Comment

Comment by Mackenzie on 12th mo. 21, 2012 at 12:49am

I haven't actually used hook & eye tape yet myself (all the dresses I've sewn lace shut, and that does gap a bit, but I'm a reenactor...I have another layer under), but I've seen it on a friend's clothing. I think just having wide enough of an overlap flap where the buttons would normally go is all you need.

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 21, 2012 at 12:45am

"kind of look funny" :)

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 21, 2012 at 12:44am

Good suggestion Mackenzie! I have a hard time personally with the hooks and eyes...how do you avoid the overlap opening up...mine always seem to kinda funny...

Comment by Mackenzie on 12th mo. 20, 2012 at 1:53pm

Or forgo the buttons. You can get hook & eye tape. It's a pair of ribbons. One has all hooks, the other has all eyes. They match up perfectly. Sew them down where the placket would go for the buttons and holes. You get to avoid sewing hooks and eyes individually too!

Snaps could also work.

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 20, 2012 at 1:51pm

There's another option for doing buttons where  you have loops instead of button holes! Button holes are pretty difficult...do many practice ones on scrap fabric first :) The pleating is very easy, have no fear! Adjusting patterns is not very easy, at least not for me. I have ordered the pamphlets on how to design a cape dress pattern, so if I learn anything when I get those, I'll let you know!

Comment by Tina M Pinzone on 12th mo. 11, 2012 at 10:06pm

Oh Zaley, you look so nice in your dress! you did a wonderful job! That's the style I'm looking for as well. I like that the sleeve isn't puffy at the shoulder. I like the button front (though I'm afraid to tackle it,lol) and I like that the skirt part is pleated (also afraid of). you should be very pleased AND you did it all on a treadle machine! I think I'm going to call 'Friends Pattern Company' and see if maybe they think one of their patterns would work for me. It's odd, my bust is one size and my waist is another, and there not  close! lol. Never had that problem before.

Comment by Mackenzie on 12th mo. 11, 2012 at 2:25pm

I like that. It doesn't stand out as much as some plain dresses do. And the cuffless sleeves look very comfortable.