When Sam sent us a photo of a top she wanted to make, we were instantly backing the idea because the top was so unusual but gorgeous and stylish. We set about deciding which fabrics would be best and Sam chose from the swatches we sent. Read on to see how her make turned out.
According to research statistics, 80-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. It's not exactly an appealing idea to trot off to Marks & Spencers to get measured on a busy, sweaty Saturday afternoon or pay some of the high prices out there just for one piece of underwear. So what can you do to save money and ensure the perfect fit? Make your own of course.
Our affordable bra kit gives you enough supplies to make 2 bras with. That's just £15 for the most comfortable bra you will ever wear. Maria from How good is that? has road tested the bra for us, with fantastic results. She also collaborated with us on the idea of the kit, bringing to our attention the fact that there is a real need out there for an all in one bra kit. Take a look below.
Here's a sweet convertible bra using powermesh, lace and bra notions from White Tree Fabrics UK. This is an idea Lisa was happy for me to work on and I've used Kwik Sew 3300 as my bra template. I say template because the pattern doesn't provide the cross back feature. This bra style is something I developed following a 'ready to wear' bra that I own.
The power mesh is soft and stretchy so I've used two layers of powermesh on the bra band. This gives the bra band more stability and I've cut one layer on grain and one layer cut off grain.
Now the flesh colour tricot fabric and underwire piping was from my stash. The bra hooks provided by White Tree Fabrics give you the convertible version (slider, o-ring and garter hook).
What I found is the best result for bras is to have the notions either the same width or wider than the bra strap.
I used the lace across the top of the bra cup only and I tried to balance the bows in the lace.
Here's where I was deciding on how long the underwire piping should be. I ended up lining the whole cup with underwire piping even though this hemline underwire is a half wire shape.
I wore this bra on a humid Summer's day and it was very comfortable and supportive.
The cups are lined and all the seams are enclosed so I think that helped me feel comfortable. The bra you see has been wash a couple of times now so I know this bra is durable as well as lovely. Thanks White Tree Fabrics for letting me indulge in sewing a new bra using lovely lace for Summer.
Since we're talking about bras - what better time to encourage all of our lovely female readers out there to remember to regularly check their breasts? WhiteTree are proud to be working with Butterick Sewing Patterns, who in turn support the Eve Appeal, fighting against women's cancers. You can read more about how buying a sewing pattern will benefit this worthwhile cause. Butterick are donating to the Eve Appeal for every Walk Away dress pattern sold. Now there's some lovely news!
We're so pleased to bring you another fabulous lace creation, this one is from our lovely blogger Manju and features a very adorable model - maju's daughter Kezia. We love this make, which features one of our best-selling, most affordable laces.
Hello Readers,
Who’s been watching Series 3 of the Great British Sewing Bee then? Wasn’t it great? Without giving too much away, the theme for the week was “sewing with challenging fabrics”, one of them being lace. The lace featured in todays post wasn’t sewn up by any of the contestants (I don’t think), but I think I did spot it for a few seconds being handled by Debra? Anyway, this lace is a very reasonably priced corded lace fabric in lilac, from White Tree Fabrics. White Tree Fabrics asked if I would make something up in this fabric to compliment their laces being featured on the program and I was happy to do so.
The pattern I have used is McCalls 6829 which is sadly now discontinued (although some sites still appear to be selling it). This is one of the Fashion Star patterns, and although, personally I don’t think the envelope photographs do it much favour, it is lovely when made up.
I made view B, but basically decided Kezia has too many party dresses, and a top might be more practical. So I cut the skirt off at 8 inches to make a peplum top. I cut a size 7, but ended up removing a total of about 3 inches from the side seams.
This top is fully underlined (except the yokes) and lined using this aubergine light weight satin (currently reduced to 50% of the original price!) The yokes were cut from this lilac shimmer mesh. I added a sparkly button from my button jar.
McCalls 6829: lace peplum top
McCalls 6829: lace peplum top
The fabrics were easy to cut and work with, although I did use a microtex needle to sew through the satin.
