Thursday, May 30, 2013

New Shelf Bust Variation In Progress--Plus New Fabrics for Sale

I am so excited about this new dress that I'm working on that I can't even wait to finish it before I show it to you! It's a variation on my pattern B5882, which just happens to be on sale for $2.88, with a gathered inset replacing the pleated bust pieces. I also changed the bias strap to bias tubing with thick cable cord inside for stability.

I'm planning on this being a more everyday sundress version, and am attempting to leave out the boning (I'll let you know how that goes).

The top of the inset has elastic in a catch-stitch casing so it can be adjusted during construction. It keeps the neckline close to the body.



The fabric is an amazing Japanese double gauze from Gorgeous Fabrics.

I'll keep you updated as I progress!

I also have new fabrics for sale in my Etsy shop, since this week's earlier sale went so well. I'm doing a little experiment on turning the shop into a niche fabric store for retro seamstresses (i.e., seeing exactly how many rose prints I can stock!). So we'll see how this new round goes. I have more to list tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Everyday cottons:

Purple Rose Border Cotton

Black Ascher Studio Floral Cotton
And some top-quality items from Italy and Liberty of London:

Horrockses-esque Floral Stripe Silk Twill
Silk/Cotton Rose Print Voile
Liberty "Dr. Tulloch" Book Print, Discontinued Seasonal Print
Hope you enjoy!



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30 comments:

  1. MelissaMay 30, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Love it!

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  2. UnknownMay 30, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Ok, now I am going to have to get this pattern! I really like this version! Can you perhaps go into more detail about how you designed the gathered insert for those of us who are not so good at modifying patterns? I love this polka dot print. I ordered some of your fabric the other day! I jokingly say I have a fabric store in my basement! Also, quite a collection of patterns, etc!

    Marla Cooprider
    www.coopridersewingservice.blogspot.com

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    1. GertieMay 30, 2013 at 2:47 PM

      Yes, I'll do a little tutorial on the pattern piece--hopefully it won't take as long as the FBA post did!

      P.S. Your fabric is on its way! :)

      Delete
  3. OliviaMay 30, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I'm working up to that pattern since I'm a bit wary of doing the bust adjustments, but seeing this variation makes me want to put the horse before the cart--it makes it more casual which is very appealing.

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  4. MilenushkaMay 30, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    Hey! beautiful variation, reminds me of that Marilyn dress she wore in the forest with Arthur http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/Meggers2006/myspace%20people/mr.jpg (yeah?) I take my hat off for selling your fabrics.. I am still only accumulating :)Good luck!

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  5. abaileyMay 30, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    Ok...you've got me now. I just ordered the cotton voile and the border print! Love them both. Could have ordered more fabric, but I don't need anymore fabric :) Guess I better finish my garden and my spring cleaning so I can start sewing!!!

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    1. GertieMay 30, 2013 at 2:46 PM

      Yay, I was so happy to see an order for the voile come through! It is amazing, you will love both of them. Thanks for your order!

      Delete
    2. abaileyMay 31, 2013 at 11:55 AM

      So excited to get it! The voile looks amazing and I have to tell you that the voile is the one I am the most excited for :)

      Thanks for shipping so quick!!!

      Delete
  6. DanielleMay 30, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    Just what i was looking for !

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  7. CatherineMay 30, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    That cording is so pretty! I was so bummed out I missed you first round of fabric! That silk Twill is looking rather tempting!

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  8. UnknownMay 30, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    Love the gathered detail. It's a great way use the same pattern to make two different dresses for two different people. I have two daughters, one likes glam and the other likes casual. Thanks for the great idea.

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  9. mimi oMay 30, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    I love this new version, can't wait to see your post with the details on accomplishing it. I will really have to get this pattern now. :-D

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  10. AnonymousMay 30, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    Grab that Liberty print now, while you can- right?! Love the dress! Can't wait to see it on you Gretchen!!!

