Show us what you've made!

[Lauren]

Thanks gals! It only took me two years to get up the gumption to finish it. haha. I just plugged my ipod into an audio book and zoned out while following pre-drawn lines. Was a good relaxer from the work week

 

[deadpandiva]

You girls are amazing. All of you are so talented.

 

[michou1930]

A little bit of fifties for me

I just finished one of the Butterick Retro patterns - it was pretty easy going and it fits nicely (well, if I would have taken the 12 as the size chart suggested, it would have been way too big - this is an 8!)

 

[SassyLindaB]

I just finished one of the Butterick Retro patterns - it was pretty easy going and it fits nicely (well, if I would have taken the 12 as the size chart suggested, it would have been way too big - this is an 8!)

so nice! which pattern is it?

 

[michou1930]

It is this one here - Butterick 5032

 

[Antje]

I just finished one of the Butterick Retro patterns - it was pretty easy going and it fits nicely (well, if I would have taken the 12 as the size chart suggested, it would have been way too big - this is an 8!)

you did a super job, I once did not buy this pattern because i didn't know how it would look when it was a made dress, but I'm sorry now for not buying it, I love the dress

 

[Pink Dahlia]

I just finished one of the Butterick Retro patterns - it was pretty easy going and it fits nicely (well, if I would have taken the 12 as the size chart suggested, it would have been way too big - this is an 8!)

I've have that same problem with modern patterns too. I always make the next smallest size or I'm swimming in the garment!

 

[michou1930]

I've have that same problem with modern patterns too. I always make the next smallest size or I'm swimming in the garment!

Do you have an idea why this happens? What is the intention? :rage: And just when I thought I knew how to handle this I tried another dress pattern (Vogue 9668), looked at the pattern pieces and the indicated finished measurements, found that 8 should be fitting, cut it out, cut the fabric out and - bit in the table: the top is way too small. It might have been alright if the layout for pinning the pieces on the fabric would have been correct ... well, I should stop now, it is not really interesting and I need to control my anger!

But how is it with vintage patterns? I only made two skirts and they were fitted although I used my real size Is this common?

 

[MissAmelina]

Do you have an idea why this happens? What is the intention? :rage: And just when I thought I knew how to handle this I tried another dress pattern (Vogue 9668), looked at the pattern pieces and the indicated finished measurements, found that 8 should be fitting, cut it out, cut the fabric out and - bit in the table: the top is way too small. It might have been alright if the layout for pinning the pieces on the fabric would have been correct ... well, I should stop now, it is not really interesting and I need to control my anger!

But how is it with vintage patterns? I only made two skirts and they were fitted although I used my real size Is this common?

I find that *every* pattern is different, so I have to make up a "test run" in muslin first. Or, as a suggestion, use another inexpensive cotton fabric that you like. That way, if it turns out nicely the first time, the garment can still be worn----but if it doesn't turn out, you won't mind tearing it apart and making alterations to the pattern.

 

[michou1930]

I find that *every* pattern is different, so I have to make up a "test run" in muslin first. Or, as a suggestion, use another inexpensive cotton fabric that you like. That way, if it turns out nicely the first time, the garment can still be worn----but if it doesn't turn out, you won't mind tearing it apart and making alterations to the pattern.

I know, you are absolutely right and should do it this way. As soon as the kids will both go to Kindergarten I shall do this! One day I might even know what to do if I don't like the result.

 

[Mrs. Merl]

I have never had a pattern make up and not really fit - I have had to make a few tweaks here and there - but never not actually fit... That is odd to me.

 

[MissAmelina]

I know, you are absolutely right and should do it this way. As soon as the kids will both go to Kindergarten I shall do this! One day I might even know what to do if I don't like the result.

That's right! Time and practice. By the way, I remember seeing that sweater you are wearing in your avatar on your blog awhile back....I am still hopelessly in love with it! Such a lovely job....I am envious of you knitters! Such patience you have!

 

[michou1930]

That's right! Time and practice. By the way, I remember seeing that sweater you are wearing in your avatar on your blog awhile back....I am still hopelessly in love with it! Such a lovely job....I am envious of you knitters! Such patience you have!

Don't be envious - just start. Knitting is not that difficult and you will even get quicker and quicker. I normally need 10 days to three weeks for such a little sweater. And the red one was also a quick knit because I wanted it so badly! ;-)

 

[kamikat]

Don't be envious - just start. Knitting is not that difficult and you will even get quicker and quicker. I normally need 10 days to three weeks for such a little sweater. And the red one was also a quick knit because I wanted it so badly! ;-)

I've never finished any knitting project in less than 6 months! But then, I have arthritis in my hands and can't knit for more than an hour at a time.

 

[MarieAnne]

I finally finished my daughter's Christening gown. Who needs anger management classes when you can just sew! I'm pretty happy with it; I just wish my headache would go away. I feel hungover, a little too much, "baste, gather, ease and stitch."
Sorry, I can't seem to make it right side up.

 

[JupitersDarling]

I finally finished my daughter's Christening gown. Who needs anger management classes when you can just sew! I'm pretty happy with it; I just wish my headache would go away. I feel hungover, a little too much, "baste, gather, ease and stitch."
Sorry, I can't seem to make it right side up.

All that pain was worth it. It's beautiful!!!

 

[Inky]

MarieAnne, it is lovely and what a beautiful heirloom you have created. All those efforts will be handed down - you should include a little note with the dress explaining your efforts and feelings while you created it, and a photo of your daughter wearing it, when you pack it away for future generations of your family!

 

[MarieAnne]

Thank you so much girls! I will definitely have to include a note when I put the dress away. Right now I am just trying to sum up the courage to start the bonnet. I'm hoping to find a nice wooden chest to keep it in. Could the wood affect the dress over a long period of time? I'll have to do some research on long term storage for clothing.

 

[Inky]

Thank you so much girls! I will definitely have to include a note when I put the dress away. Right now I am just trying to sum up the courage to start the bonnet. I'm hoping to find a nice wooden chest to keep it in. Could the wood affect the dress over a long period of time? I'll have to do some research on long term storage for clothing.

I would not store it directly in a wooden box, but use an archival quality box/tissue papers, and even the paper and ink you use for the note, if you want real long-term safety. Something like these.

 

[Rachael]

I've have that same problem with modern patterns too. I always make the next smallest size or I'm swimming in the garment!

I was discussing this the other night with my partner in crime. I find that if you go by the waist measurement the garment will be huge, since they seem to allow for a huge amount of ease. I generally buy for the bust size then alter the waist if needed, which it rarely is. Also, take note of the actual size markings on the pattern pieces, generally on the bodice front piece, and pick the size that works best for you and the amount of wearing ease you want for that garment. If I went by the standard chart for my waist size, I should be wearing a 16. But I go by the bust, and make a 10 or 12.

Recently I encountered a 'fitted' dress pattern that allowed 8" wearing ease at the waist [huh] . How that is 'fitted' is beyond me. Good thing it was a repro and a multi-size pattern so I didn't have to draft down.