Monday, September 6, 2010

Simplicity 2766: sleeve dilemma

Simplicity 2766 view A in progress
Reminds me of bat robes in college.

First of all, whoever commented and told me the trick about using a bobbin as a second spool for twin needle stitching--you're a genius! I just love that!

It is a gorgeous Labor Day here! Went to the gym, then started working on a dress. Last night I asked which one to make, and I went with Sue's choice: Simplicity 2766 view A in a "beautiful deep blue color" as Sue says. The color reminds me of Superman.

I made a 12 in the neckline and shoulder, a 14 in the bodice and a 16 in the sleeve for room in the upper arm.

It's all done except for the sleeves. (and I'm thinking about lowering the hem. I cut 1.5 inches off and hemmed at 1.25 with a twin needle. Is it too short?). These are in progress pix so I haven't ironed.
Simplicity 2766 view A in progress

So my left arm is done the way the pattern says, but in a 16 instead of the 12. The styling is supposed to be all pouffy baggy at the forearm, but this is too much for me, too Holly Hobby. Maybe it would look better if I made the 12 at the end of the sleeve, the proportions would be better.
Simplicity 2766 view A in progress

The right arm is just ungathered for now.

This is, I dare say, the best neck binding I've ever sewn. I didn't follow the directions on this, I used a technique I learned from someone's review on SPR for beloved New Look 6922, where you sew the facing to the front, flip it to the inside and then topstitch it down from the front. The binding is not finished on the inside, which is ok in my book.
Simplicity 2766 view A in progress
The neckline is pretty cool, I like how it scoops without being too low or showing any bra strappage.

I was at a loss about what to cinch it with. As you know I'm into the ribbon thing right now but I didn't have any wide long brown ribbon. I tried a belt instead. I think it looks very Mary Nanna (moreso if I wore it with boots. which I don't own).

Simplicity 2766 view A in progress

This is pretty shapeless and if I wasn't wearing it with a belt, I'd definitely need a swayback adjustment. It might actually need a swayback adjustment anyhow, based on the side view picture I took and hated and which you will never ever see.

Simplicity 2766 view A in progress

I can see myself making this again as a shirt, and possibly for sleepwear.

Also the pattern instructions don't mention anything about gathering stitches for the sleeve at the armhole. I had some funky adjustments anyhow, but I wonder if I had made the armholes and sleeve all the same size if it really would all magically fit together without basting? (I didn't baste, I just winged it, meaning there is a bit of shaving I need to do at the sleeve cap.)

So...will I...
  • cut the sleeves to short sleeved length?
  • remove the sleeves entirely?
  • try the gathered sleeves but in a size 12 from the elbow down?
Stay tuned!

7 comments:

  1. Great dress - I also love the neckline and your binding is lovely - I would just cut the sleeves shorter - fine for Holly Hobbie but ...

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  2. Great colour, super neckline binding! It definitely needs the belt. I like the slightly less gathered and shorter sleeves too.

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  3. Looks like some intense work on the dress there - but the result is amazing! Good luck with resolving the arm dilemma.

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  4. It looks really cute with the belt! Nice neckline finish.

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  5. Well, I do love the color of the dress! The blue looks fabulous on you! The dress looks great with the belt, but baggy without it. I look forward to seeing how you re-work this!

    I can't believe how much you get done!

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  6. That is a beautiful blue color, and the dress will be beautiful when finished. I think the sleeve is dwarfing your small body. I would remove the sleeves, narrow and shorten them, so there's not so much fullness at the wrist.

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  7. oh yes Mary Nanna approves of the belt! It's a sweet dress, and the neck binding looks great.

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