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
CHILDREN’S/GIRLS’ DRESSES: Lined dresses (cut on the grosgrain) have raised waist, pleated skirt and tie ends, ruffles attached to lining, back-button, loop (elastic) and zipper. A: overlay, sleeves and narrow hem. B: underlined, yokes, purchased flowers, trim and ribbon for tie ends. Designed for lightweight woven fabrics. SUGGESTED FABRICS: Satin, Linen, Peau de Soie; A – Contrast (Overbodice): Single Edged Scalloped Lace. B – Lace. B – Contrast (Yoke): Organza. Ruffle – Netting
I made a slightly modified version of View B.
Pattern Sizing:
3 – 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except I made a peplum top rather than a dress.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing to dislike. I love the finished product.
Fabric Used:
A corded polyester lace, a shimmer mesh for the yokes and a lightweight satin to underline and line.
All fabrics were supplied by White Tree Fabrics as a promotion to tie in with this lace being featured on series 3 of the Great British Sewing Bee.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut a size 7 for my 6 year old daughter and removed 3 inches in total from the side seams. I cut the skirt pattern off at 8 inches to create a peplum. Next time I might lengthen this slightly. She’s tall :-)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! I think this is such a cute top and I could definitely see me making this again in fun cottons for the summer. Yes, if you can get this pattern (it’s now discontinued), I would recommend. It is perhaps a little bit of an older look, but made in cottons I think it will be very cute.
Conclusion:
My daughter’s very pleased with this. It’s perfect to dress up jeans or leggings but still practical to let her play rough and tumble at parties.
We're pleased to share another fabulous lace creation with you, this time from our lovely blogger Louise. This black lace dress is definitely a winner!
Did you catch the Great British Sewing Bee final? Well done to Matt – I think he was my favourite from the start! However, did you see all those lovely lace skirts they made last week? Last year for GBSB Series 2 I took part in my very own ‘Sewing Bee Sleeveless Top’ challenge (you can see how that make went here). Not one to break with tradition, this year for GBSB Series 3, White Tree Fabrics were very kind to set me another challenge! This time it was a lace challenge – though ‘challenge’ is perhaps an understatement.
The pattern I used for my GBSB lace challenge was the Vogue V8949 dress, an ‘Easy Options’ sewing pattern that features both long sleeve and sleeveless dresses with a lace overlay. I chose to make view C for the a-line skirt but then added the lace sleeves from view B to make it a bit more ‘demure’ and more like an evening dress.
The fabric I used is the black large flower lace from White Tree Fabrics – the same black lace that Neil used in the Sewing Bee episode – with a simple, ivory-coloured lining underneath. The lace has a lovely scalloped edge which I think looks just lovely around my dress hem. If you’ve never sewn with shiny lining and silky, stretchy lace before (like me) then my goodness you’re in for a bumpy ride. These fabrics are gosh-darn slippery! Basting and pinning are your friends for this project, believe me. I got quite frustrated with this dress at one point and put it away for a few weeks whilst I calmed down – I really don’t know how those Sewing Bee contestants managed to cope in such a small time-frame! No walking away from the challenge for a breather in that room…
The pattern itself is made up of lots of separate panels for the skirt, a front bodice, a back bodice, a waistband and two decorative peplums over the hips. I quite like the added peplum feature, it’s not something I’d ever have thought to try but the end result is quite effective. Definitely one I’ll be keeping in mind for future projects! I also rather like the addition of lace sleeves, although I did make them a little too big for my liking. You live and learn – and I certainly did learn a lot whilst making this dress.
Overall this GBSB lace challenge was exactly that – a challenge! I’ve learnt such a lot about delicate fabrics and sewing techniques through making it. Practice makes perfect! Who knows, this time next year you might be watching me on the TV as I battle with these fabrics in public rather than in them privacy of my living room ;)
What do you think? Have you ever sewn with lace before? Has the episode inspired you to try? Here are a few of the other White Tree Fabrics bloggers makes (which are all so much better than mine!) – check them out!
