The Sewing Place

Is there an easy fix for this?

Pearl

Is there an easy fix for this?
« on: June 24, 2018, 10:50:26 AM »
I am a funny shape size whereby I am a 12 on top and 14 below (fat thighs  :|).  Yesterday I bought a size 14 dress which fits okay when I'm standing up but when I sit down, the front gapes.  I wondered if there is anything I could do to solve this problem (with limited skills). 
« Last Edit: June 24, 2018, 10:53:58 AM by Pearl »

Sandra

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2018, 11:25:06 AM »
I've done little modesty panel things before with this problem....sort of a triangle shape piece of fabric, doubled, to fill in the gap...say two/three inches or so. I was able to just stitch it on the back of the gap to fill it in.

You'd need to find some suitable fabric...or maybe some lace? Does it have pockets you could sacrifice?

Sandra.

Pearl

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2018, 11:30:28 AM »
Thanks, @Sandra .  No, no pockets.  Also, it has a zip up the front.

Sandra

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2018, 11:44:20 AM »
Oh! A zip.....erm... :[

The little modesty piece attached firmly on the one side and attached with a press-stud on the other?

Sandra.
xxx

UttaRetch

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2018, 11:48:24 AM »
@Pearl: the person who took the photo was standing above you.  Anyone sitting opposite you won't get the same view.  I have a number of lace edged vest tops for coverage.

Pearl

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2018, 11:59:28 AM »
Thanks, @UttaRetch .  My main concern was really modesty; it's more that it doesn't fit properly.

BrendaP

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2018, 13:14:36 PM »
Would taking in at the shoulder seams help?  Maybe angle it from nothing at the sleeve to about 1cm at the neck.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Pearl

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2018, 13:28:09 PM »
So, @BrendaP , can I just sew the seam from the top of the sleeve to the neck edge, increasing the seam allowance as I go without having to cut or undo anything?  I think that would be a solution if it's possible.

UttaRetch

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2018, 15:31:12 PM »
I think this is what Brenda is suggesting.

Pearl

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2018, 15:41:03 PM »
I've undone the shoulder seams and the interfacing! :S :S :S  Is the cold shoulder look still fashionable?
« Last Edit: June 24, 2018, 15:44:16 PM by Pearl »

BrendaP

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2018, 16:29:26 PM »
Do you mean you have undone the shoulder seams and pulled the interfacing off  :o or do you mean you have undone the shoulder seam between the front and back and undone the seam in the facing?

I hope it's the latter!  If so that's what I meant, just resew those  seams, starting in the same place next to the sleeves and  gradually make the seam allowances bigger until you get to the neck edge and continue across the seam in the facings to match.  Turn it all back as it should be and press. 

Done!
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Pearl

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2018, 16:47:33 PM »
I've undone the shoulder seams, the seam join the back and front interfacing and part of the seam that joined the interfacing to the dress.  I'm now tacking it back together, nervously.

BrendaP

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2018, 16:59:13 PM »
I think you are doing it right, but using the wrong terms!

interfacing is the stuff which supports/stiffens fabric, vilene is a well known brand. 
A facing is the piece of fabric, usually 2-3 inches wide, cut to the same shape as the neck opening and seamed to the main garment then turned to the inside to give a clean finish.

A lot of facings are supported with iron-on interfacing aka vilene.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Gernella

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #13 on: June 24, 2018, 17:01:09 PM »
Nothing to add here other than DH would say, that's a nice view, why spoil it.  ;)
Stash extension 2024- 6.1 meters
Left at the end of 2023 - 66 meters now (includes fabric found hidden out of sight)  Lining fabric not included

wrenkins

Re: Is there an easy fix for this?
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2018, 18:04:12 PM »
Oh I say @Pearl!!!!  :o
Get you!  :ninja: :snip:
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!