I've thought about it and thought about it and decided that I would like the fit of this dress so much better if it has just had two more inches in it. Two more inches to gracefully fall over my abdomen...two more inches to determine the difference between sausage casing and well fitted garment!
Now I know you muslin fanciers are shaking your head and thinking, well if you had just made a muslin in the first place, you wouldn't be doing this now. And I will admit that you are right...HOWEVER, I did learn a few things about making the garment in real fabric versus muslin. I learned that I want a drapier fabric not such a stable one. I learned that when thinking and working outside of your comfort zone you have to appreciate the pattern and and the new look that you are going for...and most importantly I learned that I STILL wouldn't make a muslin. It's just not me! *LOL*Okay...so I cut the pattern on the center front line and added a full two inches from top to bottom on the front pattern piece. I added two inches near the bottom of the pattern for length so that the dress won't be so short. That was something that was irking me too. I made the same two inch change to the back pattern piece as well as adding a 1/2" to the waist and hipline down to the hemline on the side of the pattern. The same two inch alteration that was done to the main front piece was done to the left front pattern piece.
So that's where I'm at with the pattern alterations. I originally pulled two linens from the fabric closet to try this version in, but I've since decided to use a rayon. One ~ because a rayon is drapier than linen and two ~ because I just can't figure out how to line this dress. It's that extra front piece that's throwing me off. Without a lining this dress needs to hold up to daytime wearings and I think a rayon fabric will work better with a half slip under it than the linens would.
I will pretreat the fabric during the week and hopefully next weekend will find me once again fighting with this pattern. But I will end up the victor...bet on it! *LOL*
And as an aside, is anyone else watching The Tudors? I can't believe the final episode is next Sunday?!!
....as always, more later!
I think you did make a muslin. It was just out of fashion fabric. :0 Can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteDoes this adjustment add more to the neckline? Is that OK? Just curious. Knowing you, it will fit wonderfully no matter what. You will make sure it does ;).
ReplyDeleteWhat eword10 said. I agree. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know you will win and can't wait to see you wearing the winning dress! Thanks for sharing the alterations. g
ReplyDeletelooking forward to seeing the finish dress!
ReplyDeleteIf you add width to a bodice in a part that includes the neckline, won't it be too wide at the neck and hang of your shoulders exposing your bra?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that this will be another beautiful creation once you're done with it!
ReplyDeleteLove, Love the Tudors! The guy playing Henry is hot --- even though Henry is truly a "b-word"! LOL I don't get Showtime but can catch it on Canadian television in the fall here in Detroit. I don't know why but find it a fascinating piece of history. I've also read a lot of Philippa Gregory's books on the subject.
ReplyDelete-umjudis
P.S. I'm with you on NOT making a muslin.
Your dress will look great! You are experience enough to make these adjustments without making a muslin. I like that you pointed out that every fabric interprets a pattern differently (including the muslin fabric). So in any case, all you can do is make your best guest---muslin or not. You do what works best for you:)
ReplyDeleteI have the first season on dvd but never followed thru with the others, I really love that whole story though. Can't wait to see the end product of your new project. You are definitely the SWAP queen!
ReplyDeleteI agree about making the dress. Sometimes I've made alterations I would never have known about from a muslin. They are things you can only tell after wearing a garment all day.
ReplyDeleteI thought your first attempt at this pattern was very good. Glad you are not giving up on the pattern. With your genius I know you'll make it work.
ReplyDeleteBehind as usual. I like your Elliott Berman cardigans! Very nice and fresh-looking.
ReplyDeleteYes, You made a muslin...out of fashion fabric.
ReplyDeleteI do like the original dress. I think it looks nice on you, but you are the wearer, and know how it feels to you.
One thing I did notice on your photos was some strain near the front part of the armscye...might want to add 1/2" on teh bodice near the front part of the sleeve. Keep sewing. You are an inspiration. --Constance
I liked your first version, so can't wait to see the next one!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteAs always I'm sure you will conquer that pattern. By the way, check out the Joy Mangano hangers on HSN.com. They work wonders for a "Full" closet!!!
Defnitely no muslin policing from me! I've done up to S3 of the Tudors and will have to buy the rest or wait about 100 years for them to come on TV here. I would have been better at history if this had been around while I was at school.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you haven't given up on this pattern because I still really like the original dress. I hope the changes you have made are successful!
ReplyDelete