A few weeks ago I was doing some procrastisewing (you know, procrastinating by sewing). I’d decided it was suddenly vital to empty the work in progress box and get some of the half mades into something wearable or decide of they were just terrible and cut them into something else.
This dress has been sitting there since this post where I detailed how I’d cut the sleeves upside down. Well it got put away in a huff and it’s been pulled out a few times but every time I tried it on I felt huge in it. A high neck and sleeves are not my thing. So I pulled out the sleeves, cut down the neck and tried it on again.
Good enough. I finished the edges with bias binding and popped an invisible zipper into the back. I’ve not sewn in an invisible in an age and was ever so pleased when it went straight in. I use my regular zip foot not one of the special invisible zip foots as I find them way too much drama. Regular zip foot, nice and slow is the way for me.
So I was all excited I had a pretty new dress to wear. I’ve worn it a few times since and until this morning had no idea that this happens at the back.
What an ugly ugly wrinkle. We took these photos on the way out this morning and since coming back I’ve been trying to figure out how on earth I missed such an obvious and fixable wrinkle (back length needs shortening). Well it appears that when I try on my dresses and look at my back in the mirror I round my shoulders. By doing this I lengthen out the back panels and the wrinkle disappears! So lesson learnt, stand up straight and alter that back panel.
Fabric: Japanese Lawn from Spotlight
Dress Pattern: Cynthia Rowley by Simplicity 1873
Alterations: scooped out neck.
Alterations for next time: take length out of centre back panel, don’t take neck scoop quite so wide as some bra straps show at the current width.
Sue
This is a lovely dress and if you bought it you’d have the same issue. A sway back adjustment, however, would be good. I know what you mean about checking yourself out in the mirror. I now try to take a photo of my back view before I finish, but the best thing has been my pattern making class because the teacher sorts out such issues of fit.
Seamsoddlouise
Great save of a dress you were unhappy with. The fabric is beautiful and it deserves to be worn and enjoyed. Looks great even with the wrinkle at the back.
Beth – Sew DIY
The fabric is so pretty. Good luck with the alterations!