We're pleased to share another fantastic lace make with you, this time from our lovely guest blogger Jane of Handmade Jane. Take a look at her lace skirt below - we love the contrasting lining!
Hot on the heels of 'Lace Week' on the Great British Sewing Bee, we have this lovely make from our blogger, Louise. What could me more elegant and classy than a black lace skirt? Take a look at how Louise's make went!
Hi there – as we just had ‘difficult fabrics’ week on the Great British Sewing Bee, there has been a lot of lace about. It is (honestly) completely a coincidence that I have made a lace skirt!
I started looking at lace skirts last year and I really liked the way lace was being layered over solid colours. I like the contrast of different textures and patterns and the element of transparency. But I had never sewed with lace so I wasn’t sure how to proceed.
I pinned a few examples for inspiration:
White Tree Fabrics have a huge selection of lace and they supplied all the lace for the Sewing Bee pencil skirt challenge this week. I got a selection of samples and I chose this corded lace. I liked the texture of the corded flowers – for the colour I didn’t think twice, I am with Neil – if it’s lace it has to be black!
The lace I chose has a lot of body and I found that pleating it created too much volume at my waist – for an alternative with more drape that could be pleated or gathered I really like this lace.
For the inner skirt I wanted something quite slinky and I chose this crepe backed satin.
So I was looking for a simple shape without pleats or darts – similar to the black and white skirt above. I went back to my TNT skirt pattern – New Look 6843, which I have now made many times – see here and here. I went for View D which is a flared skirt with no darts.
I cut the skirt twice – in lace and again in crepe backed satin and sewed them as two separate skirts joined at the waistband. The satin had a tendency to fray so I serged around all the edges before sewing it together. The lace is actually quite sturdy and surprisingly solid when you cut it. I went for the very easy option and simply used the overlocker for all the seams – you will see the seams on the right side whatever you do but I think a french seam would have added too much bulk. The serged seam is narrow and holds everything together neatly. I had to adjust the tension slightly but apart from that I had no problems sewing the lace. I sewed a centred zipper into the satin underskirt and then secured the lace overskirt around the zip with handstitching.
For the outer hem I just cut the scalloped border from the edges of the lace and sewed it to the bottom of the overskirt using a narrow zigzag. This was a surprisingly easy solution though I doubt it would win any prizes on the sewing bee. The satin skirt was serged along the edge first and then turned up and machine stitched.
Overall I was surpised how easy this was to sew! I think that the heavier flowers really helped as it gives the stitches plenty to hold onto – much easier than trying to sew onto a more open lace pattern. It’s good to know that lace doesn’t always have to be tricky!
Other White Tree bloggers have also been working with lace recently – I really like Amy’s teal dress and Sam’s pyjamas and t-shirt.
I received the fabric free of charge from White Tree Fabrics as part of their blog network. I provided pattern and notions and my own opinions.
So – who else has sewn with lace and how did you find it?
One thing WhiteTree fabrics are proud of is our extensive selection of laces. Stretch, rigid, with a scalloped selvedge, without, floral, geometric, all different colours and designs.....we have over 700 designs to choose from. So when we saw that The Greart British Sewing Bee were going to be using laces in series 3 of their show, we reached out to our bloggers to ask them to create some fantastic lace projects.
Maria not only created a fantastic outfit, she also documented every step to bring you this fantastic how-to sew with lace guide!
Be sure to stay tuned for part 2 and a very special photoshoot.
Sewing with great lace
A lace as lovely as this needed some planning to get the best result. You can see in the picture below I checked how it was cut and ran a ruler across the top edge
I clipped along the edge of the fabric so the circles all ran straight. There was a risk that I would cut out the fabric at an angle which I didn't want to risk. Below is the back pattern and I've lined the grainline along the circles.
Now to cut out the next layer for the back, I laid the first layer on the second layer so the circles match along the same grainline.
Now for the front and the front front facing. Scary but do-able. I laid the front pattern grainline following the circles. Then I laid the front facing piece on the front and drew the large circle on the pattern piece so I could match the circles. I took my time when I cut this out and I made sure there were no distractions in the house too.
