The neckband is still not attached, the sideseams are only basted and the length is about 3 feet too long. And those ties go on forEVER. I'll stop at this point and put it away for a while to see how I feel later, but at this point I'm not optimistic that the Magic Wardrobe can save this one. And besides, I'm kind of sick of sewing clothes I can't wear around the house. I want to sew tee shirts and capris and cotton skirts. I'm toying with the idea of trying to work the neckline into a vee to see if I like that better, but right now I'm not highly motivated. I do know that I probably should've made the wrap version instead.
A few readers posed questions in the comments about using Power Dry for the waistband "interfacing." I didn't use a fusible because I needed to sew the fashion fabric waist piece to the skirt while still being able to see through it so I could sew perfectly along the top stripe of the border print. A fusible would've made the back side of the waistband opaque. After sewing that seam I made another pass and sewed the Power Dry layer separately, stitching just inside the "real" stitching. I used Power Dry because it was handy, and like one commenter, I have a *ton* of it. On the bright side, I can tell the extra layer really makes a positive difference in how the dress fits and hangs at the waist. Oh, and the fiddly stitching is perfect. Figures. ;-)
In other news, I was offered the job I interviewed for the Monday before last but I'm going to turn it down. I'll stay with the boring and tedious (but great time- and gas-saving commute) at-home job for the summer and set out once more for the real world in late August or so when vacations are winding down and hiring will pick up again. Which means all my new clothes will just gather dust. Meh. Or maybe job hunting will be like boyfriends. When you stop looking, Mr. Right appears. LOL!
Yes, I see what you mean, it looks a bit.. dumpy on you. It's not so much the neck and sleeves, I even like the sleeves. I'd chop it off at the knees myself - I know long is in, but I don't think it works here. Besides, this way you could wear it to work ;-). Just pin it and try it out.
ReplyDeleteI like everything you stitch up including this but that is me. I would hem and finish it off and move on. You might like it more when you are working and sick of everything you are wearing or when the weather cools a bit. I think you should sneak in a hot weather casual capri set as that is what you say you really would like. You might get burned out if you don't get at least a little instant gratification. mssewcrazy
ReplyDeleteHere's my 2¢: Change the sleeve to a more conventional sleeve. The dark best is distracting. Maybe a belt that is more complementary to the dress.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure eventually you will find a way to make it work for you.
I'm an avid reader of your blogs, but I don't usually post. :) Anyway, I like the dress, I just think the length overwhelms you. I like the dress overall, but think cutting a few inches off would do wonders.
ReplyDeleteI really like your dress, and think it just needs to be shortened and hemmed, I think it looks nice....I would take some of the solid dark fabric in the belt and use it around the neckline and sleeve edges, where the boarder ends.
ReplyDeleteI like the sleeves and I like the belt. Maybe a little shorter and you'll like it better. Maybe the Magic Wardrobe will work its magic!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting a job offer. Like dating, it's nice just to be asked, even if you don't want it :)
Hmmm, This is not the best look on you. I think it's mostly the length of the skirt. I actually like the sleeves, though.
ReplyDeleteNow that you're staying home for the rest of the summer, you can make some fun stuff. Go ahead, it'll be good for your sewing mojo!!
I understand that feeling. Putting aside may be the best idea for now.
ReplyDeleteI keep hoping that a new career opportunity would come knocking also. Perhaps I need to stop looking and hopefully the right one will come my way.
I haven't posted before either but I like the dress too. I'm in the group that thinks it would be better shorter, maybe knee length.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone who said the length is overwhelming on you so I'd cut some of that off first. Please don't be offended but I'm not sure about the contrast on the sleeves - I think having it at the waist and at the neckline would be more flattering. I also think they might work better for you if they were a little shorter - maybe an inch or so. Just my $.02 and worth exactly that. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the pattern on the dress above the waist. That is interesting. Didn't you turn that on the bias? The dress looks totally different from the waist up. The pattern on the bottom half just sort of marches along in lines. Visually, it's just too much. From the picture it looks like the lines accentuate your curves because where you curve so do the lines on the dress. That may only be the pictures though. Maybe cutting it off for a top would work.
