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.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it doesn't show! I'm standing with my shoulders all the way back. If I stand normally or slouched at all the front moves away from my body. I'll definitely have to see if any of my other bras help, that's good advice! Might have to just tape that sucker down though, haha!
DeleteThe Brother 1034DX is a great machine, very reliable, and available at Big Box stores everywhere at a terrific price. It is four thread and has a free arm feature. Super simple to thread too, and all of the stitches will you need for your projects.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is beautiful! Thank you for picturing your button/buttonhole guide. I forgot I have one until I saw yours. Now where did I put it?…
I love my Imagine serger from BabyLock ! The jet-air threading system makes it so easy to use !
ReplyDeleteI had a top of the line Bernina Serger that converted to a coverstitch as well. It was in the shop and I needed a serger right away for a job I was doing so I bought a Juki serger under 500.00 dollars to have as my back up. The Juki serger is amazing! I have had it for several years and I love it. I sold the Bernina and bought a stand alone coverstitch machine. Haven't regretted it once. It's easy to clean and always forms great stitches. Cannot recommend any more highly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress and it fits you so well.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina. My original serger was an old, used, Pfaff which was difficult to use. I recommend going into shops and test driving to see what you like best. Modern sergers are easier to use than the old models from the 70's and 80's that I started on. If you buy from a good store, classes are included, and this can be well worth the extra money.
ReplyDelete