Here's a closer look at the circle markings being transferred onto the front facing pattern.
You can see below where I've marked the large lace circles on the pattern piece on the bodice so the large circles would run level across the body.
Then the 'easy' part was to cut out the knit lining. I decided to sew both fabric layers together as I sewed the jumpsuit together.
Both fabrics are 'knits' and don't unravel. This made construction a whole lot easier after I managed to cut each piece out separately and aligned to the lace circles.
The buttons selected by White tree fabrics blended in so well I decided to hand sew the button holes and each buttonhole is place in the centre of each large circle.
As I've already made this jumpsuit before the proportions worked well for this fabric. The leg width was slimmed down from the first version I made and I had raised the arm curve to suit my needs.
This is lace jumpsuit a keeper. Thank you White Tree Fabrics for asking me to do this special project post. Both fabrics have been great to sew and this outfit has been easy to wear in our hot Summer weather.
One thing WhiteTree fabrics are proud of is our extensive selection of laces. Stretch, rigid, with a scalloped selvedge, without, floral, geometric, all different colours and designs.....we have over 700 designs to choose from. So when we saw that The Greart British Sewing Bee were going to be featuring a Pencil skirt challenge where the contestants had to work with lace, we reached out to our bloggers and challenged them to make a garment of their choice, the only rule being that that had to work with lace too. Sam chose our Black/blue lace. Take a look at the two great projects below.
Two ways with lace
As you probably know, I'm lucky enough to be a member of the White Tree Fabrics blog team. A while ago Lisa from White Tree contacted me and asked me if I would like to take part in a special, top secret project for them, using a particular fabric.
The fabric in question was lace.
Of course, I jumped at the chance, I haven't had much experience of sewing with lace and thought it would be good to try.
The reason it was top secret (at the time) was that White Tree Fabrics had been asked to provide some lace for the current series of The Great British Sewing Bee. This meant that I couldn't share my project until the series aired.
The "lace" episode aired yesterday (it was the semi-final) so I can now show you what I've made with the lace I was sent.
I've actually used it in 2 projects, very different from each other.
The first is a pair of lace and satin pyjamas. A bit glamorous for me - I'm normally in jersey pyjamas - but lovely for a treat!
I had to pin them to Rosie, as they're a little tight for her. They fit me fine, but I didn't really want photos of me wearing them on the internet!
For the top I used Vogue V7837, view G. This is actually a teddy, but I just chopped the crotch part off, and made it a top. I used this view as I liked the idea of the darted cups for a bit of support.
I teamed the lace with some black satin backed crepe I had in my stash, using the lace to cover the cups and make an edging to the bodice and the hem.
The shorts I just left plain, using a free pattern from Vera Venus (scroll about halfway down the page).
Once I'd made the pyjamas I still had quite a bit of the lace left, so I sorted through my fabric stash to see if I had something else I could pair it with. I came up with some grey and blue striped jersey - the blue being almost exactly the same shade as the lace.
A striped Breton style top with lace yoke was born.
I used the free Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt. It was the first time I'd used this pattern and it won't be the last. I'm really happy with the fit I got.
I used the lace for a yoke, both front and back, and cut motifs from the lace to use in place of the oval elbow patches included in the pattern.
I hope these two very different projects have encouraged you to have a go at sewing with lace. As you can see it can be used in very different ways. Do have a look at White Tree Fabrics selection, I'm sure you'll find something you love!
One thing WhiteTree fabrics are proud of is our extensive selection of laces. Stretch, rigid, with a scalloped selvedge, without, floral, geometric, all different colours and designs.....we have over 700 designs to choose from. So when we saw that The Greart British Sewing Bee were going to be featuring a Pencil skirt challenge where the contestants had to work with lace, we reached out to our bloggers and challenged them to make a garment of their choice, the only rule being that that had to work with lace too. Amy chose our soft pink lace. Take a look at the fantastic results below - 3 brilliant projects, all in one post!
