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Adventures in sewing
Oct. 1st, 2008 11:55 amReally, it's amazing how much of a pattern I don't use anymore.
Remember how I'm using this pattern?
Well, kind of, anyway. I did use the pattern pieces for the bodice and sleeves, but I altered them both fairly significantly. And the underskirt/overskirt? Why would I cut out pattern pieces to make a simple gathered skirt that won't wear right over panniers, and which I'll also have to hem by about six inches because I'm on the petite side? I've made enough full skirts now to know the basic formula - measure from my waist to the floor - about 41 inches. Cut two panels of fabric at 41 inches long (no need for a seam or heel allowance, as I'll be adding another inch or two just in the waistband) by whatever width I want, depending on how full a skirt I'm going for. In this case, two panels each 2 1/2 yards wide. Gather/pleat/dart skirt to fit appropriately measured and cut waistband.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to math and the ability to draft a pattern, but even I can manage to make a skirt that will wear better than their pattern pieces. I'm using knife pleats on this one (instead of the gather they want), and given that I'm using five yards of fabric, hopefully that will fit nicely over my panniers, which I'm not making too wide. I want to be able to maneuver fairly easily. Their overskirt also leaves a lot to be desired. Mine will be much fuller, and will not attach to my bodice. Both skirts and the bodice will all be separate from one another, allowing me to mix and match depending on how many layers I want to wear for the entire evening. And directions? I admit, I haven't glanced at them once. My friend L and I like to joke that sewing actually became 500 times easier when we stopped reading the directions, which often sound like they were written by someone in a foreign country with rudimentary understanding of English, translating from whatever their native tongue might be. So, no. Haven't glanced at them. But my underskirt is cut out and pleated, and should be finished tonight. Then I can finish (re: redo) my sleeves and flounces and finally get the bodice done. With any luck, my costume will be done by the end of the weekend, and I'll be able to move on to Mark's.
Remember how I'm using this pattern?
Well, kind of, anyway. I did use the pattern pieces for the bodice and sleeves, but I altered them both fairly significantly. And the underskirt/overskirt? Why would I cut out pattern pieces to make a simple gathered skirt that won't wear right over panniers, and which I'll also have to hem by about six inches because I'm on the petite side? I've made enough full skirts now to know the basic formula - measure from my waist to the floor - about 41 inches. Cut two panels of fabric at 41 inches long (no need for a seam or heel allowance, as I'll be adding another inch or two just in the waistband) by whatever width I want, depending on how full a skirt I'm going for. In this case, two panels each 2 1/2 yards wide. Gather/pleat/dart skirt to fit appropriately measured and cut waistband.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to math and the ability to draft a pattern, but even I can manage to make a skirt that will wear better than their pattern pieces. I'm using knife pleats on this one (instead of the gather they want), and given that I'm using five yards of fabric, hopefully that will fit nicely over my panniers, which I'm not making too wide. I want to be able to maneuver fairly easily. Their overskirt also leaves a lot to be desired. Mine will be much fuller, and will not attach to my bodice. Both skirts and the bodice will all be separate from one another, allowing me to mix and match depending on how many layers I want to wear for the entire evening. And directions? I admit, I haven't glanced at them once. My friend L and I like to joke that sewing actually became 500 times easier when we stopped reading the directions, which often sound like they were written by someone in a foreign country with rudimentary understanding of English, translating from whatever their native tongue might be. So, no. Haven't glanced at them. But my underskirt is cut out and pleated, and should be finished tonight. Then I can finish (re: redo) my sleeves and flounces and finally get the bodice done. With any luck, my costume will be done by the end of the weekend, and I'll be able to move on to Mark's.
