it's raining to beat the band here in it-never-rains-in-southern-california. my plans of hitting the wacky stores on ventura boulevard for a live action shot have been drenched. i thought the clouds might break, but thunderstorms are on the way. while i
could throw my day two OWOP on for a little indoor shoot, my jammies are ever so much more comfortable... so i'm gonna grab an extra day on the end, do some good old fashioned sunday lounging around, and post what i should have yesterday: a proper introduction to the wonder that is
pattern runway's gathered sundress.
so you know about OWOP, yes?
tilly's mad scientist of a baby: for one week you use one pattern, styling it, restyling it, maybe making seven versions or making do with just one garment. i first used this baby last summer, when an interview via
paunnet's loverly blog introduced me to pattern runway and caused a clicking frenzy. besides colette, this was the first indie pattern i'd ever bought (and not much since; i need to remedy that).
let me start with the actual printed pattern. FABULOUS. it's a speedily delivered PDF, but do not be afraid of the tape! it comes with a delightful grid, (pale, so as not to use up the precious printer ink) and teeny cartoon scissors leading the way to a perfect cut. impossible to tape the thing up wrong, i tell you.
the instructions are beautifully done, complete with glossary, step by step drawings, and the hand holding of an expert. it also comes with advice, including fabric suggestions... which i totally disregarded. i had this thick white jersey (think hoodie material), and i can see now that the binding i was once proud of is, in actuality, HELLA bobbly. yes, i said bobbly. i'm okay with that. the fabric was not an option, it
called to me, i used it for an oona does it! challenge involving burratta cheese (jump on
over here if you'd like to see the dress on, and read about cheese. oh cheesy cheese cheeeeese
cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese)
i'm sorry, i lost it for a minute there. let's talk seam allowances. they are included, say hallelujah, at 3/8 of an inch. i
love this. it pains me to cut away so much of a regular seam allowance, and it's just EASIER to work with less bulk. gretchen's work husband once did a
guest post about how professional sample makers will work with less allowance, and after this dress i was sold. of course there are times you'd want more, but her sizing is so spot on, you won't need it here. sizing! the pattern runs small... bust 31'-39', hips 33'-41', but the gathered skirt has a good amount of ease, and it's
so worth grading if you want it.
speaking of ease, can i get a whatwhat for princess seams? IT IS. SO EASY. to get a fitted bodice with these puppies! there are 7 seams in the top altogether, plenty of room to play. and who says you have to make each bodice piece in the same fabric? or color? or print, even? or ALL OF THE ABOVE? (i don't. i'll be not saying it rather loudly later this week.)
le invisible zip is the recommended weapon, and i ignored that as well. (at least on this version.) i lika the contrast zip.
hey check it out. I'M SHOWING YOU THE INSIDES. I KNOW!!! i bet you thought there were no insides to any of my garments! you know why i can show you the guts? because this pattern is awesomesauce. if you follow the instructions, screwing up the insides is not an option. the bodice is supposed to be lined, but this thick stuff didn't need it, and i was too thrilled with the guts to hide them anyway. the allowance on the center back seam could use some trimming, but i either ran out of time or pinot grigio. who knows which at this point.
and pockets. dig the shape of these cool pockets! this is also from the inside, of course. they sit right in the side and waist seam, and it's super easy to lengthen them to accommodate my gorilla hands a nice big flask anything your heart desires.
at the moment, my heart desires OWOP's day two toast: in honor of the hanger that wore my dress for these shots, i present the cliffhanger. aptly named... one of these, and it's a slippery slope down a steep drop.
fresh watermelon, 1 cup
rum, 2 oz
lime, 1 oz
fresh grated ginger to taste
blend in a mixer until smooth.
outfit:
dress: PR's gathered sundress, per pattern instructions
scarf: vintage, etsy
pearls: vintage and tres faux , ruggy's grandmother
hanger: wooden
keep on hanger until the sun comes out, add harness boots and corduroy jacket.
