Re: How difficult does this pattern look?


<ena86@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1145892322.714262.156790@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm actually thinking of doing view E-- why would that bodice be more
difficult? Also, the bodice is lined-- will that pose a problem?


Because you have 2 front pieces to deal with. Not only do you have to line
up the bust darts (or in this case gathers) properly but you have to get the
pieces lapped correctly. It's tricky. And you wind up with 8 layers of
fabric at the "waistline" in front, some of that gathered. You will have to
be sure to remove as much bulk from the seam allowances as possible.

It's not a terribly difficult dress to make. But since you asked would this
be an easy pattern, the answer is B or C would be the easiest. View A would
be something of a challenge because you would have the surplice bodice to
deal with as well as the Mandarin collar. View D would be a pain with the
bias binding around the neckline. View E also has the half cap sleeves.
The sleeve piece will not go all the way around the armhole opening. You
will need to be VERY careful about making sure you mark all the alignment
points on that. Also, that kind of cap sleeve can be unflattering if you
don't have Jada Pinkett-Smith arms. It hugs closer to the upper arm than a
normal t-shirt sleeve. It also really points directly to any tricep flab
you may have. The flutter sleeve on C is a lot more attractive (much
softer!) Also, easier to do. Again, you would need to be extremely careful
about marking alignment points as the sleeve doesn't go all the way around.
And the only other challenge to a flutter sleeve like that is the very
narrow hem it will need. But it looks a whole lot better on the body.

As far as the lined bodice.... It's not a problem. It will raise the
difficulty level some. I would suggest self lining it, in other words, line
it with the same fabric from which you are making the dress. I would also
suggest, regardless of what the pattern says, that you understitch the
lining. That will make it turn in so much nicer. That's what I did on my
DD's spring formal (which had a very similar style bodice.) You may be able
to understitch the whole neckline on the machine with this one. If the
bodice were unlined, it would not look nearly as nice.

Sharon


--
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and just annoys the
pig.


.

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