drawstrings

[jennylafleur]

sadievale came over yesterday for a sewing day. We spent a fair amount of our day NOT sewing but it was fun. We shopped at Jo-Anns, ate Vietnamese food, had tea & Pims, giggled and schemed.

I didn't get too far with my sewing but progress was made. I think I'm finally getting this chemise gown thing! I'm excited it's starting to make sense to me at last. I marked, pressed and hemmed the front drawstring. Then I dug around in my ancient bin of silk ribbon embroidery supplies and found, to my delight, matching narrow silk ribbon to use in the drawstring. Sweet!

Comments

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a lovely day. :-) And the ribbon is a perfect match!

Since you're on round 2 I have to ask, any tips for future chemise dress makers on what to do/not do?

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Ummm... you will probably need fewer panels than you think. Both Katherine and I over estimated and ended up taking out a panel. This garment takes less fabric than you think to cover up pretty colored stays underneath. :> Make sure your back panels are a good 5" longer than the front. Otherwise you will end up with a short back (thanks to Katherine for that tip). Don't use a stiff lace for the ruffle, it looks a little duffy, like mine at CC. I should have washed the sizing out of it first. Floppy and soft is better for those neck ruffles!

I guess my real advice would be to study and reference three online dress diaries in particular:
Katherine's dress diary page (http://www.koshka-the-cat.com/chemise_dress.html)
Kendra's dress diary page (http://www.demodecouture.com/galleries/18th/#polignac)
Ithilwyn's dress diary (http://booksnthreads.com/Costumes/georgian/LaReine.html)

None of these were available to me last year, which is part of what made it so hard. I particularly like Ithilwyn's method of blocking out the front back and arm hole. I used a fitted lining as my guide, but if I wasn’t using my original (all ready blocked) gown I'd try her method. It seems simpler.

[anielmom.livejournal.com]

still totally diggin' the color. Are you going to do an updated diary on the web site? I'm thinking of doing one after I finnish my Archery dress, and would love a few how to tips.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yep, in fact I've already started one. I'm trying to be better about keep my website, not just the LJ, current this year. You'll find it here:
http://www.jennylafleur.com/diary/chemiselareine08.htm

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Lucky find with that ribbon. It's a perfect match. I really like the colour you've dyed the gown, and the inspiration wall is neat. :)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's pretty obvious I'm attracted to this shade in general.

Thanks! The inspiration wall is really to keep me from having to rummage through my project file while I'm working. It saves an amazing amount of time of frustration I've discovered. :>

[mlsdesigns.livejournal.com]

very good luck with the ribbon! that colour is lovely.
have i gone mad, or did you post a bit earlier, and the post has now gone? i think i saw it before i went out dancing, but didn't have time to read it, something about colour schemes?

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

No you haven't gone mad. I posted more this morning but after pondering it decided I wasn’t sure I still liked the colors S & I have decided on yesterday. So I edited the post to waffle a bit. It was only up for about 10 minutes... :>

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

What a lucky break on the ribbon! You know, you will probably suck me back in and make me want to work on a new chemise dress. Good thing I already bought the fabric. ;)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was willing to settled for close or even white and I got perfect... very cool.

I don't know why - your first chemise gown is gorgeous!

What a splended website you have.

[(Anonymous)]

I just adore your website. I have learned a lot about refined sewing techniques and someday hope to match your skills.

Vivian
craftonviv@hotmail.com