mercredi 23 mai 2012

Dots, dots, dots

Yes, as the title says, I like dots. But I have to admit I didn't know it until I read so many posts on so many blogs, where polka dots are one of the trends of the year - but the only one for me, I don't really like the other trends.

Another trend I like: vintage outfits. In particular vintage dresses. I find them more flattering than shapeless clothes one can find in shops. Put these 2 trends together, and this is a big YES !!!

As a result, I only bought fabrics with dots this year. Well, it's not only because I only want dots, but I also have a large stash, and each time I see a nice fabric in a shop, I realize I already have something better, or sometimes I already have it. So, here are the fabrics I couldn't resist:

Red with white dots

Dark brown with white dots





Black with white dots


I wasn't alone when I bought the red and brown fabrics. And as a joke, we imagined we could make a vintage dress with one of them for the World Wide Knit In Public Day which is the 9th of June in Rennes. This could be funny, and a could way to be visible, if we could wear such a dress in public ! At least, this would be different from usual blue jean or black pants we usually wear. So I took this idea as a serious challenge. Maybe I'm the only one, but anyway this is a good way to avoid adding some new fabric to my large stash !

The fabric was bought on Monday, I started to draw the pattern on Friday, and here is the result !


The basic pattern is Vogue 8470 - yes, same pattern as the dress not finished yet ! Finally, I made so many alterations that it's hard to recognize the basic pattern, and it makes it much easier to do !!!


For the bodice, I continued the neckline until it reaches the middle front, to avoid this additional pieces that make the dress so complicated to sew. I kept the alterations I had already done for the bust height and midriff height.


The main problem I had with Vogue 8470 is that the length of the skirt is not the same in the middle and on side seams. I don't know why, maybe because I altered the midriff ? Anyway, to avoid this problem again, I used a full circle skirt, which was a very good idea finally !


For the back, I tried to match dots. Even with my very visible zipper, it's not too bad.


For the skirt, I couldn't do the same. I hope this is not too visible. As a solution: either I keep moving or I have to sit down, so that people can't see the back of the skirt.

I really like the final result. Before I do it, I was a little scared the result is just a big red shape. But the dress is very comfortable and very flattering - yes, even with my size ! I hope the weather will be nice for the Knit In Public Day !

Compared to the previous fabric I used for Vogue 8470, it was so pleasant and fast to make this dress that I was really inspired for the brown fabric. So here it is on my cutting table to make view F of Vogue 8555.



But soon I realized that my table was not totally free:



It seems that M Bijou likes hiding under this fabric. I knew I likes sleeping on it, as I had to take him away from the fabric several times as I was sewing the red dress.



But hiding is so funny ! Why moving ???


Yes, this is the main problem due to the fact I have to work in the living room.

mardi 8 mai 2012

Vogue 8470 - Chapter 2

This week, the weather keeps changing almost every hour. After a nice sunny and warm moment with bees in the garden, the sky turns to grey and then rain falls. Not very easy to set a priority for the coat and the dress. But this way I could afford time to both projects. And both projects are at the same final step !

For Vogue 8470, I slightly modified the sewing steps. As I don't use lining for the skirt, and my zipper is not invisible at all, I prefered sewing the skirt to the midriff before finishing the bodice, in particular before sewing bodice side seams.


Now, I just have to finish the armholes, stitch the lining to the waist and back seams, and sew the hem.


I think the most difficult steps are done. Anyway, I can already confirm that every review I've read about this pattern is true:

1 - You have to read carefully the instructions, several times if needed, and do not try to guess anything. By default, one would probably do a different way, and this is probably possible. But if you start ignoring the instructions, do it until the dress is finished ! I think it's almost impossible to start sewing the dress without the instructions and then use them for some latter steps.

2 - I am glad I am using a very light fabric. There are so many layers at the same point in center front, I'm not sure my sewing machine would accept a thicker fabric.

3 - This pattern is not really made for beginners. Even though the instructions are complete, I guess the number of layers for the bodice plus lining can be a source of discouraging mistakes.

Now, the most difficult step still remaining is the hem. Before I sew he side seams, it seemed that the skirt was longer at center (front and back) than it is on side seams. By now I haven't tried the dress with the side seams sewn, I hope this was just an optical illusion. Otherwise, with the lightweight and fluidity of the fabric, and the flare of the skirt, I guess it will be quite difficult to adjust the hem !

Now let's talk about the rain coat, which is now composed of 2 pieces: the coat and the lining.


For the coat, nothing special to say. I didn't follow the instructions as conscientiously as I did for Vogue 8470. So I cannot report whether they are clear and complete or not.




For the lining, I used a very pretty printed cotton with little flowers. Too hard not to run to the shop and take some more fabric for other projects ! Here again, I didn't really read the instructions. I added an ease pleat in center back, as I've always done.


Now, I only have to sew the lining to the coat and finish hems. For these steps, I think I'll have to follow the instructions. I know there is a special tip that makes it easy, but there's a long time since I made a coat or a lined jacket, and I don't remember this tip...