Superfly!

17 Jun Superfly!


“You look like you’re still on vacation!”

IMG_2049I know – I’m just in denial. My vacation was a blast.

 If this Superfly fabric by Sis Boom doesn’t make me feel like I’m still on vacation then nothing will! I only wish I had made this easy summer dress before I went on vacation rather than after 🙂

Shall I blame it on Tia Dia of Mezzo Couture?  Her recent Vogue 2864 dress was exactly the pattern I wanted to try- a relatively fitted empire waist shift. I ordered the OOP pattern from Etsy before I finished reading her post, and it was waiting on me when I returned home last week.

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Would I have bought this dress I made? Probably not, but I will make the pattern again! Due to my haste, the dress turned out slightly too big which I should have noticed in the muslin. So thrilled to be back at the sewing machine I rushed through the muslin – always a big mistake. Take a look below.

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But if I stand with perfect posture it fits much better!

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Today while listening to a podcast interview with Kenneth King, I learned the couture designer and teacher makes at least two muslins before proceeding with the fashion fabric.

My dress is certainly fun but I believe it could have been a smashing success if I had taken the time to properly adjust the muslin.

While I’m not going to let a couple of wrinkles stop me from enjoying the fruits of my labor, I vow to never cut into my fashion fabric again without a perfectly fitting muslin.

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Lesson learned – onto the next!

Until soon 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
83 Comments
  • Denny Kenny
    Posted at 07:54h, 18 June Reply

    Such a gorgeous dress…such lovely fabric……such a small mistake that could have been adjusted on the paper pattern and muslin…..I feel your pain! Been there, done that myself.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:42h, 18 June Reply

      Ugh……. it’s so irritating and I really couldn’t make the proper adjustments once the fabric was cut. Many thanks for writing, Denny 🙂

  • Susan Morton
    Posted at 08:03h, 18 June Reply

    The dress looks fabulous on you! Love reading your blogs! I love sewing my own clothes and you inspire me! What is the fabric content of your dress?

  • Susan Morton
    Posted at 08:09h, 18 June Reply

    I just sent a comment and noticed my email address was incorrect. I have changed it to be correct. Thanks, Susan
    my comment was: your dress looks fabulous on you! I love reading your blogs! I enjoy sewing my own clothes and you inspire me! What is the content of your fabric?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:43h, 18 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Susan! The fabric content is 100% cotton and of great quality. I’ve also fully lined the dress 🙂

      • Mary Lynn
        Posted at 17:01h, 18 June Reply

        Did you underline it or make a separate lining? What did you use to line it? Looks very cute. Missed reading about your sewing while you were gone.

        • goodbyevalentino
          Posted at 20:50h, 18 June Reply

          Thanks, Mary Lynn! I used a separate lining made of rayon/poly. I’m not sure of its name but I really like the quality.

  • Joyce Love
    Posted at 08:17h, 18 June Reply

    It’s beautiful, and hey, great reason to stand up straight, right? Welcome back from vacation! I’ve been missing your posts!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:44h, 18 June Reply

      Many thanks, Joyce! Hopefully my perfect posture will serve me well 🙂

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 08:28h, 18 June Reply

    I think it’s the perfect dress for summer! Sometime you’ll want something a little looser fitting when it’s just plain hot or you’ve got a sunburn and don’t want fabric touching your skin. And TWO muslins? Not sure I’d have the patients for that, unless it was for a super expensive fabric or a very special occasion.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:46h, 18 June Reply

      Ahhh, Amanda….. thank you for trying to make me feel better 😉 YES, to everything you said – however another muslin is on the way for this dress!

  • carolinascallin
    Posted at 09:02h, 18 June Reply

    Such a fun fabric – Love it! Great dress pattern, too – I haven’t seen this one 🙂 I agree with Amanda S – sometimes you just want something a little loose for these hot Southern summers 🙂

    Thanks for a great fabric source! Hadn’t heard of SisBoom before and am happy to have that site!

  • Ann Shane
    Posted at 09:05h, 18 June Reply

    … and the sandals are great too!

