FINALLY managed to get the missus to lace me up, and help out with this ruddy fitting. Best part of a week waiting, this is not funny!
Work so far-I’d rough pinned the front darts out, dividing the excess gained from my FBA into three darts, two under the bust either side, one slightly to the side. This is common practice on Victorian styles for larger ladies!
As soon as I pinned the front closed, I could see I needed to take out a lot. At this stage, the aim is to get a fairly smooth fit, but NOT skin tight, as there is still a layer of main fabric to add in at the front, plus lining, plus boning. The back is slightly stretchy, but I don’t want it looking like a sausage casing, as I fear that the plasticky wet look coating could pull and look a mess at the seams.
Off it came, all pins moved, back on. Very close. One more off and on, and it’s fine [to my eye at least]. I’ve pinched out a teeny dart at the neck edge to accommodate the now asymmetric neckline, and I think I’m good to go back to the machine. The hemline will be trimmed to match the skirt yoke
I’ll also be sewing leather for the first time in my life…eeek!
thedementedfairy 
Leather, brave!
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Not very, I’m quaking!
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Yay for fitting! Looks good. And no need to be afraid of leather. Just don’t plan to adjust any seams… keep
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…the stitch length fairly long, like 3 mm. Baste with glue, use a rolling foot if you have one.
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(There should be an edit comment option on the smartphone app) Of course, I should have said no shorter than 3mm, especially if there will be any stress on the seams – and if you use those triangular cutting needles.
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Done now! First seam was a bit poor, but I sussed it, and glued the seam allowances down for neatness. I think it will work for a first attempt! A rolling foot would have helped I think…
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I’m dreaming of grabbing a leather sewing machine, where the feed dogs are a rolling wheel and the foot too. They’re a dream to use!
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sounds lush! I just snagged myself a Singer Featherlight for £40
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Nice job. The pinched pleats in the first two calico pictures look so neat they’re an interesting design in themselves!
Leather is lovely! As I sew it I salivate at the smell…
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Well I have quite a large piece of the leather left, so I’ll have to use it for something. Fitting on a shape like mine is very tricky, and rather depressing. I hate having to look so closely at the images, I look more like a ship’s figurehead by the minute! I spent last night stitching down the seam allowances and pinning ready for another fitting tonight. Not much time left now!
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I think it’s looking great, I never worked with leather so no tips (I’m to nervous) I’m sure it will look fab when it’s done.
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THe bodice isn’t leather, it’s weird stretchy rubbery stuff I bought on a whim!
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It is looking lovely. I really like the colour, it goes beautiful with the silk. I think that this dress will look fabulous when it is sewn. Xx
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Looking good so far. I love all the variations I’ve seen of the 6Nap.
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It’s been interesting, and I’m looking forward to wearing this on Sunday [hence the rush]. I think I may need to insert a bust improver for now, as I just don’t have time to get the fit perfect, and there’s some ‘nippling’ on those darts!
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