The original has the zipper on the back, but I moved it to the side so I wouldn't break up the print. Unfortunately, I sort of forgot I was doing this and followed the pattern directions too closely and sewed up the side. Whoops. There was screw-up #1.
Screw up #2 is my hem. I never cut off the selvage, I just fold the fabric under and tuck it in. It usually works great (no fraying! No hem tape!) but I forgot to take into consideration that my fabric is white. You can clearly see "Michael Miller Fabrics LLC" through the hem. Ha! It's not super noticeable when I wear it, and I doubt anyone will see it but me, but it bothers me enough that I am going to have to re-hem it.
Screw up #3 was my zipper. I am pretty sure this is the ugliest lapped zipper ever. It's a mess! It doesn't even line up at the waist. The problem was that I gathered the skirt too far and some of the gathers were getting in the way of the zipper. Couple that with the fact that I lined it, it was super bulky. Ugh. I see I got a couple puckers one one side, too.
The inside looks pretty, though! I lined it and I finished the waist seam with double fold bias tape.
I also learned a new trick for making spaghetti straps. I've never been able to turn them inside out before, and frustration has led me to avoid them altogether. But thanks to a quick tip from my handy Better Homes Complete Guide to Sewing, I got this one. You sew the safety pin inside of the strap!
Then just jimmy the safety pin through!
Voila! Everyone else probably knew this trick and I'm late to the game, but I'm super excited about it. It makes it so much easier!
It's back to typical March weather in Wisconsin, so I did not get to wear the dress. It is supposed to climb back into the 60's next week so hopefully I will have a chance to bust it out. Last night I started on a jacket, and I hope to finish it today and wear it, so I should have an update on that soon!
THIS IS SO CUTE!! I love the pattern! Another trick for spaghetti straps and the like is this tool I discovered. It has a long metal arm with a little hook on the end - you feed it through the tube, hook it on the fabric at the end and pull it through. But a safety pin definitely works too!
ReplyDeleteGreat trick with the safety pin sounds much easier than a knitting needle or crochet hook.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful dress and the post is awesome. I think it's great you are sharing your struggles with us, we learn too. I love the print and the inside looks so pretty! Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic, well done! I'm sorry you had so many hiccups but it really looks lovely. If I ever get around to making my own, I'll certainly be referencing yours!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! You've really done beautifully with your 'knock-offs' and this one is no exception. Love it! Hope you get to wear it very soon!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is FABULOUS! I love the safety pin trick and use it all the time!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that safety pin trick. That is awesome. Now I have to make a dress with spaghetti straps and try it out! Your dress turned out adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it. It looks exactly like the inspiration one. Your zip looks fine to me. The good thing about side zips is that it's not that noticeable if you screw it up. That's such a good trick for doing spaghetti straps. I usually just avoid them because I hate turning them in the right way.
ReplyDeleteDon't be too harsh on yourself, your dress looks perfectly fine to me!
ReplyDeleteI need this dress!!! It's so so so cute. I like it more than the original. Thanks for the safety pin trick. I avoid spaghetti straps because I've never been able to turn them
ReplyDeleteHello Amy! Just wanted to let you know that you have won my giveaway. :) If you could shoot me an e-mail via my profile page, that would be fantastic. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat job! It look exactly as the inspiration dress! I have never done spaguetti straps but now that you post that picture I'll guess I'll try them.
ReplyDeleteHello! I just found your blog through the Bessie Art giveaway and I have to tell you that your reproduction dresses are spot on! I can't believe you found that Michael Miller fabric! I am obsessed with the Anthropologie bicycle dress so great job on that one as well. Following : )
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your dress! It is so close to the original and the print fabric is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh this dress is just adorable - and I thought the bicycle one was my favourite. The tip about making the straps is so logical and sensible, how come I have not thought of that before and have insisted on using a wooden spoon handle, or a knitting needle to try and turn the fabric??!! Do you find yourself wondering what the people in the cafe and streets are thinking/doing? The pattern is just gorgeous. Don't worry about the things that did not go the way you wanted/hoped, enjoy wearing such a lovely dress.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love your dress. I lived two years in Paris and I miss it. I need to find some Paris fabric as well. Where did you buy yours?
ReplyDeleteI love your dress! I lived in Paris for two years and I miss it. I need to find some Paris fabric. Where did you buy yours?
ReplyDeleteAmazing!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJealous.
So pretty!! You have convinced me now on what to do with something I made as a maxi skirt, but really yearns to be a sundress. Nice simple pattern to show off the fabric. Looks great!
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