The Sewing Place

Why is my dress trying to strangle me?

Starryfish

Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« on: August 24, 2019, 12:50:52 PM »
I have made two Style Arc Lacey dresses.
https://www.stylearc.com/shop/pdf-sewing-patterns/lacey-dress-pdf/

They are loose and comfortable, but they slip backwards on my shoulders until they reach my neck and feel most uncomfortable. Can anyone suggest an adjustment that would solve this in subsequent makes as I would like to make another midi length one.

I have a top, Style Arc Melinda which has the same problem.

https://www.stylearc.com/shop/pdf-sewing-patterns/melinda-knit-tunic-pdf/
Thus it can't be fabric trying to cover my bottom, as was one thought.
Would be grateful for any suggestions.
« Last Edit: August 24, 2019, 12:52:53 PM by Starryfish »
A day without sewing is a day wasted.

Catllar

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2019, 13:08:49 PM »
My Lacey does the same thing - first I thought it was the fabric - I used a very soft cotton batik - hadn't realised its supposed to be for knit!. Then I thought it was too big, so I took 10cms out and put a back zipper in, that seems to have fixed it, for what it's worth. Won't make it again.

Edited to add: Just been googling this problem and asking on another forum and the consensus is that either 1) a forward shoulder adjustment is needed, so that would need a bit more length on the back armhole scye and a bit out of the front one. 2) not the correct high bust size.

Personally I don't have a forward shoulder problem but it was super big on me.
« Last Edit: August 24, 2019, 14:31:43 PM by Catllar »
If life gives you lemons, add to gin and tonic !

Efemera

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2019, 15:45:26 PM »
I have this with shirts. I’ve found the back is ‘fabric hungry’ I do a round shoulder adjustment, something like this then it doesn’t affect the armscye

Starryfish

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2019, 19:36:53 PM »
@Efemera , that makes a lot of sense. I will try that with the Melinda top, it will take a lot less fabric than the dress. Will post it  when I make one.
A day without sewing is a day wasted.

Bodgeitandscarper

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #4 on: August 24, 2019, 21:04:40 PM »
I would suggest it's the pattern at fault, the pic shows the same front and back neck shaping, it will always feel high at the front.

Ohsewsimple

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2019, 21:38:39 PM »
Can we get a couple of piccies?   Do you have trouble with other patterns?   

BrendaP

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2019, 00:11:24 AM »
Definitely pics of the garments on you would help identify the problem, but it looks to me that they are both lacking in shaping and both have fairly high but wide necklines.

If you are full busted the lack of shaping/darts might be the problem.  If you need more fabric around you at the front it's easier for it to be pulled from below than from above; taking it from the front and thus allowing the whole thing to slip backwards.

A neckline that is cut too high (for you) will always be uncomfortable.
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.

annieeg

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2019, 07:19:17 AM »
I have made the stylearc Linda top twice and it's got a similar issuewith the neckline being too high.

wrenkins

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2019, 07:33:07 AM »
You must be very short waisted @annieeg;)
Linda.
0_0
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

annieeg

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2019, 10:14:23 AM »
Oh flip.. I feel a bit of an idiot... :)
I will dig out the pattern and reconfirm which one it is.
A

wrenkins

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2019, 12:05:18 PM »
Oh flip.. I feel a bit of an idiot... :)
I will dig out the pattern and reconfirm which one it is.
A
Oh please don't. I was just teasing!  :o

Might it be this one?



Legs it....!!!!!!  0_0
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

Starryfish

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2019, 12:14:08 PM »
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The neckline is quite high, I suppose i could lower it, but wouldn't it still slip backwards?
A day without sewing is a day wasted.

Efemera

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2019, 12:43:25 PM »
It will if the back hasn’t enough fabric.

wrenkins

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2019, 13:30:31 PM »
If it is a matter of too much fabric at the back, could you open the front hem and add curtain weight string (like the Queen)?.  :) It wouldn't have to be very much.
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

Manuela

Re: Why is my dress trying to strangle me?
« Reply #14 on: August 25, 2019, 15:14:57 PM »
You’re in a wicked mood today @wrenkins. Thanks for the laughs, I needed them today.