Bluebird of Happiness - Dress - Part VI

More Collar

It seems like the wrap skirt was hit with you readers! Thank you so much - it was fun to make and wear it, even it just for the photo shoot. One of children thought I should have just left it on for the rest of the day! If you're looking for a similar modern pattern, this one by McCall's suggested by Primatoide futile might work. With a little adjusting, you might be able to make it wrap to the back and have those super large pockets, too.

I haven't shown you the dress in a while, so I thought it would be good if I updated you on that. The collar is finished and has been attached to the dress. I am glad this part is done - it is not the easiest type of sewing. Partly because everything must line up and lie flat, partly because of the corners and partly because I'm using a collar that I have modified to fit a bodice from another pattern.

The collar is attached the same way the coat collar was, with a piece of bias binding to cover the seam allowances. This was the cleanest way to join all these layers. Even if the collar rolls down a bit, there will still be a bit of blue before the lining.

I still need to press it properly, but there is some progress being made!

I also added ties to the back of the dress, to form a pretty bow in the back. They are made of the blue silk, which creates a nice contrast with the ivory dress. These ties are made the same way as the tie on the coat. Reducing bulk as well as maintaining consistent construction with the coat was important.

The dress still needs a skirt lining with petticoat, the inside belt, dress hangers, the lining hand stitched in place, a hem and a label. Looks like I need to get back to work once I'm done with this post!

The coat is done for all practical purposes. I will be picking at it until it needs to leave for the first show. You know, I will be clipping this little thread here, taking off and restitching beads or flowers, etc. until I think it is done. Just little tweaks. Some of you mentioned that you'd like to see how the bow looked once tied, so here's a picture for you, I hope this will tide you over until the photo shoot post:

[Bunny, yes there is a special label, too, maybe I'll give it as a sneak peek in the next few days!]

Parting Shot: Storm Total. Many of you mentioned the weather was not the best where you live, and I believe you. Even those in the Southern Hemisphere have their own weather woes: heat! Remember, it is summer down there! Here are the snowfall totals, first in inches, then in centimeters: