I’ve managed to finish a few things over the weekend, so I’ll share them with you over the next few days. I’m trying to reduce my fabric stash a bit, especially my dress-making lengths, I want to reorganise how I store things in my sewing room and really that means being able to fit it all in one large cupboard…
It’s time for some dress-making!
In the New Year I decided to order some new patterns whilst they were on half price offer, help to kick-start my sewing. One pattern was Butterick 6605. It is described as ‘Modern Fit with Ready to Wear Sizing’. Whilst the photo of the outfit is of a more curvy model, the line drawing is of the usual slim version, sizes vary from X-small to X-large.
I started with the top, using some lovely shirting left over from a previous project. I looked at the bust measurements and also the generous ease and cut out an extra small (34-35″ bust). It actually went together OK, but it felt a little snug, I let a little out on the side seams. I also found the hidden button placket made the front very stiff – it meant there were basically six layers of fabric and three layers of interfacing up the centre front. It also made the round neck a little uncomfortable. At this point it was nearly going in the bin! I slept on it…
I decided I had nothing to lose by hacking it, I wouldn’t wear it as it was. I took off the button placket, I undid all the edge-stitching round the centre front and neckline. I re-stitched it as a V neck. The centre front caused issues as it wasn’t on a straight with the fabric, I’ve checked the pattern piece and it wasn’t my cutting out!! In the end I used three small buttons from my stash with which I could get away with skimming the edge of the garment, rather than the large buttons suggested.
I think there is now a chance of me wearing it!
Next was the skirt, which is actually very similar to the wrap skirt in the Great British Sewing Bee in episode one. By the way, it’s quite exciting this year as one of my sewing buddies is a contestant, Ali (who blogs as Thimberlina or Thimbers on Instagram) organises the sewing meet-ups in Dewsbury a couple of times a year. She’s actually a paramedic and in all the time I’ve known her, I’ve only met her twice at work, twice in one week she brought a patient into my department when I was on duty, she took a selfie of the two of us!
So fingers crossed for Ali, she’s doing well so far!
Back to the skirt…
Having found the top a little snug, I took extra care with my measurements. I found it a little odd as it suggested measuring full hip, add 2″ for ease, then that is the size to go on! This made me a large size. Strange, but I did as I was told…
I was using some lovely linen which I’ve had in my stash for years, I mean probably 20 years, I seem to remember it was about 50p a yard at the shuttle as it had potentially excess dye in it. It has a lovely drape to it. I just had enough left to cut the skirt out.
The actual skirt went together easily. However…it was huge! Although it is a wrap skirt I couldn’t just wrap it further round as the hang was all wrong. I slept on it!
I decided to add two extra darts in the back and take in a good 3/4″ at each side seam, it means the pockets are a little deeply set, but it was either that or forgo the pockets. It was meant to have ties, however with the fitting issues I’d had I decided to use buttons instead.
When I stand still it looks OK, but I’ve remembered now what issue I have with a wrap skirt, when I walk up steps I show my leg, like a lot of leg, like the whole of my leg!! Maybe I’m just not lady-like enough to wear this style!! It’ll be fine for staying in days and I have quite a lot of those at the moment!
As for the pattern, it’s going in the bin!!
thecraftycreek 
It’s a handsome skirt, but if it’s only good for standing around it limits how useful you’ll find it, I suppose. Could you line the front with a pleated piece that would expand to preserve your modesty when the wrap gaped?
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Back in the day, I wore wrap skirts a lot — very easy, very comfortable. My rule of thumb for fitting was that the wrapped edge needed to come right across my hips, to a line just about with the outside line of my leg — rather like a kilt, now that I think about it. No gap, as in effect you had two panels of material in the front. I know nothing about sewing at this level, and you are an excellent seamstress, so I wonder if your patterns aren’t letting you down?
And best wishes to your pal in all her endeavours!
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love the way you sorted the shirt front for a better fit! and I do have trouble showing leg with wrap around skirts!
btw – gos you know Ali???? I’ve watched first 2 épisodes of GBSB with much pleasure and was only “saying” to Avis the other day that I was rooting for Mark and Ali ^^ Loved Ali’s palazzo pants!
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Yes, so exciting that Ali is in the Sewing Bee!
I hadn’t grasped that you work in a hospital – AND you do all your amazing craft projects – I am in awe!
Huge thanks for and appreciation of the work you do.
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Your new blouse is quite pretty. I love how you altered the neckline…looks so much better now! Too bad about the skirt. I have not made myself clothes for a long time.
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I hate it when patterns are not what we expected, but your saves are great! Keep us posted on Ali in the sewing bee, I’ve never been able to see anything but the first season of that show, and wish I could watch!
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Being as I’m in France I have to wait an extra day to watch the GBSB on catch up so try to avoid spoilers. It’s made it extra exciting this year having Ali in it hasn’t it? Good to see her lovely smile and hear her Yorkshire accent.
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Both look great.
It does make watching GBSB a lot more exciting if you know someone – I still think you could do it as well (although they may object to you sleeping on the tasks!)
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Brilliant tweaking on the shirt! Shame about the skirt. The over layers don’t seem to cross much for a wrap. Strange pattern!
Hasn’t Ali done fabulously?! Loved her Tea Dress. Perfection.
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Great save on that blouse!
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A great recycle with the blouse – looks easy to wear. As for the skirt, very nice too but like you I have a bit of an issue with a wrap skirt and flashing bits of me others would probably prefer to not see! Good luck to Ali in the GBSB – my sis in law works with one of the other contestants, Therese! I love that programme and am in awe of their bravado for entering the contest!
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Nice save on the shirt! Looks great, as does the skirt!
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waw that’s cute! i love the creativity in this work! thanks for sharing your thoughts, have a great day🤍
Follow @everythingtips for tips and recommendations if interested☺️ It would mean a lot to me🥺🤍
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