Finally Done. Day 101.

First off. I would just like to inform you that Knit-fest 2010 has now begun. I know what you're thinking, "hasn't it already been knit-fest 2010, for, well, about a year?" I am sorry to inform you, but there has just been knitting, not knit-fest 2010. Since I have finished my final project, I am off and running on my knit projects for Christmas. There are a lot. I am getting out the pain-killers for my wrist, but it will all be worth it in the end. I am to be finishing a hat (for myself) tonight. I know, i know, I should NOT be working on a project for myself, but it is so close to being finished, and my ears get so cold when we go out for walks in the evening. Mmm, that makes me sound like an old lady?

Today my final project for my pattern making class was due. Over the past week I drafted the pattern and made two test muslin garments, the first of which I took into the sewing lab on Thursday for a test fit, and the second I took in on Monday during class. I started cutting and sewing the final garment on Monday night, and finished it yesterday.

I decided to make a piece that is a stepping stone to a McQueen dress that I am [now] working on. I have velvet hanging up, and ready to go. Sadly, I didn't buy enough of the black and gold print, and so I'll be headed back to the fabric store on Friday to get more of it. I hope that there is enough left. Ugh. I haven't ever run out of the fabric that I needed before.

The pattern for the McQueen dress that I am drafting for me, not the final project, is intimidating, but working on the final has eased a lot of my worries, and my pattern for my dress is now coming right along.

Constructions Woes
The fabric that I chose for the red panels, was inexpensive, slippery and quick to unravel, making construction more time consuming and problem riddled than original planned for. After making 5 sleeves, I finally gave up, altered the pattern, to make two more that better suited the qualities, or lack there of the fabric I had chosen. I still had to make three more sleeves before I was able to construct 2 that were worth of sewing into the dress.

Construction Successes
I am very happy with the print that I chose for the center panels. In working with the print I was able to get it to line up almost perfectly for the zipper at center back, a feat that I had never tried, and thus never accomplished before. The weight of it worked to my advantage as it provided a solid, rigid structure that the red fabric needed.

My final project, shot with iPhone camera (sorry for the crappy pic)


The inspiration, and the dress I am [trying] making for myself, now