Except for the hem, my Litte Red Dress is done. Wheeeeeee! I am super happy with it, and am hoping it lives up to my wearing expectations. It is comfortable, fits perfectly, and is flattering to my, ummmm, maturing figure. 🙂 What’s not to like?
I had no real construction problems, thanks primarily to checking out previous reviews on patternreview.com. As I mentioned in last week’s post, the 3 main issues encountered by others have simple solutions. Problem number 1 was excessive stretching of the skirt side seams. I used a soft but stable rayon seam binding on the skirt seams to counteract this issue. Since the skirt is two half-circles, there is plenty of bias and plenty of stretching. I was a little bummed I didn’t have red seam binding, but clearly not enough to go to the store! The dress has been hanging more than 24 hours, and so far there is no noticeable “growing”.
Problem number 2 was stretching around the neckline and sleeve facings. Well, for starters I eliminated the facings on the recommendation of some PR members, and turned the SA under and used my coverstitch to finish the edge. I also staystitched the neck and sleeve curves, and then applied a strip of 1/4″ Steam-a-Seam next to the staystitching. Notice how I pulled the Steam-a-Seam slightly? Yeah, that is to tighten up the neckline edge. No gaping, thank you!Â
To make sure I did not get a puckery turn under, I clipped the curves up to the Steam-a-Seam, and then pressed about 1/4″ over the Steam-a-Seam. The clipping allowed the outermost edge of the SA to lie smoothly – no puckers! I pressed under a second time (no clipping!) and then used my coverstitch serger to finish the neckline and sleeves. My only gripe with this entire process was my coverstitch balked a little going over the bulkiest areas and some of the stitching is not perfect. When I realized this was happening I trimmed as much of the excess fabric out as possible and that definitely helped. Is your coverstitch machine as finicky as mine seems to be? Sheesh!
The third and final problem noted by some reviewers was the wrong side of the wrap tie showing. I sewed the ties together as recommended, and also tapered the bottom edge so it did not end in a Becky Home-Ec-y straight edge. Come on, Donna – you can do a little better than that!
I LOVE this dress! It fits beautifully, hides things that should be hidden, and the skirt is just made for twirling. It is a totally feminine dress that really makes you feel like a girly-girl. So fun to wear – even just around the house before the hem is in!
Happy sewing!
Maris Olsen