Monday, July 18, 2011

Never too hot to sew

It was a hot Sunday afternoon.  Too hot to work in the garden; too hot to do laundry.  Too hot to do anything . . . except sew.

Due to the forecast of temps in the low 100s this week, we did finally put the AC in the bedroom window today, but we'll hold off using it until it's unbearable to sleep. 

Turns out I can sleep better in heat than I can sew.  The back of the house faces west, and it doesn't matter how I try to cover the windows, the afternoon sun beats in and turns the workroom into a sauna.  It's difficult to sew when you break into a full body sweat just by turning on the machine. 

So I turned on the AC instead, and got to work.  In the interests of the electric bill, and keeping it low, I made another version of V1250, both to work out a few kinks and because I only needed 90 minutes of cooling to do it.  And 90 minutes was taking my time.  Knowing where I was going this time made it go even faster.

I like the second version much better.  The knit is similar, but has a slightly better drape, and that matters a lot - for the sake of the drape.  Looking back at my last version, the side view shows the drape looking a little like it's hanging off a cliff.  Okay, I've got some boobage, but it made them look a little square and bulky.  This fabric curves and drapes off them and I LOVE the print.

The fabric is a Marc Jacobs remnant that I picked up at Jomar a few months back.  It was the first fabric I thought of when I decided to give in to the peer pressure and make this pattern, but I wasn't sure of the fit and I didn't want to use a fabric with a lighter color just in case it made me look thicker.  Turns out, the combination of the watercolor plaid and the strong vertical, plus the better drape, made a much better version of the dress. 

If I'd made this one first, I might not have bothered with a second one.  Photos of it on me at some point this week.  Today was just too sticky for photography.

16 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

And this is why I have 4 - each addl one just got better and better!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

...and I meant to also tell you that I really like the print on this one!

Deepika said...

I like this version much better too. The print is lovely. And the talk of 100 degree weather brings back some fond memories. I made this dress today. Wearing it actually right now. Will photograph it later this evening and post my review. The fabric --- you'll recognize it. You made me buy it :)

meredithp said...

That is just a smashing print...ideal for this pattern!

Rose said...

Wow! This second version is great although I liked the first one, too. The fabric is awesome.

Sarah C said...

I love the second version even more than the first! I feel your pain about it being too hot! I haven't wanted to do anything but sit in front of the fan turned on full blast today.

Anonymous said...

Either way it's a great dress. I love the print on the second one.

Ann Made Studio said...

I like both dresses :))

Connie said...

That's it. I have GOT to get that pattern! Love this version! It's hot here as well.

Eugenia said...

Great version of this dress - the fabric is wonderful!

Andrea said...

This version looks great. I can't wait to see it on you.

Shannon said...

Great dress! I LOVE that fabric!

velosews said...

I like both versions.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Love the way you worked with the print and I can't wait to see it on!

gwensews said...

That's a pretty dress. Everyone seems to love their versions, and I'm sure you will too.

Cennetta said...

Vogue 1250 is the pattern that keeps on giving. I love this version of the dress.