Here is the pattern of the dress with the fabric and lace as supplied to me. I have been asked to make the basic dress and then sew several layers of lace on the bottom.
Here is the first in my series of sewing tips designed for those of you beginning so sew. These are not just for sewing heirloom outfits, but are suitable for anything you want to make.
MY SEWING TIPS PART 1 - PREPARATION
These tips apply to all sewing projects
* Use good quality fabric, lace and thread if you intend to keep the gown as an heirloom. Cheaper or inferior materials may not survive the test of time very well.
* Use thread suitable for the fabric you are using. Incorrect threads will give unreliable results.
*Use fabric recommended on the back of the pattern envelope. You can not cut woven fabric with a pattern designed for stretch fabric. This is because woven fabrics do not have the same stretch capabilities of knit fabric.
* Some fabrics specifically require pre-washing before you cut them out. This is a very important step with some fabrics and can make a big difference to the appearance of the finished garment. If you are not sure, check when you buy your fabric.
* Take your time, and read all instructions carefully before you start. Keep referring to them as you go.
* If you are not very confident with sewing, I recommend to make a trial gown using a similar fabric to help you work out all the kinks you may encounter and changes you want to make BEFORE you sew the final garment. You can then use this as another cute outfit too, so it won't be wasted.
* Make sure you and your work area are clean! Marks from hand cream may not show up until years later. Wipe over all surfaces and make sure there is no residue of sewing machine oil anywhere, including your machine, table and anywhere else the fabric may touch.
* Some fabrics need to be left to HANG! This will allow the fabric to drop if it is going to before it is cut. If the garment is left to hang after is is made, it may go out of shape. Yes this has happened to me, one dress need to be re-hemmed 3 times and that was AFTER being left to hang for 2 weeks! When you purchase your fabric ask if you need to let it hang.
I will add the links to my other sewing tips here once they are published.
SEWING TIPS PART 2- CUTTING OUT
SEWING TIPS PART 3- SEWING
SEWING TIPS PART 4- FINISHING
I hope you find these tips useful. If you have any handy sewing preparation tips you would like to share, please feel free to share them here by adding a comment below.
That will look stunning when it is made!
ReplyDeletethank you for the advice to very useful.
thanks for the tips, looking forward to seeing the made item
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Looks like this will be quite stunner! How lovely of her to ask you to make it, you will do a grand job and make her proud! Look forward to the end result hunny!
ReplyDeleteNatalie x
I am trying to make the Christening gown for my granddaughter from my 40+ year old wedding gown. Laying the pieces of material out I see the back where I left the center seam in tack would be perfect for the skirt front & back. I want to leave the seam that is there in place to just do the side seams. I'm thinking there won't be as much chance of puckering on center if I do. Do you think this would work out as I in-vision it or it won't be straight of grain and hang poorly? Thank you so much for this post. What a great job.
ReplyDelete