3 weeks and counting.

Hi folks just a quick check in with you all to let you know I have not  jumped off the nearest cliff following my recent series of disasters.

As mentioned last weekend I wasn't happy with my original bodice and cut a new one.  Wednesday and Thursday evening I made good progress by finishing the  new bodice, which incidentally finished at the high hip, whereas the other one finished just under the bust as an Empire line.  This gave me several options; do I attach the skirt in the same position as the first example as an Empire line or do I attach at the waist.

In order to help me make my decision, I marked the waist line with large tacking stitches on both the skirt and the bodice and then loosely stitched the two pieces together to see how it looked.  Nope didn't like that.  I then unpicked it and repeated the process at the Empire line.  Yes that was much better.

Today, I managed to fit the zipper, and a hook and eye. I added a few more layers of tulle to the underskirt and marked and stitched the hem. I have a couple more rows of tulle to add, and then I can attach the underskirt and I can give a huge sigh of relief and hopefully tomorrow announce that I have finished my underdress.

Phase two of this process is working with the beautiful, but very expensive lace to make the overdress.  I have made a toile top and just need to extend the skirt and then I'll be ready to lay the toile pattern pieces over my lace, making sure I take extra care the with placement of the motifs on the lace.

I feel in a much happier place now.  If I can get the jobs outstanding on the underdress completed tomorrow, that gives me 2 weeks to finish the lace overdress.

Jobs list:-

1. Add 3 layers of tulle ruffles to the underskirt
2. Attach underskirt to bodice lining and finish lower part of zipper (inside)
3. Attach toile skirt pieces to toile top for lace overdress
4. Unpick toile and position pattern pieces on lace
5. Sew lace overdress
6. Hem big girl bridesmaid dresses x 2
7. Sew bridesmaid dress for pregnant daughter
8. Sew little dress for Sofia who will be 1 week short of 3 months old.

If at all possible, I want to finish all of the above by the 10th.  This will leave me the 11th to enjoy a 25th wedding anniversary party for Mike's sister (without thinking I should be at home sewing) and leave me the week before the wedding for pampering, relaxing and chilling out (if that is possible) and the hen night.

I hope you are all having a good week.

Please bear with me, normal blog posts will resume shortly :-)    Happy Sewing one and all catch you later...............