We’re holding it together (mostly) here as we await the promised post-Thanksgiving COVID surge. We’ve been locked down now for nine months, and the situation is absurd and untenable, but we’re continuing nevertheless, because what choice do we have? At least we are in the incredibly fortunate position of having relatively secure incomes, and I am hugely thankful that no one in my family has yet gotten sick. I don’t expect that we’ll be able to see our extended family or friends for Christmas, so we’re all taking deep breaths and preparing for a long winter.
I’ve been sewing when I can. It’s a genuine tonic when I can manage it, although my to-do list is constantly so long that I always feel like I should be doing something else. Nevertheless, I really value the sense of accomplishment and the manageable challenge I get from making clothes.
The pink dress above is Simplicity 1653, an Amazing Fit faux-wrap dress. I think it’s fine, but I wouldn’t call it Amazing. It’s made up in a ponte from Fabric Warehouse Direct, which Emily Hallman mentioned as a source for well-priced, good-quality ponte, as indeed it was. The fabric is nicely spongy and thick. (“Spongy” doesn’t sound like a good quality, but it kind of is in this case; the thread sinks into the fibers.)
Apparently Amazing Fit patterns have various instructions and options designed to improve fit. It comes in Thin, Average, and Curvy pattern pieces, and the instructions include a lot of basting and fit-checking before the seams are securely attached. I’d imagine a lot of other people already know how to check and adjust the fit, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt to have the reminder. I chose the Curvy fit, obviously. I accidentally bought the smaller size range and made this in a 16, the equivalent of a modern US 12. (I usually choose a 20 in Big Four patterns.) Fortunately, the pattern comes with one-inch seam allowances (presumably for Amazing Fitting) and while my first attempt was uncomfortably thigh-hugging, I was able to get the skirt to a more comfortable width by shrinking the seam allowance and removing two of the waist darts.
One thing I’ve realized lately is that pockets really are a must for me if I’m going to actually wear a dress. This pattern does not come with them, so I added side seam pockets. Unfortunately, as often happens when I do this, I got an unacceptable amount of gaping at the hips. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong: I understitch, trim seams, etc. I took a look at a ready-made, pocketed knit dress I own to see what might be different. As best as I could tell, the ready-made pockets were similar except they were anchored at the waist, and the side seams on either end of each pocket were sewn farther in past the opening of the pocket itself. So I’ll try that next time. On this dress, I ended up removing one pocket but keeping the one that lies underneath the waist tie, as a sort of compromise.
Dora was La Catrina for Halloween, and she initially wanted me to make her dress. She changed her mind in the end and wore a dress she got in Mexico, which was fine with me. But as I’d already started McCall’s 7739, I went ahead and finished it. (Alas, I doubt it’ll ever get worn.) I like the patterns ruffled sleeves and back, but to tell you the truth, it was a bit of a fiddly pattern for a kid’s dress, and I was glad to be done with it.
Davy’s s’more costume, on the other hand, took about 45 minutes to make, and he seemed pretty happy about wearing it. Now, of course, I’m not sure what to do with it, but he sure did look cute.
Speaking of Davy, he and Dora were the recipient of rompers made out of corduroy I got a long time ago from the fabric-by-the-pound place. Davy’s overalls are a Big 4 pattern whose number I can’t recall (in size 2T!!) and for Dora’s, I used the Okey Dokey Overalls pattern, combined with the MADE basic kids’ shorts pattern.
I was glad to use up the corduroy and they both look very cute in their matching outfits. (Although only Davy agreed to pose properly!)
I’ve got the onesie pattern out to make Davy and his cousin some clothes, since they’re both growing at such explosive rates. It’s been a real challenge lately to find the time and energy to sew, but I maintain the hope of making a new-and-improved Zadie jumpsuit for myself, and I even purchased the Cashmerette jeans pattern! Why not?
We’ll see if I’m able to make any headway. Happy holidays; I hope you’re able to keep on trudging through this stressful season.