Now don't these two fabrics look fantastic together! I was psyched! I put the almost finished dress (no hems) on and *sigh* knew I was going to spend some quality time with my seam ripper. The sleeves are too small and it's causing the dress front to pull...actually the sleeves are just wrong and need to be redone. But here is the heartbreaking part - I have no more silk left. Or if there is a remnant around, I have no idea where it is (don't get me started on those dayum fabric bins!)
After casting around for another idea, I remembered that I had some navy ponte knit. Which I did have enough sense to put in a separate bin, so it was easy to find. Here's a pic of this combination:
Not as pretty as the original one, right? However, it will work...but at this point I was pretty well done for the night, so I turned everything off and headed upstairs to watch television...at 9:30pm!
This morning with the sun shining bright and a renewed fervor, I pulled out my seam ripper and started ripping the neckband and sleeves apart. I will redraft the sleeve pattern. I will make a two-part sleeve with a seam down the center instead of a single sleeve with a dart at the sleeve cap. I will finish the dress.
Of course this journey is taking a little longer than I thought. But since I'm making a conscientious effort to slow my sewing down, as well as, trying to use more new patterns (hey I buy them, I should use them!) making this dress will probably consume my entire Thanksgiving recess. And in the morning light, even that's okay. It's not like I don't have anything else to wear! *smile*
...as always, more later!
Oh, Carolyn, I'm sorry the first sleeves didn't work out--but the navy will be fine! It's a gorgeous dress--that print is rich indeed.
ReplyDeleteI think the navy will still look nice as the print is so wonderful and looks great with the navy, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame about the sleeves. The two fabrics do look good together. Fortitude!
ReplyDeleteAh.... sounds like a learning experience you coulda lived without. Whenever something like this happens to me I always remind myself how much I adore the process of sewing. Also there is that adage that every mistake is a design opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the dress hit a snag but I'm sure it will be beautiful! Thanks for posting this; as a struggling sewist I appreciate being reminded that even you make projects that don't work out the first time.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, it's so nice for you to share as these issues can happen with anyone and it's great that you tackle with such positive attitude...
ReplyDeletewhat a shame about the sleeves, these are the sort of things that happen to me, and I hate having to rip stitches out - my sympathies are with you - good luck, look forward to seeing the end result sure it will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHow disappointing for you. Chin up. I guess this is the downside of trying new patterns and moving away from the TNTs. BUT a journey worth taking......no? Look forward to seeing the end result.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how much the second solid colour changes the look of the floral. I like the second one, but I'm sorry you have had such a disappointment. You did the right thing in going to bed when you did - things always are easier the next day.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm impressed that you know how to re-draft a raglan sleeve! I'd find that challenging. It will be a great dress, though!
ReplyDeleteGood that you have a good fabric collection that you had an alternative fabric to use. I think the navy works well with the floral print. It is a lovely print!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad because that blue was just lovely with the print. But I chuckled when you said it's not like you don't have anything else to wear. I so hear you,Lol.
ReplyDeleteI like the darker blue and glad that you will be able to redraft the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteI so share your pain Carolyn-I made a pair of jeans and added length from crotch to hip like I ALWAYS have to do...only I didn't have to on this pattern! The waistband has been riding up and folding over and in general making me crazy. I ripped it but I may just make it a wadder, it needs too much done to it to make it work.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog ! Question, which serger would you use ? the Bernina 2500 DCE or the 800 or the 1100 or ....the Brother 1034 ? thank you so much
ReplyDeleteOh dear, what a disappointment! I am sure you will find the ponte more comfortable, though, and it will still be a great dress!
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a dumb question - why don't you just buy the exact color you want for the sleeves rather than settling for the navy blue? I don't find it as pretty as the initial color you chose for the sleeves.
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