Hi everyone!
While we’ve been blanketed with snow out here in Southeastern PA, I decided to conquer my fear of button holes and make NewLook pattern N6749. I was able to snag a few yards of the Jess + Jean print Liberty of London Tana Lawn for it.
It’s always exciting when Fabric Mart is able to get Liberty fabrics in! I always make sure to grab some. Cutting into a beautiful piece of tana lawn is scary every time. The fabric is such good quality, I’m afraid to mess it up! I had to be extra careful as this is also the first directional pattern I’ve worked with. But one of my assistants made sure all of my pieces were laid correctly.
Something I wanted to try out with this dress was finishing the inside seams using the overlock stitch on my domestic machine. Normally I would french seam, but it was nice to not have to worry about cutting seam allowance in half, sewing, trimming, flipping, and sewing again. Next time I would cut the seam allowance back before overlocking, but I think the inside still looks nice and neat!
I wasn't completely sure how to finish off the gathered waist edge in this method. I thought about binding it off but overlocked it carefully in the end. I’ll keep an eye on this seam after washing.
I picked up a Simflex Sewing Gauge to help space out my buttons and button holes. My fist sewing machine had a button hole foot, but did such a terrible job at making the button holes that I’ve avoided them for the last couple years. But after making a few test button holes on some scraps of the tana lawn, this machine doesn't seem to have those issues! No more avoiding button holes for me!
I definitely have some fit issues in the bust, but it’s perfect in the waist. Might 2025 be the year I learn to do bust adjustments? Stay tuned!
Lastly, I’m in the market for a serger! I’ve never had one and only used a serger twice before. I’m looking for something I can have for a good couple years but won’t break the bank and that doesn’t require a physics PhD to thread and operate. If anyone has any suggestions please leave them below! Thank you!
KAYLA | @nebulanovem
Very pretty! Spring is coming closer every day and you are ready with this lovely dress! I am also a little afraid to cut into Liberty fabric - I have one piece and am carefully evaluating what to do with it :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect! I don't see a problem in the bust are, but you can do what I do ...choose a different bra! It can really make a difference.
ReplyDelete