Friday, October 18, 2013

THE PINK LINEN REVEAL


Well, I finally finished my pink linen dress ...
under trying circumstances...


Do the sleeves look a little large?
That's because they are - (I am having a little medical trouble in the department of arm)


What really put me to the test was the demise, several weeks ago, of my trusty Overlocker (serger) machine - 
after only about 25 years of constant hard work ....

Knowing the local Craft Expo was coming up, I decided to wait until then, to test all the usual brands in one location, and hopefully get a Show Special.

And I did - yesterday - and await delivery of a lovely new Bernina machine next week.


I decided to sew ahead on the pink, and telling myself that Coco Chanel didn't have an overlocker when she started out, and look where she ended up,
I thought back to the sewing lessons of the past.

For the stitched detail on the front of this dress, I did this:


Folded the seam edges inwards, and stitched down on the outside:




The pattern is the shift dress in Butterick B5821, with a centre front bodice seam, and dropped waist.


The dress is lined with bemsilk, and sans serger, I finished the lining edge with lace, and used purchased bias binding to finish the linen hem.
I put fusible hemming tape inside the linen hem to give body.

The dress is cool and comfortable to wear, and feels very feminine...



OPI have a special for October: Breast Cancer Awareness...
Called Pink of Hearts, a percentage of the sale goes to breast cancer research.

You get a pretty pink polish, plus glitter and decals.
I'm not really a decal kind of girl, but love the pink polish:

Have a perfectly lovely weekend in the pink!

 XXXX


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21 comments:

  1. JudithOctober 18, 2013 at 9:46 PM

    So glad you managed to pick out a new overlocker, Patricia! You do wonder how we ever sewed without one. Love your dress, such a lovely tribute to Breast Cancer, and the colour is beautiful on you ... J

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 3:18 AM

      Thank you Judith, I have always loved wearing pink, and yes, overlocking has become such an ingrained habit when sewing, it was interesting to work without it, and I was pleased with the result.

      Delete
  2. JaniceOctober 19, 2013 at 1:54 AM

    The dress is great.. a real triumph, and I love the lining. I hope the arm problems improve. Jx

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 3:19 AM

      Thank you Janice, off to the lymphedema clinic on Monday ... fingers crossed! I love the pink/white lace on the lining too. xx

      Delete
  3. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 3:19 AM

    Thank you Valerie, pink is the girliest colour of all!!

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  4. Rustic Vintage CountryOctober 19, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    I am just so impressed with your sewing talent. The dress does look super comfy and seeing your pink toes has reminded me that I must sort my toes out, I wonder what colour? Maybe black as Halloween is coming :) x

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 4:05 AM

      Oh, black would be fun, scary and chic all at the same time! Sewing is my relaxation, and I love the pink dress. xx

      Delete
  5. KathyOctober 19, 2013 at 3:59 AM

    Thank you for this glimpse into the details of your sewing skills, Patricia. I'm deeply impressed. I love your pink dress but am sorry about the need for roomy sleeves. My sister-in-law is close to the end of treatment for an aggressive breast cancer and she too has developed lymphoedema. :-(

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 4:10 AM

      Dear Perpetua, old sewing skills just keep on keeping on. My mother sewed until the end, at age 89. So sorry to hear about your sister-in-law, and I really only half understand lymphoedema. At least roomy sleeves are not hard to make :-)

      Delete
  6. kristieinbcOctober 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    The dress looks lovely on you! I admire your sewing skills, and wish you could impart some of them to me. I am hopeless. :-)

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 2:30 PM

      Thank you Kristie; but then, you can knit, so beautifully, and I am hopeless at that!

      Delete
  7. metteOctober 19, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    Just the powdery shade of pink I like! An elegant dress - I would not have paid attention to the width of the sleeves, had you not mentioned it.
    And my, your handwork, stitching is so beautiful. Something for keepers!

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    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 2:31 PM

      Yes, I hope it is a dress for keepers Mette. I love powdery pink too, and a dress with elegance. So win win on this one...I do find sewing, especially hand sewing, very soothing.

      Delete
  8. Michelle RidgwayOctober 19, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    Your little pink dress is beautiful Trish and it looks so lovely on you. I know without a doubt how beautifully made it would be. I do hope your arm heals quickly. All the best for Monday xxx

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaOctober 19, 2013 at 11:21 PM

      Aw, thank you Michelle! I'll get myself sorted, then we will catch up.. xxx

      Delete
  9. RosemaryOctober 20, 2013 at 2:14 AM

    Dear Patricia looking pretty in pink. I can see what a wonderful seamstress you are. Do hope that the medical problem in your arm is soon dealt with for you.

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    1. PatriciaOctober 20, 2013 at 8:42 PM

      Thank you Rosemary - I have always loved sewing, from my earliest years creating dolls clothes. Rotten lymphoedema ....

      Delete
  10. Sulky KittenOctober 20, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    Beautifully made and beautifully modelled! You are indeed a wonderful seamstress and I love the lining. Hope your arms situation improves, but really I wouldn't have noticed at all.

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    1. PatriciaOctober 20, 2013 at 8:45 PM

      Hello dear Sulky K, and thank you - I for one have always loved a pretty silk lining... Yay for generous sleeves!

      Delete
  11. DarlaOctober 21, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    What a lovely dress and it looks so good on you. Enjoyed the pictures of the little fellows. As it is Monday already, I will be thinking of you and your appointment at the clinic and sending my best.

    Darla

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  12. AliFebruary 13, 2019 at 10:22 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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