Remember this? It's 7501, which I bought by accident, thinking I was getting Scruffy Badger Time's 7051!? Well, tucked inside (you'll see it mentioned on the front of the packet, too) is a Bonus Basic Pattern (in women's sizes). I'm not sure what that means, because I think it sounds like there's another pattern inside. But what it does mean is that there is this groovy chart about how to get a pattern to fit. It has these cool drawings of 6 women (with wonderful haircuts--I want the right hand model's please), and you pick what usually happens to you when you put on a dress made from a pattern: Does it pull across the shoulders because yours are broad? Do you have round shoulders or a small bust?
Then pick a drawing, and follow the pattern adjustment instructions to correct the dress so it's right for you.
Weeks went by and I went thru 3 sets of toiles, trying to get the bodice right. (Read all about it here, here, here, here & here.) I finally gave up and decided to modify this pattern, Simplicity 9602, which is from my mom (I remember when she made it for an Xmas party) to give it a collar like 7051. And that ended up too small. So I added where I thought I should to make it bigger. And it turned out way too big! Honestly, I almost feel as if I've never sewed before. I have to keep looking at things I have made, that do look good to remind myself I'm not a beginner!
So now I finally decide to read the instructions! So here they are (this is the obverse of the page above):
See the top right where it says "very full bust?" That's me. So that's what I did, lots of slashing (I worked up my nerve by reading Tilly's Sleeve Slasher post a few times) and taping. I couldn't find any pattern tracing paper nearby (haven't been to G Street yet, though) so just made do with used printer paper. I drew 1" lines on the paper so that I knew things would match up, and started slashing. I reassured myself that if I totally screwed up, 9602 comes with a 2nd bodice pattern, which is a bit different at the neck, but is the same for the sleeves & darts.
To the right you'll see my masterpiece, with all the bits measured & taped together.
I found some weird polyester pale green stuff in a box downstairs...a real "Where the heck did that come from?" moment. But it should be fine for my 4th (yes, fourth) muslin. I've cut out the bodice & put all the markings on it; we'll see if I get to it this weekend.
Isn't that often the case- you have everything you need but don't always realise? Looks like really useful explanations. I hope they are the magic fairy dust!! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scruffy! I must be growing up--my patience is astounding me, my husband & my mom!
ReplyDeleteI think I might be on the right track (again!), but am now afraid to cut out the fabric for another try. I'll have to work up my nerve. Also, I want a big chunk of time, an evening after work isn't enough to start (over) again.