Monday, July 6, 2009

My first dress! Simplicity 4118

I made my first dress this weekend - which is so exciting for me! The pattern is Simplicity 4118, a Threads pattern.

(still needs hemming) I made minimal changes to the pattern, and actually did make a muslin first. I can see if I make this again I will have to do at least the following:
1. Swayback adjustment
2. Use the original side seam allowances and blend to a larger size in the hips.
3. Figure out how to keep the top of the center back seam (see below) from sticking out.



I used a cotton print from Joann and lined it with Kona cotton muslin. It's very comfortable...

I also used an invisible zipper, so I had to change the construction steps a little. It was surprisingly easy, although I still didn't get it quite even at the top.

I'm ready to try another dress pattern. This one will probably get hemmed and worn - in spite of the fitting issues. It took me a day and a half to make, but the instructions were pretty good, and great for a first dress.

11 comments:

  1. Great job with your first dress!

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  2. Very nice, Nkem! Lined and fitted too, you are very brave on your first dress

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  3. Great first dress! You should be very proud of yourself, a pro could have the same issues you did so don't beat yourself up, wear it diva style.

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  4. Yippee for you! Keep up the good work, with practice you'll get better and better. Try to get your hands on Threads magazines. They are the best resource, in my opinion, for improving your skills/knowledge!

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  5. Wow great job! I am still trying to figure out how to get my zipper even at the top!LOL! But I am going to keep on trying. You did so good on your dress! :)

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  6. You did really good with your 1st dress :)

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  7. For your first dress it looks great. Your invisible zipper came out perfect.. now if only my zippers could look that good.

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  8. How exciting, your dress looks terrific. The issues you had a small ones, so definitely make another, see if you can fix them, and you'll have an awesome TNT.

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  9. Fabulous job on your first dress! Those fitting issues can be taken care off in the future. That's still so much nicer than the RTW rack items.

    Congrats!

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  10. Congratulations on your first dress! You did an amazing job on it.

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  11. I think your analysis of the required adjustments are right on the mark. I wonder if adding shoulder darts would eliminate the sticking out of the upper back. From side view picture, you seem to have a slight curvature in the upper back/neck area so darts might be the answer. The darts can also be added to the back neckline. Make them short so they won't be too obvious.
    Gem

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