Pleats Again!

Well I watched the video produced by the pattern designer to gain insight into how to achieve the pleats. And thought let’s try this again. I only had to cut out 2 pieces and I still had lots of this material leftover.

Once again I found myself struggling with pleats 3 & 4 on the front even after watching and rewatching the video. Enter Katrina from Lifting Pins and Needles. her youtube of the pleat process made it go much better. They are still not perfect but at least are now presentable.

There was a lot of hand basting of the pleats. I also had to hand baste a portion of the waistband until I could get it over to the serger. My sewing machine definitely thought this was too many layers to sew. I also had to hand sew down some of the neck binding. I made the neck binding visible, not a pattern element but i made it one on my version.

Well that it is done I am not sure if i like the dress. I love the material - it is super soft and comfortable. I am hoping the weird side seams which are busy trying to hang not quite right and accent my hip area (thanks, but no thanks). Well maybe they will settle down after a wash.

I am also not sold on the overall concept of the dress. The faux waistband does not seem to lay in a manner I enjoy. I will wear it in public at least once and see if anyone runs away in horror.