This is dress No.3 from
the list. I'm super happy with how this turned out, but it was quite fiddly to get neat.
Gosh I really need to pretty up my photo area.
The pattern is
Simplicity 7882 from 1977. The double gauze by Nani Iro is lovely and light, perfect for summer, but I will wear it in winter as pictured, with thick tights plus a cardigan.
Even though I had a size 12 pattern, which is normally close to my size, the bust was quite a bit larger than I needed so I feel like I had to modify it significantly to fit. In doing so, I think I may have slightly changed the shape of the sleeve as on the envelop they look like they drape down more. Maybe mine will drape more after it is washed. The only other changes I made to the pattern was to extend the waist ties, so that they tied at the back rather than the sides and I shortened the skirt.
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The zipper caused me a little frustration yesterday. Initially, I tried to put in an invisible zipper, as that was what I had on hand, but the double gauze kept getting stuck in the teeth. I guess I may have stitched too close to the coil. So I ripped that zipper out. Then I ducked out to the shops and purchased a regular dress zipper and attempted to sew centre lapped zipper as instructed by the pattern, but the fabric kept puckering. Again, I think it's because the fabric is so light. I possibly could have stabilized the area, but choose instead to just hand pick the zipper. This worked out even better than I imagined, as it is now quite discreet. I'm not a fan of centre lapped zippers, but I think hand stitching, makes them better.
I wish I could have aligned the dots a little more, but found the cutting very tight as there were two solid, un-dotted strips along each selvedge which limited my pattern placement.
So that's all for now. I have two more dresses to make, but I'm hoping to achieve a little more than that in my last two weeks of holidays. Happy Sewing!
It's lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnother super cute dress. I really like the length of the sleeves. You're on a bit of a sewing roll, aren't you! I'm struggling to get to my sewing machine this week. Here's hoping I squeeze in some time over the weekend.
ReplyDeletewhat a great dress! this looks so versatile and stylish, i bet you are going to get a lot of wear out it!!! happy sewingxx
ReplyDeleteLovely dress, but given our current cold snap you'll definately need those thick tights and a cozy cardigan! A thin strip of interfacing along the seam edges of the zipper would have helped, I quite often do this on loose woven fabrics and stretch fabrics to prevent any stetching and rippling of fabric along the zipper. But if you've got the patience to hand sew a zip that looks pretty awesome too
ReplyDeleteFound your blog through SewRetro. I'm almost certain I wore a bridesmaids dress made from this same pattern. As I recall it was made from a dark maroon knit fabric and the ties were on the sides of the waist. Funny!
ReplyDeleteI was looking up reviews on this pattern because I just bought it in a lot off ebay. How funny!
ReplyDeleteI love it and it's cuteness but was worrying about the bust area. Looks like I don't have to worry about it though.
I love your dress. Don't you have the pattern on PDF. I started sewing a weeks ago but I don't have idea were to get Simplicity Patterns on my city. I wrote you from a little port in Mexico so if you could help me I will appreciate it. Thank You in advance! :)
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