One of the benefits of being part of the White Tree Bloggers Network, is that they sometimes ask if you’d like to be involved in a fun challenge? When that challenge involves sewing, and one of your favourite sewing based TV programmes, there is only one sensible answer. Yes please!
Some of the fabric used on the Great British Sewing Bee was supplied by White Tree Fabrics, who have the most excellent selection of lace I’ve come across online. You can find vintage lace, lace trims, stretchy lace, printed lace, bridal lace, guipure lace, the list goes on! White Tree sent me something similar to what was used on the show, and I had to create an item of clothing.
I was kindly supplied with a pretty pink leaf pattern lace. I felt a little deflated when I saw the colour. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely colour, but when pink and lace combine you just get something so feminine, so romantic, and so floaty that it’s just miles away from any style I would actually wear, or more importantly feel comfortable in. So therein the challenge lies, how do I use this fabric to create a garment that feels me?
It was exactly like being on the sewing bee, only without the time limits, the tomfoolery and the well turned out Patrick grant. So OK, maybe not exactly like being on the show, but I was given a challenge to create something wearable in a fabric that I’m not that used to working with, in a colour I wouldn’t wear. It didn’t feel easy, and I wasn’t sure how to go about it.
When I thought about a dress, I ruled it out for being too pink and bridal. A friend suggested a dressing gown, but again, it all felt too Mills & Boon. It wasn’t until I was scrapping about in my T-shirt drawer that I realised I was really short on tops, and the eureka moment struck. I’d make a T-shirt, and not only that, I’d make three T-shirts, a trio of tee’s! Surely if I make three garments I’m bound to like one of them. My reasoning felt sensible, and after all I did really want to win garment of the week. *Reality check* Amy you are not actually on the sewing bee. Oi! Who burst my Patrick bubble?
The Briar pattern is an incredibly versatile pattern which includes a cropped and full length top with 3 sleeve lengths. It is designed for stretchy fabric and knits so I took a bit of a gamble using it for this lace, which has no stretch at all. I tested it out in a jersey first, and then went up a size for the lace, cutting a size large. I modified the pattern slightly to accommodate for the scalloped lace edge, that I wanted to make a feature of for the hemline and the sleeve hems. This just meant changing the scooped hems to a straight one at the front and back. Easy peasy stuff, and it turned out great, plus it was massively time saving when it came to hemming, hurrah!
This was the first top I made, so I was still getting used to working with the lace. I cut my pieces out on the cross grain, so that I could used the scalloped selvedge edge as my hemline. I decided french seams were the neatest (after many failed overlocking attempts), and worked really well with the delicate fabric. I used them at the arm and side seams. As the fabric is semi sheer, it’s worth the effort, as they can be seen from the outside.
The garment only consisted of 4 seams, so went together in a flash, which just left the neckline to finish. A friend suggested I try satin bias, which I thought would work really well. My other option was to use the lace itself, but I wasn’t sure how well this would work, and thought the satin would make a nice contrast. I found a good match for 40p a metre.
I’m happy with how it turned out, the fit is good and the neckline looks pretty. My only gripe would be that the satin bias is heavier, and stiffer than the lace, so it does sit a bit rigidly when on. If working with the lace again I’d try and find something more lightweight to work with.
All in though, a success. I like the length of this top, and how when combined with a colourful tank it adds a nice splash of colour. I’ll definitely wear this again, and I feel I learned a little about working with delicate lace along the way.
I picked this pattern up in one of the simplicity half price sales, so I think it was only about £2.50. I liked the A and B versions, and didn’t have any plans for it other than it might make some nice summer tops. For this make however, I decided to give view C a go, as I could visualise this working with the lace as an overlay. I wasn’t sure about the open back on this pattern. My instincts told me to modify it, so it was similar to the front, but I decided I’d give it a go as it was, just because it was different. The pattern asked for lightweight woven fabrics with drape, but I wanted to try it with a jersey I had that provided a good contrast with the lace.
