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Meet my new Fourth of July uniform, let's call her "Forever The Fourth" – Simplicity 3773. I was desperately putting this thing together Wednesday night to wear to a parade on Thursday. There are no zippers, or buttons, and it isn’t lined. I have my zoom zoom so it should easily be done in two hours. Well, that didn’t happen. It ended up we skipped the parade too so I was able to finish it under less-stressful conditions.
You may not be able to tell, but I added piping to the outer edges and facings at the armholes to enclose the seams. I would have piped the pockets too but I ran out. I added 1-1/2” to the shoulder seam to make sure my bra straps would stay hidden. My only problem with fit is the right collar. I pressed it to death to get it to look somewhat acceptable but it really wants to stand away from my body by about ½”. Yea, I can live with that.

Now meet my two most recent waders. Number one I’m calling “How Do You Take Everyone’s Favorite Pattern And Make It Look Bad?” I bought the pattern after seeing it on PR’s top ten list last spring. I bought the fabric from JoAnn’s. Last summer I made a top using a similar fabric. This is a knit fabric with some sort of clear coating stamped on in a print design – but the coating doesn’t melt!? Anyway, I had a fit with the top, my machine hated that fabric. So the pink dress, all cut out and ready to sew, sat in a holding drawer for an entire year. I either needed to dump it or make it and for some unknown reason, when I’m still feeling pressed for sewing time, I decided to sew it. Well, I’m happy to report that my zoom zoom had nooooo problem with the fabric. The big problem is that the fabric has no stretch. Ugh. Even if it looks okay on the picture, it feels horrible! I don’t like the length either! Yuk, it’s already in the donation bag.

And number two, “I Knew It Was Wrong Before I Even Bought The Pattern.” Vogue 8552. I don’t know if I’ll ever outgrow this habit. In my quest to try something new I picked out something that I knew deep down wasn't going to work. But, I refused to listen to my little voice and found some lightweight linen from my stash. I don’t have too many pieces in my stash that are more than two years old, but this was one of them. I didn’t make any changes to the pattern but the detail that really convinced me it wouldn’t look good, was the neckline. It’s too low. The necklace helps but… I think the other disaster factor is the color. Never should have ever purchased fabric that color. This pattern goes in the “it’s just not me” file and the dress joins pinky in the donation bag.

This dress almost didn’t make it. It’s vintage Simplicity, #6499 . I thought it would be so cool to match a boring old shift pattern with a funky print. (I just love all the cotton prints that are out there and am constantly looking for something besides a craft project to make with them.) At first I was looking to the Amy Butler fabrics, but then I found this fabric in my stash. It’s a Michael Miller print that, I think, I bought it a JoAnn’s last year. I didn’t even try to match the pattern in the front because I didn’t have any fabric to spare. The reason it almost didn’t make it was the neckline. I think I used the wrong SA’s, I mean I didn’t sew the same width that I cut. I used to cut every single neckline with a 3/8” SA no matter what the pattern called for. I’m not sure why, but I gotten away from that. Well, I think t’s because I started forgetting to sew them that width. Anyway, if the zipper is open too far the entire collar stands away from my neck. I was going to just remove the collar, but a day came when I was desperately looking for something besides shorts and a t-shirt to wear. I played around with it a bit and decided it would work just fine as it is.




I thought my schedule would slow down a little but I decided to take a class. (Instrument repair – and it is the BEST class I’ve every taken! The first day we completely took a clarinet apart! Yes, we did manage to put them back together and they are playable ;)) One more week of trying to manage all the summer schedules, learn something fun, and do lots of driving (it’s about an hour’s drive one way to my class). Then the real summer sewing will begin :) Happy sewing to all!

Comments

Faye Lewis said…
Love all of your dresses, especially the 4th of July one.
Gail said…
Wow you have been very productive. They are all great!
Marie-NoΓ«lle said…
Dana,
I love the patriotic dress. As far as the grey dress is concerned I think it looks very nice on the picture and you should think twice before donating it.
Dana - a few things...

1. I think you can save the Vogue dress if you want. I would add some kind of colorful bead between the pleats of the neckline...say red. Then I would add a red band to the bottom of the dress...thus saving the dress. Cause I don't think it looks that bad on you.

2. You've caused me to purchase another pattern -S3773. I hadn't seen that one and it comes in a plus size...just what I need for a kewl summer's dress!

3. I love the vintage housedress in the fun and funky print. Can't wait to see what else you make this summer!
I think they all look nice on you, #3 try a brighter color to enhance! Looking forward to seeing more.
I think the Vogue dress is very fashion forward and the sober color counteracts the trendiness of the design, but if you hate it, you hate it. Totally understand that. Your 4th dress is super cute!
Linda L said…
You have been productive. I like that Vogue dress. I like Carolyn's suggestion to add a little pop to it. I think it looks great on you. Maybe because it is different from your norm is the reason you are guestioning it. Also like the 4th July dress as well.
gwensews said…
Maybe you just need a little time for the dresses to grow on you? I love the Forever 4th dress! My husband plays the trumpet--he would love to find an instrument repair class.
Sheila said…
I love all the dresses. My favorites are S3775 and V8552.
Summerset said…
Not too bad, and much better than 0 for 4! I like the 4th of July dress best! I agree with Carolyn about fixing up the grey one - it isn't too bad, but needs a pop of color.
Meg said…
I think you produced some good stuff here. I like the gray one too, perhaps a tad longer?
Lory said…
Love that fourth of july dress, kudos.
Victoria Doe said…
nothing new to say, I just keep trying to leave a comment
Victoria Doe said…
Did Anna make up that name for me? Oh, I remember, it was from her trip to Spain!
Susan said…
I really like the 8552! you can send it to me :)

I made this dress and was also hesitant, but wore it anyway and got tons of compliments. I think it looks great on you!
sue v
lsaspacey said…
I also thought the Vogue looked great on you. Very sassy and flattering. It made me look at that pattern in a whole different light actually. Unfortunately, I thought the last dress made you look older than needed though.