Thinking about the next project before I've finished my current one...
It's Kris' birthday at the beginning of August and we have booked out a space in a pub garden with 45 people coming. Decided I'd like to make a nice new summer dress for it.
I've had this blue poly crepe in my stash for a long time, and want to make something pretty and full-skirted.
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I thought this Simplicity wrap dress looked nice. I'd probably shorten it, and shorten the sleeves slightly and make them flutter sleeves instead of straight.
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I love the look of wrap dresses but I have never made one. I've attempted to wear them, but never managed to get one that fits. I think this is probably a mixture of fitting issues. They are always too long in the bodice (I have a short body) and they always gape (I have a full bust but a small frame and narrow shoulders). I think shop-bought ones in my size always assume a bigger frame with a big bust. My bust doesn't fill them out so there is nothing for the wrap to pull against and thus they hang loose. Even if I pin a higher point on the crossover they still look odd as they sag below the pinned point.
I think I have a bit of a solution, and that will be to take out wedge shape at the neckline but tapering to nothing at the armhole. Like a reverse bust dart. I think this will reduce the length of the front neckline so it hugs closer to the body. I think even still I might have to use some elastic to hold it close to my chest. And I think it'll still be a bit booby (I don't have a cleavage though so it doesn't look bad if I wear lowcut).
Anyway, lots of fitting challenges. Toiles definitely needed. My fitting adjustments so far will be:
- Narrow shoulder adjustment 1"
- FBA from the size22 adding 5" across the bust
I'll try on at this stage and pinch out the wedge I think I'll need so I can see how much, then make another toile with this adjustment
- Wedge taken out of neckline
- Flutter sleeves
- Slightly shortened skirt
Wish me luck