New project: wedding bolero prototype

Yes, a new sewing project! Wow it's been a long time. I suppose I've had less reason to sew recently but with the wedding planning getting going again I was inspired to start something new.

It's quite exciting actually. I've chosen my wedding dress, I can't show you because it's a surprise, but it's very cool. I did originally think that I might make my own dress, but I'm glad I changed my mind. It's much less stressful to know I can leave that up to someone else.

I do want to make some things though. It seems silly not to use my skills and also it adds a more personal element, knowing you've put work into creating something. Since we are getting married in October I thought a jacket might be in order in case it's chilly. You never know with the weather in this country, it might be a bright autumn day or a dark winter one.

So here it is - a prototype for a wedding bolero/shrug type thing. I started off with New Look pattern 6507. I changed the shape of the front quite a lot and made it shorter. I also thought about maybe making the top of the sleeves a bit puffier? I've been very good and transferred my changes back to my paper pattern for when I make the real thing.

The final one will probably be a different colour so I'll need to find some more lace or create a ruffle for the edge. It's a shame really as that one works nicely!

What do you think?

Commercial patterns that could work for lolita

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas, I was definately ready for a holiday! Santa did bring me a couple of nice patterns this year which I am looking forward to making a start on.

The first one is this blouse collection
New Look 6732 - I've put up the line art image as I think it gives a better idea of the shapes. But I think that blouse E could be a good base for a lolita blouse. I might add a bit of a ruffle around the collar to extend it a little.

The second pattern is this little jacket - New Look 6564
This could look quite smart with a classic co-ordinate. I think pattern F might work well with a pirate/military look. Plus you get a cute camisole pattern too.
I've not tried making it yet so I'm not sure what kind of alterations it might need.

Now this is one that I don't own myself but I thought might be useful for some one
Simplicity 4282
The photos on the front of the envelope are kinda hideous but I think some of the shapes could be useful if you wanted to do an apron or something more like a bustle over-skirt.
With a bit of creative thinking I bet you could make something like an apron that you could wear over a plain dress to jazz it up a bit and maybe keep a bit warmer in winter?

Loliable patterns

Today I had a look at some patterns online and I thought this one might be useful.

Yeah, I know that is an extremely cheesy photo... but the pattern includes a dress with puffy little sleeves and a basic jumperskirt. They are more towards the empire line from what I can make out and thats not a style I've really tackled yet.

As per usual it looks like they'll need a lot more flare adding to the bottom hem for a lolita shape.

The pattern is Burda 7739

Classic Lolita Dress - Project Update

Well as usual I chickened out of making my own pattern blocks. I am going to do it one day... But instead I got on with my classic lolita style dress and finally started using some nice fabrics!

Here is an 'in progress' picture. In the end I decided to use my favourite parts of all the patterns I've tried so far. That means that the top part is view A from Simplcity 6457 - with minimal alterations. I removed the seam allowance since it is already joined to the skirt and used a lining to finish the top instead of sewing a band around it.
The bottom half is the skirt from Simplicity 3620 but with each of the skirt edges widened by about 15cm. I don't think thats the technical way to do it - but its okay for now.

I've still got to sort out the sleeves. They are meant to be like the ones on this pretty Victorian Maiden one piece.

Then theres the more decorative touches - I was thinking that a hem ruffle from matching fabric would be nice and maybe some peachy ribbon bows? I wonder if black velvet ribbon would be too harsh?

Project in progress: JSK pattern

The new pattern I got seems to be going okay. I extended the skirt flare (as per usual)and it was really quick to put together. I think if you had all the materials on hand, you could do a simple dress in a day.

It would probably be finished now if I had a zip the correct length.

When I make this pattern again I'm going to take an inch or two out of the bodice to make the waist a little higher. And maybe add an inch or two to the waist to make a bit more room when you wear it over a blouse.

Also I'd like to try some of the other variations on the envelope.








This one has the waist alterations and I am quite pleased with the pintucks - BUT it looks really bad on. Very frumpy. So I think I'm going to give up on this shape.

Another new project!

So much for finishing old projects... I ended up starting a new one! Its really a practice to see if this new pattern is loli-able. I am thinking if it goes well I might do a sort of tutorial for the alterations required. Some 'in progress' pictures coming soon.

Coat project update

I've started work on the coat. So far I've not made that many alterations to the pattern. But I have made it a little shorter, and a little wider. At the moment I've added about 10cm to each side of the panels to give it a bit more flare. I don't know if this will be enough, but it seems to fit over a petticoat quite well on the dummy.
I've still got to alter the collar and cuffs.

Yesterday I got some of those buttons that you cover with fabric, I've never used them before. Hopefully I will be able to cover them in black velvet to match the collar and cuffs.

Coat Pattern & Ideas

I think I want to make a coat that is pretty classy rather than being too cutesy. So this is the general shape I've seen for a typical Lolita coat. It seems they are mostly double breasted, are very flared (to fit your skirts under!) with large collar and cuffs. I quite like the cape as well.

So, pattern-wise I've found this: Simplicity 4033

I'll be first to admit that those coats look pretty bad, especially the one on the left... but the outline is almost there. Imagine the bottom one with a bit more flare and a rounded collar.

Patterns 2

The second way to get patterns is to buy a commercial pattern with a similar shape and alter it.
There is a list of suggestions from the top pattern brands at AvantGauche.

But its best to just have a look through the books/website and find something you think would be a good base. Its also good to look at the information with the pattern. The line drawings of the item often give a better idea of the shape than the illustration/photo of the finished piece.
Have a look at my blouse project to see what I mean.