I've wanted a pink wool crepe dress for fall/winter for several seasons...and of course the pink wool crepe lived in "The Fabric Collection." I knew that I didn't want to use my TNT dress for the dress but that's the only thing I did know. I definitely was suffering a case of "fraid to cut" the fabric...not something I'm acquainted with as a sewist. See I've been pretty fearless with fabric and taking chances with it but I've had a few wadders lately and I was worried.
So worried that I went on the wide webs looking for a similar weight and color of pink wool crepe to purchase as a back-up. Yeah those wadders really shook my confidence. After deciding to just go for it...I decided to use a pattern that I'd used before so that I could eliminate the not fitting/working aspect of this puzzle.
Here is the combination I'm working with...
I've gotten the fabric cut out and I've started to assemble the dress. However, in the process of working on the dress, I read Leisa's blog posts on handsewing a Grainline Archer shirt. Yes, you read that right, she's hand stitching the blouse together and it got me to thinking. Why am I rushing through the process? Didn't my sewing hero, Cynthia Guffey tell me to slow down and enjoy the process?
With those thoughts in mind, I decided to sew the best dress I could make. So each piece of this dress is underlined with silk organza. Yes, the silk organza was basted to each dress piece and then the two pieces are serged together. Not couture I know but I've previously admitted my serger addiction so let's just flow with that okay? *smile* Plus I didn't promise couture - I just said I would slow down!
I'm working on the lining now so sooner rather than later I will have a new dress to share with you.
BTW, thanks everyone for all of the emails, facebook messages and posts left here. I truly appreciate each and every one of them...and they are the reason that I decided to start posting sooner than I'd anticipated. I don't know if I will be posting at the rate I was before but posts will be more frequent than they have been for the last two months.
...as always more later!
Welcome back, enjoy the process
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're back, So glad you're back, So glad you're backkkkkkk on here today!!!! You deserved a break; but when you're spoil you know. :)
ReplyDeleteHi there Carolyn - lovely to see you back posting again. I hope that the break has been reinvigorating - and I am quite certain that your new dress will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested in following the process of this dress. Welcome back...you know we missed you...but I also understand how busy you are!
ReplyDeleteYour inspiration , ideas,tips & honesty have been sorely missed !!!!
ReplyDeleteYay!!! I soooo missed your blogs!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn Will be interested to see how you go with this pattern as I have had a few fitting problems with it. Dont usually have these with Vogue. Will be watching your blog with interest
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you're back! You've been missed.
ReplyDeleteHope its everything you've dreamed it will be, look forward to the results.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you again. I've missed your "voice".
ReplyDeleteDear Carolyn, you have been missed. Pale pink is my favourite colour, so I'm delighted with your proposed pink Vogue dress, and can't wait to see how it turns out. That is a really nice pattern - don't know how I missed that one!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are back. I have missed you.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice pattern and delicious fabric. I'm an advocate of 'slow sewing' and, no, I don't mean couture or hand stitching, either! Looking forward to seeing your final product.
ReplyDeleteSlow sewing can be painstaking but on the other hand so rewarding can't it? The dress is going to be gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's so nice to see you back with us! I always enjoyed following along with your projects and didn't know how much it meant to my days, until you disappeared! But I hope that you are refreshed and renewed and look forward to hearing from you occasionally as the year progresses! Oh and I know all about not using something because it's new and pristine and when I start working with it, I might make a mistake and then where will I be.... Sometimes I am so stuck that I don't start, but I'm trying to get over that and be more willing to do something, mistake or not, rather than not sew! I like the sewing part, but sometimes get caught up in the thinking! Welcome back - you were missed!
ReplyDeleteYes, welcome back!
ReplyDeleteYay! Nice to see this pop up in my feed. What a great color to get you thru the doldrums I of winter
ReplyDeleteYay! Welcome back! I cannot wait to see your finished dress! It will be divine!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you are back! I missed you and your blog, and your inspiration :) The dress will be beautiful, I too am trying to slow down and enjoy the process rather than hurry through to the next project
ReplyDeleteGood to see you posting again. Can't wait to see the finished dress--enjoy the process. :)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you. Glad you are back. I'm with you on slow sewing, but some of my slow projects have actually happened quicker than the quick ones. Hope that we can show up somewhere together in our pink, organza underlined, wool crepe dresses together sometime.
Can't wait to see lots of pix from your project. LOVE the pink fabric!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. Love the seaming on that pattern, I can't wait to see your version.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back posting here. Your choice of colors for this project is very pretty and uplifting.
