2017 Challenge- The Nina Dress

 The Pattern- The Nina Dress by Cotton + Chalk, pattern number 6. Skill level 4 out of 5. I chose to make version B. It is a sleeveless dress with front button closures. I added the hem ruffle to my dress as I really liked that feature of version A. My measurements correspond with a medium size and made the toile in that size, but it was so loose fitting that I went down a size and made a small. It fits perfectly without any adjustments.

The Fabric- Its a black and white polka dot, cotton stretch poplin from Fabric.com.

The Seams- There are four princess seams to stitch in this dress. A little tricky, however by the fourth seam I was able to match my armhole edges evenly. (practice makes perfect). The front facing edges and ruffle hem are overcast as per pattern instructions. All other raw edges are pinked finish.

The Buttons- There are 9 buttons on this dress. I found the red buttons at Jo-ann in the clearance section, 4 for 50cents. For the first time I used my machine to sew the buttons on. It was so easy and a time saver. Why did I not try this feature sooner? The buttonholes are also machine stitched, I used my seam ripper to carefully cut them open.


So much learnt making The Nina Dress.

2017 Challenge Update

I am extremely pleased with the progress  I am making with my 2017 challenge.

The Lizzy Dress

The Lizzy Dress- back

Firstly this month I made the Lizzy Dress in a black linen/cotton blend, It looks more gray than black. I wore the dress last weekend. This dress pattern has a lot of ease , knowing this from making the toile, I used a wider seam allowance then was suggested. I had trouble sewing the curved pockets so instead I shaped my pockets differently.

I also made the Daisy Dress in a floral blue and white stretch poplin ( pictured below) I added an in seam pocket to the side without the zipper. I am looking forward to a nice hot day so I can wear this dress.



The Daisy Dress

Finally this month I also made a toile of the Joni Dress and am now looking to buy fabric.

 

The 2017 Challenge

The 2017 challenge is coming along nicely, this month I made 'The Walkey' dress and a  toile for 'The Overture Set'. The collar in 'The Overture' was a first for me and a colossal learning experience.
I have ordered fabric to make 'The Daisy Dress' in and I have also invested in an invisible zipper foot as most dress patterns use an invisible zipper.

The Walkley dress

 I made 'The Walkley' dress this week. A free pattern with Simply Sewing -issue 18. Its super easy to make. Just two pieces, a front and back, cannot mess it up. I have used this pattern once before to make the top version.
The fabric I picked up from my local Jo-ann store. Its a blue knit with a random green anchor print. I used a ball point needle, with a straight stretch stitch for the seams and a regular straight  stitch for the hems. And that's it really, have a good week.

Update on my 2017 Challenge

In the last two weeks I have made 3 muslins of the Daisy dress bodice. Finally I am happy with the fit. Now I need to buy some nice fabric to make the dress in . Can't wait.
I got stuck while making the first muslin. Turns out the original instructions included with the pattern were incorrect. The corrected instructions are on the simply sewing blog.
Other wise the pieces come together beautifully with all the notches matching up perfectly.

3 Benefits to Making a Toile

1. Size and Fit
This is the main reason a toile is made first. Use cheap fabric, I used an old bed sheet to make my Rosie dress toile. After trying it on I made some minor adjustments to the fitted waist.
2. Style
Just like when buying ready made clothing you can try it on and decide if the style suits you. After trying on the Rosie toile I realized that the V neckline was to low for me.
3. Practice Skills
I use the process of making a toile my chance to practice my sewing skills . Normally you would not finish the edges but I go the extra step and do. I finished the neckline with self-fabric bias binding and I installed the zipper. Practice makes perfect right? so, I don't see it as a waste of time more like a future investment for when I make the actual dress, I have reduced the chances of messing it up.

The 2017 Challenge

Its that time of year when people make new years resolutions, mine this year is to improve my dressmaking skills. Following a commercial pattern and stitching up a dress is easy, making that dress fit me well is not so easy. So 2017 is the year I learn to sew a well fitting dress.
My plan is to make toile versions of all the free dress patterns I have been collecting with my Simply Sewing subscription. This is the first step in my self challenge, the second step is to make one well fitting toile each month and finally the bonus will be to make one well fitting dress to wear.
I welcome any advice from more experienced sewist so feel free to leave a comment. Also you are welcome to join me in this challenge.
For the month of January I will work on 'The Rosie Dress" by Cotton and Chalk.
Here's to a happy creative year!