Friends, as I stitch my way through my last #vintagepledge of the year, I feel strangely liberated. I originally planned on finishing my gorgeous Simplicity 4147 in time for a party on 12 December, but the date came and went without me getting further than a bodice muslin. I then figured I could make it for Christmas Day, but I've been so busy lately that it's more likely to be done in time for New Year's Eve. Then again, it may not be. And I'm not at all bothered, because I'm just enjoying the process, content in the knowledge that it'll be worth the wait. It feels so good to be rid of my self-imposed deadlines!
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a progress post with you, as Simplicity 4147 has some lovely design details, typically associated with vintage patterns and what often makes them so desireable. I apologise in the advance that the photography isn't up to scratch - I blame Winter gloom and my indecision in choosing editing software for my new laptop.
Anyway, when I first cut out Simplicity 4147 I was left scratching my head about constructing the bodice. How on earth are you supposed to stitch a right angle to a curve?! The answer came in the shape of a bias-cut square.
You slit the centre front/back pieces up to the armhole then you sew on a square, matching its centre to the tip of the armhole slit.
After carefully trimming, you turn the square to the wrong side and press it neatly, revealing a much gentler curve in place of the right angle.
You then slit the tip of your side bodice piece up to the seam allowance, which allows you to magically fit it to the front/back bodice with some careful manoeuvring.
I won't lie and say it was easy or that the seam-ripper wasn't deployed numerous time...after all, I had to repeat the process four times! But, the result was worth it I think.
So, slow and steady progress...which is probably wise when using this beautiful jacquard fabric from Weaver Dee. Pssst, did you know you can get 10% at Weaver Dee using STITCH10? You're welcome :o)
How are you getting on with your #vintagepledge? Have you entered our awesome end of year competition yet?
Also, congratulations to the winner of my Miss Ginger's fabric giveaway, Frankie Carson! Frankie, I'll be in touch soon for your postal address...
Also, congratulations to the winner of my Miss Ginger's fabric giveaway, Frankie Carson! Frankie, I'll be in touch soon for your postal address...
Your dress fabric is lovely. I can see how useful the square would be in strengthening those points but I would have been having kittens slitting the pieces. It looks fab though. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you! It wasn't easy by far, but worth it :o)
DeleteThat fabric is gorgeous. I love all your vintage makes and this looks like it's going to be sensational when finished. Take your time, this looks like a real labour of love project.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much and yes, patience is crucial for this make!
DeleteWow, what interesting construction! I love the fabric, too, that's going to be stunning when you finish. I *think* I'm finished with #vintagepledge makes this year (though I still have those two blouses to photograph if we ever get sun again!). I'm going to try and squeeze in a Christmas dress in flannel but unlikely I'll use a vintage pattern just so I can rely on an old faithful to bang it out quickly... but I might still get the bug to do it! ;)
ReplyDeleteTasha my dear, your #vintagepledge Xmas dress turned out adorable...just your two blouses to share with us now :o)
DeleteWow, that's gorgeous! I love the technical detail in this post, it's definitely good to see how other seamstresses improve on patterns with good technique.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kira, glad you found it interesting. I can't take the credit for the idea though, as this is what the pattern tells you to do...haha!
DeleteWhat fabulous fabric, I'm really looking forward to seeing the end result.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteBeautiful construction! That technique is a new one on me, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI did that little trick when I made my Minerva meet up dress but mine was a lined bodice and I had to get a sewing friend involved to work out how to sew it and turn it the right way out - it had me baffled for days! Beautiful festive fabric. Jo x
ReplyDeleteCrickey! I was actually thinking how lucky I was that the bodice isn't lined! Well done for figuring yours out...it was a stunning dress you made!
DeleteGenius trick!! Im blown away!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Christina! The pattern called for this trick, so not my idea, but I'm pleased I managed to figure it all out :o)
DeleteWhat in the world?! That's crazy-- thanks for sharing photos of this technique!
ReplyDelete