ReplyDeleteMartha
Hmmm. I just have to say I haven't had success with one of these dresses, either. The last time I made one, I just cut it off at hip length and wore it as a top. But I am not as experienced as you, so it's just another 2 pennies.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever written a post to describe your journey in learning how to fit your patterns? If I recall correctly, you actually haven't been doing this forever- you've gotten good in the last few years.
And I know you use Wild Ginger, right? I'd love to read the story of how you got so good at this.
I agree, chop it off at the knees and shorten the ties. I think that then you may like it. Right now the length is just too long and imo that makes it unbecoming. You are drowning in it! The sleeves might also do for some surgery. Shorter, narrower would look better. The bodice and color are good for you. How tall is the model they fit on anyway? It is really long.
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's my take on the dress. (Like you need another opinion.) I agree that it's too long and the ties are too long. I also think the bodice needs something. It's just flat and boring. I'm thinking that maybe a piece of jewelry to break up the expanse of plain bodice might help. A long large bead necklace that's so much in style now, or a beautiful "statement" necklace that is 20" - 24" long that creates a "V" in front. There's something round about the bodice that needs a vertical line to break it up.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - as you yourself has noted we have similar body types...and I have to admire you 'cause I wouldn't have touched that dress with a ten foot pole! :)
ReplyDeleteThat said, to make it work, I would definitely shorten the sleeves, the hem, get rid of the border on the sleeves and lose almost all of the tie length...to my eyes that's what makes the dress dowdy.
Cutting the top on the bias is the genius in this dress and what gives it the most interest so to me that needs to be played up more somehow! And do you have any more of the border...maybe from those ties...add it to the hemline...again it will give the dress a different look and add more interest.
Please feel free to disregard each and every one of my opinions...cause they are just that! :)
The dress is just too long on you. It makes you look like a fire hydrant, no insult intended. I think turning the sash into a belt would help also, because you wouldn't have the contrasting line running downward and cutting you in half widthwise. The neckline is nice as it is. I'd cut it a little deeper before adding the trim, so it stays as is. then look at the sleeves in a week or 2, and see how you like it, after you make a couple of tees and feel like you've done something for Debbie, instead of for an as-yet-not-taken job-in-an-office!
ReplyDeleteTaking a break from the dress makes a lot of sense to me. It'll give you time to come back to it with a fresh perspective. Have fun sewing have-fun-at-home clothes!
ReplyDeleteI agree about shortening the sleeves-keep them plain.I would lose the dark contrast belt(could use another shade of green)-it's accentuating a wide middle (I know because I'm exactly the same shape as you!).I totally agree with op gal about a piece of jewelry-longish,heavyish.It would take the focus from a wide midsection-lifting the viewer's eyes upward.(Only lately have I been experimenting with this myself.)Not sure about shortening it.I think it looks good as it is.With changes to the top part,the length would work.
ReplyDeleteI like most of the dress. It looks plain in the neckline area; perhaps bring some of the border print in there somehow. Shorten the skirt and tie belt; maybe even make the belts become midriff bands instead.....
ReplyDeleteHope the "magic wardrobe" works out. Love the bias look of the bodice.
I liked the dress--I think shortening the ties a little, hemming and trying it with some of those great shoes would have made a differance. But, alas it is now a good lookin' tee.
ReplyDeleteAbout that "work at home job" : Won't it pay off more than commute time and gas expense when it comes to tax time? You know, DEDUCTIONS... home office space, computer usage and connection, utility bills etc? Not to mention the "office" work clothes you won't need! You could just save them for "occasions"!
Then the doggies will still have their company. Plus, if you are like me, my high school kids would come home "for lunch" when I wasn't there. Lunch turned into either "banquets" everything they could eat or tanning sessions by the pool. Both led to a few tardies! Once I was home again, that doesn't happen! I didn't mind them eating lunch but a whole frozen lasagna that was to be dinner? Uh-uh!
Love the tee the dress morphed into!
Nancy (mrsmoos)