Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Simplicity 2065 "muslin"
I've mentioned that Myra has requested a Rapunzel costume for Halloween, and Simplicity was kind enough to provide an excellent pattern, but the last Simplicity/Disney Princess pattern I made for Myra had some major fit issues, so I knew I'd need a muslin. Have you ever tried to get a 3 year old to sit still long enough for a fitting? I don't recommend it. Myra is a sucker for a new dress however.
It's a bit more Bavarian bar wench than I envisioned, but she LOVES it. It would make a great Ren Fest costume...
The pattern is Simplicity 2065, the licensed Disney Tangled costume pattern. Since this was a trial garment, I didn't go to all the trouble of lining it, skipped the overskirt and the long lower sleeves. I used some remnant cotton coordinates from Hobby Lobby, so I shortened the skirt based on what my fabric would allow. I ended up having to add the bottom ruffle to make it a wearable length, but I think it's cute.
Since it really is mostly a fit muslin, I considered just using the lining pattern piece as the bodice front, rather than going to the trouble of assembling the lacings, but I wanted to make sure the construction wasn't weird, (it wasn't) and I wanted to try stitching the eyelets rather than using metal ones. My vintage buttonholer makes a very pretty eyelet, and particularly in this dress, where the eyelets bear no real stress, I thought that would be nicer than those dreadful metal ones that I can never seem to get in without destroying something.
I didn't have an invisible zipper in the right color, so I put in a centered one. It's like riding a bike... I've actually been contemplating closures for the final, costume dress. My friend, Lynn, who also has a wee princess and is making this dress, suggested velcro for ease of dress up play. Myra needs help getting in and out of this much dress anyway, so I'm on the fence. I already have a pink invisible zip and velcro in the stash. What do y'all think?
After stitching it all up, it looked pretty short, so I tried it on Myra, and it was even too short for a bar wench, so back to Hobby Lobby for more polka dots we went. 160 inches of gathering later (whew!) it is wearable. Even without the extra ruffle, this pattern has a LOT of gathering, with the sleeves, skirt, overskirt, lining and net petticoat on the lining. I think I'm going to learn to use my ruffler.
All that gathering does result is a very full skirt. It curtsies well.
And it is seriously twirl-tastic!!
But I'm definitely going to have to raise the neckline. I noticed that with my last Disney pattern - the neckline was quite low and it was large in the shoulders, which is what I'm seeing so far here. I'm going to watch her wearing it a few times before I decide what all needs to be changed, then we'll be cutting a ridiculous amount of satin and organza.
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17 comments:
I am so glad you posted about this today! I just got that same Simplicity pattern to make my daughter her Halloween costume and she was so excited about it! It is good to see your opinion on it! I may just add some lace to the top of the bodice if it is low on my daughter as well. I have a ton already so I might as well use it for something. Thank you again for sharing! I think it does make such a cute and twirly dress too!
Oooh, that turned out REALLY cute, and I like your changes in the skirt.
I'd be on the fence about the velcro closure, too, although for a Hallowe'en costume I would probably go that route.
For a big long ruffle like on the bottom, definitely learn to use your ruffler foot, just ruffle a really long strip and then cut it down to the length you need. For stuff like waistbands that need more precision, I like zig-zagging over some dental floss---the zigzag acts like a drawstring casing. Basting a couple of lines of long stitches is perfect for sleeves etc, though.
Why, yes, I have done way way way too much ruffling in my life, why do you ask?
Have a ruffler foot I need to learn to use as well.
I would probably choose zipper . . . but I can see why you might not. Which feature is more important . . . how it looks, or ease of her doing it herself?
Darling!!! I love her pink shoes.
What a little stunner !!so cute . I love her dress ..ahh to have a girl to sew for :-))
Super cute dress. I love the use of the two co-ordinating fabrics. I can't wait to see the Rapunzel dress. I always enjoyed making costumes for my kids, though with boys it was Power Rangers and Mario(video game) characters. I am not sure what type of velcro you were considering. Dot or strips. But velcro can be scratchy if it comes in contact with skin or is heavier than the garment fabric and can be felt through the fabric. It can also catch strings and fuzz in the wash, depending on what is washed with it. I used it on a fuzzy costume once, bad mistake. For a costume that is worn once a year, it would be fine. For a favorite costume that will be worn a lot or passed down, I would use the zipper.
I know it is a muslin, but still it's so cute! Love the twirl-tastic shot!
What a fantastic model she is! The dress is very very cute. I'd go with a zip as well, it's not that much more work, and she's not going to close velcro on the back herself, is she?
Super cute dress with some fun details!
I used those two fabrics for a tunic a couple of years ago back when we lived by a Hobby Lobby. I guess they don't turn their fabrics over very quickly!
I just made two costumes with velcro in the back. I guess you could go either velcro or a regular zip; invisible zippers are more fiddly (for mom) to zip up when she's trying to cook supper.
I'm sooo glad you went before on this one. I was going to just make a bodice and fit that, but this came out so adorable I think I'll sew up an entire dress muslin, too. I'm still not sure what to do with the closure, but you've convinced me to sew the eyelets. I was already debating taking creative license with that since I didn't want to shell out for the tool to do the eyelets.
Super cute with the polka dot ruffle! I have a love/hate with my ruffler. The "universal" one I bought the first time destroyed my old Kenmore. I have the one that goes with my Brother now and it works well, but is a bit of a pain. With the slippery satin I'm not sure if I'll even use it.
160"?! You are such a patient Mommy! But I can see this being the perfect Rapunzel dress. The extra ruffle really adds a lot too.
Ok, I want one to wear, twirl and smile like that beautiful little girl:-) Myra is already having a blast in this great dress. The costume will be even more fun!
it's SO. CUTE. I can't wait to see it all Rapunzeled up with satin!!
Super cute, love the fabric!
That dress is too cute. You do know you'll think Bavarian Bar Wench every single time she puts it on now, right? Stinkin' adorable. g
This is so gorgeous! I love the little lace-up detail at the front. You should definitely use this for Ren Fest. It would look amazing in some nice earthy colours like brown and green.
Myra's dress is adorable. I'm sure you can put an insert into this version so she can continue to twirl in it, but I wonder what genius decided toddlers need plunging necklines?
I am currently making this dress and I am pleased with it so far. You will have to post pictures of the Tangled dress when you are done! I am going to use a zipper since I think it will stay nicer longer with all the playing my daughter will do in it! I do all the ruffles by hand since I don't have a foot for it but I don't mind.
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