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!!