Adventures in Vintage Resales... fka adventures in baby-sewing

Been sewing on S2473, version 2, in Black Sophia Double knit, short sleeves, variations on the faux tie at the midriff, flared skirt made about 2" longer. I am using a floral chiffon overlay in black, blue and tan on the midriff, ties from the chiffon and made longer, and bias bound the neckline in the chiffon backed with fusible knit interfacing in black to make it easier to handle. I am trying to make a LBD that is not so dramatic/dark, more daytime and spring-like. I cut it out a month ago, started sewing yesterday, have the skirt finished, the top together, now am handsewing the binding down on the inside. Still need to do the sleeve hems (in the bias binding?) and finish the midriff/attach the whole thing together. I need a black dress for this week, my aunt passed away Friday, she was 80, my dad's oldest sister. They found her down in the kitchen. Her funeral is Wednesday in Houston. I am hoping to go and need something to wear, but don't want it to be dowdy....

I have started the new year out slowly, working on B's quilt (has it really been a little over a year since I started, procrastination is bad) but she finally paid me for the fabric so I need to finish and will be soon. I have also bought M 2818 an older Palmer Pletsch pattern to make a basic shell top. Now I abhor blouses that are buttoned up the back, so I read reviews of it and may amend it to one button at the top of the nack in back. I muslined it and found I needed to lengthen it a bit for personal taste. I also have another Simplicity 2473 in black sophia double knit cut out. That's all I am cutting out for now since I have UFO's into infinity to finish (well, maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but there are alot).

Edited: blogger put my photos in reverse order, so the photos and comments are backwards. I would fix it but the kids are fighting and I need to break it up! The finished dress front The closer look at the bodice Back view The correction on back neck facing; I don't know what happened but after inserting the zipper, the tops did not match. At this last moment, the only solution was to fold it down more, trim the facing and I topstitched the back neck only ending at the shoulder seams. I have long hair that will cover the topstitching, the thread color matched perfectly and I pressed the seams in. I could have fixed it better, but the hook/eye were in and ripping this was painful as the colors matched too well. All in all, a great pattern, the bodice fit me out of the envelope so that is unusual. I like the flared skirt, but would have liked a bit more volume. I also would have liked it longer than knee length, so if I make it again, I will add to the hem area. Summerset reco...

No photo on the dress, but it is getting closer. I still have hems to do and zipper to insert, I am currently handstitching the inside midriff facing down to the seam allowance. Some things to note: 1. Sophia Double Knit from Fabric.com is wonderful. Even handstitching a knit is going easy so I plan on hand stitching the hem/sleeve hem. 2. I had added to center front on the skirt but had to redo the stitching attaching the skirt to the midriff in that section to "ease" in the difference. 3. I gave up on the neck facing and steam a seamed it down inside along the seam allowance and the shoulder seam areas. 4. I opted for 16" zipper stopping at the lower edge of the midriff. I had basted in a 22" for fit, it was too bulky along the curve of my backside and stuck out. Now that I remember, I rarely had RTW dresses with that long of a zipper as I usually bought petite dresses. I plan on getting the midriff finished, zipper in tonight and hems tomorrow. Summerse...

Here is the close to assembled S2473 in the Sophia Double Knit from Fabric.com in Wine. I love this stuff. It is all conventional sewing machine as my serger is acting up and it sews so easily. Cutting was another issue, though as it was a bit slippery and hard to tell right and wrong sides. I have used the "bow" design element, put it off center a bit more than I wanted, because direct center would have sat on my tummy. This way it falls in the side where it goes down a bit, but is it too much off centered? It is only basted in and could be moved. I also built in some center ease for my tummy, so it drapes a bit on the dummy. The top looks like it will fit fine. I went with a back zip even though I opened the neck a bit more. The facings will not stay down, though. Should I top stitch or just tack down? Would topstitching make it look too homemade? Any feedback or answers would be greatly appreciated.

Ok, Thanksgiving is well over, I have about made all I am going to for the craft sale booth, so I decided to cut out and work on S2473. I decided to use the sophia double knit, has rayon, so it is soft, has some "give", but not too stretchy. I am undecided about the sleeves, cap or 3/4, I went with the flared skirt and will use the tie ends that simulate a belt. I plan on using this next Sunday for the KC Christmas social/dinner. I am lowering the neckline in front somewhat. Now, with the princess seams, do I need to seam finish? What would be best since princess seams are so clipped? Also, with 25% stretch, should I put a back zip like the pattern calls for or a side zip? I need opinions! Also, for some eye candy, this is on its way to me: I am thinking of using some eggplant matte jersey for this one. That may be next on the agenda.

I recently bought this at Hancocks on the 1.99 or whatever it was sale. I wasn't sure but have seen blogs mentioning it. Had a few minutes today to muslin the bodice. The princess seams were spot on the right spots, A standard 18 fit the bodice with the exception of a hollow area on the upper bust. I have a double knit picked out, double knit not being listed on the pattern, but it only has 20% stretch across the grain, I think it will add some ease for breathing, moving, etc. and not be too flexible. http://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-knit-fabric-double-knit-fabric-sophia-double-knit-stretch-fabric-sophia-stretch-double-knit-wine.aspx Now that high neckline has to go, I will probably scoop it out a bit or add a soft v-neck. Having a tummy to also worry about, debating on the flared or slim skirt. What do ya'll think? Also, should double knit be acceptable?