As i mentioned in a previous post I have been attending an evening sewing class. Although it was progressing a bit slowly (see what we had achieved in a months worth of classes by following the previous link) the time has finally come for us to choose our own patterns and start working on individual projects. So, although I have just admitted to having far too many projects on the go already, I give you my chosen project for my sewing class:
McCall's 5923
When I showed this pattern to my teacher she winced! Not that she didn't like the dress, she really did, but she couldn't hide that it would be challenging to get it done during class time. I did have my doubts, but I decided to go for a more challenging pattern since I will have a teacher to help me through the hard bits. And yes, I chose a tartan to work with - more challenges! Bring them on I say! I can't see the tartan being too awkward, there aren't actually any seams that require matching up the pattern since the side panels are cut on the bias. By the way, the fabric I have chosen is a lovely wool blend (I wanted to go for a dress and fabric that I could wear in winter, rather than a light summer dress) and is a bit more pinky/purple than the photo shows.
All we have done in class so far is cut out the paper pattern - that took a whole 2hr class if you can believe! I'm a little concerned already because the teacher told me to cut the size that corresponds with my hip size. But I am pear shape and my bust measurement falls between the size 12-14 and my hips fall into the size 16 (why are sewing patterns so cruel?!)!!! I used the tape measure around my bust to see how big the final dress measurements for the 16 would be and I'm sad to say my boobs are going to be SWAMPED in the dress if I keep the measurements as they are! But this is exactly why I'm doing this dress in the class. My teacher is bringing along the Pattern Master (eh? What is this?!) next week and we are going to grade the pattern to fit my measurements better. I'm looking forward to that - it will be the first thing in the class that is completely new to me. But I'm nervous about cutting out the fabric. I'm not doing a muslin first (even though my head is SCREAMING to do so) as we don't have time and this fabric was rather expensive. Keeping my fingers crossed it goes ok!!!!
Check back next week where I'll let you know how the Pattern Master and grading went.
Good luck! I have the same problem, my hips are usually two sizes bigger than the rest of me! What I would do, is cut the 12 at the bust and waist, and grade out to a 16 at the hips. That's probably what you'll learn next.
ReplyDeleteVery cute dress!
Hmm, if it's a weekly class maybe you could make the muslin during the week on your own, just to be sure? I love that pattern, especially in plaid!
ReplyDeleteTanitisis - I know, I really should try and make a muslin during the week between classes - but it's so hectic at the moment I have so little time for sewing. My weekly 2hr class is my little time specially dedicated to sewing! But I'm going to see what I can squeeze into this weekend for sure!
ReplyDelete