This is not the first time an invisible zipper busted in mid-construction. While sewing a prom dress for my daughter... on the day of the event... a mere couple of hours before being picked up... the zipper broke, and I had to send someone to the store to buy me a replacement while I finished the rest of the dress. In fact, that very dress had not one, not two, but three invisible zippers sewn into it.
I've said more than once that I will not sew with invisible zippers again because they're quite "temperamental", but I've had problems with invisible zippers in RTW garments, too. And now, I have to CUT THIS ZIPPER OUT OF THE DRESS...!
Ahem... forgive me... I'm okay... really... I am. (deep, deep sigh)
Back to what I was saying... since I have to now cut this zipper out, what do you think about going with an exposed zipper detail instead? I bought this metal-teeth zipper for another project, but I could always get another.
What do think? Does it audition well?
Be blessed!
Aisha
P.S. Although I did pad her out and took her measurements, I have a feeling my mannequin may be fuller-figured than me. (My backside does not look wide.) It seems I may have to re-customize her figure... but that's a project for another day.
I don't like using invisible zippers in formal wear either. I've experienced them not working on the day of the event as well. That happened to one of my prom girls, I didn't have time to go purchase another zipper so I had to sew her in the dress. The exposed zipper looks good.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that had to be a nightmare for you. Thanks for the vote... exposed zipper it is!
DeleteWhat information did you use to pad your dress form??? I am very interested in pading mine.
ReplyDeleteFaye, I've been looking online for quite some time for ways to customize the fit and ran across this You Tube video by Deby Coles from So-Sew Easy. I found the padding system she used on Amazon. This feels like a more durable method of customizing a dress form instead of the duct-tape versions I've seen online.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-gXpT4dgWo
The exposed zipper will definitely work and also have had a zipper or few break. Currently have a skirt that I love and recently the darn zipper broke.. ugggh. I've also padded my dress form using batting and bra/shoulder pads. It works, but recently purchased the fabulous fit padding system... love it.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike going back into a garment I've constructed to repair something, but so be it. I just cut the zipper out yesterday morning, and I'll get around to sewing the new zipper in place sometime this week. I have to admit that some of the wind has been taken out of my sails by the set back, but I'll recover.
DeleteI love the Fabulous Fit system. It was certainly pricier than batting and shoulder pads, but I thought the system pads work well if providing realistic shaping and contours. Thanks, Sheila, for sharing your thoughts...really appreciate it!
Oh poor you !!! I hate it when that happens but I do love invisible zippers though and exposed zippers are so in. I just cut out a dress and am planning on using one and am looking forward to figuring it out.
DeleteThank you, Diana. It was pretty disappointing. I found some exposed-zipper video tutorials on You Tube which did a good job of laying out the process. My zipper mishap, along with other life events, have seriously impacted my "sewjo", but I hope to have my dress completed some time this week...fingers crossed.
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