The Blue Marilyn Dress pt 3 – Finished!

My flowery Marilyn dress! I’m in love! AND the seller has made a multi sized version of the pattern, and corrected the quirks! HERE’s the link, not sponsored, paid, anything like that.

In conclusion:

I took the lower bodice in a lot, added a bit to the upper bust part, lowered the bust darts, added darts to make a closer fit around the top part of my bust, and shortened the straps almost 10 cm. I should probably have raised the waist a bit as well rather than only shortening the straps, but hell no were I going to pick out that top stitched gathered 4 m of skirt!

Over all I’m incredibly proud and happy about the outcome, I have not had any 100% satisfying tailoring result lately so this was both a relief and most of all – FUN.

The Blue Marilyn Dress pt. 2

I’ve taken the lower bodice in ~16 cm. Added 3 cm over the bust and pinched a dart out on the upper part on the side of le boobage. It looks a bit to pinched but I kind of liked the slight cleavage it gave me. After trying the mock up on again I realised I would get an EXCELLENT lift if I moved the shoulder straps out of my armpit. Like, to where they’re supposed to be. 

All I could think at this point was ”I cut it I cut it OMG I actually cut it”

First somewhat proper try on. There were tears.

The Blue Marilyn Dress

Greetings Earthlings!

I have been having a Major Life Crisis since splitting with my ex back in august, and oh boy it has been a JOURNEY so far. Of course it reflects on my crafting and my personal style, and I feel the NEED and URGE to try out all the things I felt like I couldn’t before. I have also realised that my slight aversion against all things traditionally feminine has its derivation from internalised misogyny rather than anything else. This feels quite shite to be honest and I want to start combat it right now. So, I will attempt to make a version of the blue dress Marilyn Monroe wears when photographed with Arthur Miller in 1957. In white, floral, water colour-y, fabric from Fabric Godmother. 

I will be using a vintage pattern that is available as a PDF, Advanced 9077. I have bought and cut size 16 = 41″/105 cm bust. And we have WORK to do. Here’s the first mock up of the bodice.

The size 16 has a waist of 34″ and mine is 30-31″, which causes the too big under and side bodice to gape and rise above my boobs. It’s definitely not containing them as it should.

Here we have two pictures of me just holding the excess fabric in the back, and in the last picture I have scooped my assets up best I can to the right position.

Since the upper bust section meets the side seam on top I’m entertaining the idea of taking a dart out at the side seam, not sewing a dart but rather cutting away a triangle. I also have the back zipper seam to take a bite from.

The dart is French, and I have absolutely not clue about how to alter it. I think I’d like it a bit lower, and wider apart, but since a gathered piece will cover it all I’m not sure I’m even bothered. The point that is currently VERY pointy could be completely covered by the gathers. I could use a tiny bit extra room in the upper bust section, it’s a bit pancake-boob-warning atm, but we’ll see how and if a well fitted lower portion changes it first.

#2018makenine Q1 progress

Can’t believe the first three months have passed already! It feels like a perfect time to make a quick follow up on my #2018makenine pledge.

I’m feeling pretty good about this! I’ve decided to change Vintersol for Fern and Feather. I’m happy to say that this still very enjoyable and no stress at all.