Hello!
I've been reading along for quite a while, but finally decided to join the group so i can share my most recent sewing adventure with other retro fans.
My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was in middle school. She was an amazing seamstress, but i never really progressed beyond the basics. I made myself a lot of shorts and easy skirts in high school. I made a dress for a semi-formal dance in college, but that was a big sizing disaster. This is the most complicated thing i've evern sewn. These days I still quilt, but really want to start sewing more clothes for myself.
I had 3 fancy events to go to in one week, so i wanted a nice new dress. My friend and I dared ourselves to sew our own dresses in the week between christmas & new year's eve. ack! The pattern is Butterick 4919, the fabric is a silvery/purple cross-weavey thing. Faux silk that is silver in one light and shimmers purple when the angle changes. I was afraid it would be very slippery to sew, but luckily it wasn't. I put the 'wrong side' of the fabric out on the back so the wraps would be in a contrast color to the front of the dress. (easier seen when photos is taken with flash.)
I found the pattern instructions easy to follow, until i needed to join the bodice to skirt. Then I was lost. I hadn't realized from the drawings the way the wrap is constructed - no side seams! Once this was worked that out, it wasn't very complicated to finish. There are no darts designed in the front of the bodice, so i had to add some to allow for my chestiness. I was initially wary of the shape of the dress since i don't have that 50's silhouette... but I can definitely say the weird construction makes it really flattering for a variety of body shapes! I cut the crinoline out of a thrift store bridesmaid dress to wear underneath and give the skirt a little more body.
The good news is, we both finished our dresses! (I am so incredibly impressed with myself, i'm not sure my friends truly appreciate the accomplishment. hehe.) I probably would have never finished it if she weren't helping me pin and fit. I learned a ton of new sewing techniques, and am eager to dig through my patterns and start something new!
- Dharia