How could you forget the peacock-print velvet Mr Robot got me for Christmas? I haven't forgotten it! When I blogged about it last December I said I was thinking of a 60s-style dress with a roll collar in emerald silk, and Simplicity has brought out
almost the perfect pattern. Needless to say, I ordered it as soon as I saw it, along with the top pattern I had in mind in January for my precious Indian silk. (Before lockdown I'd been going into my local haberdasher regularly hoping they'd have the top pattern in stock, but they never did, so they've lost a sale there.)
I had pictured a more fitted skirt than the pattern's A-line one, and I think it's going to need to be either sleeveless or long-sleeved, but not short-sleeved. I really like the idea of long sleeves though the velvet might be too stiff for that. I'm going to spend some time draping myself in the uncut velvet to see how it sits, and how it folds, and that will help me decide whether to make the dress with sleeves. Having played around with it a bit earlier, I reckon it ought to be fine with sleeves, though depending on how much fabric the dress uses, it might be more versatile to make the sleeveless dress plus a matching bolero.
Anyway, to begin with I'm going to try to find some cloth of similar weight (but not a similar price!) to practice with and get the pattern adapted properly; there's no way I'm using such costly cloth for a first attempt. I'll see how it all sits, and whether I want to take the skirt in to make it more fitted. It's possible that the A-line shape will make the most of the sumptuous peacock print and I decide to leave the skirt as is. If I go the sleeveless route, that'll require a facing. I hate facings, but if I do end up making one, it's going to be an all-in-one, not separate neck and armhole facings.
I am done with those horrid things. It might be that I simply take the collar from this pattern and make a skirt and top set using a 60s pattern I've already adapted. So many options... but it finally feels like I'm on the edge of progress, even though it may be months before I even start the mock-up. Once there's a pattern, there's a possibility of things going ahead.
Any tips for working with velvet, beside 'don't'?
No advice for the velvet, but if you do go for a bolero it will give you all sorts of opportunities to wear it alone. That is such beautiful fabric. Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm starting to rethink the 60s dress idea... I don't know where I'd wear one, but that velvet would make an amazing frock coat.
DeleteThat is a truly fabulous piece of fabric, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI have sewn with velvet before and it is a blinnking nightmare but the seam ripper is your friend and you're sensible to practice with amother fabric first. Can't wait to see the finished creation. xxx
The pattern looks fab and the material is just sumptuous! I can't wait to see what you do with it. No tips from me as I'm the world's worst sewer but are you enjoying the Great British Sewing Bee? I am and have got OH into it, too!
ReplyDeleteStay safe,
xxxx
I ADORE Sewing Bee! Lingerie week was particularly good.
DeleteWell of course I remember the peacock velvet! It's one of the most sumptuous fabrics I have ever seen. That pattern is just perfect. I've got some similarly shaped dresses, both original 60s, and both short-sleeved, which seems to have been a thing back then. They all have a slight A-line, too. I love the idea of long sleeves on yours, but as you say, it all depends on the stiffness of the material. To be honest, I'm not sure about sleeveless, but then again I only wear anything sleeveless in Summer ... Either way, I'm sure it's going to look fabulous! xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabric! My main advise on sewing with velvet is to hand baste all the seams before machining them, as this prevents the fabric from shifting. Pins will not do. I've also found that seaming velvet puts permanent lines in the fabric,so do not machine any seams until you're perfectly sure of the fit. Also, see if you can get hold of a needle board for pressing seams. Best of luck :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that's helpful to know! I always do a toile to check the fit because my figure is such an odd shape - narrow shoulders, giant boobs, thick waist and narrow hips.
DeleteOh that fabric is divine, velvet is so tactile isn't it? I have only sewn with a velour type fabric and that was quite tricky due to fluff buildup, I had to pause regularly to clean things out. I vaguely remember some advice about choosing the right foot too. What a fabulous challenge for yourself! X
ReplyDeleteAha, I shall look into the foot side of things.
DeleteOh my gosh, that is the most beautiful fabric ever! I think I would wear it as a kimono-style piece. Good luck with your decision!
ReplyDelete