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It was, in fact, done on time—finished before last Friday night, so I could wear it for graduation. (Honestly I'm not sure why I picked that event, since I was wearing my graduation robes/gown/thing most of the time.) I have now worn it twice and have Thoughts on its construction and ideas for future projects. I also finally have adequate photos.
Closer view of the bodice:
The pattern is Vogue 8648. Overall, I quite like the fit. The skirt is very fitted and I love how it looks while I'm standing or walking around. Having actually made a muslin and stuff (!) I didn't have major issues with sizing or forgetting my actual measurements (... no comment on previous projects.) I'm quite pleased with the fact that I took the time to do all the techniques in the course, from making a muslin to silk organza underlining to hand-picking the zipper and hand-stitching the lining. I have many more skills now than I did before and I definitely recommend the Craftsy course for that. (It's The Couture Dress by Susan Khalje, if you're curious or interested.) I have no complaints at all about the class; Susan is a great teacher and she was good about promptly responding to my questions. I would love to take one of her classes in person someday.
Detail shots:
Zipper (started too low)
Arrowhead tack at the back slit: (I'm not won over on this. It may come out. Also the picture is super blurry.)
And a deliberately non-close-up view of the lining.
To sum up:
Fabric: black raw silk, hand-dyed silk shantung (fashion fabric), silk organza (underlining), hand-dyed silk habotai (lining)
Hours: I should start tracking time spent on my projects.
Like: The fit, the fabric, the learning process—I have so many new techniques now! I also love the hand-dyed blue fabric.
Would change: The skirt is too tight while sitting, the bodice gapes (the fit's not right overall—gapey in the front, straps too wide, tight in the back.) The lining is too thin, so the organza makes me itch through it, unfortunately. 5mm silk habotai is NOT an appropriate lining choice. (Susan actually suggested something heavier, but I'd already bought my fabric by the time she replied. Patient, I am not!) I might take off the arrowhead tack. The zipper should start a bit higher, and the fabric edges on the zipper are a bit in excess, they almost overlap instead of abutting.
Would I make this pattern again? Definitely. I think it'd be great for a more functional dress, like a work dress. I'd have to do some better fitting on it, though. I know a lot more now to do so.
And despite all the fitting issues, I'm already contemplating tackling pants. I may sew a few blouses before I get there, though...
Closer view of the bodice:
The pattern is Vogue 8648. Overall, I quite like the fit. The skirt is very fitted and I love how it looks while I'm standing or walking around. Having actually made a muslin and stuff (!) I didn't have major issues with sizing or forgetting my actual measurements (... no comment on previous projects.) I'm quite pleased with the fact that I took the time to do all the techniques in the course, from making a muslin to silk organza underlining to hand-picking the zipper and hand-stitching the lining. I have many more skills now than I did before and I definitely recommend the Craftsy course for that. (It's The Couture Dress by Susan Khalje, if you're curious or interested.) I have no complaints at all about the class; Susan is a great teacher and she was good about promptly responding to my questions. I would love to take one of her classes in person someday.
Detail shots:
Zipper (started too low)
Arrowhead tack at the back slit: (I'm not won over on this. It may come out. Also the picture is super blurry.)
And a deliberately non-close-up view of the lining.
To sum up:
Fabric: black raw silk, hand-dyed silk shantung (fashion fabric), silk organza (underlining), hand-dyed silk habotai (lining)
Hours: I should start tracking time spent on my projects.
Like: The fit, the fabric, the learning process—I have so many new techniques now! I also love the hand-dyed blue fabric.
Would change: The skirt is too tight while sitting, the bodice gapes (the fit's not right overall—gapey in the front, straps too wide, tight in the back.) The lining is too thin, so the organza makes me itch through it, unfortunately. 5mm silk habotai is NOT an appropriate lining choice. (Susan actually suggested something heavier, but I'd already bought my fabric by the time she replied. Patient, I am not!) I might take off the arrowhead tack. The zipper should start a bit higher, and the fabric edges on the zipper are a bit in excess, they almost overlap instead of abutting.
Would I make this pattern again? Definitely. I think it'd be great for a more functional dress, like a work dress. I'd have to do some better fitting on it, though. I know a lot more now to do so.
And despite all the fitting issues, I'm already contemplating tackling pants. I may sew a few blouses before I get there, though...
