Here's my third and final incarnation of Simplicity 2246! It's time to move on to a new shirtdress pattern after this, methinks. This one is really just the bodice with a waistband and gathered dirndl skirt spliced on. Because the buttons no longer extend below the waist, I added a side zipper so I could get in and out of the dress.
This dress took me FOR. EVER. because I had this harebrained idea that I should try to learn a new sewing skill with each project. So, I decided to do topstitching, and do it right! At first I tried threading my needle with two threads, which gave the desired decorative effect, but I could not get the tension to stay even between both threads. After ripping out the same seam three times, I gave up and bought a topstitching needle (basically a size 14, with a larger eye) and topstitching thread (thicker than all-purpose thread).
I also took my time with the finishing details on the inside of the dress. I could almost wear it inside out! All of the seams are flat-felled, with the exception of the sleeve seams and the left bodice seam that has the zipper, which are both serged. (It is possible to flat-fell sleeves to a bodice, but this requires setting in the sleeves before sewing the side seams, and I uh, forgot to do that).
Despite all the extra work, I really did enjoy sewing this dress. It's a pretty classic fabric and style, and I think I'll be able to accessorize it many different ways. The sleeve length and full skirt remind me of the late '50s or early '60s, so it has a bit of the "vintage housedress" feel. With a cardigan, it should be a good transition into fall.
I'm a 31-year-old Christian. My hope is to live a quiet life filled with home and hearth, family and friends, loveliness and simplicity. I'm wife to Douglas (married October 2008) and mother to Edmund (born November 2009), Lavinia (born May 2012), and Rosamund (born February 2014).
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very pretty! you did a great job on the topstitching, I like it better than those professional-made things.
ReplyDeleteI put 2246 on my pattern list. (I keep a memo on my phone just in case I happen upon a 99 cent sale- makes it quick to grab!)
ReplyDeleteThe Chambray looks classic and chic. Good job on learning topstitching, I honestly didn't know there was a special needle/thread. Shame, shame!
~Shannon (blog hopping)
It's lovely! Can't believe you just had a baby - you look so trim. : ) Your blog is such a peaceful, relaxing place. And this shirtwaist dress is a great addition to it.
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing!
Katrina
Hi Laura
ReplyDeleteLove your dress! Shirtwaist dresses are my favorite, I never
get tired of them. Question, where did you purchase the topstitching needle? I always browse through at Joanns at all
the sewing items, and I haven't come across it.
Thanks!
Emily
Emily, I actually bought my package of Schmetz topstitching needles at a local quilting store. I am surprised that you can't find them at Jo-Ann Fabrics, though! Here's a link to the product on their website.
ReplyDelete