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 09:20h, 18 June Reply

    I certainly didn’t notice any fitting issues when I first looked at this great dress! With such eye-catching fabric, no one is going to notice. Like Amanda, not sure if I have the patience to always make 2 muslins. Most of my sewing lately has not been worthy of that effort!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:48h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Cissie! If I can get the first muslin to fit correctly, then surely a second isn’t necessary 😉 Your sewing is always gorgeous.

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 09:34h, 18 June Reply

    It’s a cute dress! You learned something from making it, and you found a new pattern to use again. It takes awhile to build a TNT pattern. I fidget with my TNT patterns almost every time I make something so I’m sure your next one will be perfect!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:49h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks for the moral booster, Carolyn! I will make this work eventually 🙂

  • June
    Posted at 09:38h, 18 June Reply

    Welcome back! I love how you coordinated your shoes, too.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 18 June Reply

      Thank you, June! I’ve owned the Michael Kors sandals for a few years and still love that striped heel 🙂

  • caroline lazzara
    Posted at 09:42h, 18 June Reply

    Sis Boom fabric and patterns are fabulous! Jennifer Paganelli (Sis Boom) is an amazing person.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:51h, 18 June Reply

      She certainly seems to be, Caroline! Do you know her?

      • caroline lazzara
        Posted at 10:07h, 25 June Reply

        I met her in December. She lives very near me and has a Holiday Fair in her home displaying all her fabulous creations! Such a doll!

  • Donna
    Posted at 09:44h, 18 June Reply

    Do you have a fav online fabric store?

  • Tia Dia
    Posted at 09:44h, 18 June Reply

    OMG! What fabulousness is that fabric with this dress design?!?!? Glad you found the pattern, and I didn’t know about the *two* muslins…. Good idea!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:52h, 18 June Reply

      All thanks to you, Tia Dia! Another muslin is definitely in order on this one 😉

  • Vivian
    Posted at 09:49h, 18 June Reply

    Whohoooo! That is a cute dress I would not buy, but on you wonder, why not. It is a little big, but when you think about RTW clothing and how it often doesn’t fit properly…… So it fits like RTW. But this is why I am addicted to making my own. It is the fit!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:53h, 18 June Reply

      Thank you, Vivian! So true…..RTW never fits just so…….. and that’s one of the reasons I sew as well 🙂

  • Linda B.
    Posted at 09:59h, 18 June Reply

    Your fabric choice for this dress is fantastic…it looks great on you! I did the same thing after seeing Tia Dia’s version of this dress…jumped right on etsy and snagged the pattern for myself. Can’t wait to make my version!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:54h, 18 June Reply

      LOL! I knew those remaining Vogue patterns would disappear after Tia Dia’s post. Good luck with your dress 🙂 🙂

  • june lovell
    Posted at 10:10h, 18 June Reply

    your dress is darling and you look great in it. i listened to Kenneth King’s interview, too, and i may have finally learned my lesson. i’m in the midst of a rub-off experience and will start my second muslin today…

  • libbyfosterpaul
    Posted at 10:20h, 18 June Reply

    Great print- you look like you’re ready to return to the beach! The Edisto glow is apparent from your picture. Love, Libby

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:56h, 18 June Reply

      Hi Libby! So nice to hear from you all the way from Bangkok 🙂 I’m always ready for a trip to the beach! Hope all is well.

  • Sheree
    Posted at 10:22h, 18 June Reply

    I know it maybe the sensible thing to do, but i just could not do two muslins! I am only just getting into the habit of one. At the moment I am making McCalls 2401 . It has a similar type of look and I think you may like it also. Still, I do like the dress on you and the shoes set it off perfectly.

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 10:57h, 18 June Reply

    Many thanks, Sheree – I’ll check it out! Kenneth King sews on very expensive fabric so I understand the two muslins 😉

  • missmarys
    Posted at 11:31h, 18 June Reply

    I really like the dress. That’s some amazing matching too.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:09h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Missmarys! The matching is an illusion – it’s cut on the fold though I did match the bodice to the skirt 🙂

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 11:41h, 18 June Reply

    Really cute! I love this animal print– it’s so you, especially as a sheath dress! I’m trying to get better about really taking the time to get fit right, but it’s really hard to make myself spend lots of time in the muslin process.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:10h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Sonja! I try so hard to fit myself properly – don’t know what happened this time. Yikes!

