Time for more blogging on things I sewed in this past year. Back in August I taught an online class called "The Fitted Dress". As I was making video content for this class I realized that a simple dress can have a lot more content than I had ever thought about. Creating even and crisp necklines, lining a sleeveless garment, invisible zippers, smooth princess seams etc. So this pattern gave me a lot of opportunity to show various techniques I use on lined dresses. Plus I have had this pattern for ages and always wanted to sew it. Don't be surprised if I make another version next summer, I think in a dark denim with topstitching to highlight the seaming it would look really interesting and be a summer wardrobe winner.
This version was sewn up using a piece of fabric from my stash, I think it is a remnant from a long ago project that I made for a friend, so it is a textured poly trying to be a silk dupioni. An interesting color and it would make a nice party dress if I had an event to go to now, which I don't :). Actually I almost wore it to Frocktails this summer but opted for something else. Partly because I was tired of looking at it after filming several hours of video for the class!
I think the neckline front and back is very pretty, the full skirt version is very wide. I had a big piece of blue cotton gauze so I made that version first just to check it out. Only the bodice is lined in a black cotton voile which gives a clean finish on the neck and armholes.
Here's a look at both dresses on the dress form. I cut them out using the same bodice pieces, however I think on the red one I raised the neckline about 1/2" just to be able to show that technique of re-drawing the v-neck in my class.
Over the past 4 years I've taught 15 different online classes, some of which we have run multiple times (jeans, button-front shirt, blazer techniques) and I thought I would show you a couple of screen grabs from the classes.
This one I am starting to show how I do the clean finish lining on the armholes of a sleeveless dress.
And in the following one I am closing up the shoulder seam to get that completely lined bodice.
One thing I have learned by doing online classes is how to use iMovie and edit video which is actually fun.
Here's a look at the neckline front and back. It can be tricky to get an invisible zipper sewn just right in a v-neckline and I was really happy with this one!
I took these pictures in June (blue version) and August (red version) and you can really see how things go in the garden around here, by August it is starting to get very dry and crispy with the blooms fading. I just put in some winter annuals yesterday but this time of year is all about trimming and cleaning up in anticipation of spring! Is it here yet??
Next up on the blog will be my ponte blazer with zipper pockets that I took on my trip to Italy.
Happy Sewing,
Beth
And a garden photo combined with a twirl of the blue dress. I miss summer 🌞.
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