Sewing for Sis

I meant to post last night, but I temporarily misplaced the USB cord that connects my camera to the computer-----duh. Found it thankgoodness!

In keeping with Sis's request for a few "cool" dresses that don't touch anywhere but the shoulders and long enough so she doesn't have to wear pantyhose, I went pattern searching through the stash. I had purchased this one fairly recently from Ebay because I am fond of Stretch and Sew patterns and I liked the 'tank' look.



While this is drafted for knits with 25% stretch, I decided to live dangerously and try it with a woven. I found some fabric that had been given to me a few months back. It's probably poly/rayon, but has the "linen" look. I decided to test with this fabric since if it ended up a wadder, no harm done. So, I proceeded to trace the pattern in her size.

There was no difference in the "front" and "back" in the pattern. So as to try to alleviate any neck gapping, I did make about 3 slashes at the neck and just overlapped (kinda like a dart) at the three places and probably ended up taking out about 3/8" (if that much) at the neck when I cut the front.

The pattern called for ribbing at the armholes and neck so I extended the pattern at the arm and neck by adding 1". I plan to just serge the edges and turn under 3/8" and double top stitch if this "experiment" is wearable AND if the fabric cooperates.

Here it is with side/shoulder seams sewn. As I mentioned before, she has more up top than I do so this doesn't fit Saphroni so well as Saphroni doesn't have as much up top.



I dropped it off at her place yesterday and when I picked her up for Curves this morning, she declared, "it fits!" I ask if I needed to take a small dart at the armholes and she said she didn't notice, so I will go over and take a look before I finish it up. I was afraid the print would be a bit much, but she likes it. I just love it when a plan comes together!

I've also been playing with this vintage pattern for myself:



I like its unique darting. Hopefully, you can see it best in View D, the white one. I had to lower the bust point and pull it about .5" out toward the side seams. This was a bit tricky for me. I made two "trials" and have altered the pattern again. I think this third time may work. I just haven't had a chance to cut and sew another muslin of the top half of the dress. Anyhow, it's interesting and challenging for me.

I picked this pattern up at our local thrift store for a quarter. It was cut, complete and neatly folded in its envelope.

I doubt I'll get back to my testing today as I had to run errands this morning, and in a short while, I need to pick up the latest cat that has adopted us from the Animal Hospital. He's getting shots and THE OPERATION. DH is calling him Tiger Gray, so I supose that's his name.