One of the things I’ve learned about sewing, is when trying to create something without a pattern,
it’s always a good idea to practice.
That way when I make a mistake, it’s with cheap fabric – $1 a yard cotton instead of 6.95 Euro per meter!
Here was my first mistake – the waist band was 2 inches too long.
Yes I could just put two buttons side by side, but then the fabric of the skirt isn’t evenly distributed.
No problem! I’ll just make it a draw string waist right?
Uhhhhh… No.
All that bunching will add yet another ‘love handle’ ripple to my middle.
At least that is what I’ll tell people -
Oh it’s just fabric. Really. Faux fabric love handles are all the rage now in Paris.
Ahem.
Working with practice fabric also gives me a little freedom to try new things.
Like 1/2 inch knife pleats. I’ve always thought they were so pretty and feminine on undergarments.
Until I realized that 4 of them together also ‘cost’ me 2 inches in the overall length.
*gulp*
All of these were good lessons for me to learn BEFORE taking the next step…
Which is cutting the fancy fabric…
Someone hold me…
Have you used a sewing machine since 8th grade Home Economics? (Do they even still teach that anymore?)
Are you the kind of person to practice new things ahead of time or are you a ‘jump right in and wing it’ kinda person?
(If the latter – can I be you when I grow up?)
…
And in case you missed them, here are the other two posts about this ‘project in process’…
Extreme Ball Gown Makeover: Ideas, plans, and fabric
Ball Gown Makeover Part 1: Gathering stitches and flip flops
February 21, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Oh my goodness! hahaha.
They didn’t have home ec when I was in school.
I wanted it though!
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February 21, 2012 at 7:28 pm
I didnt sew in home ec but I do sew…but not since I’ve come to Germany. I do better with a plan but have tried my hand at winging it with little sucess. Do you know if they take VAT forms at the fabric store in K-town?
February 21, 2012 at 9:28 pm
I’m a big time jump-in-the-deep-end-and-try-not-to-drown girl! *Ahem* And I’ll tell you what impulse would get you; the shorter love-handled dress! Can I be you when I grown up??? Pleeeeeease?
February 22, 2012 at 2:40 am
This is an awesome idea! I am really interested in reading this one…
February 22, 2012 at 7:04 am
Serious kudos to you for buying practice fabric!!! I don’t think I ever would have thought of that. Usually when I try a new project, I just buy the fabric, bring it home and hope for the best. =P Not all of my projects have turned out the way I want them to either. Maybe I should take a cue from you and start getting practice fabric. =)
Oh, and I took Home Ec in 8th grade too. I didn’t pick up sewing again until about a year ago. I can’t believe I went that long without sewing!
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