The flounce dress, Simplicity 1872

I also call it my purple brick dress because the material looked like purple bricks to me. I had read that the pattern is big so I cut a 10. And even at the end, it was big. But I think if I would have cut an 8 I may not have been able to get it over my shoulders. I sewed View B, the sleeves version of the dress.

This dress was really easy to understand and sew. I cranked it out in no time. I did use my serger to finish the flounces. But even with the belt it was too big. I then sewed in some elastic to pull the dress in.

Here's my end dress! See I can sew! Take that shorts! ;p

Realistically the belt is worthless and looks like it is missing something so I added a belt. I actually went through a variety of colors, the tan looked the best in my opinion. 

This dress is fun and was super easy to sew. Even easier b/c I had a serger. It was a bit low in the front so I had to wear something underneath just b/c I don't feel comfortable at certain occasions. I would probably make it again maybe with the sleeves option. I would love to do this in a fun bright color b/c that is more of my style. I just had this fabric in my stash and I wanted to practice using it. Yay I have been on a sewing bing so more sewing is coming your way!

xoxoxo,
Lauren

Iron Craft '13 #2- Orange...

This week's Iron Craft is Orange. Yes orange. Out of all the colors we could pick they picked a project with orange and not something I had any ideas for the works. Actually I just completely an orange sweater refashion prior to the release of the project details. I cursed. So I had to come up with something. I searched my craft stuff for orange, what did I have? I found orange polyester, a sherbet chiffon, and orange embroidery floss. Thinking about my options I went for the orange polyester. I had delusional dreams of making a fun bright dress that I could accessorize with fun colors. 

I chose McCalls Pattern M6460. I had enough fabric and thought I would try my hand at turning this into a semi-fitted dress. I cut a 12 and decided to do a smaller seam allowed which lead me to problems later on....

I made view B here with the long sleeves.

Here we go! Cut the fabric!

Here is some pictures in action while I was sewing. yes I added a bright yellow zipper. I thought it would be fun. Plus I had it on hand, it was a gift from another sewer. It was not hard to sew but some of the instructions seemed unclear to me. Like putting in the zipper on the dress. And the binding for the top of the dress.

This where I went wrong. Because I sewed a smaller seam allowance for the dress (1/4 inch in most parts instead of 5/8 inch which I occasionally do) The issue that then developed was since the neckline of the dress is part of sleeves, front and back the change in seam allowance meant I needed a longer piece of binding. Then I had issues with the instructions and how to sew it to the neckline. Since I began having issues with this dress, I kept it my wonky way...

Then at the end the brightness of the dress I needed to shorten it to add some life to it. So I cut off a bunch of inches. Here is my end dress...

 I promise you the zipper is not crooked! 

Clearly I have some fit issues. It definitely needs some tailoring for my particular body shape. And the neckline has some major issues. This is why I blog, I am not afraid to show semi success which is this dress. A big issue with this dress is it is made out of a thick polyester. Had I opted for another fabric I may like it better. Also wow it is orange. The pictures give it a tinge of red to it but don't be fooled it is orange. I know now for the future endeavors I must watch for the necklines and bindings b/c it really changes the way the dress looks in the end. The pattern is truly not hard to sew so that is a plus. Will I wear it out? Hmm good question.... polyester is not the best fabric for bare skin. Sort of itchy but not.... I also thought I could maybe turn it into a halloween costume but couldn't come up with anything immediately. I may give this dress away. I don't know if I could exactly sew this pattern again. I will have to see, I have so many patterns. Maybe if the right fabric comes my way. Let's see what the year brings. :)

On to the next iron craft challenge! Glad orange is out of the way :)

xoxoxo,
Lauren

The Navy Blue Swag dress

Not going to lie when I say making this was slightly painful. This was my first time sewing a butterick pattern and I feel that at times it was hard to discern certain steps. Additionally, different terminology was used then what I was used to in previous patterns I have sewn. I am not saying I am awesome at following patterns, which I am not, but I have sewn with simplicity and McCalls patterns and had little problems following along. This one I just got confused. And it is labeled as easy! EASY!

First of all, I used a new Butterick pattern for a cute dress with draping on the front both top and bottom. I had this stretchy navy blue and wild flowers material that I was inspired in my stash for a long time. Then I saw this pattern and I knew exactly the material I wanted to use!

I don't have any pictures during this sewing escapade. Mostly b/c I was really confused and just wanted to make it through the pattern! I also cut the lining of the skirt wrong (not parallel to the selvage) and had to toss the lining for the skirt. the top has lining. But the fabric is not see through so it is not a big deal. Let's see it took an entire day just to do the bodice. There was lots of tucks and odd sewing order, which is why I probably had problems. Also stretchy material, I am probably insane to sew this pattern. I think it worked out well, I cut for the size beneath where I should be.. my chest is 35 so I am technically between sizes so I cut a 12 instead of a 14 (which is 36 inches). This dress was also not form fitting either plus the stretch meant I had some leeway room.. Wound up being not much b/c I had to hem some off b/c with the stretch the back part with the zipper was slightly askew. So I just made it with this dress. Here is the end product.

Yes the material is wild. But I think it works well with the pattern. The dress actually looks good in the end. It fits just perfect. I don't have to alter it to fit. And I sewed an invisible zipper with stretchy material. That is the part I am most proud of the back looks great! My secret for the zipper was fusible interfacing. My dress could almmost pass for something that was purchased in the store. Almost... I am not a fan of the bottom hem.

Will I make this dress again? Probably not anytime soon since I have so many other patterns. Would I recommend it to a friend. Only if they have experience sewing with patterns and understand the terms. I had to look up understitching on youtube to understand what to do with the pattern. Thank you youtube! But this is not for the newbies even if it says easy!!! I really hate to know what their hard or advanced is...

More posts are a-coming! :)

XOXOXOXO,
Lauren