Sunday, March 19, 2006
A dress for Mother, & advice.
Here are a few pictures of a dress I made for the "Mother" in "All My Sons".
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
