Du Barry 5766 - Done! Ta Daa!

You may remember I joined in the Great Vintage Sewalong when it was announced, and I have made some postings along the way.  Life kept creeping into my sewing time,and it didn't go as fast as I had expected.  The dress, however, is finished!

While overall it went rather smooth, the experience was not without a few bumps in the road.  This fabric is so soft and was a dream to sew.  I think it is a linen blend--maybe linen and rayon.  I *think* I purchased it at Pursley's in Duncanville (one of my routine shopping spots).  I probably bought whatever amount was left--that's what I often do.  I think I originally thought it would become a Barcelona dress, but things change.  I'm sure it's been in the stash for 2-3 years. 

Anyhow, I laid out the pattern pieces and, luckily, had enough fabric with a couple of larger pieces left.  I merrily began cutting and marking.  I cut everything except the front facing pieces, but the pattern was pinned to the fabric.  When I got ready to stay stitch the front pieces in the necessary places, I discovered what I guess were ink spots that would be in line with the front buttonholes---yikes!  I first tried all my tricks to remove the stain, but to no avail.  So, what to do?

With careful care, I could just squeak out a new front piece.  I could use the stained front as the facing. 

See the spots?  They look worse in person.

With the extra cutting, I then had to piece the other facing.  No big deal.  I don't think I took a photo showing my piecing, sorry.

Sewing the points on the front were a bit challenging for me.  I used light interfacing on the points, stay stitched.  The instructions had you press under the seam allowances and topstitch.  I thought about trying that with the aid of steam-a-seam, but then decided to actually sew the seam as far as possible in the traditional way and then *carefully* hand baste the point (as if top stitching) and then I could make sure they looked as symetrical as possible before I top stitched with the machine.  Not perfect, but done--and presentable.  It's true we are our own worst critics, don't you think?

As mentioned in this post when I lowered the bust darts, I decided to change the bodice to princess seams.  I'm so happy I did that.  Those darts would never have worked!  I had to take some ease out of the sleeves--no way was I going to get that sleeve in as originally cut.  As you can see, my waist is not as small as the models' waists.  So I had to add a bit there.  I added here when I first tracced the pattern.  More of these details are explained in my earlier posts.

I hope to wear to church this Sunday.  I'll get some photos of me modeling then.  This was a fun project and I'm glad I joined.  I almost made the deadline.  I finished hemming and sewing the buttons March 1 (one day after the noted deadline).