Another summery By Hand London Kim dress. I'm not fed up with this pattern yet, it's so pretty!
I didn't make any further fitting alterations as I was happy with the last one I sewed. However I've noticed since wearing this dress that the slight gapping I was getting at the front armhole of my first Kim dress is happening again. Grading up a size at the shoulders hasn't fixed the problem, although in general I think it makes the straps sit better, so I'm wondering whether some fabric needs pinched out at the armhole. Or it could just be that my fabric choice is a quilting cotton with zero give and I'm being an overly fussy bugger.
My only other fussy bugger gripe is that the bodice feels a little bit bulky. Although self lining looks swish I think the bodice would feel more comfortable with a thinner lining, such as a cotton voile/lawn. But there you go, you live and learn. It's perfectly wearable as it is. I love my dress, honest. How could I not love this dress when it brings together mustard, florals, princess seams, pockets and a full skirt. It also looks great paired with my orange cardigan. Happiness!
Crisp pintucks = more happiness
Like my last Kim dress I made absolutely no attempt to pattern match so that I could fit everything on 2.5 metres of fabric. I even managed to squeeze out pocket bags this time by piecing together the larger scraps. Excuse me whilst I feel weirdly smug about my sneaky french seamed pocket joins.
There's not much else to say about a dress I've made three times other than I doubt this will be my last Kim dress. After all my faffing about with my Prima and Emery darted bodice (which sadly still doesn't fit to my satisfaction) it feels great to have a dress pattern which I can sew without worrying about the fit and enjoy wearing the resulting dress. I think I've also come to the conclusion that I prefer the fit of princess seams to darts; they seem to work better for me.
I'm aware I will eventually have to return to the task of fitting my massive shoulder blades though. I can't keep making dresses with low backs, although it is tempting!
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I'm aware I will eventually have to return to the task of fitting my massive shoulder blades though. I can't keep making dresses with low backs, although it is tempting!
I'm hoping to squeeze out one more summery dress this year so I can take part in Karen's Ginghamalong. The deadline is 13th September and I'm planning to make a pink gingham By Hand London Charlie dress. I've ordered my fabric and made one bodice toile which, somewhat miraculously, fit really well straight out the packet (it also has a low back, haha!) Is anyone else taking part in the ginghamalong?