Monday, February 14, 2011

Project Walk Away Dress - Take 1




 I am participating in the Vintage Sew Along 2011 and I chose the Walk Away Dress Butterick 4790 to sew.  One of the requirements is to make a muslin & then sew your garment. 


This is my muslin even though it it not made of the muslin fabric.  I had this material in my stash & I would use this instead of purchasing more fabric. 



 I changed the neckline to a sweetheart neckline & used part of a leftover heart as a guide.
I really enjoyed making this pattern but I was also well informed by other blogs of all the problems with this pattern.
I found the shoulders are too big & I added front ties instead of buttons.


There is too much of a gap around the sides below arm.
I shortened the length by 4 inches.

 This is a really fun dress to twirl in!!  I also put in a hook & eye in the back bodice so it does not ride up.
 I also found the front bodice to be loose even with darts etc so I gave a little pleat to tuck in.  It changed the look on the front but it fits me better.  When I sew the "real" dress I will add in deeper darts.
 It is comfortable to sit in and I wore it all day.
A couple more twirls because the skirt is so pretty!  This fabric is linen & cotton.

The back.
I cheated & I sewed the hem on my serger in hot pink!
Like I said, I really like this pattern and have made all the changes to the pattern for a better fit.  If I learned anything from this sew along it is that it does make a big difference to sew a muslin (before I thought it was too much work) because you can make all the changes and when you cut into some expensive fabric it will be worth it & your wont have any surprises! I have already started to cut out my fabric for my "real" walk away dress!

 These are the roses my sweetheart got for me today!  I hope everyone enjoys Valentines Day!!



19 comments:

Carolyn said...

Wow, the dress looks lovely! What it's not the finished version? It looks pretty good to me! I've read about this famous dress before... I think it's the longest serving pattern in a catalogue!

Stevie said...

aww lovely dress. The fabric is great. I have been umming and ahhing about this pattern and if I should get it. I think you have convinced me! x

B.Oxy said...

WOW! Your dress is so adorable! And print is cute!

littlewondersdays said...

It looks great! I've never taken the time to make a muslin, but I guess with all the changes that you wanted to make, this was a perfect reason. It looks really nice.

Holly Lefevre said...

You make me want to s=get sewing again...it has been awhile, and I miss it! Great fun watching you.

Sasha said...

Love the pattern of this dress. So jealous of your sewing skills. Thanks for linking up to Creation Mondays @ ~The Life of Me~!

Seamingly Smitten said...

When I clicked on this I knew it was yours! You're so adventurous! Love it!
Please link up today!
www.seaminglysmitten.blogspot.com
Jenny

Jamie said...

Wow. It looks beautiful! Following you from Make It Yours link party. Please stop by my blog when you can. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

Krafty Kat said...

I love twirly skirts and this one is great! Thanks for linking up to Gettin' Krafty With It!

Kimberly from "bugaboo" said...

Very lovely!

CAS said...

The dress is adorable and looks great on you. I'm new to your blog and a new follower.
CAS

Kristen @ ladybug-blessings.com said...

thanks for coming by and linking up! I am now following you too :) Love the dress!

Stacey - Elle Belle said...

What a fun name for your dress, it's so flirty, and looks great on you!

Jayna Rae said...

Really cute!

Melissa said...

Love the dress...always wished I knew how to sew. Hello from your newest follower. Popping over from Thirsty Thursday bloghop. If you get a moment please visit my blog http://mommywantstoread.blogspot.com/2011/02/thirsty-thursday-blog-hop_17.html

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

this is so cute!! i've seen similar dresses and always thought they were adorable!

http://inthehammockvintage.blogspot.com

Amanda @ Ninth Street Notions said...

Great project! Thanks for linking up at Ninth Street Notions. Can't wait to see what you have next week!

Tany said...

You did an outstanding job with that dress, and it doesn't look like a muslin at all, it's totally wearable!

LambAround said...

Of all your dresses, I think this is my favorite :)