I enjoyed making this top, as I got to experiment with a few techniques. The narrow hems on the front and back pieces were done using my double needle, and required some focus to keep the curves precise. The jersey hemline looked fab (apart from I used 2 different colour grey threads in each needle, which was a bit lazy of me and I won’t do again), but the lace hemline didn’t work so well. It was neat enough in places, but where the weave was very loose it bunched up a little and I think I’d do it differently next time.
Attaching the 2 pieces together at the arms and neckline was fun, and I was really excited to flip it over for the big reveal. I couldn’t wait to try it on. Unfortunately when the moment came I really hated it on me. The fabric just ballooned out over my ski jump chest, and there was really no way to tame it or make it more flattering. I don’t have many loose fitting clothes in my wardrobe, and perhaps this is why. A family of 4 could camp out under that tent. Perhaps with a drapier fabric it would look nicer, but I’m not sure if I’ll make it again. We all have styles that don’t work for us right?
So I’m afraid this is a bit of a fail for me. At least I enjoyed the make and can take away a few lessons with me. This may be one of my first handmade garments off to the charity shop!
I came across this pattern whilst browsing theVogue patterns on White Trees website, which they have a fantastic selection of. I thought it could work with a lace yoke, and as the pattern recommended lace, crepe, georgette or jersey I thought I’d give it a go. I picked up a cheap georgette from Leeds market for £2 a metre. I actually struggled to get a good colour combination. What do you think of my choice? I liked it when I put the fabrics next to each other, but now the top is made I’m undecided. In terms of weight though, the fabrics are well matched, so in that respect it was a good choice and the yoke seams look neat and tidy.
The pattern is described as ‘very easy Vogue’ and it lives up to its name. Not much to go in to detail wise with this pattern, but I think it’s got the potential to be a good wardrobe builder, and I’d like to try a long sleeve jersey version sometime.
This uses the lace cut on the grain, so the sleeve hems are finished as narrow hems, as is the main hemline. I think I prefer the pattern of the lace when cut on the cross grain, as I did for the first Briar version.
Again I decided to use satin bias to finish the neckline, but this time opted to use contrasting stitching. But alas, the time had come for me to learn another lesson. See below:
Notice those holes? They were left by the pins when I attached the bias to the neckline. Unfortunately no amount of pressing will get them out. I’m confused how this happened this time round and not when I used the same techniques on the briar top. In future I will test out if pins leave marks in the fabric, and when I feel like treating myself, I’d love to buy some wonder clips, a handy little alternative to pins that would have prevented this problem from occurring.
Well, in the absence of any real judge I guess it’s up to me to cast the final assessment. I set myself the challenge to create something that I would wear, from a fabric I would never really buy. The winner for me is easily T-shirt 1, the Briar Lacy crop top. I think this is partly down to the pattern, which is very simple but so wearable. It’s the closest fitting garment out of the 3 I made, and I just feel so much more comfortable in it, and that it can be really versatile depending on what I wear underneath it. In second place I’d choose vogue 8877, which I’m happy with as a garment, but I think it’s a bit on the purple/pink side, and well, a bit Pat Butcher. This obviously leaves Simplicity 1424 in last place. Pretty well made but it’s just no good on me. I wonder if the other style of t-shirt included in this pattern would work any better for me? What do you all think? Which is your favourite out of the three?
You may have noticed I’ve had my hair done. Not looking especially polished in these photos, but I love it. I’m really happy with the colour and might even be brave enough to go shorter on the length next time. I’ve also started up my running routine again, and with the help of some acupuncture (which is brill!) I think I might have my achy hip under control. I’m really feeling the oncoming energy of spring, which I’m sure will manifest in many creative ways. I’m currently thinking about whats next on my sewing table. I think it will either be this lovely Alexander McQueen style Burda #6062 blouse, or this Issey Miyake Vogue 1320 coat.
Happy sewing people! I hope the lighter evenings and longer days are blessing you with more sewing opportunities.
One thing WhiteTree fabrics are proud of is our extensive selection of laces. Stretch, rigid, with a scalloped selvedge, without, floral, geometric, all different colours and designs.....we have over 700 designs to choose from. So when we saw that The Greart British Sewing Bee were going to be featuring a Pencil skirt challenge where the contestants had to work with lace, we reached out to our bloggers and challenged them to make a garment of their choice, the only rule being that that had to work with lace too. Marie chose a lovely plum lace. Take a look at the beautiful results below.
