Whilst I really love the Easter holidays, sadly their approach sees the conclusion of my dressmaking class.
With the aid of a couple of extra sessions to make up for the ones I missed, I have been trying to get my frock finished before the advice of my making-mentor is no longer available on tap.
Buoyed up by my success with the skirt, I went into my first frock project with a certain swagger.
I thought I could handle anything a few bits of tissue paper could throw at me. Patterns? Pah! Garments? Get away with you!
I can do details with the best of them. Just look at my cuffs!
But I reckoned without one essential element of good garment making: fitting.
It wasn’t finished, but I tried on my frock at my final class. I should have done it before. But I hadn’t. It looked lovely on the hanger. It looked very nice held up in front of me.
But I put it on and it looked pants. Because it doesn’t fit me.
Sewing patterns are perfectly proportioned. But I had forgotten that I, on the other hand, am not. I simply do not possess the required build.
The bodice gapes. The skirt is too tight across the hips. The fit of the sleeves is… slightly not quite right somehow, both length-wise and shoulder-width-wise. It’s fair to say my bum does look big in this. Not to mention my tummy.
So having done some unpicking, I must now do some rethinking, some pfaffing, and some re-cutting, in order to re-make the skirt in a more roomy fit suitable for someone a little more dumpy-bummed than that waif on the pattern envelope.
All is not lost. I have spare fabric. I have learned a useful lesson. And before the summer, if it ever arrives, I have plenty of time to finish my frock.
And also to consider whether I should perhaps start taking a little more exercise, and a little less pasta at dinnertimes. 😉
It’s true – your cuffs are masterful – and I bet you weren’t wearing your roll-on when you tried it on!
I was actually! Well, my Spanx pants, which are sort of the modern equivalent!
oh dear!
Ah, I hear your lament! Alas I haver not yet mastered this dress making malarky either, too little time. You do have such a good eye for fabric and detail…I am sure the rest witll come.x
Thank you for the sweet comment! I have decided to sign up for a further 9 weeks of lessons, so hopefully my skills will be improved by the end of that!
The cuffs are beautiful! If you ever want to do a walk – you know where I am.
Thanks Lynda – perhaps when the ice has all gone I will pop over to see you x
You rocked those cuffs and I laughed out loud when you said it looked pants! I like your attitude in ripping out and getting it right. It’s going to be worth it.
Sorry you’re having trouble with the fit of your.dress, it looks great by the way. Have just come across this book, Burda Style Sewing Vintage Modern.
You could also try making your own pattern based on a dress you have that fits nicely.or make your own basic block on which you can then base all your future patterns. I can recommend “Winifred Aldrich’s Metric Pattern Cutting” book. (she was my tutor at College). keep going the more you make the easier it gets.
Thanks! I’m sure I’ll get there in the end!