This summer I decided that to celebrate the new BERNINA B780, loaned to me as part of the brand ambassador program, I would start working on what I call master projects. The first of its kind is the Anna Dress from By Hand London. Sunni gave me the pattern as a gift and it took me 4 bodice muslins to get it just right! I learned so much in the process, but most of all I learned that it is possible, keep working on something long enough, don't give up!
The modifications I had to make after the first muslin are as follows:
1.grading the pattern from a smaller size (4) at the shoulders to a larger size at the ribs (6) and waist
2.removing excess ease at the bust
3. deepening the V-neck
4. moving the shoulder seams forward by 1.5" to 2"
5. redrafting the facings completely!
The construction involves french seams and serged seams (back and waist only). The serged finish is necessary at the waist, it takes a little patience to have all six vertical seams match perfectly at the waist. Ask me how I know!
The dress feels wonderful to the skin, I used a silk crepe de chine in this intriguing paint splatter. I had purchased the fabric first online (1.75 yard not very wide ) and was very surprised to find that despite the lack of yardage with the shorter length I was able to fit it all in. It won't be a surprise to anyone that more often than not suggested yardage is very generous... The fit of the dress in the waist and ribs however is well... very fitted so take my advice and make a muslin if you have not yet sewn this wonderful dress.
I know that such a pretty dress deserves some black heels but lets keep it real, I don't walk well in those. Some girls have it, not me sadly... it's almost all flats in this closet. I do however like my cropped leather jacket, it takes the girly out of a silk anna and lets me wear it anytime this fall without having to wait for Thomas to take me on a date (ha!).
yes I know... I cut the feet out of this picture, oh well!
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Your efforts really paid off...the fit is perfection!! Congratulations! Whatever allows women to teeter painlessly around in 4 inch heels also eludes me. I have a LOT of flats.
Posted by: Larissa | September 06, 2014 at 07:23 AM
That's really beautiful, from the fabric to the fit! Great work.
Posted by: katie | September 07, 2014 at 03:05 AM