10.7.09

Draping a sundress

Not many of my real, live friends know that I have a blog. One of the reasons is that I don't want to admit to real people that I stand about on a winter's night wrapping myself in fabric and looking in the mirror. However, I'm guessing that if you are reading my blog, then this won't seem like such a strange thing to do.

Last night I needed some sewing therapy, but for various reasons I won't admit, my sewing machine was out of action, so I returned to a project (literally, picked it up off the floor of my sewing room) that I started months ago. One of my sewing frustrations is that fabric that looks fabulous wrapped about me doesn't always look so good when it is made up into clothing. I think it is a fitting thing, but I can get better drape holding fabric then sewing a pattern (same thing for hair...why can't bobby pins do what my fingers can do?). So I thought I would drape a pattern on myself. No mean feat, but those ballet classes are paying off with increased flexibility!

Now did I say that there would be no more hazy-in-the-mirror shots? Bah, humbug!


This is going to be my base pattern for sundresses this coming summer. It is an a-line shift with french darts. I love french darts and use them in most of my self-drafted patterns. It looks pretty plain in muslin, but don't think "plain", think "clean lines". I'm thinking cool, crisp cottons, probably with retro detailing. I might even sew up a strapless version.

I wish I had taken a better photo of the side view before I took all the pins out, because it is hard to tell if the side seam hangs straight. I may use a shaped centre back seam rather than just rely on darts.

3 comments:

Mary Nanna said...

not many of my real life friends know I have a blog either ... and the ones that do, don't read it. sewing? yawn, they couldn't be less interested.

That's the great thing about the blogging community - there's a whole group of people who are equally obsessed about getting the perfect fit with a beautiful finish on a lovely piece of fabric.

Bernice said...

This looks like a nice, cool design. Do you just slip it over your head or does it have an opening? Judging by the comment you left on my blog, it sounds like you've had a busy kid-friendly sewing week. I take it Lucy's new machine must be a real hit! I am intrigued though as to what you've done to your machine.

Gail said...

Me too. Most of my friends are aghast that I sew let alone blog about it. My friends have blogs about social issues, film, theatre, books. Somehow fabric obsession doesn't cut it with them. But I love my secret life!!