Here's the dress pattern I wrote about that I thought had received an unfair bad reputation. It's Vogue 1056, which I bought because I loved the interesting neckline. I decided to add 3 inches to the bottom and make the sleeves 1.5 inches longer. And I was so sure this was going to turn out beautifully, I didn't bother with a muslin. (Well, I guess I just about never bother with a muslin, to be honest.)
In reality, it turned out looking like this. I really don't know what I did wrong. The fabric is a stable matte jersey, but the neckline looks baggy and stretched out. I let it out here, took it in there. Nothing was working! (I hesitate to give this a bad review. It has been made without such droopy results. If you are interested in making this, I recommend a muslin to get the perfect fit before you cut into and ruin your fabric.)
Not to be defeated, and because I loved this fabric and kept it lovingly in my stash for over 3 years, I decided to comb through my pattern stash to see if anything I had might work for the remains.
Ta da! Turns out I love this pattern! It's just a simple knit skirt with an elastic waist, but with the folded over waistband, it doesn't look like an elastic-waisted garment. And because there's three layers of knit at the waistband, shirts with buttons can easily be tucked into it without showing through.
(That's my yellow Jasmine on the deck railing- a spring bloomer - putting on flowers in the middle of December! Crazy plant.)
Here at the inside you can see the elastic casing. I probably should have used french seams to encase this scratchy glittered fabric, but I thought it might be too bulky, and was scared to ruin the last little bit of my fabric. I zigzagged the waist seam allowance down. This is visible on the right side, but not with the folded-over waistband.
This is not what I was intending to make, but I'm happy to have saved some of the fabric and make a wearable garment from it. I also learned that I love this pattern and plan to use it a few more times.
***Edited to add that in order to have enough fabric for the skirt, I had to cut up the dress. So fixing it isn't an option at this point. :)
Too bad about the dress. I love the skirt and the idea behind the pattern.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...is there a way to narrow up the shoulders? Because other than the wrinkles on the shoulders, I'd wear it. OK, I'd probably wear it anyway, but your are a bit (or a lot) more fashion conscious than I am. I bet someone on PR or SewForum could help you take in those shoulders and make it wearable. Cute skirt too! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo, do you now agree with the others that there is a problem with the pattern?
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is really cute. Glad you were able to figure out a way to save the fabric!
The skirt is super-cute. I love the fabric and the style really suits you. I think you did the right thing to cannibal-ize the dress and move onto to something new. You now have a super skirt and nothing to regret.
ReplyDeleteGreat save and fab skirt. I've never seen this skirt pattern before. I must investigate. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely skirt!
ReplyDeleteI think the skirt is the perfect match for that fabric. Even though it's not the dress you wanted, you rock for saving the fabric. That is something I tend to fail at!
ReplyDeleteWay to turn a failed project into something really adorable. That skirt is great and perfect for the holidays. I can see why you like that pattern so much!
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice dress but I really love the skirt. I wonder if that pattern is what they call a sleeper? Looks really cute on you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame about the dress - but some garments just aren't meant to be. However in the end it turned out good because that skirt is so lovely, such a great shape,and just beautiful and festive looking in that gorgeous fabric
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame about the red fabric waste, I was thinking about linnen for this type of neck.
ReplyDeleteWe sewers have to be flexible enough to change directions mid-stream. Very cute skirt!
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the dress, I agree it looks promising. Oh well, the skirt is really lovely!
ReplyDeleteSorry the dress didn't work out. Great save on the fabric and perfect for that pattern - the skirt looks great.
ReplyDeleteI was one who reviewed this dress pattern on PR. It is a bad draft, but luckily I did make a muslin. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to get a cute skirt out of your fabric.
Your skirt inspired me to make one, too.
ReplyDeleteSee it here. I linked to your blog, too.