It’s All About the Lace - GBSB lace project My first properly formal dress ever to share with you here! I love it, and can’t wait to wear it.
Lilypad dress (Vogue 8766 in White Tree Fabrics' lace)
I swear that hem is straight in real life!
This project is part of a White Tree Fabrics blog series linked to the Great British Sewing Bee's new series, which I think most of you will have been watching. I’ve loved it, but the series seems so short! Is it really usually this short? Word has it that the GBSB contestants are going to use a lot of White Tree fabrics in the lace challenge. I'm wondering if I'll spot my lace!
There are a group of bloggers making garments with the laces featured on GBSB. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else has made!
White Tree Fabrics very kindly provided me with this lace and satin for this project, along with the pattern, Vogue 8766. I decided to make view C, the strapless, full skirted version.
I recently realised I don't have very many fancy frocks in my wardrobe, and this seemed to be the perfect chance to change that!!! I do regret that didn't have the time I would have liked to spend on this project. A bit like the GBSB then! Having an actual countdown of hours and minutes must be so stressful. I'd hate that. I'm slow! So, I went ahead and toiled the bodice of V8766. It needed a lot of fitting work. No biggie, most patterns do, but just as I was about to hack into my traced pattern and start adjusting, I realised I had JUST completed a lot of fitting work on an almost identical princess seamed strapless bodice (Butterick 4443). Doh! At least I realised at this point and saved myself a lot of time. So this is my convoluted way of saying that this dress does look exactly like the pattern envelope of V8766, but it is actually the bodice of B4443 with the skirt of V8766 (which is a circle skirt, but I was glad to have the pattern pre-drawn rather than having to do the piece-of-string-tied-round-a-pencil circle drawing).
There are so many beautiful lace dresses out there. I just adore the feminine, fancy look of lace. I pinned about one hundred lacy ideas here - I would like them all please. This particular lace is quite heavy, is corded and has a pretty scalloped edge. It would've been nice to use the scallops on the hem but obviously that's impossible with a circle skirt. I tried using them along the neckline but it looked a bit weird! While we're on the lace, I have to say I was really impressed with the quality. This is £9.25 per metre, which I think is excellent value for money. I'm very tempted to buy some of the red and make a fiery backless number at some point. I am quite new to working with lace, but you might be seeing a lot more of it on my blog soon (my wedding dress!). I tried a bit of lace appliqué initially, to hide the princess seams, but I couldn't get it right, and the corded lace is quite thick. So I followed the pattern and sewed the lace and underlining together in the princess seams. I'm not sure Patrick Grant would be happy with my decision but I don't mind! Most RTW lace frocks I've seen are sewn this way, and quite pricey ones at that.
The underlining is lightweight satin. Both fabrics behaved well, but presented their own challenges. My tips if you’re working with the corded lace:
And the only tip I have for the lightweight satin is to pink everything if possible, even if you’re finishing the seam another way afterwards. It frayed like a good ‘un. I moved the zip to the side, and decided to put in a lapped zip. Under normal circumstances I would have liked an invisible zip but that would have been absolutely impossible with the thickness of the corded lace, so I went lapped. It’s a bit bumpy in the end but I’m happy with it. My underlining hem wouldn’t win any prizes, but it’s the underlining so I’m not losing any sleep over that. I love a circle skirt but man I hate hemming them. Especially when there are two to do in one dress! I did a (far from perfect) baby hem on the satin by machine, and turned up a 2” hem on the lace and sewed it by hand. I much prefer hemming my hand, even if it does take hours on a circle skirt. The lace has so much give in the open parts of it that it’s easy to ease it in when turning up the hem.
Anyway, I’ve gabbed enough. Can’t wait to see the GBSB final and see who wins! I'll leave you with some more shots of my lovely purple lace dress. I adore it. Now I just need an occasion to wear it!
