How time flies... feels like a whole season has passed since I was last here... although I realise some of you will still be lucky enough to have good weather for SOME time yet!!
Sew...I'm sharing a little red dress that I've worn for work, that's always been a bit tight around the arms, and I've often wondered about the two small windows the designers saw fit to add...
I mean, why stop at two..?
(and that's a small mic, if you're wondering what the black thing is on the neckline... should've taken a pic without it!!)
This has taken me a good while to write up, and in that time another Refashion Co-Op-ista has also made something with cut-outs in the neckline, a beautiful creation she wore to a wedding... And it made me panic, like 'Ahhh! What if she thinks I've COPIED her?!!' But then I thought... even if that WAS the case, it would be flattery, non? ;) Anyway, if you're reading this, I'm sorry if it looks mighty similar to something you've seen recently - it's just sewing serendipity! :D
And onto the 'After'...
Gema x
BEFORE & AFTER
11 comments:
Love the look! I'm the gal from the wedding photo and your dress looks awesome; I'm flattered mine was inspiring. You're definitely on the right track with bias tape. I just hemmed my cutouts and they were a bit floppy. I thought that next time I might try reinforcing the fabric with fuse-able interfacing to provide more stability. That way you could avoid the bulk of the bias tape and still have stability with just a hem. Just a theory, if I try it again I'll let you know how it works:)
Hi!! Thank you for commenting, and yes - your dress worked out just lovely :) The fuseable interfacing does sound like a good solution! I wanted some contrast in colour, but it did create a little too much bulk... I think maybe it was meant to be a learning curve... :)
I like it! An easier way if you didn't want the bias tape look is to cut and secure the holes as you did but use a scrap fabric that complements the dress to cut a LARGE square for each hole. Sew the scrap to the dress, right sides together, using a 1/4" seam allowance. Then snip the fabric over the hole to the very corners (but not through stitching) in an X. Flip the fabric through the hole, press well, trim seams and excess fabric, finish edges of the scrap with a serger or the overlock function on your machine (to avoid the bulk of a hem) and topstitch to secure. It's a nice clean finish without bulk. It would be even better if you left enough lining to encase the scrap between the lining and the main fabric.
PS this is a technique that is described in a costume pattern that I have to sew all the time for a yearly holiday production. I have found it handy for many other projects as well but I can't find a tutorial for it. It's usually used for a v-neck facing, but it works equally well for cutouts. Just make sure your scrap is MUCH LARGER than the hole so you have plenty of fabric to work with.
Lovely refashion. I agree that the two holes in the neckline showed a lack of commitment. And sleeveless is much better too.
Cindy - EOD
Upcycled Design Lab
I love the cut-outs, both yours and the cut-outs on Give The Cat A Name's dress. I think they look glamorous. I fully intend to copy both of you and use your good ideas on a certain dress in my refash pile. Thanks for the good ideas and tips!
I'm gonna be a copycat too! I love the cutouts you created to complement the previous two...lonely cutouts ;). The style of this dress is kinda perfect, as well. Off to check out the other dress to refresh my memory and get thinking on which piece from my stash will be perfect for this :-D
Thank you SO much for that advice Colleen, really very helpful!! That's what I love about this place, you're all so supportive- thank you..! I can imagine, having done it so many times, it must seem very straight forward to you now- I'm now looking forward to doing it again, 'properly' :)
Thanks Cindy! I was wondering if I'd been a bit rash with the sleeves, but I'm getting used to it now :)
Thank you, Clare, for commenting- lovely!! :)
Can't wait to see yours!! X
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