Well, one of the most important pieces of information that you will find on any pattern is the suggested fabric. Even when you have this information you can make a misstep when it comes to selecting the right fabric. Sometimes the results are disastrous, others it is just a different spin on the original pattern. Well, I recently experience this when I made the Bridgetown Dress by Sew House Seven. The pattern called for knit or woven fabric with a good drape. Well, when I saw this pattern, I knew just the perfect fabric for this project. A beautiful medium weight floral knit. I thought that it would hang beautifully in the back while still being structured enough for my style taste. Pattern Review Fabric Choice: Medium weight floral knit Fabric Source: Metro Textile, New York Garment District Pattern Instructions: Instructions are clear and easy to follow. There is no guessing. It is definitely a pattern that a beginner would be successful in creating. And any level sewist would enjoy making. Garment Construction: The garment works up fast. The construction is basic not requiring any special techniques/skills. I think one of the best parts of the construction is of the sleeves. Why? If you are anything like me, you are a bit impatient at the end of making something. You are so close to being finished and then you have to wait a little longer for those hems. Not the case with this pattern. The construction of the sleeves allow them to be finished with no need for hemming. I did have to switch between single needle and double needle at different parts of the instructions. I could have set up another machine with the double needle to reduce the time to switch. But not a huge deal. I did not only use the serger as it was my first time making the dress and not totally sure about sizing. Sizing: The sizing was perfect. Initially, when I was putting the bodice and the skirt together, I was concerned with the size. I thought the dress was going to be too big. Not the case. Once the elastic was in the sizing was perfect. Fit: I plan to add a belt the next time that I wear. I think that the belt will help to give a little more defined waist. Nothing with the dress design just my personal preference. I couldn't find a wide belt that I liked. I think that I will have to make me one. Maybe I will do a post about the belt construction. Adjustments: No major adjustments needed. The only thing that I changed was the shortening the amount of hem for the skirt. Next time, I would lengthen to hit below my knees and/or try a maxi length in a woven fabric. Tips: Make sure that you pay attention to the seam allowance. They are either 3/8" or 5/8" at different points in the instructions. I failed to do so and out came the seam ripper. Nothing huge but no one wants to be slowed down. Would I it make again? Yes, I plan to make another in a different fabric to see the difference in drape. I plan to make more due to the ease of construction, the fact that it is a quick make, and is versatile. Great pattern! Back to the start of this post, let’s talk about how fit is affected by fabric choice. The dress is designed to have the back cross and drape loosely below where the back band of your bra would lie. My dress back did not fit as loosely as picture for the pattern. In fact, I can choose whether to wear the cross bodice in the front or the back where it is intended to go. Both look good. I do plan to wear with a wide belt. But it could easily be worn without just a style choice. This view is of the dress turn around with cross bodice in the front. What is one of your fabric mishaps? How did it turnout? Share your comments. I
would love to hear.
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I completed McCalls 9717 view A during the summer of 2015. The pattern is from 1969. It was my first attempt at using a vintage pattern. It was a positive experience from start to finish. It was quite successful and I learned/practiced a new skill: v-neck construction. The pattern was easy to follow. Not what I expected and very pleasantly surprised. I would encourage less experience sewist to give vintage patterns a try. Yes, there are some that are definitely more complex but there are some that are basic such as this one.Not quite sure why I haven't used another vintage pattern. I actually did not realize it had been as long as it has been until I was looking back at pictures for this post. Well things are about to change. This year #sewbusy2017 I will for the first time participate in the #Vintagepledge2017 hosted by Stitch Odyssey. This is the fourth year for the #vintagepledge. It is a no pressure pledge to use vintage patterns that are over 20 years old. Your pledge can be specific or flexible. Check out the full details at Stitch Odyssey and take a trip back in time. My #VintagePledge: During 2017, I, Jobena, pledge to sew at least 6 vintage patterns from vintage pattern stash. I've narrowed my choices down to 45 from my vintage pattern collection. Eek, I just can't help myself when it comes to patterns and fabric. There are a few front runners. The first two patterns that I will give a go are Simplicity 7342 (1967) and Butterick 3895. Favorite Fashion Eras
I love the 20's, 50s and 60s. The majority of the patterns in my vintage pattern collection are from the 60s with only a few from the 50s an 70s. When I think of 20s fashion, I think of Elegance with the use of expensive fabrics and elaborate details; Edgey with the shimmer and beads of flapper style. And we can't forget the hats and scarves. I have to say that I am a sucker for a great hat, would love to own a cloche style hat. Gabby Young of Gabberdashery rocked a cloche style hat for her photos in her Film Noir inspired Moneta dress. If 20s style makes you smile check out Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries for 20s inspiration. I think you will enjoy and not just for the fashion. The different episodes have great storylines, excellent characters, great casting, and of course the fashion is out of this world. The fashion brings the characters and their stories to life. Do you have a favorite fashion era? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment. Thank you again for visiting Sew Stitchin' Jobena. Until next time, Sew Stitchin' Jobena |
Hello, I am Jobena, a hummingbird by nature. Learning and creating through sewing, photography and travel.
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