 |
| Inge's dress on me, post-gussets |
Last weekend I went with friends to Lake Michigan for a birthday celebration. Inge turned 55, and I wanted to sew her something. Inge likes loose-fitting, sleeveless clothes, and boldly I decided to practice sewing and make her this shift.
I found this pattern and thought it fit the bill.
I enjoyed the cutting, sewing and finishing. Since the dress was a surprise, I did not have Inge's measurements. She and I are close in size, so I gambled and used my own. What I didn't account for was that the bust, in spite of choosing the right measurements, was too tight. Before I gave it to her, I was peeved trying it on!
When she tried it on, sure enough the bust was tight on her, too. But she loved the dress and said if she'd seen it in a store she would have bought it no matter how much it cost. Score.
So I brought the dress home and learned (from Pinterest and a link to Linda at Sew for Dough) how to add gussets to expand a bustline.
I wanted to add three inches to the bust to make it loose and comfy. So I cut each gusset 1 1/2" at the top, and 5 inches long. I ripped out the edge and seams of the dress at the side seams/under-arms exactly 5". Then I sewed the gussets in, re-sewed the upper edge, and I think they turned out well!
 |
| pinned |
 |
| inside sewn; too bad I had to adjust my Hong Kong seam :) |
 |
| outside sewn |
I used polished tangerine orange linen (I call it "tomato bisque") purchased online at Fashion Fabrics Club. They are reasonably priced! This fabric was $11.75/yard, and the pattern took 1 1/2 yards (60" wide).
Lesson: Measure the pattern before cutting to ensure it matches measurements.
That's awfully cute -- and you are so clever to alter it -- I bet she looks great in it -- or will!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanie! I never dreamed I would be this excited about sewing, decades after stopping. I will give Inge the dress next week.
DeleteWell, aren't you just something else, Ms. Ruthie! I know Inge will be delighted with this finished product...and probably already has another fabric picked out for you to "do it again!" :)
ReplyDeleteHa, well I hadn't thought of another one in a different color. Maybe ! :) Thank you, Boots.
Deletethat is adorable - Hi Ruth -
ReplyDeleteEvery once in awhile I remember how much I liked Synchronicity and stop by to look at your photos again. When I went to your profile I saw this blog. Anyway - hello - and beautiful job on the dress. How is your grandson?
Hi, Sandy! It's great to see you. Thanks so much for stopping by. James is fantastic, and so is his little brother and their cousin. :)
DeleteOf course you have a blog for your quilting passion! I love this dress and you are amazing! I am off to sing your praises on Etsy… ;) I love my mug mat … it does double duty - coffee mat in the morning, wine mat in the evening.
ReplyDeleteHi, Margaret! Thanks for visiting me here. Since I only work on sewing in my spare time, this blog is in slow motion. :)
DeleteSo glad you love your mug mat and that you use it for a wine mat, too. Of course! Maybe I should start advertising wine mats. :) (you do give me ideas ...)
I hope you can figure out the review thing at Etsy. I need as many as I can get. :D