So yesterday I ran over to the Pacific Fabric Outlet and bought some lightweight olive green wool flannel with the intention of making dress 117. I just whipped up the muslin (in muslin fabric) and here it is...
Overall fit is great, I cut a 36 for the bodice and a 38 for the waist and skirt.
However, I'm feeling like the pleats in the bodice are really drawing attention to my bust! In fact, the little point of fabric where the pleat ends is very nipple-like. (Even I was fooled by this, I checked and my bust point is ~1/2" away).
The BWOF dress was made in plaid, maybe the design helps to distract?
So.... I'm not sure if I should proceed. Do you agree that the pleats are saying "look at these!"? If I make this in wool flannel, will the pleat point be a little softer?
I'd like this to be something I could wear to work. Worst case scenario is I make it and it'll be a non-work garment, I guess. Can you think of any easy modifications? Or should I move on to another pattern?
21 comments:
ok, I have to admit.... I did giggle!! But I actually like the design of the dress and I think in a drapier fabric, you won't end up with the ummmmmm.... protrusion.
I do love it in the plaid but if your solid wool has a good drape, I don't think you will get that stark pleat.
I think it's the stiff muslin fabric. I don't think you'd have that problem in a drapier fabric either. I've been eyeballing this same dress. Maybe if done in a plaid, it will distract from the pleats. I really think it's a cute style.
It looks like it is pulling just a tad on the top.. if so, maybe use a little larger size? If not, I think the fabric just looks a little stiff. It really is a cute style and looks great
I think it's caused by the stiff nature of the muslin. I think it'll work better in wool.
I thought about this pattern alot, in regards to using a plaid or a solid.
IMHO, I would use a rich dark color before I use a plaid if I wanted to camoflage any thing around the bustline,, because the style of this dress, 'seems' like it will be emphasized more with a plain color, when I wear Mccalls 5466 to work last week, I told my coworkers I was thinking about making it with a plaid,, and a few of them said,, seeing the "style of the pleats" made the look of the dress and that is how I feel about this too.. I'm planning on making a muslin of this dress soon also,, so I am definitely thinking about it,can't wait to see what you decide to do and how it works out
It looks pretty on, but I see what you're talking about... I vote for a drapier fabric, that should help those pleats (or at least I think it will!).
I agree with everyone else. I think it's the stiff muslin. I hope we're all right because I think that dress looks great!
I don't know much about how wool flannel would drape compared to the muslin. However, the pleats still look a little stiff to me in the picture on the Burda site .
Muslin has no drape so it would be a bit pointy. That said, it does pull across the front as if the garment as sewn has zero ease as you would expect in some knit fabric garments but muslin is not knit and neither is wool flannel. Notice the diagonal wrinkles slanting down from your shoulder and pointing directly at your bust point? Those wrinkles are the where the strain on the garment is. I would suggest using size larger just in that bodice section or making a Full Bust Alteration. You might make a vertical slash along the center front from the midriff toward the neck seam while you are wearing the dress to see how much ease you do need. The dress style is beautiful, and it is worth the extra effort to get the dress to fit correctly.
First reaction (paraphrased) - wow, what a youthful silhouette! Seriously, though, I think you should fold some of the fashion fabric and hold it up to your chest. You'll see if it lies more smoothly.
Very much resembles the new Mouret stuff.
It is going to be GORGEOUS.
Christina, I'm coming late to the party, but I think the dress is awesome on you - super feminine, super flattering. I am sure the nipple effect is due to the crisp muslin fabric.
That is going to be one fantastic dress!!
Like Isabelle, I'm late to the party but I make her words mine; that is a fabulous looking dress and It's on my sewing list too!
I'm so late to the party I'm showing up the next day (sorry, worked yesterday and bachelorette party). The lines are wonderful. I think like .5 inch more of ease would be a little more graceful. But, if you went with this fabric and it had a wee bit of stretch, it would be perfect.
I actually didn't notice the uh, nipple effect.
Personally this is one of my favorite patterns from that issue and I can't wait to make it myself. I would bet that the reason those points are so pointy is just the fabric.
I'm sorry that my reply comes very late. I agree with Cidell that a little more ease on the front, particularly below the bust line, is needed here, letting the muslin fall or drape over the bust point a little more than what I'm seeing from the closeup. From the closeup, the muslin is too fitted underneath the bustline, forming a cup, which I think, draws more attention to the BP than the pleats from the neckline.
I love this dress, too! I'm glad to see you're making it. Sorry I don't have any tips to give, but it looks like you've got it covered. Now I've got to think of what fabric I'm going to use for it.
I love how the muslin looks on you, it's going to be a gorgeous dress! I agree with Erica, it's the stiff muslin fabric, you shouldn't have any problem with the fashion fabric.
This dress never drew my attention in Burda but now, after seeing it on you, I want one too!
Love the dress on you and I agree with pretty much everyone else that in a wool the pleat will be less dramatic. Gotta love that muslin!
I agree with others that the stiff, crisp muslin is the culprit. And even at that I didnt' think much of it until you called attention to it. I think it's a nice dress for you.
Even if it does turn out too "pointy" in the wool, there are things you can do...change the angle of the overlaps, turn them to gathers, etc...
make it! It looks really great on you... and thanks for your nice comment about mine. Can't wait to see yours... would be great if you felt inspired to post a review on PR!
I'm glad to see I'm with the consensus. This is a *gorgeous* dress & I didn't think about your bust at all until you mentioned it. In a plaid or something drapier than muslin, it'll be amazing.
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