ReplyDeleteHello lovely, nice to see you back. Slow and steady and enjoying the process is what's most important. Enjoy your leisurely project ... The fabric looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear of you again. You were missed so much. I love the color of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear from you, but do take the time you need for yourself. The blog will wait patiently. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with that shade of pink. Enjoy working with it as you takeslow with this project.
So glad to know that I'm not the only one whose confidence gets shaken by a few wadders in a row! I really hope this dress works out for you and happy new year.
ReplyDelete(BTW - wish I could wear such a pretty color - I'm too fair, just wash out).
Good luck with the dress - I am sure that it will be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI did a little 'handclapping happy dance' to see this post; I love to read what you write. Aspirational sewing - really using the best set of skills to give the best possible outcome - is what I often race past. Thank you for your generous honesty, it is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back! You have been missed! I too am learning to slow down and enjoy things! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I didn't realize how much I looked forward to your posts until took your break. Please know you are loved and appreciated and all the best wished for you.
ReplyDeleteYou have been missed plenty Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Looking forward to more of your lovely inspirations.
ReplyDeletemissed you, glad you are back!
ReplyDeleteYou have been missed! I hope you can feel the love all around you!!
ReplyDeleteOooh, silk organza under wool crepe?! Yum!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely pattern!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny - since I've started blogging I often feel the pressure of a deadline (that isn't really actually there). On one hand, it can keep me on track to finish things. On the other hand I do sometimes feel a bit rushed. Its nice to see someone choosing to really enjoy the sewing, because I guess ultimately that's why we do this crazy thing.
Welcome back :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely shade of pink. The color will look stunning on you.
So glad to see you blogging again!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see your post!!
ReplyDeleteOh wadders, how I can sympathize with you. So good to see you working on your new pink dress, the silk organza will make it fall beautifully.
ReplyDeleteMissed your posts. You are one that I read or at least check on each day.
ReplyDeleteEach new day is another day to sew (that is if I had my way!).... hang in there.
Sewing is something we "never" become expert at; it's a learning process each
and every time. If we aren't learning something we must be dead! Lol.....
Missed your posts. You are one that I read or at least check on each day.
ReplyDeleteEach new day is another day to sew (that is if I had my way!).... hang in there.
Sewing is something we "never" become expert at; it's a learning process each
and every time. If we aren't learning something we must be dead! Lol.....
Welcome back, Carolyn! I hope you enjoyed your blogging respite. Can't wait to see your pink dress and will look forward to your experience with that pattern. It's one I've been considering.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Keep us posted on your new dress, Very interested in the progress.
ReplyDeletewww.sewplus.blogspot.com
Have missed you, glad you will do some posting!
ReplyDeleteWell done with all the had stitching so far. I've recently finished hand piecing and hand quilting the front of a cushion cover (doing English paper piecing that uses hexagon shapes). I found doing the stitching to be so very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteYour new dress is looking very exciting. I hope you enjoy all of the process - that includes wearing your new creation too!
Sending care, huggles,loveand encouragment,
Michelle, downnder in Wellington, New Zealand
You never know - one day I might remember to proof read my comments too! Am now happily and gently laughing at myself, from Michelle xxx
ReplyDeleteHi! I actually have nearly six yards of pink wool crepe in my stash. I'd been wondering which project to do next, but your pink wool crepe dress inspired me and I think I'll do that next! I can't wait to see how yours turns out!
ReplyDeleteLove the look of the pink fabric and the dress pattern you selected.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I don't blame you for being a little gun shy after wadders! My first project of 2015 was a wadder! It has been slow going for sewing every since!! I'm just really afraid of cutting into my beautiful fabrics and making a huge mistake! And since I really don't like making muslins because they take double the time...I may have no choice but to start taking the extra time to make the muslin. Either way, I pray that your pink crepe dress turns out exactly as you want it!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Carolyn and welcome back. Looking forward to seeing some wonderful things from you this year.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
So glad to see that you are back, really missed your posts. I have some Silk Tweed i want make a casual jacket and skirt, but i'm paralyzed.... I don't have a TNT so I decided to take Joi Mahon Craftsy class for fitting and maybe that will help, I sure hope so. Most of the garment stores turned to quilting and I got caught up in that. Now I'm trying to get back up to speed in sewing garments again, man oh man, I have really gotten rusty.(LOL)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back.