And the dress goes to.... the UFO pile.
(Actually, I don't have any UFOs so this one will just have to hang out in the closet for a while.) I really didn't even want to write this post. And I really didn't want to give up on this project. But I am so thoroughly frustrated with it that I need some time to think about our future together.
There are two main issues:
1) The organza is really wiry and it does affect the drape of the wool crepe a lot more than I had thought it would. Note to self: next time take the advice of expert dressmakers like Susan Khalje.
2) There are some funky wrinkles I can't seem to get rid of. They are especially pronounced in the back. I think that maybe the organza wasn't perfectly on grain when I cut it or maybe I shifted it during basting. Or maybe there wasn't enough basting to hold it in place securely and it shifted during sewing. I don't know but I'm not taking it apart to start all over. I'd rather cut a whole new one.
Pictures:
So... I'm going to give it some time in the closet. Hopefully I can come up with a solution in the meantime.
I'm thinking I need to get some silk crepe de chine for the next underlining project. Or maybe I should not try to underline anything again as I am obviously so (not) good at it.
Now that I'm looking at the pictures, the front doesn't look too bad. So maybe I could find a job where I would stand with my back to the wall all day so nobody would notice the wrinkles. Then this gray sheath could be a work dress :-)
13 comments:
I really didn't notice the wrinkles until you mentioned them. In fact, at first glance all I thought was, "What a beautiful dress!" So my theory is, in the world of RTW lovers, very few people will ever notice those wrinkles, if any. And during the day, everyone has movement wrinkles anyway. Really, with a figure like yours, I just can't imagine anyone noticing the wrinkles.
I second Kat, I didn't notice the wrinkles until you pointed them out. Silk organza as underlining can be very tricky and often needs diagonal basting all over to prevent it from shifting. It's a beautiful dress and a pitty if you don't get to wear it.
It is a beautiful, classic design. I'm sure you'll find a way to enjoy it in the future so let it take a "time out" rather than be in a discard pile.
Miriam
Lke others, I didn't notice the wrinkles until you pointed them out. However, I do love the idea of a work dress! I've got a couple that became wadders for that same reason.
Melodye
Yeah, I agree, wear that beautiful dress! I ended up with an UFW (Unidentified Finished Wrinkle) on one of mine due to shifting and I *was* going to fix it but no one has noticed. Could you wear a cute jacket and feel fabulous anyway? Organza is much less stiff when it's washed a few times first but I'm not sure I favor it for a full dress either. I'd rather have a crepe de chine lining with organza as an interlining, next time, too. Ohh, crepe de chine, now we're talking shifting (where's the icon for crossed eyes?)
I agree, the wrinkles are not very obvious. What drew my eye was the gorgeous shape of the dress. I just made a wool flannel jacket that I underlined with silk organza (my first attempt) and it had similar small wrinkles that I could not stop looking at because I sewed it, so I know where you are coming from! I thought the organza might be pulling, so I cut down the middle of the organza with pinking sheers. This is undoubtedly completely unorthodox, but I thought it sat better afterwards.The jacket is lined, and I basted the organza to the the lining around my radical slashing. Sorry if this comes across as really know it all, as I am a complete novice at this sort of sewing, but it did work for me. Karen
I agree that silk organza is really tricky to work with. I always prewash mine because it is SO scratchy. I think your dress looks beautiful, and like everyone else who has posted here, did not even notice the wrinkles until they were pointed out. I see this dress with a belt or obi type sash, which would not only look great, but draw away from, or totally cover, any wrinkle issues. Leave it in your closet for a while and when you look at it again, you may see it with new eyes.
Alexandra, the dress looks good. Perhaps you are right and organza shrank a little plot, but the end result is quite good. Greetings. Paco
I have to agree with everyone. The dress looks very nice, and it is such a flattering style, and when worn wrinkles probably won't be an issue. Can you take a picture with you wearing it? :)
This looks good! Wrinkles not noticable. I bet you look great in it... its such a beautiful gray! Don't give up on it
Lovely dress. I have encountered this same problem whenever I put a zipper, especially invisible, maybe due to pressing concerns, in a concave seam. It seems that it is impossible to clip close enough in the seam allowance and who wants to clip a zipper tape? Anyways, that was my excuse, I hope it works out for you. It might look nice with a wide belt and a cardigan.
caroln
Wear the dress. It looks great and no one but you will notice the wrinkles and you can't see the back when you're wearing it.
I know what is causing your wrinkling problems. When you underline your garment, you should dart both layers *separately* (not together as you did!) It affects the drape significantly.
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