Corset=Fail :(

Started construction of the Simplicity 9769 corset today. I won this pattern on a competition from Sew Curvy Corsetry and chose it as it was the most simple. But simple it was not for me. I have to bare in mind that I've never attended any course on sewing plus only started using a sewing machine last month. Still, I hope I had more natural skills. Most of the corset is now done and only the binding is left to do, but there are a lot of mistakes with this piece and a lot of challenges were present.

• I've cut a size 8 and guess what? It's big. 
• I also need to distinguish between right and wrong side of fabric and make sure when I sew pieces together I'm sewing the correct ones. In this case I was confused with what pieces where from the left side of corset and which ones where from right. When I figured out I found out some were cut wrong so the wrong side of fabric was showing. (don't know if you'll understand that sentence, lol
• The above also means the shape/ format of the corset is all wrong, as I sewed pieces wrong. (You can see the example at the front in the photo)
• I was too hasty and sewed parts before I should have done so.
• The eyelets were a bit challenging. They are very, very wonky and definitely not even.

Lessons learned:

1. Be patient and read all instructions as many times as needed
2. Learn how to grade and do fittings throughout construction
3. Make the garment in cheap calico or muslin with long stitches
4. Pay more attention to cutting and marking the garment
5. And again, be patient!!

If you have more tips and advice for me, let me know!

Lining a dress=FAIL

Following on yesterdays rather disastrous attempt at lining a section of the dress I started (first one on my project list on last post) I had to change project plans. I think it was too ambitious of me to try to jump at lining a dress in my second ever sewing project. The first dress I made was suppose to have lining but I purposefully ignored it. This time I didn't ignore it and it went all wrong. I'm a bit annoyed at myself for not getting it but after some thinking maybe it isn't the right time. I will probably be better off focusing on basic construction and non lined items. When I'm comfortable with these, I'll look at adding lining.

So I'm skipping the two dresses from Sew Magazine and will start the culottes form Sew Hip. I will after attempt the undergarments and corset.

Any thoughts tips and hints on lining? Am I missing a trick?

Corset Pattern

I was a lucky girl and won a gorgeous corset pattern (Simplicity 9769) by the lovely Sew Curvy Corsetry.  As you might, or might not have read in my previous post, I have a keen interest for period/ historic pieces so this pattern is spot on. I can't wait to try it though first I need to get to grips with what materials I need. And for that I need to try an decipher the pattern envelope.  I have plenty of projects on the pipeline to keep me going to might not add any new one now. So, in order, i am doing:
 - Sew Magazine issue 13 halterneck knee lenght dress
 - Sew Magazine issue 13 halterneck maxi dress
 - Sew Hip issue 19 culottes
 - Simplicity 9769 corset and undergarments

I will update you on my progress on these but it might take a loooong while!

Have a happy week!

Slow times

It has been slow! I spent a week in bed with a nasty chest infection and couldn't do much. I had the pattern for my next project at hands close but was very poorly and couldn't do anything. I'm much better and almost completely recovered now but have a weekend ahead of photoshoots (photography is my other hobby). Slowly but steadily I will eventually do my next project.
I'm making (or attempting to make) another dress. This time the one on the cover of issue 13 Sew magazine. I'm using remains of black fabric I have lying around and will do this dress with lining. The fabric is a bit on the heavy side but we'll see how it goes. Quite excited to start cutting and constructing and also see how I get along with lining. I mustn't be too hard on myself, after all it's my 2nd garment.

In the meantime I placed a huge order on Abakhan. Lots of fabric for future projects and some for my own designs; although these will have to wait until I'm comfortable enough with "Mary Jane" (my sewing machine ;). I also ordered a couple of books on period sewing/ patterns. I have a huge interest on period pieces and very keen to learn how to make these garments. Hopefully these books will help. I will let you know!

Lastly, I'm trying to get a tailors dummy but because I'm a size 6/8 - petite, it's very, very difficult to find anything on the cheap side. If you have any and want to get rid of it or if you know where I can get some cheap(ish), please let me know!