

Actually, I think the length is lovely as is, it just has that classy feel to it at that length. Great color too!

Reply
Dexter
10/3/2012 05:04:08 am

Are you willing to sell the first pattern, w/o the instructions, as I am skilled enough to look at a pattern piece and know how it's assembled?????

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    “The
    follow us in feedly
    “Vintage

    Archives

    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Knitting Patterns
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Project Archive