The invisible zipper is in. It took me forever to match up this print on the back bodice but eventually I found a match hiding among the daisies. I used a zip that was quite longer than the pattern specified but that makes it easier to install. Once installed, the zipper is cut at the bottom and the end of the zipper is covered and hand stitched with a tiny piece of fabric. Once the zipper was done the piping was installed full length on the front and back of the dress. That was pretty straightforward. The sashes were stitched to the side seams and then the side seams were stitched and serged. We are talking bodice only here as the skirt widths are solid pieces that wrap from the back to the front. The seaming is along the piped edge and center back only. I also did my usual sash keeper and made sure I piped it this time. Thanks, Gwen, for that suggestion.Next came the spaghetti straps.
I cut one inch bias strips which I then folded wrong side out. I stitched these a measurement between an 1/8 and a quarter of an inch from the fold. As I stitched the strip, I slightly stretched it. The SA was then trimmed back to 1/8 inch. Using my tube turner I turned back the four strips to right side out. I then went to the ironing board and before I pressed each strip it got a good spray of water. Then I placed the hot iron down on one end and started pulling the other end as I pressed. I pulled and stretched and pressed simultaneously. This is where the stips get their nice Spaghetti look. Iron them while pulling until they are dry.I have been managing most mornings this past week to get in a healthy half hour of sewing before facing the day. Thanks, Summerset, for egging me on.
Tomorrow, all I have left to do is put the lining in and the hem. Yahoo!
Last week I was able to work out in my gardens. During a visit, a guest broke the top of one of our birdbaths a while back. This week I painted a shallow bowl pot and made a rock garden out of it. I really like how it came out. I wasn't about to throw half a birdbath out! I used succulents, some stones, and a glass float.
Reminds me of a miniature desert. .....Bunny
I love it! It will be a fabulous dress|
ReplyDeleteThe dress is coming along beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is going to be adorable. Love the rock garden. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteBunny, the piping really makes this dress special. I'm looking forward to the finished garment. What a great idea to remake the birdbath into a rock garden. It turned out beautifully (like everything else you do!).
ReplyDeleteYour projects are always just wonderful, and this dress is no different. The birdbath garden is great, I really like it.,
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see this one. I am forcing your tube turning tips into my brain.
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I was making those tubes, too, this weekend the exact same way you did. I did mine Sat. night and left them to dry so they'd be ready for Sunday afternoon sewing.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is very cute. Love the piping. I once again want to thank you for your tutorials on piping. In the end I used pre-made piping, but will sure refer to your tutorial in the future.
ReplyDeleteBunny, thank you for reading my blog, I love your work; please forgive me for not taking the time to comment on some of your post. I have being giving the “Lovely Blog Award”, I had added your blog to my list.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time and sharing your lovely work.
"Betty's Dress" is just going to be darling. In a way I'm glad I don't have a little girl to sew for, those spaghetti straps would drive me spare!! Can't wait to see it all done. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour Stephanie
So glad you're making such wonderful progress on the dress, Bunny. I was totally stumped on the back but now that I've seen yours I think I can proceed. I'm doing a placket and buttons but I hope I can do it!
ReplyDeleteCissie