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Saturday, August 3, 2013

Look Ma, no directions!

This project is a first for me – working without instructions!


When I started garment sewing, I assumed there was only one way to construct a pattern.  I figured that the directions were there for a reason, and ignoring them would cause major problems.  What can I say, I was naïve.


Part of what makes garment construction so much fun for me these days is the infinite number of ways a dress can be put together.


So when I came upon this vintage pattern that did not include the instruction pages, I was disappointed to miss out on learning new techniques, but figured it would also be a great challenge.


The pattern is printed, and I have the cover art which gives me a good idea of what the dress should look like.


Unfortunately, the ebay seller's description failed to mention the missing and damaged pieces – which I find rather irritating.


The bolero front is torn and missing an important chunk.  Thankfully, I was able to piece together what the original looked like using the facing.  And the cuffs and another facing piece are completely missing.  I think I will be able to work around all of this, but I never would have purchased a pattern without directions AND pieces.  Which makes this a bit more challenging than expected . . .



Wish me luck!

8 comments:

  1. With your skills, you'll be able to make this dress work. Love the eyelet fabric you've chosen.

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  2. I'm sure you will be able to make it work!
    However, missing and damaged pattern pieces are a problem. It's fortunate you did have that front facing or it would have been very difficult to reconstruct that bolero collar.
    I think it's very bad form for a seller not to list such issues.

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  3. That is such a strikingly lovely fabric. I adore the rich, sweet raspberry juice hue and intriguing eyelet design to no end (the oval shape reminds me of classic cameo brooches).

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. The first thing I thought of was a cameo! I originally thought I might embroider a few of the motifs, but decided to let the fabric speak for itself.

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  4. Based upon your regular postings, it is highly doubtful you will need luck! You are extremely talented and skilled. I have learned from your techniques and thank you for that. I too now have an ongoing love for hug snug!

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  5. The fabric is beautiful and looks perfect for the pattern. One of the reasons I like to buy FF, uncut vintage patterns (whenever I can) is to avoid missing pieces, which is so annoying! Looking forward to seeing your finished outfit.

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  6. No instructions is one thing, but missing pattern pieces too? Yikes! I have complete faith in your ability to make this, though!

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  7. Oh my gosh, I do wish you luck. While I rarely even open the instruction sheet on a modern pattern, I always read them carefully (and repeatedly!) on vintage patterns.
    I absolutely hate finding out there's a missing piece in a pattern, and it always seems to be that one special feature that I wanted. Last time it was a wing collar!
    I sell vintage patterns, and even though I comb through them very carefully, I still sweat bullets every time I send one out, hoping I didn't miss something!

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