Although I didn't manage to post the finished photos of my Haslam System of Dresscutting project in 2019, I am going to pretend that I did, and add it to my finished projects for the year!
This was, by far, my most involved sewing project of 2019. From studying the drafting system itself, to drafting a made to measure pattern, sewing up a muslin, and finally, making the dress, it was a lot of work!
I will always have fond memories of the fabric since it reminds me of my trip to New York, and visiting Elliott Berman Textiles with Peter.
And I do love the Ellen Tracey brocade, but I have also come to the conclusion that any fabric made with a fair amount of polyester (this is a wool/poly blend) is never going to be my favorite textile, to work with, or to wear.
In this instance, the partially polyester blend doesn't have the weight that it would if it was made with rayon or silk, nor does it drape as beautifully.
But despite the fabric content, I really do like the way this turned out.
The system itself was a nice challenge, and while I do think there are a few issues to contend with, for the most part, it works quite well.
In other words, I could definitely see myself making another design using The Haslam System in the future. And it's always a good idea to try something new every once in a while!
I think any drafting system is always going to require some tweaking and at least one muslin, so for the moment, I have other patterns and projects that are taking my time and attention. But someday, I am going to have to go through and look for another dress to tackle and draft from scratch.
And I have not completely decided against making another version of this design, probably knee length, and with a couple of design alterations - this time in a rayon to see how that turns out. I also have a need for more of this style sleeve in my life, so I definitely want to use that pattern piece again.
I mean, after all that work, I might as well get a second dress out of it, right!?
Dress: Made by me, self-drafted with The Haslam System of Dresscutting
Shoes: Remix "Miranda"
Purse: Vintage
Hair Braid: Made by me
Earrings: Vintage
Bracelet: necklace from Banana Republic
I agree with you on the polyester--the more you work with natural fibers, the more you hate the stuff! That being said, beautiful work, as usual.
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree that polyester is not to my liking. Despite your meticulous sewing skills I can see that the garment does not drape as well as natural fibers would. Congratulations on tackling the beast!
ReplyDeleteExactly how did you get all those buttons buttoned?? Hmmmmmmmmm?????
ReplyDeleteA lady never tells!
DeleteWell, yes. The sleeves are gorgeous, and well worth finding another project to include them. Or same pattern in different fabric.
ReplyDeleteAs ever, I bow my head to your adventurous drafting spirit.