Finally, an update on Ms. CB dress. There were so many distractions. I sew best when I stay on task until its done. Today I was determined to get a post out of this much needed to be completed dress.
Time line:
6-8-08 - 6-12-08 Business Trip
6-14-08 3:15p-5:00 and 5:50p - 8:40p
Foundation prep
Sewed foundation and lining together
6-26-08 6:00p- 8:15
Fitting and sewed skirt lining
More changes requested -
Shorten skirt by 3 1/2 inches
Wanted straps to rest on shoulders - need to lower armhole 1/2 inch
Possible exclusion of foundation :-( (I really want to include it)
6-28-08 6:00p - 10:00
Sewed beads to back of dress
removed an re attached the straps
I added about 1 1/2 inches to the overall seam allowance of the foundation - It
was a little snug on her. So I reduced the seam allowance to add move in the
abdominal area. Altered the foundation (this is me, not Ms. CB - try to convince
her to keep it)
Cut out flowers
I made all changes on last Saturday except the length. Ms. CB considered not including the foundation, but I think t would be better to include it. Because it provides support and helps shape the body.
Foundation:
Since I already put the foundation together I want to talk about the process a little. The instructions were typical for most close fitting bodices. The difference is it's attached and on the inside of the dress and closed by hook and eye tape.
I also made a slight change to adding the boning to the inside of the lining. The pattern instructs to sew ribbon onto the lining for the casing. I chose to use the original casing instead as it provides added padding to protect the body from the hard boning. After sewing the two sides and one end of the casing to the lining, I inserted the boning, then sewed the remaining end closed. The casing will not show on the outside.
This evening I convinced Ms. CB to allow me to add the foundation. ;-)Zipper:
As mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to insert a regular zipper using the hand prick method (first time). The Threads tutorial that I followed includes an optional step on adding beads to the outside seam of the zipper. One of my goals is to explore new techniques and incorporate them into my skill set. I'm inspired by other sewists who practice couture techniques. So I wanted to learn a new method or technique while sewing this dress. The color is bad on this photos, but you can get an idea about how it looks.
Flowers:
I'm make those today.
Update: I made them today. They took 5 hours to make. This pattern offers an interesting way to make the large flower. But to me it seemed like the medium and large flowers are the same size. May be I should have added more gathers to the large flowers.
Stay Tuned. I have to attach the foundation to the dress, tack on the flowers, and hem the dress. I'm close and I'm very glad as I have spent an enormous amount of time on this dress. The desire to make something less complicated is overwhelmingly attractive to me now and I want to sew for myself for a while.
Happy Sewing!
C
Ms. Diahann Carroll (I am a fan) represents the 70's; she is 73 and beautiful. The author describes her as "grand gestures" and her movement is that of a swan, graceful. As I previewed the many pages devoted to "The Ageless", I discovered some phenomenal women I'd never heard of like Betty Fussell and Sloan Barnett. The articles talk about their accomplishments and their approach to life. All of these women are strong, resilient, confident, and beautiful. Their beauty isn't just skin deep; it's to the heart and soul. 
