I wasted half of today making two more attempts at this skirt and I am getting really angry. It looks shitty and nothing like the
picture on the envelope. It doesn't hang right and looks so weird.
Here is version 2:
Pretty ugly right, and not just because of the fabric? This was my attempt to make the upper skirt more like the envelope, which I did. However I like the other upper skirt I made better, since both it and the bodice have princess seams. This time I made the skirt in three wider segments, hoping to give it more drape, especially in the front. It still looks super stupid and ugly. It's like "here is a boring flat front skirt, but oh loook, with a random seam over the knees! How stylish!" So version 2 can suck it.
Here is version 3:
I took the upper skirt from version 1 (with the princess seams) and then made some pattern pieces on the bias. I made an effort for them to all have the same flare, which I thought would magically solve my problem. Then I was happy until I sewed it all together and put it on the dummy. Gack! Now it's ew-tacular from all angles!
And on that note, I refrained from smashing something on the floor, left my heaps of fabric everywhere and left the room. Version 3 can suck it too.
Sooooo...any thoughts?
I think I'm about done with my "vision" and need to make some other type of skirt. Something simple. At least the bodice looks good.
Grr.
Hi molly I sent you an email with some photo's with an idea that may help. Good luck
ReplyDeleteHi Molly,
ReplyDeleteI don't have any helpful suggestions, but I wanted to express my sympathy. It is so frustrating when the pattern isn't working out. I know you will figure something out but the process is painful at times.
I have a few things to say.
ReplyDelete1. Did you try the skirt on? Things look different on a real body.
2. It's tough trying to make a dress from a drawn picture. Many of those vintage patterns have great drawings on the envelope and the finished garments look nothing like them.
3. The dress on the pattern looks like it is made from very flowy fabric or cut on the bias.
4. for what it's worth, I liked version 2.
Yeah, the all look equally gross when tried on. I know, I'm starting to think the illustration is just bs.
DeleteOh Molly, I feel your frustration! I actually don't think your version 2 looks too bad to be honest.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that the fabric you will be using for the real deal will probably be alot heavier, and will therefore drape better - plus, are you planning on putting any tulle underneath the flared part of the skirt? If so, that will affect the overall look a lot too. And have you tried it on yourself and walked around in it to see it's movement?
What about making the seam at the front lower than your knees? It looks quite low in the drawing, and that might change the flare at the front?
I was seriously considering making my wedding dress, but got talked out of it (still sad about that to be honest), but when I was still thinking about it and planning I think we were thinking of similar styles. I didn't come across your beautiful McCall 7505 (which I have to say, is to DIE for!!!), but I did bookmark V2830 and V2931. While they don't have the beautiful back that the vintage McCalls has, they do have that 'fishtail' look and might give you some pieces to work from? Particularly V2810.
Finally - don't forget that vintage patterns always look SO much nicer/sexier in their drawings than when they are made up in real life!!!!! Well, that's what I often find anyway!
Don't give up - you are nearly there!!!
I know, I never found a pattern where the fishtail that was lower in the front like this one. Maybe I'll go look at it, just to see.
DeleteI think version two looks the best so far. Have you tried it on? Is the fabric comparable to what you would use for the real thing? Your real fabric might drape completely different. Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are far off with version 2. In a drapier fabric the trumpet skirt will really hang nicely. I think that because you have pieced the skirt it is affecting the way it hangs. Maybe you need to cut your skirt more like a full circle or half circle skirt, maybe even something like this: http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/halter-gown/
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I made my own wedding dress a couple of years ago and it took four and a half toiles/muslins and my dress was not nearly as complicated as yours!
Maybe I'll try cutting it like in the link, thanks!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAlso, Vogue pattern V8190 has a similar skirt shape. It's only $2.99 for members on the Vogue Patterns website.
Deletei think once you use your actual fabric and a lot of steam (assuming you can't iron it) that will help a lot and maybe some tulle or a petticoat of some sort underneath to give it the shape you're after. Be sure to take a break and look at it again later with fresh eyes. best wishes =)
ReplyDeleteWedding dresses will sometimes add a horsehair braid to the hem. The braid will help hold the hem out. Combine that with an appropriate poufy slip and the skirt will look a lot better.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to ease more of the bottom panel into the center front, just like a sleeve cap. It will give you more fabric and therefore more drape in front and it should be a pretty straightforward/easy/quick fix if it does work.
ReplyDeleteMOLLY CHECK OUT THE VOGUE 2810!
ReplyDelete