Why is it almost done and not completely finished? Two words...hand stitching. Seriously, there is so much hand stitching needed for this dress that I'm still stitching tonight...and I haven't made buttonholes or attached buttons yet.
A sneak peek...
Now the reason for the title of this post...I tried the dress on with the pins still in the front clasping it together and I'm a little shaky shaky. Not because it doesn't fit...and not because the border print doesn't work...but because yet again I am making a dress that I wouldn't normally make or wear. It is close fitting. It does have a belt/tie thingy. It does emphasize my booty. And if you haven't noticed by now, I like a sleeker, more straight line fit.
A fit that I learned to appreciate from Calvin Klein's '70s/early '80s garments. Those garments were simple, straight and gave the wearer a look of leanness...well at least that's how I remember it. It's a classic look that I strive to bring to my garments now by refreshing it with new colors, prints, details and lengths. By choosing to make some of the more popular looks in the pattern catalogues...I am really straying far from my comfort zone.
One more thing...please do not feel as if you can't write your true opinion about a garment here. You can write away and I will try very hard not to be offended...however, I'm gonna do and wear exactly what I want regardless...*LOL* So even though many of you loved the closer fit of my first V1250, it makes me uncomfortable. Too close...too eyecatching in places I'm trying to move your eyes away from...so totally outside my comfort zone.
And yes, the second version does have a lot more room in the abdomen and seat area, but after wearing it today, it was way more comfortable to wear and move in at work. Especially since I have one of those jobs were I can be sitting in a meeting one hour and in the next crawling under a desk to make sure a telephone wire is connected or standing on a step stool taking down pictures in one of our conference rooms. My clothes can't be for show. They have to work in all of my job related situations.
Since I have several more patterns that I am determined to make (why oh why I'm asking myself now! *LOL*), I need you to understand that I am soooooo far outside my comfort zone that at times I wonder just where I am. This is indeed a journey and I will have a story to tell by the end of the summer for sure! Hopefully, I will end up incorporating some of the new...with some of the old...to make fall garments that are me...but we shall see.
I am determined to work on the B5600 dress a little bit every evening this week. I want be able to reveal it this weekend and move onto the next pattern challenge.
...more later!
Well if you never get out of your comfort zone life would be boring. At least you are giving the new patterns a try. I'm enjoying tagging along for the ride.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, of course you wear what you like & what works for you! I like to think that trying new things (and then incorporating what I like from that) means I won't get stuck in a rut & end up being an old lady wearing the fashions from my youth... course, I have my habits just like anyone else. :) I appreciate you sharing the experiments with us.
ReplyDeleteI sympathize on the handwork! I actually like handwork, but my current project is lined with a silk charmeuse with lycra and I hate hate sewing it. I am going at a snail's pace. It'll be wonderful to wear, as will your dress be, I'm sure. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, like everyone else, you will wear what is comfortable and works for your lifestyle/job. And you will rock it. :D
I think it's great that you are trying different styles. You never know , you might find a new look that you are comfortable with. At the same time I also understand that it's hard to move on when you are happy within your chosen styles. After all, only you know what is comfortable and works for you. Can't wait to see the finished dress.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it! I agree with the other ladies, getting out of your comfort zone can be good! :)
ReplyDeleteAshley x
I can't wait to see it! I agree with the other ladies, getting out of your comfort zone can be good! :)
ReplyDeleteAshley x
I applaud you for stretching yourself a little. New things take some getting used to, but at the end of the day you have to feel comfortable. Even if an outfit looks great and the wearer doesn't exude confidence, the outfit will start to look less great to us.
ReplyDeleteGirl, you just make whatever works for you...no explanations necessary IMHO. By the way, I'd love to know what all this hand stitching is about as I have this pattern in the que as well! You didn't elaborate. Love the fabric and have been anxiously following along waiting to see this one.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the dress, sometimes out of the comfort zone is a good thing. Opens up new things or garments in this case. Good luck with the handstitching.
ReplyDeleteGetting out of that comfort zone is all about growth. Your skills will grow and even more confidence will be gained. As far as handwork, that is my way of turning wasteful TV time into something productive so I save it for TV. My non TV hours, of which there are many, get the machine time.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for stepping out of your comfortable sewing box.
I think you are brave to challenge yourself and leave your comfort zone. You will learn and grow and life will be richer. I'm enjoying your journey.
