This may be the most ill-conceived, confused sewing project I've ever done. I'm not sure I'm making this dress for the right reasons. I like the pattern but, I'm not in love with the fabric I'm using -- an eggshell colored linen blend from Fabric.com. I love working with linen and linen blends so it is not the fabric, but the color I don't like. I don't usually buy fabric without seeing and touching it first. But, I took a chance and bought this fabric sight unseen. When I ordered it, my intention was to make a blouse. When it arrived, I realized it's a more appropriate weight for a dress. If I use fabric I'm unsure about on a pattern I am sure about, the pattern may trump the fabric and I may end up liking the finished garment. (See what I mean about confused?) Since I don't really like the fabric, I won't be really upset if this dress doesn't work out. I'm treating it like a test garment. I made the pattern changes I should have made in BWOF 05/05 #133. (By the way, I ended up giving that dress to my sister) Even if this dress is failure, at least I'll have it traced for the next time when I have fabric a really like.Working on this dress is truly "sewing therapy". I'm dealing with the stress and emotions of sending my only child going off to college. I'm dealing with the the aftermath of the break in. If I were a painter, my canvases would be a little scary about now. It's a good thing my creative outlet is sewing and the worst thing I can create is a non-flattering, poorly fitting dress.
Elaray, the dress is such a cute one, I hope it turns out to be one you like. Is the fabric one you could dye? Hope sewing brings you peace and calmness.
ReplyDeleteI am sending one (#2 dd) to college in less than a month.
Elaray, when I read "sending my only child off to college," I started to tear up. Especially since you are sending off a daughter. I will be right in your place in two years and I get weepy thinking about it now! So, yeah, this is a tough time for you. My thoughts are with you. And good luck with the dress.
ReplyDeleteFrom your description of the fabric, I think you've found a good pattern for it. I can't wait to see the finished dress.
ReplyDeleteIt is so unsettling when your home is broken into and your only child is getting for college. So, it's especially helpful to have sewing as something that not only keeps your mind occupied with creativity but that also gives you something wearable.
This is a very pretty pattern. If you do not love the fabric color, you may like it a little better if you add some kind of trim to the collar, or even a contrasting collar with matching buttons? I know you'll do something good with it!
ReplyDeleteI like the style of this dress as well and hope the color compliments it.
ReplyDeleteMy only daughter chose to go to attend college in the city. But there has been times when she has traveled for a week or two. My heart goes out to you. It can be hard living without them.
I am stepping out of lurkdom to say I really enjoy reading your posts, they are full of philosophical, (sometimes wry or ironic) good humour. You appear to be one of life's "good" people who doesn't deserve to have bad things happen, so my prayers and good wishes go out to you. I hope this manifests itself quickly in the form of a successful "favourite new dress" in the eggshell linen; pattern and fabric do seem well suited to each other. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIf this is a blend with rayon in it there is no reason why you can't dye it a color you do like. However, the polyester thread won't dye, so if you've already cut and sewn it, you'd need to dye it a color that would look good with any topstitching you do. i really like this dress and it should look really good on you.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous pattern! Even if your current iteration ends up being a muslin, I think you'll be pleased that you have this pattern in your back pocket. Glad to hear you are recovering from your break in! What a terrible feeling to be invaded.
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