Then Sheila left a comment about using a shawl collar on a dress that didn't work for her and it made me rethink my original idea. It wouldn't work because the collar would be flat and it probably wouldn't lay right. So I spent some time digging through my considerable pattern collection to find some jacket patterns with shawl collars. I figured I could add the collar pieces to my TNT dress pattern.
By looking at the pattern pieces for the shawl collar it made me realize that I needed the under collar to be an extension of the dress front...this meant that some serious pattern alterations needed to be done to my dress front pattern. It also meant that I would have to have a top collar facing piece for the dress. This was turning into a much more complicated pattern alteration than I'd originally envisioned when I decided I had to have a version of this dress.
But I preservered because I really wanted the dress. I finally found an out-of-print McCalls pattern that had a shawl collar on a coat dress that I could use to make my version of the McQueen dress. And after looking at the pattern pieces and reading the pattern instructions, I was ready to work on the pattern alterations.
I started by making my pattern sandwich...my TNT pattern piece, then the shawl collar pattern piece and finally the pattern paper to use to trace a new pattern on top of it. Here's what I came up with...
The back dress pattern piece didn't need any modifications except that I needed to make a new back facing piece. All of these facing pieces will have to be added to my lining pieces...more alterations...*sigh*
Anyway, I've started working on The McQueen Dress and this is going to be a complicated kinda project...even though I didn't think it would be when I first saw the dress. As always when making alterations to my TNT pattern, I'm worried that they won't work...
...so stay tuned cause this is definitely going to be an adventure!
Looks tres interesting! Can't wait to see the finished product. It is always an inspiration watching your creations come to life.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll make this work, and I'll be taking notes because I've been drooling over this one too!
ReplyDeleteThe McQueen dress looks fab so if you manage to do your own interpretation it will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKnowing you it will be easy..........
Good luck, but it looks like you're off to a strong start! I think it will look fantastic when you finish!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of making the under shawl collar an extension of the dress, which would prevent the collar from rolling inward once the upper collar is attached. The dress I made a few years ago, had the upper & under collar sewn before attaching to the dress neckline. Not sure if that process was the culprit for the collar rolling inward. Then again I was new to sewing garments and it could've been user error.
ReplyDeleteYou'll make this work. You do know that you have a degree in TNT pattern making. A Phd in fact. Looking forward to the reveal day.
ReplyDeleteWe worry that they might not work as we're excited that they will. We envision the amazing results and the journey is just plain fun. YEAH - you go girl.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about how you find what you need to create the looks you want. I hope that, as I develop more experience, I'll have the ability and confidence to do this sort of alteration and drafting.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you nailed it again. This is going to be yet another brilliant creation. I can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm confident you will not only make it work, you'll make it fabulous.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we have to work through all the pattern morphs and fitting tryouts before we get to the fun part; sewing up the dress and seeing our vision come to fruition. At least that is the fun part for me. I know this dress is going to be lovely when it is finished , and you will be so glad you went with this style of shawl collar.
ReplyDeleteI have the same OOp and I know you'll be able to figure this one out and nail it.
ReplyDeleteWe're here to support you through your efforts and appreciate your sharing.
ReplyDelete