Project Runway NYE Dress Challenge: Results

So as I said in my last post, I was so busy in the days leading up to NYE making my outfit I wasn't able to update. However, I did make sure to document parts of the process with photos. So here's a quick recap on all that led up to New Years Eve.

Day 1:
See previous posts.

Day 2: Structure and support.

With the lining finished, I finally added boning channels and the bones into the bodice so everything can be held in nice and tight.

For boning I went with a great cheap standard: heavy duty cable ties (shown below). They can be found in most hardware shops and create quite a bit of support.


I made my own channels were made with double fold bias tape (another cheap option) ironed so they could fit the boning. Then they were pinned and stitched into place.

And voila, boning channels!


Day 3: All hell breaks loose

It started well. I cut and assembled the bodice and then I added a strip of the denim material down the center. To finish it off, I also created straps and trim out of the denim (shown below). Looking good so far.


Then I set about the busy work of attaching the lining and the outer bodice together. Because I really didn't want to have to redo it, the whole bit took quite a while. But once I was done I had a finished bodice.

Unfortunately, the zipper broke. The slider came off and the zipper itself was damaged. So I had to remove the zipper and place in a new one (good thing I have a bunch lying around).

So back to work of making the skirt. Considering that time was quickly running out I decided to go with a 50s/60s party dress silhouette--the more poof the better. So I cut the denim and pinned the sheer material into pleats.

When I was done it looked a little something like this (it doesn't show the weirder bits, which was in the back):


I wasn't too happy with it, but it would do. So I tried to finish up the skirt and it only got worse. Parts of the sheer bits stuck out in weird places and the way the fabric was sewn to the zipper was reminiscent of certain lady parts. Still I would make it work. At least until the zipper broke a second time.

I'm ashamed to say that I broke down. Partly because it was 3am, my second zipper and I had to work the next morning. There was no time to fix the zipper. So I searched through my closets for alternatives and went to bed.


Day 4: A reprive

Things were incredibly slow at work, so I was sent home at 11am. It was like fate had finally smiled on me. So I rushed home, started a new skirt and set about fixing what was wrong with the dress. I even had time to add some pockets and finish everything but the hem. Huzzah I was done!

The final result:



(without the sweater)

Although the skirt hem was unfinished and the straps in the back had to be pinned shut (no time to sew on a snap), it turned out so retro chic and I love it! I even got a compliment from a complete stranger. So I'd like to think of it as a success.

Final thoughts:
All in all it was an interesting experience. The results made it worth it, but honestly I would only do this again if I had more time. Rushing always adds drama, so I'm not sure how the folks on Project Runway do it. However, they are probably a bit more seasoned and experienced in the sewing realm than I. As for the new year, I have no idea what I'll do as my next project, but I plan to stay away from large garments for a little while.


Happy New Years and Happy Crafting!

Project Runway NYE Dress Challenge: Brief update

So I've been so darn busy making the dress, I haven't had the chance to write an update.

Let's just say it's been a journey of frustration, headaches (to the point of near illness) and lots of pin poking.

But I finished it (for the most part). I'll post pictures of the process and what not soon.

Happy New Year all!

Project Runway NYE Dress Challenge: Sketches and Inspiration

So last night I did some quick sketches. I wasn't able to post them earlier because I was busy pattern making (had to get that bodice done).

Here they are (please forgive their sketchiness):


At first I wasn't sure what neckline I wanted, but decided on a sweetheart neckline. As for the skirt, that's another matter altogether. It's between the traditional 50s style gathered skirt, a gathered balloon bottom skirt and a pick up skirt. Since I'm draping the skirt, I'll figure that out later tonight.

And a few of the images that inspired me (and yeah some of those photos are hella cheesy, but ignore their faces and look at the dresses):





Personally I'm leaning towards the pin-tucked, pick up skirt. It's just so pretty and very Victorian inspired (especially the gray one pictured above), which I'd love to see in my outfit (cuz I'm such a closet Steampunk). And now that I've found a great tutorial on how to do it, I'll probably try that method first.

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Status: Bodice lining done. Need to bone the bodice, cut and assemble the outside and then prepare to start the skirt. I'll post about that later.

Back to work!

Next: Progress Progress Progress!

NYE Project Runway Challenge: 25 hours and counting

So I've always hated shopping for dresses. My particular figure shape(I'm a busty girl) has always made it hard to buy anything but separates. And affordable dresses are getting more and more lazy [ie they're terrible looking, flimsy or ill fitting]. Since I really can't spend $100+ to look hot for one night, I've decided to take it into my own hands.

Let the games begin.

I have about 25 hours (ending midnight 12/30) to make a New Year's Eve outfit
Budget: $40
Goal: Something fitted, hourglass accentuating and well made (hopefully looking better than what the stores can offer for the same amount)
Supplies: Whatever Joann's Fabrics has in their Red Tag section (now 50% off--go go and acquire fabric people!) and notions
Tools: A Singer 5050c, paper tape dummy (fit to my size), the usual tools (scissors, seam ripper, ruler, etc) and a lot of moxie

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7:12pm

Making it work.

So I've selected my fabric as shown below:


Details--
(A)
(B)
(C)

Here's what I got for $35.77 ($33.06 without tax):
1 yard of black poly with square print (A)
4 yards double sided blue denim blend (B--way more blue, see main photo)
4 yards of sheer dark blue material (it's beauty hardly shows in the photo)
1 yard of black nylon tulle
1 16" navy blue zipper (C)
1 spool of navy blue thread (C)
76" of metal chain (C)

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The sewing clock officially starts at 9pm. So I get a little bit of sketching time before then.

Next: Sketches & Inspiration