Monday, May 10, 2010

A finished evening gown!!!!!!!

Today was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and blue, the air cool, the sun warm.

At least that's what I've been told.

Unfortunately I never set foot outside the apartment (except for Wilbur's early morning pee) until this evening when I finally unchained myself from the sewing machine.

This is because I'm the queen of procrastinators and even though I hate being that way, I think I'm going to have to resign myself to it.


Hemming this bias cut dress was very time consuming. I hand basted around the entire bottom edge (to hold it in place) and then pressed it.

I measured an inch up on the turned under hem, and added another row of basting. This was on the turned under part only! Not on the actual dress.

The second line of basting was added so the hem could be eased before hemming.

After easing the hem I applied some iron on hem tape at the very edge of the turned up hem. My mother wasn't sure if she approved of 'iron on' hem tape but I assured her it would be on the hem allowance only!

I then sewed the hem in place by hand.


You can see the border print showing in the bottom corner here. Since this dress was cut on the bias, one lower corner ended up with this darker print.

That's why I added the border print to the opposite side of the dress on the bodice in the photo above this one.

I have no idea if this makes sense but I like the asymmetrical look to it.










When I finished hemming the dress, I dug out a jacket pattern (I can't remember which one it is and I'm too tired right now to look) and made this.

Just in case it's chilly next weekend I'll at least have my arms covered.

We leave for Europe Wednesday morning.

I still have to pack.

I don't even know if I have shoes for some of my outfits!

Vet Tech Girl is going to watch Wilbur for us and I have to grind up a two week batch of chicken meat, bones, livers, and egg shells.

I just realized I have nothing to read on this trip so I have to hit the library.

My silk cocktail dress is missing a lining and needs to be hemmed.

I have no one to blame but myself!



All evening long we've noticed that something smells funky!

Hans thought it was Wilbur's bedding, but I just washed it, so I think the stink is Wilbur.

He smells like an anchovy!

I kid you not! What's that all about?

Smelly or not, at least he looks debonair.


8 comments:

Claire said...

Your dress turned out lovely. I like the way you used the border print. Looks great on you. :)

gwensews said...

That's a very pretty gown. Good sewing takes time but worth the effort.

Cyndi said...

Wow, that dress turned out beautifully and it looks fantastic on you. You will be the "Belle" of the ball! :o)

I know what you mean about Wilbur smelling funky....sometimes Noah smells stinky, but the smell reminds me of a taco! Happened with our other dog, too. I try to bathe him often! LOL!!

Have a great trip, Laura!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Angelia said...

Love that dress! You did a great job on it! The way you used the border print makes it look well thought out and expensive.
I can't stand smelly dogs... maybe get him some doggy deorderant! Thats just one of the many fabulous things about my little 4lb poodle he smells (and looks) like a stuffed animal... he never smells like a dog, never like anything stinky!!! He's such a baby! even though he just turned 3!

Two Pitties in the City said...

The dress looks amazing! Like something from an expensive boutique. Thanks for the raw food information. This will become my new summer mission. Have a great trip!

Shannon said...

Such a pretty dress! You look fabulous.

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

Love your use of the border print in a bias project! Quite daring, I think.

laura said...

I'm sitting in a lounge at the Toronto Airport awaiting our connection to London. Thanks everyone for the nice comments on my dress! I just hope no one looks too closely at it!
And Wilbur smelled a lot better last night so I've no idea what the problem was.
I miss the little stinker all ready and I hope he'll be okay while we're gone.