  • Andi
    Posted at 11:52h, 18 June Reply

    That fabric is so Anya! I love it!

  • Karen
    Posted at 12:00h, 18 June Reply

    Now you just need to take another vacation!! What better excuse do you need than a great new dress to start it off with? About those muslins – they always take longer to make than I think they should, but they are worth their weight in gold and time!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:13h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Karen! I don’t know what happened. It’s really bad when you make a muslin and it still doesn’t fit! I cut out a new one this afternoon 🙂

  • Shams
    Posted at 12:18h, 18 June Reply

    A very cute dress! Two muslins, eh? I could see that for those kinds of prices…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:15h, 18 June Reply

      Many thanks, Shams! I’m now on the second muslin – surely there won’t be three 🙂

  • Pauline (pdiddly)
    Posted at 12:45h, 18 June Reply

    I am not great at sewing muslins first, so you are better person than me if you plan to make one or two for each garment. Nice dress

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:15h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Pauline. How do you sew and fit without them? Your things are gorgeous!

  • katy
    Posted at 13:35h, 18 June Reply

    I agree with Amanda; I like a looser fit when it is hot. This one makes you look like you’re having a relaxed good time, yet still quite classy..

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:17h, 18 June Reply

      Thanks, Katy 🙂 I’ll enjoy it even with it’s flaws !

  • Pam
    Posted at 13:59h, 18 June Reply

    That dress is smashing. Did you line it in cotton? We sewers are so unforgiving and it seems like every garment has a “yes, but..” Wear it everywhere and enjoy all the compliments you will surely get! The very best part is that is (always!) a one of a kind original.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:17h, 18 June Reply

      Many thanks, Pam! I’m wearing it out tonight 🙂 🙂

  • Ann-Britt Uhrbom
    Posted at 15:19h, 18 June Reply

    I think your dress fits very well and I really like the fabric.
    I´m right now very angry over a dress that hangs down in the back, no matter how I try to adjust it. I have changed the hem at least twenty times without being satisfied. Grrrrrrr!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:18h, 18 June Reply

      I feel your pain, Ann-Britt! 20 times? I’m not sure my tolerance level is that high 🙂 Many thanks for writing!

  • Susan Green
    Posted at 17:32h, 18 June Reply

    I was curious to know if you make a muslin for every garment you sew, and if so, how detailed do you make the muslin?

    By the way…every thing you make is so cute and I love how you just jump in and experiment with fabric to see what works!!! And you know what? It usually does work!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:20h, 18 June Reply

      Thank you, Susan! The answer is yes. I make a muslin for every new pattern. I did not when I sewed 25 years ago and nothing fit. Now I know why! I do love trying different fabrics though one of these days I need to do some coordinating! 🙂

  • Laury Shepherd
    Posted at 18:57h, 18 June Reply

    You present the entire package very well!

  • Art Attack
    Posted at 18:58h, 18 June Reply

    I’m doing good to make ONE muslin…forget two. This dress is really cute and while it might be a little loose in places it just looks like it is supposed to be. It will be a great runaround dress this summer.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:46h, 18 June Reply

      Nice to hear from you, Dorcas! Well, I’m in the midst of another muslin for the next dress in this pattern. Your clothes always fit beautifully – what’s your secret? 🙂

  • Marguerite
    Posted at 19:49h, 18 June Reply

    Very nice dress don’t worry about it being a bit loose…room for an extra dessert! I like the pattern with the empire line but still a classic sheath I actually have bought and made a similar style that was a 1968 McCalls. I found the 60s patterns to fit my neck, shoulder and armholes better than today’s patterns. I’m thinking that’s why they fit me first time around with no muslin. Back then I never made one and things fit pretty well. Not so today. So I do end up sewing with a lot of 60s Simplicity and McCalls. Like I keep telling you…you really rock a sheath! Keep ’em coming

