Monthly Archives: May 2013

Victory’s Nicola Dress: A Splash of Van Gogh

Posted in 2013 Sewing, Finished Projects by

Howdy do! Oh boy, long story short this post certainly took awhile to get here. But, alas, it’s here! I’ll start by saying that I love this dress, but it’s been soured by a rather frustrating sewing process. Gotta have one of those every once in awhile to make sure you really love what you do, yes? Yes…

nicola1

This is the Nicola Dress by Victory Patterns, my first pattern made from this indie company. I used rayon fabric that I had bought three years ago at Sew L.A. and the print is called “Van Gogh” (also used in the blue colorway for my 1920s kimono). This fabric was destined for a few other dress patterns before it finally made the cut with this one, no pun intended. :-D The skirt is lined with Bemberg rayon and the dress closes with two buttons at the waist, one interior button and one exterior.

Size-wise, I cut a size 2 at the bust and hips and a size 4 at the waist. I almost thought I didn’t need to be so precise and could’ve gone with a straight size 2 since this is a wrap dress, but I’m glad I went with the usual measurements.

Continue reading →

Saved By the Safety Pin

Posted in Musings & Everything Else by

I came down with a bit of a cold and spent my day off today watching The Great British Sewing Bee. Definitely a nice way to be entertained without having to do too much! Have you seen it?

nicola

From the Victory Patterns site.

In other news, I finished the Nicola Dress from Victory Patterns and wore it yesterday. I had grand plans to photograph it today, but my cold got in the way! Oh well. I will work on that soon and write up my review. Also, since this is labeled a beginner pattern, I thought I’d add some extra tips that I felt were missing from the instructions that might help beginners sew up this pattern.

Before then, however, I’m going to try to add some snaps to the bodice AND the skirt – maybe I’m just very modest, but having practically my whole right leg show when I took a step forward isn’t exactly what I had in mind!! And, oh boy, this skirt is quite revealing when sitting down. Thank goodness for safety pins. :)

Despite these concerns, it’s a beautiful pattern and I received a number of compliments. It’ll be nice not having to rely on a safety pin, which popped open a couple of times during the night when I stood up from where I was sitting. Yikes and a half!