So I'm back at my machine. I've made up a lovely 1948 dress pattern out of linen (will do separate thread for that!) as well as a 40s full slip and petticoat all for Goodwood Revival.
I've also got a wedding to go to so thought: the dress came out lovely and I saw some glorious ex designer satin on sale. Satin arrived, is beautiful, lovely hand, super colour (mint with off white polka dots) and I was really looking forward to starting.
Alas, my cutting table is still tiny which made cutting the satin out SO HARD and it took hours. I'm not very happy with how the pieces ended up either - they don't match well and I'm sure some are off grain. But what's cut is cut. I really need this room to be redone so I can have an actual cutting table that is bigger than my Olfa cutting mat. I complain a lot when cutting fabric anyway, but this satin really was the last straw!
My usual method of pinwheeling the dart placements won't work on satin so I had to try and chalk them (don't recommend) and got them in alright on the bodice. First time I haven't enjoyed sewing in darts!
The pattern has a full bodice facing which I've done (with matching darts) and I sewed up the straps and basted them to the RS back then sewed the facing to the bodice and now I am having major issues.
I don't tend to press satin if I use it (usually just make cushions with the stuff or similar) but this dress is going to need it. I know steam is a no go, and too hot will burn the satin, but I can't get it to press AT ALL. I do not want to topstitch the top of the bodice as it will look awful I'm sure. Same for the shoulder straps.
Any ideas? on how I can get the top seam laying flat from anyone who uses satin a lot? Or will it be ok when it's on and the whole fit/gravity thing will fix everything (a vain hope I am sure!)
Also fit wise, I've used the same size as for the linen but I'm wondering whether I should have sized the bodice up a little for ease of putting on/off?
Fabric
Bodice
Facing to bodice seam