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:47h, 18 June Reply

      Many thanks, Marguerite! I really love the 60s patterns, but they are so difficult to find! 🙂

  • Myra
    Posted at 20:40h, 18 June Reply

    I’m with Art Attack, I barely make one muslin! Beautiful dress either way! Welcome back!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:48h, 18 June Reply

      Thank you, Myra! Your clothes always look great 🙂 I don’t know how you do it without a muslin 🙂

  • Lori
    Posted at 21:24h, 18 June Reply

    This is beautiful and I think the fit is perfect for a summer dress. I don’t know if I could do 2 muslins, wow, that is dedication. Hope you had a wonderful vacation.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:42h, 19 June Reply

      Thanks, Lori! I’m not sure I’ll get in the habit of making two muslins either, but I’m certainly making another one for this dress.

  • Sharon
    Posted at 02:49h, 19 June Reply

    Gorgeous dress and the fabric disguises the wrinkles so enjoy wearing it. Any woven garment I do a muslin but can’t say I do more than 1 unless we are talking about pants!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:45h, 19 June Reply

      Thanks, Sharon! I agree with you. If any dress has to be ill-fitting I this is a good one since the fabric is so busy 🙂
      I’ve never made more than one muslin……until today! Hopefully the next dress will be what I want.

  • Sandra
    Posted at 04:39h, 19 June Reply

    Such a pretty dress and I love the fabric placement. I think the extra ease gives it that summer vacation appeal 🙂
    I love reading your blog and I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award
    http://sewiststitch.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/super-sweet-blooger-award.html

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:48h, 19 June Reply

      Thank you, Sandra! I’ll enjoy the dress even with the loose fit. Thanks so much too, for the Super Swet Blogger Award. 🙂

  • Lexley- Brisbane AU
    Posted at 05:22h, 19 June Reply

    not all dresses have to be close fitting! This dress which is resort/ beach style attire with the print also dictating this calls for a loose fit. It looks great and not at all ill fitting. you look fabulous as usual and it looks great on you….

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:49h, 19 June Reply

      Many thanks, Lexley! I wore it out last night and wasn’t uncomfortable wearing it at all 🙂

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 08:05h, 19 June Reply

    Your dress is so cute! Where I live summers are really HOT! so loose-fitting clothes are an absolute must. Your dress looks perfect for hot days! I rarely bother with a muslin, unless the fabric is expensive. 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:36h, 19 June Reply

      Many thanks, Carolyn! I love loose clothes but not clothes that are too big in the wrong places. But like I said, I’m going to enjoy it regardless and hope the busy pattern disguises the fit 🙂
      Your clothes always fit perfectly. I cannot believe you rarely make a muslin. How do you do it ????

  • Stephanie
    Posted at 11:48h, 19 June Reply

    That’s a great dress – so perfect for summer and vacations!

  • Cindy
    Posted at 13:33h, 19 June Reply

    Now THAT is one seriously cutie patootie dress. I’m officially jealous! ;=D

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:37h, 19 June Reply

      🙂 🙂 🙂 Haven’t used that term my cutie patooties were little. Many thanks!

  • Vicki
    Posted at 18:14h, 19 June Reply

    It looks perfect to me! Life is too short for 2 muslins on a cotton sun frock! You look lovely and the fabric placement is just right for the style.

  • Almeda
    Posted at 21:57h, 19 June Reply

    Another “happy” dress is bringing lots and lots of smiles!! You look great – I think it’s a combination of your relaxing holidays and this very cute dress. Love love the fun fabric! 🙂 Thanks for introducing us to a wonderful fabric site. Can’t wait to see your next creation. 🙂

  • gaynelle west-brown
    Posted at 08:09h, 20 June Reply

    I have never made a muslin, prior to making the garment. I know that is probably a mistake. I need more details about fitting a muslin, etc…….do you have suggetions. Is there a particular website that gives instructions……You always look beautiful in everything you model. The 1960’s patterns were great for me…..back then I did lots of sewing and now back into sewing but there is improvement needed……..any suggestions…………gaynelle

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