Cahir Castle
On our drive from Wexford to Galway, in addition to stopping for gas and ALL THE SNACKS, we stopped at Cahir Castle. It was not...
Make it sew
I’m going to need something to wear to my Aunt and Uncle’s 50th Wedding Anniversary party. I put on the invitation that it was semi-casual, because I didn’t want anyone to feel they had to wear a suit in the Florida summertime, but as the hostess/MC I feel I should wear something somewhat pretty and photogenic (IE, not my usual paint-splattered blue-jeans/nerd t-shirt combo). I love the 50s/rockabilly style, think it looks good on my body type, and so am on a hunt. I desperately love this one, but can’t find any info on it other than the photo, so am assuming it’s handmade. There’s also this option, and/or this skirt and top combo, and I may go ahead and purchase either one as a backup outfit in case my plan doesn’t work…. because I also bought these:
Yes, both of them contained the words “zipper” and “covered boning” and “buttons” but… how hard can it be? (Famous Last Words.) You just follow the directions, right? And try not to overthink it? And call your sew-savvy friends and cry when you don’t understand something (after, of course, you’ve Googled and You-Tubed the shit out of what you’re trying to understand, first, because that’s the first thing your friends will tell you to do). Besides, if I make it, I can add a pocket – because again, as I’m the hostess and want to be available to the out-of-towners who get lost or stuck in traffic, I’m going to want my phone on me. And we all know girls don’t need pockets, so purchased clothing often doesn’t have any. (Gah.)
So. At the advice of my friend Kim, I’m going to make a muslin mock-up first, rather than jump right in. I have … oh, shit, it’s August already. I have three weeks. I guess if I’m ordering fabric online I should hurry.
I CAN DO THIS.
4 thoughts on “0”
Leave a Reply to Lorena Cancel reply
I'm so proud of you. You've managed to take something awful that happened and used that grief and pain as…
I love that picture of you!
Absolutely <3
Unfurl those sparkling wings!
Elizabeth Moon once told me that brave is what happens while fear is going on. This has proved helpful to…
I honestly don’t think you have enough time. I’m not trying to be negative and I am a slow sewer. I think the idea is fantastic, but I worry you have enough going on to not spend the extra time worrying about sewing a dress. However, if anyone could do it, you would be able to. And probably have several finished in different fabrics just to further cement your awesomeness.
I looked at the first one, and it looks like a drop waist dress, with a 5 panel bodice. The ribbon and trim lacing on the sides looks to be a decorative overlay on the existing seems. The skirt could be between 2-5 panels as well. I can’t tell if there is a short crinoline under the skirt, or if it is stiffly lined. The whole thing may have started out as a sundress pattern.It shouldn’t be too hard to slip on-seam pockets into the skirt.
I love the retro-chick Polka dot dress. Again, you might be able to retro-fit side seam pockets.
OMG! The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang skirt!!!!! All the love! The top would be darling with it.
Remember to check ModCloth as well.
Good luck.
I’ve been reading online reviews and the McCall’s pattern sounds easier than the Simplicity; one reviewer who calls herself a beginning sewer says she whipped it out in six hours. I’ve also read that larger girls are leaving out the boning, so there’s that to think about (or NOT think about!) too. Oh – they’re both lined, too… wait, no, those were different patterns I was looking at before I found these. No lining! And neither call for crinoline but I’m thinking getting some would give the skirt more poof. Maybe I could wear my tutu underneath it, hahahahaha. But I am minutes away from buying that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang skirt (I wish I could tell if those were functional or decorative pockets) just to have a backup plan.
I’m really happy that you are looking at making these even if they end up being worn at another event. I think you have made fantastic choices in patterns, fabrics, and ready made. Should you end up getting a lining for anything, make certain it’s machine washable, and consider cotton batiste if you want something breathable that won’t get too static-y.
I have to love the description “Publicitária, nerd, rocker, gamer, estranha, dramática.” Muy cosmopolitan,
inca joe
(no, that’s a dope dealer name. Unca.)