u/BaptisedByFire319

This thing involved many cardinal sins- from a lack of mockup, to just absolutely winging the structure, to some of the cruddiest seam binding I've ever done. Nevermind the fact that I sewed the modesty panel before the eyelets causing an awful lacing.

I purchased this 70s Bicentennial fabric in a vintage shop when I first started sewing a few months ago and realized I absolutely wanted a fit for the 4th of July this year. I purchased the pattern from French Meadows... and waited. I was absolutely paralyzed by fear of failure and was overwhelmed by the amount of resources on corsetry. By the time I sewed the lining, I had lost enough weight that I was able to stitch what was supposed to be a front and back lacing into a sole front-lacing.

Last night I realized I just had to start- if anything it'd be some good practice for the pattern for the 18th c stays I purchased. Welp, here we are. I'm proud, I'll wear it this weekend, and it's not up to my own craftsmanship standards.... but I hope the fabric is cool enough to get some enjoyment out of yall. And here is some appreciation from a silent lurker for the patience many of you exhibit to us newbies! ❤️💙

I found this awesome fabric at a vintage shop for 2 bucks and new I had to do something with it. I only started sewing in the last couple of months- but I began for my love of 60s and 70s fashion and the fact that it doesn't typically fit my not 23" waist.

I committed many cardinal sins- from trusting a pattern with no mockup, to using a very casual pattern rather than something structurally sound. My binding is rough, and I definitely sewed in the modesty panel before the eyelets creating a challenging lace-up. But alas, she's done. Flare jeans in vintage striped denim to follow!

Yes, I know that this isn't the most historically accurate; I'm going for challenge and feeling like a princess here. HOWEVER... in a classic case of my body working faster than my brain- I failed to realize that this is SEVENTEEN YARDS of fabric. Obviously there is some volume in the sleeves, etc. To account for.... but I cannot imagine traversing around in labor day Midwest heat wearing 17 yards of fabric, no matter how light and airy it may be.

With that- has anybody made this before? I'm hoping that there are some layers or fullness that I can eliminate to make this a bit more reasonable, or maybe it is just inefficient shapes to the pieces that allow for this much yardage. I'll take any advice, anecdotes, and even alternatives... otherwise I'll just stomach buying a bolt of something I suppose!

There are few things going on here that I'm struggling to piece together. It almost looks like a kimono sleeve meets an all in one sleeve, but you can see the facing is visible....the dress itself looks nearly seamless? I'd be happy to self draft if I was sure of what exactly was going on with it. I'll take any suggestions on similar patterns!

Hello all- I took a gamble on a second Kenmore 158 series for the case and it turns out it's in better condition than my first. However, the innards are absolutely sparkling and have 0 visible grease. I oiled all the spots per my manual, but should I be getting some thicker grease on the cams, etc.?

There is a card on the bottom from its last servicing, and from the looks I'm assuming it hadn't been used since. Maybe I am just over thinking this!

Did I attach the sleeves inside out 3 different times? Did I sit there and curse at the god awful assembly pictures in the instructions? You bet. My mom told me I'll look like a feature in the Brady Brunch... oh well.

I think I could figure out the standing collars and sleeves, and theres this placket/ keyhole situation going on at the front. But it's the lower half of the bodice that is intriguing me!

It looks like a line of gathering almost like a dart, but the seam up center front makes me think its a flap that is stitched down? I've been staring at it for an hour trying to figure it out. If anybody has ideas or even similar patterns where I could at least get an idea I'd appreciate it!!

I'm a true novice- using a Brother my mom got me and dabbling in vintage patterns. But we passed by a garage sale this morning and man I couldn't pass it up.

After finally figuring how to thread this thing... she sews like a dream. In haste I turned her off because I know I've got some maintenance and clean up to handle. With that- any advice on this model? I've fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole for oiling and cleaning... I also have a Kenmore Serger that my mom tossed at me that has an absolutely bricked up flywheel, so professional servicing is going to be lined up for that here, soon. Is it worth having a pro look at this as well- if only for a tune up?

Thank you in advance!

I could probably hack this to a zipper with a bit of finagling, but i bought some charmeusse and chiffon to do this dress and I'm concerned about the logistics/look of shirring.

Any recommendations absolutely welcome!