Lest you think I'm getting a big head from this recent sewing triumph and the huge increase in blog traffic that has resulted from it (thanks especially to Sally, for sending lots of new visitors my way!), don't worry. There are several less-than-stellar projects tucked away in various corners of my house to keep me humble.
This dress--oh boy. I'm so crazy about this fabric, and it's perfect for the swishy summery shape of New Look 6886. But...the construction of this dress led to a teeny nervous breakdown one day last summer. Later, I did rally and finish it. I was thrilled! So proud to have overcome adversity to complete the project! Excited to wear the dress! There was just one problem: it. does. not. fit.
Um, not even close. Having no clue how to fix it, I threw a small tantrum (fellow sewists, I see you nodding your heads--we've all been there, haven't we?) and stuffed this dress into the closet. Only in the past few days have I been able to look at it again. I'm hoping that some of my many readers who sew might have some ideas.
So, what went wrong? A combination of things, I think. First, I think I cut the sleeves in too big of a size for my narrow back and shoulders (and really, this wide neckline style probably isn't the best choice for anyone who has these fitting issues anyway). Then, I messed up the elastic. Because yes, there is elastic in there, which is supposed to help hold the sleeves in place. But I suck at sewing elastic (this isn't the first time I've had to learn that lesson), and now it's sewn into the sleeve in the permanently stretched-out position, with no way to undo it. So the sleeves are ridiculously floppy, as you can see.
What should I do, readers? I'm determined to salvage this dress, but I'm at a loss. I tried sort of gathering the sleeve, but that didn't work. Or maybe I just don't have the skills to make it work. I don't know. Honestly, I'm considering just taking it to a tailor and paying a professional to fix it somehow (which pains my pride, but I might just have to admit that I'm in over my head here). I'm good at sewing, but clueless about alterations (obviously).
HELP!
You could try a pleat in the top center of the sleeve on the seam closet to your neck. It might give it a different look, but should shorten the sleeves with a nice detail.
Posted by: Natalie | Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 17:19
That is one terrific fabric! I am in love with that print! :-) I´m not an expert at alterations, but if it was my dress, I guess I would rip up the seams that attatch the sleeves to the bodice, adjust the fit by shortening the sleeves, and hope for the best! :-) Good luck, hope you´ll be able to save it!
Posted by: Sølvi | Friday, June 01, 2012 at 15:47
Michelle, believe me, turning it into a skirt has crossed my mind. I'm not sure which would be more of pain, doing that or altering the dress.
Posted by: Stacy | Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 08:27
I have no advice, unless you count "How about turning it into a skirt?" as (really awful) advice. :)
Signed,
A Knitter
Posted by: bibliomichelle | Monday, May 28, 2012 at 22:23