The Piecing Process: No. 2 - Ruby Rag Doll

My current temp job is categorized as “data entry” but the job description is really more along the lines of “stare at the wall for seven hours because we don’t have the forms in yet for you to enter.” It’s pretty mind-numbing. That’s why it’s really nice to get out of work, crack open the Cherry Coke, and start stitching.

So…progress? Yes. There has been progress on the project at hand. I’m somewhat loathe to post progress pictures because not everything has been worked out and the edges are still raw…but the point of this is the process, so I can’t not document the less glamorous stages.



The bodice needs a bit of help yet. That cinching problem needs to be fixed or masked. I’ll probably end up doing something in black ribbon…but that involves finding some black ribbon. I’m also probably going to be needing to add shoulder straps to this thing...or some other means of holding it up.

I'm using a more industrial zipper than the average cocktail dress might have. I think the hardware adds something to the look of the thing, and since I'm highlighting the seams, why not bring out the zipper?



I will say that I’m pretty satisfied with how this is working out so far. I’m using a couple of unconventional methods here, including laying out pattern pieces and cutting on my lap (instead of a flat surface), guesstimation, and completely ignoring every bias ever. I think I can get away with ignoring the bias because the material is so thick and doesn’t really flow. This project would not result in good things if it involved chiffon. However, because I’m using a heavy fabric that doesn’t really drape too much one way or the other and because the chunks of fabric are small enough that they don’t have the chance to flutter or flow or go wild, I think we’ll be ok. The skirt is flowing decently, and that’s the big indicator.



I haven’t entirely decided how to hem this thing yet. I was noticing a certain effect achieved by putting a solid strip of fabric along the bottom, but I’m not sure it’s the effect that I want for this particular project (though it’s been duly noted for the future). I want it “raggedy” yet stable. I’m more concerned about stability. I’m trying to keep my edges uneven, with a shorter skirt in the front and longer in the back. Under the skirt I’m inserting almost a petticoat of black tulle, so that ought to add a bit more oomph.

No. 4 - Black and White and Red All Over

The past few weeks have admittedly been a debacle between finishing up with school, looking for a job, wondering where I'm going to be living, and this rather enormous costuming project involving the Antichrist (pictures will probably find their way on here as an aside project...if the costumes end up actually happening). So there has been absolutely NO time for fun sewing side projects...which means that the couple of pieces of that fun red silk dress (The Ruby Rag Doll) have been sitting sadly in the corner of my room, halfway out of the closet and being delicately squashed by a mountain of books on Medieval lore.
However, I was in Jo-Ann today gathering supplies for the Antichrist when a certain bolt of knit fabric was brought to my attention. Not only was it on X-TREME SALE! but it was also black and white striped...which I love a little too much. So I bought the rest of it (because cheap yet nice black and white striped fabric is not something to be passed up) and it's currently sitting in a bag by my dresser.
And now I've come up with what I want to do with it...



Honestly, I can't wait. Perhaps this will be a good incentive for finishing up everything quickly. Of course, I have yet to find red fabric for the second half there...that's probably a good thing, though, since it keeps me from getting started.