ReplyDeleteWatching you move out of your comfort zone makes for great inspiration. I make 1250 and it didn't work for me so I'm remaking it my way. Save the closer fitting dresses for date nights. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way about my comfort zone. I don't like tight and I don't like low cut. I also like soft fabrics. So I wear what I like and feels soft and comfortable. It bugs me all day to wear clothes that don't fit the way I like or feel scratchy. I'm with you wear what you like and feels good to you.
ReplyDeleteJust started following your blog recently and am really enjoying watching someone sew who *isn't* a stick figure. I really loved the way your black & white dress with the cowl neckline. i was surprised to see the straight seam at the back (I'm usually a stickler for fitting to the back) but i think if you are more comfortable with the look and the feel of a straight back like that then that is what you should do. Also, i commend you for working out of your comfort zone for both sewing and wearing. Even if it doesn't change your usual style it is good to learn the techniques and open your mind to the possibility of occasionally wearing the different styles. All the best, Kimberly
ReplyDeleteI love your title for this post b/c at times this is when I discover the good or the bad. This is my same philospy for trying new recipes and I have found more good than bad.I hope this will be the good and you will like what accomplished your time.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when we wear things that de-emphasize what we don't want people to see by virtue of their being...less shaped it ends up drawing more attention to it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you going outside your comfort zone. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the result.
Oooh, I hate hand stitching!
ReplyDeleteAs far as stepping outside the comfort zone, it's at least worth a shot. You may find something you love that you didn't know you loved.
You have to do what feels right for you-if you're wearing something that you feel awkward and uncomfortable in, you're going to look...awkward and uncomfortable, and people will pick up on THAT, though it's unlikely they'll notice that it's your outfit making you act that way. Kudos to you for knowing yourself well enough to realize that just because it looks good doesn't necessarily mean you like it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you wrote this. I was going to comment the last time, but didn't want to be labeled one of "those people", the "negative annies" you know what I mean. But I must confess, I loved the fit of the first version. You looked hot, hot, hot. And yes, I work at a very conservative bank and I understand why you might want to tone it down for the job, but how about a night out kind of dress? a dinner and a movie kind of dress? You looked great in it. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I have been so inspired by your creations and I agree with the long lean look (being built very much like you myself). But sometimes, you gotta step outside the box. I know I can't deny I a belly or boobs or booty. That's why I don't wear black as a rule. I think you've done an admirable job with prints and colours and classic shapes. If that dress is too close cut, it's too close cut.
ReplyDeleteWow, being outside of your comfort zone is definitely an uncomfortable place (smile)! Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. I'm curious to see where it will take you. Although nerve racking you have to admire the excitement intertwined in that!
ReplyDeleteStepping outside the comfort zone can be exhilarating... although sometimes a strategic retreat is thoroughly understandable and even advisable. And if you aren't comfy at your desk, or crawling underneath it, well, that's plain old counterproductive.
ReplyDeleteHandsewing... so frustrating, and yet, often very worth it. I can't wait to see the finished dress.
I am looking forward to seeing the finished dress. Kudos to for leaving your comfort zone, that takes a lot. Thank you for allowing us for follow along on your journey.
ReplyDeleteHmm, that fabric is so great. I wonder if they have any more of it.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for pushing your own boundaries! And wear what you want. Life is way to short to dress for others.
ReplyDeleteHey, part of the reason we sew is so we can have garments that make us look AND feel great. And if you're uncomfortable, it'll show. So I say do whatever you want and don't mind other people's comments. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've always like the sleek minimalist look of Calvin Klein too. But I think it's great you are trying new things. I think that's the best way to make new discoveries. My latest sundress had so much hand sewing! So glad it is done. Can't wait to see your latest creation.
ReplyDeleteYea I liked the first dress better; but then I'm only seeing it from the front. And yea I know about having a comfort zone. The main thing is you're trying new things, new silhouttes. I'm sure after all is said and done you will find something different to add to your tnt.
ReplyDeleteI think the border works fine - looks great actually!
ReplyDeleteVariety is the spice of life! I love the fabric of the Butterick dress. Can't wait to see the final unveiling.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how it turns out! I actually really appreciate your style, how you are fashionable and comfortable/modest etc. all at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am trying to get just a little done each evening. Also like you, there are so many patterns that I want to make right now. I hope I can get a lot of sewing done. You always inspire me with how much you get done.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't step outside your comfort zone every once in a while, you won't really know where it is! At least you've got the courage to put that foot outside the line.
ReplyDelete