July 19, 2008

Take Two

See, I really like this dress. And I've really wanted to have it in my closet for a long, long time. So, I'm not letting the disappointment of the last one not going to stop me. In fact, it is prompting me to do something I've never done before.
I'm making this dress again - this weekend. I'm using this pretty green and purple swirled cotton that I've had for almost 10 years. This new thing that I'm gonna do? Well after taking the bodice seams in as well as grading the shoulders down, I've been flat measuring to see if my favorite quick sew skirt will fit onto the bodice of this dress. I have never mixed pattern pieces from different envelopes - not even within the same pattern company.
So the KS skirt has gores and falls straight from the waist into a full skirt. Finally - after a couple of failures with gathered skirts - I'm finally starting to get it - step away from the full gathered skirt - it doesn't work on you! But I get tons of compliments on the KS skirt.
In fact, I wore the daisy skirt with a white tee to the mall yesterday to get a hair cut and attempt to do a
little shopping. The only salesperson I could get to talk to me, was a woman in the makeup department of Nordstroms, who jumped out and grabbed me as I was walking by. She said "Oh, where did you get your skirt? I love it!" I had to break her heart and tell her I made it - she wasn't going to be able to have one. She wasn't the only complete stranger to comment on my skirt yesterday.

8 comments :

  1. first of all, the compliments don't surprise. that is one adorable skirt.

    second, the gored skirt is such a great idea. who needs all the extra fullness at the waist? um, no one over the age of 8? you can totally merge those two patterns. do a little measuring, a little basting, and breathe. it will all be fine. you can make it work.

    once you get a taste for hacking patterns, you never look at a pattern the same way again. the possibilities are endless...and loads of fun. before long, you will be drawing your own pattern pieces. then the real fun begins. :)

    oh, and the fabric.....gorgeous.

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  2. LOVE that skirt!! it is at the top of your blog, no?
    Do get any presents for being ultra observant? No? Just checking......

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  3. Can't wait to see the final result. Look at you go! In other news, I do believe I've found a friend with the patience to teach me how to use my sewing machine, but that's not happening any time soon.

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  4. Isn't it fun when you're wearing something you've sewn to have strangers compliment you on your clothing? And even more fun to smile as you say thanks, I made it myself!

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  5. I can see why you got the compliments - that is so cute! And what a good idea to try merging the two patterns together. I can't wait to see the result.

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  6. I agree that the waistline gathers were too much. Jeez, they're too much on my daughters, the youngest of whom is your height but 124 pounds! So I agree that you will have success with your skirt reworked to fit the dress. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product. I love that cotton!

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  7. I love that she wanted one of your Gaylen Originals! That is a great skirt, btw! I might have to steal the ribbon trim for one of my refashions!!!

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  8. Isn't this the same general idea as the current skirt. Add a bottom strip and some trim and problem solved.

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I appreciate you coming to see me. It may take me a bit to publish your comment - but I will get to them by the end of every day. If you leave a way for me to get back to you, I will. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your opinions. g

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