It amazes me what I can achieve with a little persistence. My skirt is finally completed and judging by the photos, it survived a day of meetings in the city better than I did. Thank you to everyone who helped with the invisible zip.
The best explanation of how to sew an invisible zip can be found on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RneYzsqOyD0. I did not know that an invisible zip needs to be sewn on a completely open seam and requires a special foot. I should have twigged from the pattern which is illustrated with a lapped zip on the centre back seam. There is a box pleat at the base of this seam which will not enable a completely open seam.
So my corrections go as follows:
1) I unpicked the waistband, zip, side seams and hem.
2) I reduced the front the waistband which was too large and caused the garment to bulge out.
3) I redid my waist band with the overlocker to minimize the bulk in the seam width.
4) I installed the invisible zip on the side seam and closed up the back seam.
5) I overlocked (serged for the US readers) the side seams to reduce bulk.
6) I redid the hem.
My husband thinks I'm mad. The conversation went along these lines.
He "You unpick more than I sew."
She "But I'm learning from it. I won't do it again" (plaintively)
He "You don't learn to drive by crashing your car!"
She (unspoken) ...perhaps he is right.
Next...my grey and cream blouse based on Vogue pattern 8392 http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8392.htm. I'm making version C but with only 2 layers on the sleeve. I saw this pattern on Erica B's site http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/eribunk/Projects/v8392-7-1.jpg and loved it. My fabric is a viscose (imitation silk) and very light weight. Watch this space.
Also I am soooo excited to have a few followers. This really does motivate me when things get difficult! thank you sisters.
Just found your blog. Lots of you Aussies sew! I'm impressed. Your garden is amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, I think you've done a great job with this skirt. I was terrified of invisible zips for ages and avoided them at all costs. I first bought a cheap plastic Birch foot and it helped, but when I shelled out a whole $15 for a Janome one it changed my life! I'm glad to hear you like All Buttons Great and Small as much as I do. I've been inspired to make whole garments from buying buttons there! A SWAP is Sewing With A Plan. If you go to this link http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/board,37.0.html you can read about what we're all up to. I am participating this time because I have a habit of making things that having nothing to go with them!
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