Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Peacock Saltspring


There was a sew along hosted recently by Caroline for the Saltspring Dress. Because my first version gets so much wear, I figured that I would make the shorter version.



Due to me also sewing a pair of Thurlow shorts (pictures to come at a later date), I finished the dress late. Better late than never.


I've had this version planned in my head ever since I finished the first one and realized the zipper was unnecessary for me. The back of this dress is draped and slightly open with a "peacock" chain closure.


The results are awesome (minus the grommets, I need to redo them. I think I have found my sewing achilles heel).


In order to achieve this style of back, I eliminated the back lining. Instead, I created a smaller facing piece.


I also cut the back skirt on a fold instead of separately. It's superfluous to have two pieces if I'm not sewing a zipper. To counterbalance the weight of the chain in the bag (I want it to drape, not sag) I added mini pockets to the inside of the front lining. The pockets can be used to place "weights" inside (I used quarters).


From there it's sewn as usual (eliminating the zipper steps) and insert to grommets in the top. The chain was created with two jewelry closures, a large chain, and a pretty beaded peacock. The best part of this is that the closure can be removed before the dress is washed.



Also added to the dress, a skirt lining. The fabric was very clingy, so it was needed.


The fabric used was a polyester purchased at a fabric warehouse in Dallas. It's incredibly slippery (even more so than the first dress I made). And so, I have discovered the greatest sewing tool EVER when dealing with slippery fabrics - Spray Starch!!!

BOOM!



Seriously, it's the best stuff ever! Just spray it on and iron before you start cutting, and it makes life so much easier. Then, when you are done sewing, just wash it out. Done! So EASY!


Still love the pattern, and I love this dress. The shorter version, I feel, might be a tad too short. I had to do a baby hem to achieve this length. So if you like a deeper hem, I might add an inch or two to the skirt portion.


Also, I just had to take pictures at the same place as the first Saltspring! ;) And nothing says summer in Texas more than a sundress and cowboy boots!!!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Leggy Dress




I've been seeing a lot of McCall 6744 lately. I was really digging the easy, drapey vibe of the dress so I made my own.


I used a bright knit fabric purchased from the local Joann




   
This dress was cut and finished in under an hour. When I tried it on for the first time, I realized something looked "off" about the dress. I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong until scrutinizing it on the manequin.

I sewed the skirt and shirt parts going the opposite direction. Oops! I could've left it like that since it's a faux wrap anyway, but I couldn't. I ripped the seam out and redid it.

Minus that small hiccup, it was an incredibly easy and quick project. The results were fabulous.

Quick word of advice, if you live or are going somewhere very breezy, please tack down the skirt a little bit. I almost had a wardrobe malfunction in San Francisco.