After you all weighed in yesterday (for the record, no one besides me thought that I should give up!) I decided to continue on with my dress. I attached the peplum in hopes that it would pull down the wrinkles. The results? Success!
(why yes, the sweatpants are part of the outfit!)
I’m feeling much better now that I’ve tried it on. Sometimes I get a lot of anxiety about how a project will turn out – especially when I haven’t made a muslin, and I can’t try it on yet! I have made some initial alterations:
I removed 1.5″ at center back (I’m holding it where I want the excess out in this photo) I’m also going to taper the waist in a little when I sew the final side seams.
I’m no longer planning to use the sleeves. I really like how it looks sleeveless, so I will finish the armholes and neckline with some skinny red bias binding and call it a day!
I’m not lining it – one of you mentioned that it would be harder to iron after cleaning that way, and you had a point! I agree with Carolyn that underlining would help. I still have flashbacks about the time involved in my last underlining project, so I’m going to skip that this time, but I do agree – it’s the best way to avoid wrinkles!
I am going to line the skirt. I’d imagine it will be easier to wear in the winter that way. I’m also planning to shorten and peg (taper) the skirt, to give it a more vintage feel.
The waist on this baby is super duper high. I like that – goes with the vintage feel. This will be lovely for sipping bourbon cocktails on derby day, yes? (Notice I didn’t say mint juleps, a drink which I am convinced someone invented to trick the tourists with something gross!)
Other random thoughts this week:
– I can’t wait for the new Vogue patterns – I’ve seen the line drawings (thread here) and they look good (and yes, there are several peplums in this collection!) I will post my opinions when they are up.
– I need to clean out my closet for real. I’ve been doing some thrift shopping, and that means I need to get rid of some dead weight (and donate it back to the charity shop… it’s like the cycle of life!) My husband wonders how I could need more clothes and… yeah, he has a point. But! If I didn’t check often I would have missed out on this:
Yes, that is the faux leopard jacket (circa late 1950s or early 1960s) that I have been dreaming of for years! I kept wanting to buy one, but I couldn’t bring myself to pay much for an item with limited usefulness. So when I went to the shop and saw this sitting with the other coats I grabbed it immediately. And how much was it? Five dollars! And it’s my size, in perfect condition with lining, original label etc (Btw, if you have any vintage labels you wonder about I recommend this resource – I have found it useful in dating my vintage clothing!)
That’s all for now – hopefully I will be back soon with a completed outfit!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Yay! I’m glad it all worked out 🙂
Can’t wait to see it finished!
I made my first princess seamed bodice dresses last week, really like them 🙂
I find that after I wash my dresses, it I lay them flat to dry (no wringing or wrapping in a towel) they the lining doesn’t get too wrinkly.
I’m glad this worked out for you because I’m sure it’s going to be a beautiful dress. And the leopard coat was a real score! I understand why you couldn’t leave it at the store.
It’s looking great! Your persistence is definitely paying off.
And congrats on the jacket coup!! What a find.
It’s going to be a great dress! What thrift stores do you shop at in Louisville?
The polka dot peplum looks great! I’m glad you kept on going 🙂 I’ve seen leopard print coats at flea markets, but always severely overpriced. $5 is a steal!!
Of course you needed that coat! Your dress is looking good. I’m glad you decided to keep going.
There was a store in San Franicisco called “Urban Burp” that specialized in vintage fabrics. I walked by the store the other day and, sadly, it was not there!
Great leopard! Thanks for the link – I finally found out more about my Lilli Ann coat (early 1960s).
WHAT. Adorable! I love the fabric you chose. Can’t wait to see the finished product. So happy it worked out for you.
oh i LOVE the leopard coat!!! what a great score for $5!!! good luck finishing the top, it’s going to be sooo great when you’re done!
also i think i have the same cotton sateen fabric… sourced from either fabric.com or fabricmartfabrics.com. i’m planing on shorts and a sundress with my 4 yds of it (why did i think i’d ever need 4 yds?)
watch some crazy hot news
Holy leopard fur coat Batman! Love it! And the bodice really looks nice!
Men don’t have many options at fashion that women do. They virtually have a shirt, pants (slacks) and footwear. They may wear the same jacket for years and carry most of their daily belongings in their case (papers, laptop, etc.) or in their pockets. Why would anyone who is not a male model or celebrity be interested in more choice when their choices are make for them. Every male (whether related to me or not) has commented on why women must have so-o many shoes or bags, etc. It is because we have choice. The whole industry is geared to lure women into wanting what they don’t know they want. I like that I have a choice whether I follow this or that trend or not. The down side? A full closet. The answer: buy only what you’ll wear (or in your case, make). Okay, rant over.