Sew Free For Summer...

Oh Patsy, I'm all dressed up and ready for...ANYTHING!

I didn't realize just how beautiful I'd feel when I put Patsy on for pictures.  I had her on so many times working on fitting, somehow magic happened when I put on the final product.  

I had purchased this fabric in November when I was supposed to be doing a test that ended up cancelled.  (different designer).  So, when the opportunity to make the Patsy arose; I wasn't about to miss my opportunity to make her.

                                                                                                  

 Typically the upper half of my body falls within the 4x range of Rebecca Page patterns.  This time though, I found that I ended up taking almost an entire panel off the back.

Now, bear with me for a moment.  I have been sewing for a LOOOOOONG time.  

I know you're supposed to pick your size based on your measurements.   I  however made a rookie mistake and sized up thinking I was bigger than I am.  I know what my measurements are.  They rarely change.  I didn't believe them though.  I pulled a beginner move and decided my measurements couldn't possibly be correct and chose to use the largest size.  

I regret sizing up!  Because I'm what most people would consider an advanced seamster, I opted not to do a muslin.  I was just being cocky.  

ALWAYS DO A MUSLIN!

I didn't.  And, I ended up taking out both of the back panels.  Which tells me that I should have followed the measurements and actually made a 3x graded into a 2x for my waist.  

Although, I have to admit that I like the look of the back.  It looks to me like it's almost been bustled.  

Rather than doing the typical sleeve option, I decided I wanted a little bit more coverage.  So, I used the same fabric piece, but rather finished both long edges

 Then I went with almost a box pleat in the front, so I divided the piece in half.

And folded each half into thirds.  

I made sure to clip the first side before I started the second as my satin was a little bit slippery.

Once that was done I basted it where the tutorial instructed to put the sleeve.  My sleeve did take a little bit more room, but I was okay with that because again, I wanted more coverage.  I did have to fold over part of the front and sew it down to the front bodice to keep it from sticking out and laying funny.  

For the back, (somehow the pictures I took disappeared) I pleated the pieces so they were exactly the same size and then basted them where they would cover a lot of my back.  I did have to add two hook and eyes to get it to stay shut in the back, but it's worth it for the look I was going for.

Typically I make adjustments for height by adding in length to the pattern pieces.  

I opted not to add any length this time.  I wanted a shorter bodice because I prefer bodices that sit closer to my natural waist.  To be honest, I should have shortened this one a little bit more and made an almost empire waist.  I'll make another eventually and do an empire waist.

And, I didn't add any length to the skirt.  I wanted tea length look, and that's what I got. 

I popped on a petticoat THIS ONE  to be exact, and it has a little bit of an ooomph added in.

Over all, I'm head over heels in love with Patsy!

Oh!  I didn't talk about the boning!  I can't let you leave without talking about that.  

I really like the structure boning gives a garment.  I feel very supported with the boning, although I do have a bra on with Patsy.  

I used featherweight boning from WAWAK and it is so easy to install!

 The absolute best part of the Patsy is her twirl factor.  Any dress worth having has some twirl factor.  She has A LOT of twirl factor!

 All in all, I know Patsy is meant to be a formal dress.  

I don't have anywhere formal to go though, so I fully intend to go grocery shopping, work -I teach smallish children to sew and they should be able to see what types of clothing you can make...right? And possibly on a hot date to...McDonalds.  

That's right.  The Mr. is going to pull out his tux and we're going to go on a date.

Meanwhile though, go grab yourself the Patsy and make yourself one!

She's a free pattern from Rebecca Page.  Her instructions are easy to follow and her finishes are absolutely beautiful.  You won't regret choosing to make a Patsy!

Then, check out everyone else's Sew Free For Summer Posts.....

More Inspiration

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Sew Free for Summer Blog Tour for more great inspiration:

• Sunday May 26: Rebecca Page (intro)
• Monday May 27: The Sewing Unicorn, Stitched by Jennie
• Tuesday May 28: Jot Designs
• Wednesday May 29: bigflynotions
• Thursday 30: Liviality, Kitty Makes It
• Friday May 31: Seams Like Style, Patchwitch, Twinkle Toes and Company
• Saturday June 1: SequoiaLynn Sews, Sewista Fashionista
• Sunday June 2: Misty and Mim

Prizes

We will be giving away a pattern bundle of choice each day PLUS an overall grand prize of a $50 pattern credit. To stand a chance to win, all you have to do is comment on each blog, each day so stay tuned to the Rebecca Page Sewing group for updates from our bloggers!