Replacement Sewing: The Tulip Dress

Once upon a time, many months ago, I made a toile that turned out to be a pretty sweet dress.  That means it fit. And I had plans to make another. Life had other plans and I lent the dress never to see it again. It just meant that it's time to get to work on the post-toile version.  

Two changes were needed before cutting out the fabric. I added 1/4" to the seam allowances because I prefer sewing with a 5/8" allowance. It made for easier serging. The pattern instructions actually suggest finishing all the seam edges before stitching the seams. And there was 1 1/2" added back onto the cut-too-short length of the skirt. 

Changes that were part of the first make that were duplicated include: finishing the hems and neckline with seam binding, inserting the sleeve flat, changing the order of steps and raising the position of the pockets.  

This fabric has been in my stash for many many moons. It was about time that I made something with it as it was starting to fade at the fold line. Thankfully, I was able to cut the pattern pieces around these spots. The fabric was pre-treated with at tumble in the washing machine followed by the dryer before hitting the ironing board for a steam pressing. This is a medium weight cotton / linen blend with a quality that is hard to find now-a-days, a clue to it's age.  

At the moment I don't have any immediate plans to make another version of this dress. There are no plans to lend it out eliminating any risk of losing it. Although, it is a very comfortable style so there might be another one in the works.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.6 straight stitch

Seam Finish:  Interior seams are finished by serger.  Sleeve hem and neckline were finished with seam binding.  

Tips:  Invest in a seam binding maker.  It's easy to make your own seam binding when you have the right tools and it comes in handy when your city is under another lockdown.  

Fabric:  3 metres

Zipper:  55 cm invisible

Basting tape:  1.2 metres two-faced tape

Pattern:  The Assembly Line Tulip Dress

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Measuring tape, measure gauge, tailor's chalk, pins, wrist pin cushion, clapper (used a weight), scissors, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, invisible zipper foot, regular zipper foot, regular presser foot, tweezers, lint brush, mini vacuum, screwdriver, threads, serger, thread clippers, seam ripper, bias tape maker, and coffee.

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!