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
I’m liking the look of this dress. I don’t think you can go past a shirt dress and this one is lovely. Tencel is one of my favourite fabrics. I think I like the white topstitching, although the gold would be traditional. The red is good too. I hadn’t actually realised that you had the blue and grey in there, so they could be used if you don’t want the topstitching to be obvious. So many choices – aaagh!
Yes, it is a lot of choices, isn’t it! That’s how I feel! I kind of thought the blues would be boring (for me!)
Good Lord, trying to decide between 4 colours of thread: red, white, blue and grey. Hmmm. I guess it depends on how formal you want the dress to look. I was leaning towards the grey, the colour is discreetly noticeable. Then I was leaning towards the red, very noticeable. I’m going with my first choice, grey for the top-stitching. I love that you’re using the Tencil again. 😆👏👏👏
One vote for grey! Thanks for dropping in so late at night… “In our neck of the woods”!
Hi Linda
It was well worth the time you took to redo the collar, it has made such a difference. I end up frustrated with myself if my finishes aren’t right so I think it is worth the effort.
I prefer the grey top stitching, you can see it but it is subtle and classy. The red would also be great though if you want the top stitching to be one of the features of the design
Debbie
http://www.sewnfromtheheart.com
Thank you. Patience is definitely a virtue, as they say. So far, we have … Do I want contrast or not? Hmm…
I like the contrasts, but then you have more limitations on what you can wear with the dress, so would probably go with something close to the fabric colour. Stay stitching emerging is one reason why I hardly ever do it btw. It’s so tricky to get the stitches out of some fabrics without leaving a mark.
I know, I came close with this one. After pressing it, you didn’t notice the tiny holes. But with some fabrics it is not so easy to hide them.
Hi Linda. Gosh. I hate the wind and for it to interfere with your sewing is dreadful!
Gold thread definitely, maybe the white for top stitching your dress. I’m a bit traditional when it comes to denim.
That’s true, denim with the gold thread is very traditional, isn’t it!
This is gonna be stunning! I’d go for grey (or gray!). But only because I’m in a mode of toning things down and getting more things matching and less orphans. 😃
That’s a good point, if I used the red I’d have to watch what else I wore with it.
I always like contrasting topstitching, so I would do the white. That’s my personal preference though. Can’t wait to see the finished dress!
Thanks. I guess the white would be contrast, but a neutral contrast!
Yeah I do prefer something that pops but that I can match easily. No point in having an outfit that you limit unnecessarily, in my mind. 😊
👍😄
The fabric looks perfect for this dress. I like the red or golden thread but yes if you want something more discreet then probably the grey is the best one!
It is a lovely fabric. I was lucky to find it. Once I finish with the bodice the rest should be easy… Well except for all those buttonholes! 😄
Haha, yes the buttonholes have put me off a lot of projects but I’m sure you will do a great job!
Thanks! I’ll have my fingers crossed!
Great fabric and that dress will be stunning with a bit of top stitching. I think the color of thread depends on how you want the dress to function in your wardrobe, casual or work attire. I like the gray for work attire, the white for casual. I agree – a patient mood is a must for a sewing session, especially when you have to unpick something :). I always regret it if I sew when I’m feeling anxious or in a hurry.
Thanks! Yes a proper mood for sewing is important, either that or chocolate and your drink of choice (mine are actually lattes!)
Oooh this dress is going to be great. Amazing fix on the collar there. I would totally go with red thread for topstitching. 🙂
Thanks! The red would be cool, wouldn’t it!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.