Other adjustments are challenging because of the way princess seam dresses are constructed. On most of them, the shoulder straps are part of the bodice front. Thus I couldn't alter the bodice front to accommodate my narrow upper chest without skewing the shoulder straps and armholes.
I finally found the solution in McCall's 6027. In this pattern, the shoulder straps are part of the bodice side front, leaving me free to alter the bodice front without skewing the shoulder straps.
Even better, the bodice front has a seam down the center, giving me an easy reference for narrowing the bodice.
After making a muslin and using myself as a human
The photos below show a comparison of the original front pattern piece and my front pattern piece. Luckily, I did not have to change the curve of the bust seam, which meant I didn't have to alter the side front pattern piece. I was able to get the proper fit by making changes only along the center seam.
There is one big drawback to McCall's 6027 -- it's too low-cut for me. The easy solution is to wear it as a jumper (a sleeveless dress worn over a shirt). It's very comfortable, but I suspect it makes me look like a schoolteacher.
This is especially true in the Halloween fabric I used for my first successful prototype.
I have since made three more jumpers, with some variations, which I will show in upcoming posts.
Bane, congratulations! The dress looks great on you! I remember that summer dresses post and I'm so glad you found something that works. You look amazing! You could do a lace or mesh undershirt if you wanted to spice up the look a little and no, you don't look like a school marm!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am very happy to finally have a dress pattern that works. Good suggestion on the undershirt. I have fishnet and lace that I can try. :)
DeleteWow, great job!! Love the matching laces on your shoes too ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It took a little while to lace up 20-eye boots with ribbon, but I think it was worth the effort.
DeleteSuits you great! And I agree with lightning x: You don't look like a school mum, rather like someone getting comfy in fall!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is very comfy with the soft cotton knit shirt. It's quite different than the local uniform of jeans and fleece, which is worn by grandparents, toddlers, and everyone in between. ;)
DeleteWow, looks great! And I agree with the others, I don't see school teacher or anything. Just looks like you're wearing a cute dress! :) I think dresses look better like that anyways.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have always liked the look of dresses/jumpers worn with an undershirt and tall boots. It's probably not an "in" look, but I'm not exactly a follower of popular fashion. ;)
DeleteCute dress, and I love the effect of the orange laces in the black boots!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
DeleteThe dress is gorgeous! Well done :) I love how you wear it even if you think you look like a school teacher (not agree to that). The orange laces is a perfect trick to make the outfit complete.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I probably have an outdated idea of what teachers look like. When I was in school, all the teachers wore jumpers over t-shirts... but of course, that was many years ago. It would be more accurate to say that I suspect I look like a schoolteacher from 1988. :)
DeleteIt looks wonderfully cut on you! Hooray for success!
ReplyDeletePerhaps a few more accessories to quiet those school teacher thoughts?
Regardless, the dress looks great with or without them. =)
Thanks! It took quite an effort, but in the end, I am very happy with the fit.
DeleteMore hair, makeup and accessories would definitely make a difference.
I think it looks lovely! And...those...SHOES!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you! The boots are Dr. Martens "Jemma" style. I wanted to buy a second pair because mine are very worn and have a bad scratch on the toe, but the style has been discontinued. :(
DeleteExcellent!! I'm so glad you finally found a pattern that works for you... and it DOES! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd NO, you don't look like a school teacher, although there's certainly nothing wrong with that.
Thanks! No, certainly nothing wrong with looking like a schoolteacher. In fact, I have great admiration for teachers, who provide an invaluable service for insultingly low pay. I still remember my favorite teachers, such as motorcycle-riding Chemistry teacher Mr. McLaughlin... who did not wear a jumper. ;)
DeleteOh god that's cute.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThat turned out great! I may have to pick up that pattern for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I *love* the orange laces in your boots!
It also has a godet option, which I think I'll try next time. I'm a sucker for a fitted bodice and a big, floofy skirt. :)
DeleteThank you!
Contrasting godets? Eh? Eh?
DeleteAbsolutely! Black with purple would be the obvious choice... or maybe stripes with solid...
DeleteIt looks awesome in the Hallowe'en fabric, Bane! That looks like a good pattern to try. I'm looking for a comfortable dress that I can just throw over a t-shirt (at my age, anything lower than a jewel neck is way too low). ;o)
ReplyDeleteI love the orange laces!
I think it's a good pattern. I'd rate it an easy... especially if you don't have to make several iterations of the bodice.
DeleteThank you! :)
The dress is wonderful and I love the outfit; those orange laces!!! I don't think looking like a school teacher is a bad thing, but I think this outfit is too much fun to remind me of one! I'm so glad you found a pattern that works for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I think the bodice pattern will be a good base for some fun variations... I have a couple ideas already. :)
Delete