Score!

I finished the Simplicity dress and I got a "Looks great" from hubby who usually just grunts at me if I ask. So, I think it turned out well but I've been too swamped to get pictures. Soon!

So now on to my score! I'm a shoe addict and have quickly become a designer shoe addict. I am constantly stalking shoe sites for good deals. The other day I stumbled upon these babies at Amazon who has some of the best deals on shoes. But you have to act quickly, these shoes are already $100 more than I paid for them now. I managed to swipe them for 70% off! I've found them on sale but not that good.

I'm totally in love! They are totally sassy and I feel great in them.

Proenza Schouler

On to something easier.

I picked up all the pieces, parts, cuttings of the "Shirt Dress" attempts and put them all in a basket under my cutting table. I had to get them out of my sight for a bit. I don't know why I'm so bound and determined to sew a shirt dress. Maybe it's just not for me???

I've decided to sew a pattern that I've never sewn but has been loved by many a sewist. Simplicity 3775, which is ironically out of print now. This is the second pattern that made the Top 10 of the year on Pattern Review, only to be discontinued.



I'm going to make View E, sleeveless with the crossed body and waist twist. I'm using some $1 a yard cotton knit from FabricMart which I actually like very much. It's pretty and very soft. They don't seem to have any left so I can't link a picture.

Pure Frustration!

I know I have fitting issues but seriously, how hard can it be to get a princess seamed shirt dress to fit? Well, obviously very hard for me.

I spent all weekend working on Burda 2-2009-105.



I traced it, then tissue fit it and thought I was good to go. I cut it out in some rather inexpensive fabric, put it together and it was HUGE! I decided to go ahead and retrace a smaller size. I went from a 42 down to a 38, did an FBA and cut out the bodice out in muslin. Wow, I was excited, it fit wonderfully. Next step, I took apart the muslin, used it to cut out different fabric and put it together. Damn it all, but it fit horribly! The fabric was heavier so I'm wondering is that was the cause. I didn't play with the muslin too much so I don't think it stretched out badly.

I'm so frustrated that I can't decide if I want to try it again in a lighter fabric. The bust curve is so "curved" that it looks bad, but then again the fabric was heavier. This is my third attempt at a shirt dress with no luck.

First attempt was another Burda but it was a shapeless thing that I thought would just be comfy to wear this summer. Nope, looked like a tent on me and I shouldn't have been surprised.

The next one was McCalls 5847 which has all the fitting lines on the pattern. This one also turned out HUGE! Looking back though, I probably did start with too big a size. Maybe if I'm brave, I'll try this one again. I didn't like the syle of it as much though.

I really want to sew other things besides knits. I have so many gorgeous pieces of fabric that I want to sew on. I was so frustrated that I called and signed up for some private fitting instruction. I'll be spending a day with someone who can hopefully help me...fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I'm back to sewing knits or some unfitted woven things.