Every once in a while, a project comes together in a way that feels as though it was meant to be. This was one of those projects.
I had the pattern stashed away for a couple of years, waiting for the right fabric when I found this Waverly print. It was a remnant and had been cut in two pieces, so I wasn't entirely sure that I would have enough.
Well, not only was there enough yardage, the oversized print almost seems made for the pattern draft.
The skirt front is cut in two and pleated down, and even though I didn't really have any extra to fudge the pattern placement, it just worked out.
I did have enough extra to make sure to pattern match the back bodice, even though it meant "wasting" a bit of fabric. But then I was able to use those partially mutilated motifs to make myself shoe clips and hair combs.
The skirt pleats gave me a bit of grief, and I was unable to perfectly match where the pleats come together on the bodice front at the waistline with the skirt pleats, but the design calls for the addition of a ribbon. I ended up using a piece of fabric to make the "ribbon" which also hides the slight offset of those two pleat apexes at the waistline.
I also love that I had an excuse to pull out my potted plant purse - it almost looks as though I made it just for this dress.
This outcome is perhaps more "day-dress" than the initial intent of the pattern design due to my use of a non-polished cotton textile. But I do love all of the extra special details that went into making the dress.
Is this feasible for ready-to-wear garments made today? Absolutely not.
But I do think that the more we get away from the completely disposable and almost unwearable trash that gets manufactured today that won't last more than a wear or two, and get back to purchasing or making clothing that is meant to last, the better off we will be!
I was thinking about how I no longer look forward to going to resale shops like Salvation Army or Goodwill (not just for questionable business practices) but even the smaller local thrift stores now are overrun with low quality items from fast fashion retailers.
It is a reminder of how lucky I am to be able to make my own wardrobe. The thought of having to choose garments from retail establishments give me a sense of dread.
Thankfully, I have a sewing room full of fabric and patterns that should keep me busy for the foreseeable future making my own wardrobe.
Beautiful work as always!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful dress and the shoe clips and hair combs were the perfect finishing touches! Whenever I see the quality of the majority of fast fashion items these days, I am also never very impressed and yes, sadly it's hard to find anything good in the thrift shops these days. I am a slow seamstress, but I also am so glad to be able to make my own clothing.
ReplyDelete-Nicole
The Artyologist
Such a lovely dress, which seems to say “Spring” with every fiber of its being!
ReplyDeleteAnd your take on current fashion is nicely stated! Yes, it is a privilege to be able to make one’s own clothes; for which I am also very grateful!
What they try to pass off in the stores is pretty ghastly on so many levels. Even if you can put the evil business practices aside, the preponderance of synthetic fibers is a thorn in the side (I have just spent weeks trying to find a decent ready made, women’s 100% cotton t-shirt that isn’t crappy, scratchy, boxy, midriff baring or upwards of $40, to no avail. Ugh).
The powers that be really seem to want us in some synthetic fibers!
All that nonsense because I am still too daunted to try sewing knits on my particular machine; plus, where does one find decent 100% cotton jersey fabric now?
But I digress.
The above drama is what makes your blog such a delightful, inspirational breath of fresh air! Thank you!
ReaderRita
*the “upwards of $40” part doesn’t apply to resale…yet… 😳
Delete(I was looking both retail and resale) -RR
Yes 100% to this. I recently gained a good amount of weight, which means that many of my clothes just don't fit. I haven't had a chance to redo my wardrobe (and I've also sized out of many of my patterns) so I tried to find clothes that fit at my local thrift store. I was surprised at how expensive they were for what they were. I ended up buying a few things from a store and while some of it is actually quite nice, more of it is decidedly not. I'd be happy spending the money for quality (and to pay the people who sew it a living wage), especially because I would hope it makes the buyer more careful in how they take care of it and decrease how disposable people view their clothes. But unfortunately that is not a viable option. I'm looking forward to some time off later this summer and am bound and determined to make at least a few things that fit so I don't need to go clothes shopping much (if at all) again! Thanks for posting - your sewing is an inspiration!
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