Second, I watched detailed videos created by Lisette of What Would Nancy Drew Wear and somehow managed to put a fairly decent lapped zipper into the dress. Now to finish the dress I just need to face the sleeves and hem it. Hemming is going to be a bitch on this huge circle skirt. It might call for a good movie to go along with some handstitching.
I have a question for all of you sewers out there. The dress has lovely pleats down the front, but due to the cotton fabric they seem to get lost and not stand out as much as I would like them to. I plan on wearing a full crinoline under this dress and I want the pleats to be crisp. Is there such a thing as putting strips of interfacing on one side of the pleat to give it more structure? Or is there some other technique out there? Maybe just a really good ironing with starch? Just curious.
Do you think it would look funny with the pink buttons?
The next few months are going to be very unscheduled for me, what with Sir Bravehearts wedding and my dad's continued healing, so I may not be around as much...but then again maybe I will. Please continue to hold my dad in your thoughts and prayers. And thanks in advance for any help you can give with my sewing.
I think the belt buckle looks nice (remember, too, that a lot of it will be covered by dress fabric if you're doing a self-fabric belt). I actually think the ivory makes a nice accent to bring forward the light green tones in the leaves. Pink would be too matchy-matchy, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember Casey of Casey's Elegant Musings has a self-fabric belt tutorial, and I think she uses interfacing. Worth a look, in any case. Most fabric stores don't sell belt blanks any more, so most likely you would have to improvise.
You bold girl you! I'm glad your dress is coming along. As said above, Casey has a self belt tutorial although I'm terrified to make one! I like the buckle you've picked :)
ReplyDeleteI had to watch my own lapped zipper video the other day and I definitely need to re-do it. My voice is NOT that nasal, I swear.
I think the buttons should match the buckle. I do not mind the pink buttons but there is a disconnect, for me, with the buckle.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried pressing in the pleats with a water/vinegar solution. the vinegar will keep the pleats pleated. I do this all the time.
There is a company in Lodi, California which makes self fabric belts and buttons. I have not used them...yet....but have heard good things about them.
Thanks for all of your help everyone. The vinegar will do perfect. I had never heard of it, but just read up on it. WOW. Imagine!!! I kind of agree about the buckle...feels some disconnect for me too. Maybe I will have to do a fabric belt...thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI know I am a day late and a dollar short in replying but I thought this may help in future projects. I really love using white vinegar and water. But there are two other ways to keep creases.
ReplyDeleteWith a small stitch which will blend into the fabric especially on a print, edge stitch (and I do mean on the edge) on the crease after pressing. That is one way.
A second way is using a thread in the bobbin that melts and glues the edges together. (I hope I am telling you about a product that is still being made. If not, my apologies. But I do have a spool in my stash.) You would sew along the edge of the pleat from the right side with the gluing thread on the wrong side of the fabric for the edge that stands closer to outside of the dress and reverse for the inside of the pleat. Then iron the pleats in and the fold will be permanent.
I have used this special thread in the past for keeping creases in pants.
I love the print you are using! The dress will be absolutely gorgeous!
I will try the vinegar and see how that works and then the edge stitching if I need more. Will save the glue thread for last resort. Thanks so much for the info Doreen.
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