Our weather has been quite windy here and we have already lost power once (no TV, no internet, NO SEWING!) so I thought I would just sneak one in here now that the power has come back on – before it goes off again!
I was working on my Sewaholic Nicola. I am using a fabric from my stash, 60% cotton/40% Tencel*, that I was saving for this dress. This fabric is so soft, I think I am in love!
After interfacing and stay stitching, I had the collar finished and attached. I am always happy to have a stiff strong collar magically appear from a soft light-weight fabric.
During the next steps of construction the front bodice pieces and facings were sewn on. And here’s where I made a mess of it. It’s full of wrinkles, doesn’t sit flat and the stay stitching is peeking through.
So I picked apart both collar corners and carefully re-sewed the seams a bit at a time. I haven’t pressed it yet, but I am happy with the final result. (Gosh, look at all the snips and bits of thread sticking to my fabric!)
I don’t think you can sew without being prepared to be patient and take seams apart sometimes!
I’m considering adding some top stitching to my dress, perhaps up the front button placket, around the neckline and collar edge and down the front button placket on the other side.
I am also planning on making sleeves for this dress like I did with My Sister’s Sewing Projects – Simplicity dress, like this. So I want to topstitch the button tab too. I think I will also top stitch the tie belt.
I am “this close” to deciding which of these colours I want for my top stitching. I am curious: Which colour would you use to top stitch this denim dress?
I am making plans for a couple of days off this week for a little trip – something that you might enjoy too. I will blog about it when I return. I am learning how to take photos in low light and unusual lighting situations, as I am sure you will be interested in seeing the photos too. Any pointers are appreciated!
I hope to have that blog post ready for you soon, maybe next weekend. In the meantime, I am going to take advantage of the wonders of having electricity and continue sewing up my Sewaholic Nicola.
Happy Sewing!
* “a sustainable fabric, regenerated from wood cellulose. It is similar in hand to rayon and bamboo, both regenerated fabrics. However, Tencel is one of the most environmentally friendly regenerated fabrics, for several reasons. Tencel fibers are grown sustainably. Unlike rayon and bamboo, Tencel’s supply chain is transparent. It is obtained from eucalyptus trees that are grown on farms—no old growth forests, genetic manipulation, irrigation, or pesticides are used.” from ecomall.com
34 Responses to “…just sneaking one in here…”
Not heard of that fabric but it sounds lovely – I like soft! have fun on your trip.
It is very nice fabric, not stiff and heavy like a cotton denim. I couldn’t make jeans from it, but for a dress it’s lovely.
I used to hate picking things out….but the alternative would drive me crazy as well. You did a great job on this. It is beautiful. Now, I am torn between the red and the gold for the top stitching.
Thanks! Red seems to be pretty popular if you want “pop”. The gold seems more traditional.
Lovely dress, Linda, and must agree with others who’ve said top stitch colour depends on overall style you envision. Let us know what you decide!
Oh you ladies will be the first to know!
Ooh the stress of trying to get the blog out (let alone finish the sewing) with a wind storm threatening to take out the power! If push comes to shove you can switch to sewing by candle light on Aunt Helen’s sewing machine…just a simple treadle, no need for electricity, only one sewing foot though if I remember correctly.
All kidding aside what you’ve done here is beautiful, I can’t wait to see what colour you choose for the top stitching. 🙂
Ohh! I would love to get my hands (and feet) on Aunt Helen’s treadle sewing machine! 😍 Thanks for the compliment and stopping by!
I’m guilty of having to re-do seams that I ruined by rushing through the first time. The collar looks great now, though (better than multiple attempts of mine)! I’m leaning towards the yellow/gold or white topstitching, but it all depends on the look you’re going for 🙂 Have fun on your trip!
Thank you! Yes some fabrics only let you sew and rip once or twice. This one probably wouldn’t stand for another adjustment.