The Oz Dress - Elisalex FBA complete!

Hi Guys!

I finally (FINALLY) finished my attempt at an Elisalex bodice with a full bust adjustment.

It's been a long time coming, as there were a few delays along the way, but I did post some progress pictures along the way on Instagram and Twitter.

I knew I definitely needed to adjust the bodice when I finished my last Elisalex.

 It fit, but it didn't fit the way it should! I definitely had the "Squished VonBoobies" look. I followed the FBA instructions written up by Elisalex (and by this point I actually understood them!), and did a 5/8" FBA, with another inch added to the bodice length (although next time I think I'll do 1.5"). I think I gave myself a tiny bit extra in the bust than my measurement just for comfort.

But with this comparison photo, even with the bodice just pinned together you can definitely see the improvement! Much more room, and the girls are much perkier, I'm sure you'll agree! The fabric is a blue Gingham (probably polycotton) I got at a market in Rye.

So what happened next was Delay 1. Which I think was pre-washing my lining. But that was easily fixed once I actually put it in the washing machine. Clever, eh?

Once I had the bodice lined I had to attach the gathered skirt FROM HELL.

I put the whole thing together, and then found loads of bits of the skirt that had caught up into the seam. 

Argh!

Then, upon rectifying each individual bit, I managed to catch other different bits. And upon fixing those I caught other bits. By the time I finished the skirt, with no bits caught up I was fit to go into the garden and set the whole thing alight.

And so Delay 2 happened. Wherein the half-finished dress sat on my dressform for weeks. I did at some point manage to cut out some lining to line the skirt, as I realised it was indecently see-through.

Then it sat there for another while, until I decided to bite the bullet and put the zip in. And I even took the time to hand-baste it first, although really it doesn't take that long at all!

And then yesterday I decided to knuckle down and get it finished before I died of old age.

And to be honest I actually love the stupid thing.

And I'm using my fancy new tripod that Mr.G bought me. It's super cool and I got to use my wireless remote! I used most of the width of the fabric for the skirt and I managed to somehow get the length I had wanted all along! The bodice length does actually look and feel good, but I think I only did a 1cm seam on the bodice/skirt as I knew I needed all the length I could get. Still might add a little more next time so I can do a full seam allowance.

Since taking this picture, I have realised how much lower my right shoulder is.

And this was me trying to not look so wonky! Although I feel stupid saying that with my wonky crossed legs.

I really can't believe how perfect the fit is. I'm definitely gonna be using these pieces as my Princess Seam Block now, and playing with neckline and back variations. But I doubt I will be doing another gathered skirt anytime soon.

I am, however, pretty happy with the skirt in general. It doesn't make me look AS big as I thought it might. I do look quite hip-py, although most of that is actually hip. My hips pop out almost straight after my waist.

The stitching on the hem wasn't my best, as I was more focused on (a) trying to get all the white stitching in the white line of boxes and (b) trying to keep the edge of the skirt a blue box. But at least I managed those two things!

I do however think my next couple of makes are not going to be fully lined, as I want a few nice quick makes! But it does look good. And it was definitely necessary for this fabric. I do however want to escape to the land of folded hems and bias bound hems for a bit. I'll avoid facing-land if I can.

The dress kind of makes me feel like a cross between Dorothy (Damn should've worn my red heels!) and a ballet dancer. And I secretly used to prance around when I was younger (until not that much younger), pretending I was one. So, for your pleasure, some ballet style posing :)

And that's it! I wore it to dinner last night, and it was lovely and comfortable, so I know it will get plenty of wear! Although it may have to wait until the weather is nicer...

I'll leave you with a final pic of me with my regular grumpy.resting.face

LYLT,

Emmie x

More Vintage Goodies!! (Warning - Patterns!)

Hi guys,

I know what you're thinking. Emmie, stop buying shit, and sew something. Also, don't you already have a shed-load of patterns? When are you going to get around to sewing the ones you already have...

Or maybe you're not thinking that, because you guys are like me! 

But I'm sure that's what Mr.G is thinking. 

I swear I have been! I have a couple of UFO's hanging around that I need to get to finishing. 

I'm not that bad at putting in zips, so I don't know why I avoid them for so long. I would do it today, as Mr.G is off playing golf, but I've been invited for a wine & cheese afternoon. 

I thought it was an evening, but no, it's starting at about 2pm!

But I digress, you came here for Goodies... scroll on for the parade of dresses (with a couple of blouses thrown in for good measure)

And how did these fall into my lap. Well Laurie from Sew Exhausted bought her own parade, and when I stole a glance at Vintage Martini I was sold. Prices are so good, and when you have you're own personal enabler, what other way could the story end. Thanks again Laurie, I love them all!!

And further to that, I had my lovely Mammy visiting me, and when I took her to my favourite little vintage shop, I ended up coming home with some lovely cast iron Iron's (to use as pattern weights)....

And a lovely cantilever sewing box :)

This month I have also acquired some new scissors, which were cheap and appear to be nice and sharp! And a couple of rotary cutters. That's all, I swear. That's all I can remember anyways.

Just a little side note for all you out there who struggle to store their patterns... I spotted the most perfect little storage boxes in Wilkinsons today (although I forgot to go back and get them). I think they were these ones. The picture shows them from the side, but they are the right width for standard sized patterns I think (I have no idea what I am going to do with the large sized repro-vintage Vogue ones).

LYLT,

Emmie xx