So here is the dress I made from the Japanese pattern I was so excited about. It was pretty easy to make- even without being able to read the directions. The pictures were sufficient though I am sure I did a few things differently- that's ok- turned out as it should. :-)
(Don't let the picture fool you- she likes the dress- she just didn't feel like modeling it at the time...)
If you heard someone cursing at their sewing machine it was me! I practiced buttonhole after buttonhole. After I got it just the way I wanted- I tried making one on the dress. All I got was a big ball of thread on the underside. I finally realized my machine didn't like sewing through the linings (I really should have remembered that from past experiences!) It has been so long since I have made buttonholes- it felt like I was learning all over again. Eventually I got it to work by pulling the fabric through with my hand.
My next lesson to learn was that old seam rippers should be replaced! I did not realize how dull the two I had were. I ended up ripping a hole the fabric from pushing too hard. Sissy didn't mind- bless her heart. I think I could make a little patch to cover it?
(The big rip. As you c n see I had to make the buttonholes over the seam. That was due to not using the same seam allowance and not being able to calculate and/or decipher the instructions. Of course that is why my machine got stuck there..)
But at least the my first fabric covered buttons turned out pretty darn cute! I used a Japanese kit and it was so easy- why haven't I tried this before? (Maybe because I have avoided making buttonholes?- lol) I used a different little birdy from the skirt fabric for each button.
I may try making another one in a different fabric. The fabric used on this dress is from the Alexander Henry Collection. It is really meant to be a quilting fabric- but the two prints were so darn cute and it was on sale! It is a little thin however- so maybe I will try a cute polka dot next time.
I do have a new seam ripper now. I bought it here locally and it has Snoopy on it. And it is sharp!
