I can't even find the pattern to tell you which one it is other than it was a Butterick. This pattern and I struggled from the very beginning. Here's a list of what I learned and mistakes not to be repeated!
- When you are cutting a pieced bodice on a single layer of fabric make sure you cut your pieces, including facings, in the correct direction so you can sew them together. ( I had to recut the facings twice)
- Always do a fitting with tissue or muslin, measure the pieces, do something! Especially if your fabric is sentimental. ( I later found Gertie's post which has a great checklist for fitting vintage patterns)
- Sometimes you need to ignore the bust darts and do your own thing! (Those were totally, terribly wrong and that part wasn’t my fault. It was a wild time getting those buggers adjusted.)
- When you get stuck, ask for advice! (Amongst the great tips I got in my desperate cry for help on WeSewRetro, I was reminded that clothing has changed over the years and our ideas of comfort and ease are different. This helped me with the final decisions I made with this dress.)
- Don’t give up! (Even when you sew the left front on backwards and upside down and try to attach the midriff band upside down. Maybe one of my points should be, pay more attention to the directions?)
Since I was on a deadline I kept plugging away and got it finished! I even added pockets!
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| I love my little helper! |
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| Exposed zipper to give me all the back ease possible. |
While it’s not a dress to wear for heavy lifting or cleaning it was perfect and cool to take on vacation which is where I wanted to wear it anyway! I feel kind of regal in it. It definitely makes me stand tall, feel tall, and beautiful.
How about you? Do you have any sewing horror stories? Have you ever almost ruined special fabric? How did you decide to use it?
I hope this encourages you to keep on with your vintage sewing adventures, with a little patience we can still turn out some wearable garments!
