While this zipper set-back seriously cut into my "sewjo" and motivation to complete GW, I was able to complete most of its construction.
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| on the hanger |
I replaced the broken invisible zipper with a metal-tooth exposed zipper...
...I added leather elbow pads to the sleeves...
...and attached the sleeves to the dress. I still have to complete the dress and sleeve hems, but here it is in its almost completed form.
I love, love, LOVE the elbow pads on the sleeves. I initially cut the pads out of left-over faux leather from the Homecoming outfit I made for my daughter in 2010, but I noticed a blemish on the pad surface. Instead, I opted to use genuine leather from a pair of pants I purchased in September from Salvation Army specifically for the leather "fabric"! I used the blanket stitch setting on my Brother SE-400 with a longer and wider setting. Love 'em!!
What I am not loving, however, is the zipper appearance. You can probably see on the picture a little waviness at the zipper end. Well, when the dress is on me, the wave appearance runs almost the entire zipper length. I applied interfacing to the seam allowance during construction to provide support for the zipper, but I may need to add more and possibly create some type of dart or stitch line to minimize some length between the neckline and waist. I have to play with that. What I won't do is give up on this dress because I am loving it too much.
I am absolutely open to any feedback to deal with the wavy-back. Please leave your comments and suggestions below - I love reading them!
Be blessed!
Aisha
On the off chance that you really don't want the zipper showing (which I assume because you started with an invisible zipper), have you given any thought to inserting it by hand, with hand-picked stitching? Just a thought,
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of that, Nancy. I bought the fabric and notions quite some time ago - I'm willing to bet right after publishing my first post on this dress back in 2012, so going with an exposed zipper wasn't in mind at all. I think I went with the exposed version because it's a popular fashion detail and (more honestly) this was the only black zipper I had on hand. Thank you for the suggestion - will keep in mind for next time.
DeleteThis dress is really gorgeous and I can understand you not abandoning it! I think you did the correct thing in using an interfacing first. I'm assuming you already pressed it really well correct? Looking at the picture, the waviness isn't that bad! Of course I'm sure that may be different when you have it on. Sometimes using a walking foot will help prevent nets from stretching. However, since I'm new to the walking foot, I don't know how that will work while installing zippers. Sorry I can't be of more assistance! But again, I really think the dress looks beautiful as it is!
ReplyDeleteMyra, thank you so much for the encouragement. The wave doesn't look very noticeable while on the dress form. I think the fabric on the form creates a resistance with the dress fabric that keeps the dress in place. Trust me - the wave is very noticeable on me. I will try adding more interfacing to the seam allowance and re-installing the zipper...I just gotta get my "sewjo" to remove the zipper AGAIN. Thanks, again, for sharing.
DeleteHi Aisha. Your dress is looking good but I'm thinking ,is this rayon jersey? If so the zipper may be just too heavy for the knit. I don't mean to discourage you but..... have you considered no zipper?
ReplyDeleteActually, Diana, I've had that same thought a few times. The fabric I used was a Roma Ponte and I thought about omitting the zipper - I've read a few pattern reviews where others have done just that - but I'm concerned about struggling to put on/take off the dress without one. I haven't found the heart to remove the zipper yet - I so dislike taking apart my own work - but once I do, I may need to reconsider using this zipper and go with something more lightweight. Thank you so much for the suggestion - and confirmation of my suspicion.
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