Photobucket Photobucket  photo M1_zpsmeajs2i9.png  photo hs_zpsjdypdbbd.png Photobucket

10.19.2017

A Dear Prudence Dress

Two years ago I made Tia a Dear Prudence dress, pattern by Suz from Sewpony Vintage. Each of my children has their own unique style and each has specific favorites of the garments I make.  For Tia, her Dear Prudence dress is one she has worn again and again, to the point that it's so faded from being washed so many times.


It was time for another dress! I knew I wanted to make this one in a Cotton & Steel rayon called Birch Eggplant after seeing a gorgeous dress in this same fabric by Jill on Instagram.


Of all of my kids, Tia tends to be my girl who gravitates toward bolder prints - and she wears them so well!



I've used a Cotton and Steel rayon before, for this skirt for Indigo.  It has held up beautifully. It hasn't faded at all, it hardly wrinkles and has been durable for everyday wear.


Since it has been two years since I've made a Dear Prudence dress, I consulted the blogosphere in case I had forgotten anything that might be useful to know about this pattern.


I landed on Mie's post about her Dear Prudence dress.


First, I noticed how much I loved the way she subtly changed the shape of the pocket from a bit squared to curved. I asked her if this was a simple modification and she told me it was, but to be sure to match the new shape of the skirt pocket cut out with the pocket bag so they would fit together. It was as easy as that.


I also added some evergreen piping to the pockets.



Being I was working with rayon, I wasn't sure whether I should interface the collar.  The pattern didn't say to interface it and I didn't want it to be too stiff and to lay awkwardly. So I piped it without interfacing it. I casually mentioned that to Mie. And, let's just say... she did not approve. :P


So I ripped the piping, interfaced the collar, piped it again. And I am so happy with the results.


I asked Mie if I could share her rules for when to interface, regardless of what a pattern might tell you. And she agreed. Mie is, of course, the sewing community's professionally trained seamstress extraordinaire.


Mie's Rules for Interfacing:

Interface all collars, collar bands, waistbands, button plackets, pocket openings, slits/vents, and neckline and arm scythe facings in general, regardless of pattern instructions. One exception to this is denim which might not always need it.



Thank you, Mie, for making us better sew-ers with more professional results... one What I Learned from Mie tip at a time! xx



13 comments:

  1. I can't get over how stunning this dress is for her. Gorgeous girl in a gorgeous dress. Thank you for helping with the interfacing mission;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yessss! :P Thank you again for your help, Mie!

      Delete
  2. Hahahaha!!! I love the "Mie did not approve" bit! I completely agree with Mie's rules, btw, with the exception of certain wide, stable facings that can be nice without interfacing (i.e., the Maya Top by Marilla Walker) even in drapier fabrics. But I ALWAYS interface collars. :D

    Tia looks gorgeous in this print, the colors are so rich and lovely on her. Bolder colors and prints definitely suit her.

    ReplyDelete
  3. When I started sewing I never interfaced anyhting, but lately I find myself interfacing almost every curve. It takes a little longer but my garments look much more sophisticated now!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's beautiful! Looks so good on her! I sometimes skip interfacing but I always regret it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to sometimes skip interfacing - and notching, but Mie has since gotten me into line. :P

      Delete
  5. Love the dress on her. It really suits her. Love Mie's tips on interfacing. In my sewing class my teacher has a swatch of every type of interfacing, so handy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that is something I need to know more about - which interfacing to use with which fabrics!

      Delete
  6. Beautiful dress and stunning pictures as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The dress is sooo stunning, Rachel! I love the colors on Tia! And of course your photography is breathtaking! 💙💙💙

    ReplyDelete
  8. She’s amazing, you’re amazing!! Thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was a bit slow to see this post!! What a stunning dress! Yes I created this pattern a few years ago and would if I made I again would suggest to add interfacing to the collar/ 😉

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I generally respond to comments via email. If your profile does not link to your email account, I try to respond here. :)