Tuesday 28 June 2016

My longest ever work-in-progress

Hi there stitchers, It's been hard to get enthusiastic about sewing post Brexit- referendum. I even bought some fabric on the day of the result in an attempt to cheer myself up - it's still languishing in the bag, not even photographed for IG. Very unlike me!  I do have a finished make, though, so felt I would share.


As the title indicates, this dress has been my longest ever WIP. I almost finished the dress last Autumn, but abandoned it to the naughty corner upon realising the fit was rubbish!  Then, recently I took in a centimetre off either side of the front panel, and reduced the length of the shoulder straps by 1.5 cm.

I still think the fit is pretty awful, which is sad as I haven't had a make I have been unhappy with for a while now. I have got used to my makes working, therefore everything that is wrong with this dress jumps out at me each time I put it on.


My husband assures me it still looks pretty, and I will wear it as the print is beautiful.  The fabric by the way is from the Fabric Godmother and was bought at Josie's first open day last year. It is so light and swishy, so I do feel rather glam in it.  I am sure I will learn to love it over the summer.


The pattern is a vintage one, lent to me by the lovely Kerry from Kestral Makes. I can finally return it Kerry, thank you. I love the style lines and aesthetically this is just what I love and want from a dress. I have bought a similar pattern recently, so I haven't finished with this style of pinafore yet.


So, all in all, not a 100% positive post, sorry about that.  But onwards and upwards. I have recently started a course in rag rug making and I will post my progress soon.  Until then, adieu.

24 comments:

  1. The dress looks lovely, but I can understand how you feel - sometimes we are just too close to a project and can only see it's flaws. But really, the dress is quite beautiful, and I would wear and enjoy, especially as you like the fabric. Sorry to hear about all your woes in the U.K.

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    1. Thanks Sarah Liz, now its made I am going to ignore the faults and just wear it. Most people wont see the flaws.

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    1. thanks I love it too. It is rather pretty.

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  3. I didn't notice anything about the fit because the print is so lovely! Those colours suit you. Glad you're going to wear it.

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    1. Thanks will definitely wear it, its perfect for really hot days.

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  4. I think it looks lovely, I hope you get some sunshineto wear it in. I know what you mean about post-brexit.

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    1. Its too depressing, what is happening to our country? My friend witnessed a racist attack on young foreign Language Students yesterday! Its beyond belief.

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  5. Well at least it's out of the WIP pile even if you're not loving it! We've been feeling pretty flat since the referendum too, these are very uncertain times we are living in right now :( I also may have ordered a small pile of fabric to 'help the economy'!

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    1. I have helped the economy that way too!!! And a week on I am feeling happier about this dress and pleased its wearable.

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  6. You learn so much from going back to projects. I have a dress that I class as finished but really I know it is too tight under the armpits - my MeMadeMay challenge was so good at making me revisit things. Sling it on a few times and then go back to it another time, it really is worth doing with fabric like that. Jo x

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    1. You are so right I recently let the seam allowance out on two dresses and ive worn them heaps again. So satisfying.

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  7. I think it looks great on you. The fabric makes it so special it would be a pity if you didn't wear it as often as you can. I wish I looked as good in my makes.

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    1. Ah thank you very much, you'll be please to know Ive worn it twice now. And feeling much friendlier towards it as its so swishy.

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  8. I think it's lovely. However if you made it again you might be happier if you made the bodice a bit more fitted. It looks great as it is, though. Perfect combination of fun fabric with an elegant style.

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    1. Thank you. I have put notes in with the traced pattern so I'll know how to alter it should I make another.

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  9. The dress does look lovely. I would give it a couple of wears before you decide. It's annoying when something doesn't turn out as you envisioned, but sometimes you get over the stuff that originally bugged you.

    The leave vote was hugely disappointing, wasn't it? I feel like I don't know what to think about anything right now.

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    1. Must be worse for you in scotland where you voted in so strongly. My constituency voted leave! Boo hiss. Feeling more positive about it now though. Worn it twice now and its definitely growing on me.

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  10. The dress looks lovely on you. Perhaps you need some time away from it as the flaws will seem less obvious after a week. If it still feels wrong then it's certainly worth salvaging the fabric to make a twirly skirt. That print is too cool not to wear.

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    1. Thanks, wore it yesterday and felt really happy and elegant in it.

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  11. It's a shame when things don't work out how you'd hoped, isn't it? I hope that you grow to love this dress more as you wear it though!

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  12. What gorgeous fabric Louise! I, sorry the fit isn't as you would like, maybe your perception is being affected by the referendum result too?! I hope you do keep wearing it as it looks lovely on.

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    1. Ha ha! maybe you are right as I am slowly cheering up and feeling rosier towards the dress too!

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