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  11. pearlcardiganMay 30, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    Love this variation of the dress, I so need to get this pattern now. And your fab idea of selling retro-inspired fabrics is genius. Rare gems can be hard to come by in some towns, and buying fabric online can be daunting but we all trust your judgment on quality and retro-ness! So I see I'm going to have to work hard on curbing my addiction! Etsy, here I come.

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  12. RebeccaMay 30, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    Great variation Gertie! You have great taste in fabrics, i'm looking forward to shopping your Etsy shop. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. RoryMay 30, 2013 at 10:00 PM

    Oh, that's gorgeous! I'm 44 and no one wants to see my bunnies lolling about. Can't wait to see how it goes.

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  14. AnonymousMay 31, 2013 at 12:38 AM

    this is so cute! I love this variation.

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  15. LaceyMay 31, 2013 at 1:28 AM

    Yes yes yes! I have this pattern sitting on my sewing table; I want to make it so badly, but I just don't have anywhere to wear a fancy dress at the moment. This variation changes everything! Can't wait for the tutorial!

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  16. LizMay 31, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    Gertie,
    I love this variation on the pattern. While it is a lovely design, I wasn't actually convinced that it was something for me. When you say "thick cable cord", it makes me think of electrical wire (might be an Australian thing ;-). Can you post a picture of what you mean by cable cord? I'd really like to try this technique.
    Also, double gauze is a whole new realm of the fabric world to me. It's gorgeous!

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    1. GertieMay 31, 2013 at 10:56 PM

      Cable cord is that twisted cotton cord that goes inside piping when you make it yourself. There are some pics of various sizes and types here:

      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/8157/piping-adds-a-special-touch-to-your-sewing

      Delete
  17. KatherineMay 31, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    This is a very cute mod of that pattern! I haven't gotten the pattern yet, as I can honestly not figure out how to fit it into my lifestyle, even though I do really love it. But this would definitely make it more wearable for me. . .

    I have a question though - I have incredibly sensitive skin, especially on my chest, and I can't tolerate that plastic/rubber elastic against my skin at all - can one use a different kind of elastic there? Or maybe do a gathering stitch with shirring elastic in the bobbin??

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    1. GertieMay 31, 2013 at 10:53 PM

      I would put the elastic between the two layers --the gathered portion and the lining it gets stitched to. You'll just have to fit it really well ahead of time so that you know the length of elastic you need. I did the "exposed" elastic because I had already constructed most of the dress before I found that I needed something to hold it closer to the body and it was easier than taking the bodice apart at that point.

      Delete
    2. KatherineJune 3, 2013 at 9:25 AM

      oh perfect - that would definitely work well for me! thanks for the tip :)

      Delete
  18. AnonymousMay 31, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    Wow! I had been searching online for a dress pattern that might have a similar bodice to on of the dresses that Jennifer Aniston wears in The Break-Up and was having trouble finding anything remotely that close-fitting and flattering. Then I thought, I should check out Gertie's blog, I bet she's done something similar--and I come to your page and the first post I see is nearly exactly what I'm looking for!

    Katherine http://justabirdonawire.wordpress.com/

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  19. UnknownJune 1, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    An Etsy store for the Retro Seamstress is a wonderful idea!! I hope it come to fruition.

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  20. AnonymousJune 2, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    Hello, i find your book in Berlin/Aufbauhaus. It's
    wonderful.
    Best wishes
    schurrmurr

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJune 3, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Great variation. I am currently making the 5882 from a bedsheet and an second had men's shirt as part of an eco competition. It is such a beautiful pattern to work with.

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  22. Jessica QuirkJune 3, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    I've already made this pattern twice and I love sewing it so much! I just got a navy blue polka dot for my third version, and I might try doing what you did here too!

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  23. AnonymousJune 3, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    This is a very cute and more casual version. I hope you decide to share a tutorial.

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  24. mimi oJuly 4, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Any update on how your are coming with this tutorial? I went out and purchased the pattern and bought a wonderful watercolor, Maggy London fabric to make it out of. I am partial to this version and am looking forward to the tutorial in order to make it.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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