Rocketeer Dress Diary- Part 1

So, The Rocketeer Dress is nearly done, and I still need to post about it! Sorry! I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to take oodles of pics and post step-by-steps about this one, but I promise I will soon. A few notes about making the dress:

The pattern I used is an out-of-print pattern from Vogue, a Badgley Mischka design that was the only current pattern I could find with the essential zig-zag bias-draped skirt I needed. The rest of the pattern was pretty close, but did need some alterations:

-The front had to get a center seam, and I eliminated the darts in order to add the two gathers for the "buttons". The gathers served the same function as the darts would have.

-The bustline was lowered from the pattern, and I curved it to give it a more sweetheart shape.

-I widened the straps.

-Zipper instead of the buttons up the side that the pattern shows.

It was unfortunate that the fabric I ordered, a 100" silk charmeuse, turned out to be a much lighter momee than I was expecting. It made the draping and sewing a lot harder, and the resulting dress does not have the body I was hoping for. It's also pretty sheer! I had to double the lining to make sure nothing could be seen that I didn't want seen! All in all, it's okay but not great, in my opinion. It still needs the side zipper and the hem and it makes me wish fervently that I could lose 20 pounds before the end of the month (shiny white silk! What was I thinking?!), but I'm glad to have the chance to finally make this dress.

I'll be posting a more detailed dress diary soon; stay tuned!

New Projects . . .

Well, my autumn is certainly starting to fill up with projects! Ant other time, and I'd probably pare back on sewing and millinery jobs, what with a 2000 mile move and a wedding in the next 4 months. But, I need the money desperately, so I'm taking any and every commission I possibly can before I leave. So, I'm going to be one busy bee!

First up, I'm meeting this week with a burlesque performer for one or more projects with her and her partner. I'm terribly excited; I love burlesque, and the thought of doing something dripping with rhinestones and feathers appeals to me;)

Next, a friend has asked for a Grand Admiral Thrawn costume for Halloween. Squee! He has always been my favorite Expanded Universe character; in fact, I almost made a costume for myself several years back. I'm looking forward to it.

Then of course there's the project that won't make me any money (but won't cost me any either!): my Rocketeer Dress. I'm excited to get started, and might actually start making it this week, to clear the schedule for actual paying clients;)

Whew! I'll keep y'all updated on the projects, and hope they help me get to Cali! I'm still pretty short on the funds I'll need, but I'm doing what I can, looking for a second job, just trying to make it work. Cross your fingers for me. . .