A Selfish Seamstress Slipup

I made my first forays into sewing at about the same time that I discovered The Selfish Seamstress of sewing blog fame. I love Elaine's style, her skill, and most of all, her unabashedly (tongue in cheek) selfish principles when it comes to sewing for other people. I myself am extremely selfish when it comes to sewing. But occasionally the Selfish Seamstress slips up. Most recently, she compromised her principles by posting a free pattern for this very chic faux fur pullover...

want? click here

And I have slipped up too - twice. First, there's the giveaway to announce. Only six people entered! Those are some good odds. Congratulations...

Maryall! I'll email you for your address soon so I can send these patterns off. Everyone else - don't worry! There's more where that came from.

My second slip up is somewhat larger than giving away some sewing patterns. I agreed to sew something for someone else. It might have been a mistake (I hope not!), but I've agreed to sew my sister's... wedding dress.

Before anyone starts laughing hysterically at this foolish move on my part, let me say that my sister is a very relaxed sort of person, not at all demanding, and she's having a casual outdoor wedding and is not looking for any kind of big poofy ballgown, nothing corseted or jewel encrusted, and no silk charmeuse, bias cut gown that would make me break out in a nervous sweat. Whew. It is daunting sewing something for someone who lives a couple thousand miles away, but I think we will overcome those challenges. With the help of Pinterest, we amassed a bunch of inspiration until I had a good idea of what she wanted...

source

what Katie almost purchased

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The style I think is best summed up as ... bohemian/country/diy couture? My sister was about to buy a dress off Etsy, made by a lady who reclaims old petticoats and slips and combines them into dresses with a sort of shabby chic appeal. I like the idea, but I know from experience that a lot of petticoats found while thrifting are made of nylon, polyester, acetate, and other synthetic materials that don't look as nice as natural fabrics, don't feel as nice against your skin, and will feel hot as hell during an August wedding and while kicking up your heels on the reception dance floor. So you see, I had to intervene. I can make something similar, out of nicer fabrics, and for less money (but a lot more time).

It wasn't hard to find sewing patterns that gave us the dress silhouette that Katie (my sis) desires. We decided on two McCall's patterns - one from the 1970s and one that is contemporary:

McCall's 3643 (bodice) and McCalls 6698 (skirt)

I've sent the muslin to her to try on. Many updates to follow!