17 Jun Superfly!
“You look like you’re still on vacation!”
I 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.
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.
But if I stand with perfect posture it fits much better!
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.
Lesson learned – onto the next!
Until soon 🙂
Denny Kenny
Posted at 07:54h, 18 JuneSuch 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 JuneUgh……. 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 JuneThe 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 JuneI 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 JuneThank 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 JuneDid 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 JuneThanks, 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 JuneIt’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 JuneMany thanks, Joyce! Hopefully my perfect posture will serve me well 🙂
Amanda S.
Posted at 08:28h, 18 JuneI 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 JuneAhhh, 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 JuneSuch 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!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:46h, 18 JuneThank, Cheryl! SisBoom has your name all over it 🙂
Ann Shane
Posted at 09:05h, 18 June… and the sandals are great too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:47h, 18 JuneThey may be the best part of the outfit 😉 !!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 09:20h, 18 JuneI 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 JuneThanks, 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 JuneIt’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 JuneThanks for the moral booster, Carolyn! I will make this work eventually 🙂
June
Posted at 09:38h, 18 JuneWelcome back! I love how you coordinated your shoes, too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:50h, 18 JuneThank 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 JuneSis Boom fabric and patterns are fabulous! Jennifer Paganelli (Sis Boom) is an amazing person.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:51h, 18 JuneShe certainly seems to be, Caroline! Do you know her?
caroline lazzara
Posted at 10:07h, 25 JuneI 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 JuneDo you have a fav online fabric store?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:53h, 18 JuneMOOD FABRICS! http://www.moodfabrics.com
🙂 🙂 🙂
Tia Dia
Posted at 09:44h, 18 JuneOMG! 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 JuneAll thanks to you, Tia Dia! Another muslin is definitely in order on this one 😉
Vivian
Posted at 09:49h, 18 JuneWhohoooo! 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 JuneThank 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 JuneYour 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 JuneLOL! 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 Juneyour 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…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:54h, 18 JuneLOL…….. good luck! Many thanks for writing. 🙂
libbyfosterpaul
Posted at 10:20h, 18 JuneGreat 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 JuneHi 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 JuneI 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 JuneMany 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 JuneI really like the dress. That’s some amazing matching too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:09h, 18 JuneThanks, 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 JuneReally 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 JuneThanks, Sonja! I try so hard to fit myself properly – don’t know what happened this time. Yikes!
Andi
Posted at 11:52h, 18 JuneThat fabric is so Anya! I love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:12h, 18 JuneHi Andi! What does that mean ? 🙂
Karen
Posted at 12:00h, 18 JuneNow 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 JuneThanks, 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 JuneA very cute dress! Two muslins, eh? I could see that for those kinds of prices…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:15h, 18 JuneMany thanks, Shams! I’m now on the second muslin – surely there won’t be three 🙂
Pauline (pdiddly)
Posted at 12:45h, 18 JuneI 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 JuneThanks, Pauline. How do you sew and fit without them? Your things are gorgeous!
katy
Posted at 13:35h, 18 JuneI 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 JuneThanks, Katy 🙂 I’ll enjoy it even with it’s flaws !
Pam
Posted at 13:59h, 18 JuneThat 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 JuneMany thanks, Pam! I’m wearing it out tonight 🙂 🙂
Ann-Britt Uhrbom
Posted at 15:19h, 18 JuneI 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 JuneI 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 JuneI 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 JuneThank 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 JuneYou present the entire package very well!
Art Attack
Posted at 18:58h, 18 JuneI’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 JuneNice 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 JuneVery 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 JuneMany thanks, Marguerite! I really love the 60s patterns, but they are so difficult to find! 🙂
Myra
Posted at 20:40h, 18 JuneI’m with Art Attack, I barely make one muslin! Beautiful dress either way! Welcome back!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:48h, 18 JuneThank you, Myra! Your clothes always look great 🙂 I don’t know how you do it without a muslin 🙂
Lori
Posted at 21:24h, 18 JuneThis 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 JuneThanks, 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 JuneGorgeous 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 JuneThanks, 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 JuneSuch 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 JuneThank 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 Junenot 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 JuneMany thanks, Lexley! I wore it out last night and wasn’t uncomfortable wearing it at all 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 08:05h, 19 JuneYour 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 JuneMany 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 JuneThat’s a great dress – so perfect for summer and vacations!
Cindy
Posted at 13:33h, 19 JuneNow THAT is one seriously cutie patootie dress. I’m officially jealous! ;=D
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:37h, 19 June🙂 🙂 🙂 Haven’t used that term my cutie patooties were little. Many thanks!
Vicki
Posted at 18:14h, 19 JuneIt 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 JuneAnother “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 JuneI 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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