So, I finished my dress just in time for the wedding do. I mean literally, grabbed it out of the sewing machine and then out the door.
The problem was... Bulges and Bags. I had bulgy bits below the waistline and saggy bits at the back. I blame this partly on the pattern's marrying of a princess-seamed bodice with a pencil skirt that is gathered at the waistline. Why? Why would you put a fitted top with a gathered pencil skirt? Darts, yes. Even a gathered full skirt. Anyway, the combo was weird and unflattering, so ten minutes before I was due to leave, I unpicked a couple of bits of waistline and eyeballed some darts. They don't marry up with the princess seams but fortunately the lace is quite forgiving.
I had problems with the whole fit of the dress. The pattern was a freebie that came in what it said was US sizes 12 to something, EUR 38 to something. The smallest measurements married up quite well with mine, but I ended up taking loads out of the side seams and the centre back seam. I really don't know anything about fitting but I thought a fairly structured dress like this wouldn't have too much ease. I think in future I probably need to make a sway back adjustment and something around the upper back and chest as I always end up with a baggy lower back, excess fabric at the top back and a gaping neckline. Maybe I need to cut a smaller bodice size, with a full bust adjustment? Hell, I don't know.
My next project is going to be something loose to lounge around the house in so hopefully the fitting issues won't be too much of a problem.
Still, the dress was a success... A friend asked me if it was Phase Eight.
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