Sewing: Tuille Time with the Simple Sew “Sophia”(Update 2 of 4)

On the last update, I mentioned that I had graded the pattern up following a couple of resources online, which I did but then I back tracked and went for the biggest size on the pattern as they said they were the sizes are quite roomy.

The skirt has worked out rather quite well with pleats too. Fairly chuffed with myself considering it was probably quite foolish and risky to do so.

On reflection, I may add 1/2 inch to all sides just to give a little room for that wedding breakfast!

Please ignore the PJ top 😉

I like the length, it’s ideal as it will show off the shoes I intend to wear and I won’t (hopefully I won’t) trip up running (ahem I mean dancing 😂😂😂) around in the Ceilidh!

Like I said in update one, the top should be fine, in fact, it isn’t – as it back needs altering as the fabric catches. I also need darts either side of the front bodice. It also needs an inch to have that hanging effect the pattern shows! Argh! 

Carefully marking out the blueprint
Here’s me thinking it would be a breeze, yeah right ..

It doesn’t look too bad from this angle!
Defo needs darts on front bodice!
again, ok.
Drat!
I’m going to have to amend the top somehow, better get cracking!

And so I did amend the top by going back to the pattern and adding 2cms to the seam. There is a lot less scrunching up at the back and I feel I can actually breathe in it 😁

The amended top bodice blueprint!
High five to me! 

Side on and smiling!
A lot less scrunching now and it should lie better in the sequin fabric!
Grinning like a Cheshire cat – still need darts!
 

I will let you all know how it all goes in Update 3 – cutting the real fabric!!

Oh the funny thing is that my husband thought I was wearing this tuille to the actual wedding – EH NO!!  I had to give my reason to why I wasn’t wearing white to the wedding of my closest friends’!

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Online Resources used to figure out how to grade up these sneaky pleats:

How to Grade the Kelly Skirt

http://www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com/2014/09/the-dalloway-pattern-grading-hips.html

How to Grade a Pattern Up: The Easy Way

Sewing: Simple Sew -#017 Sophia.

The pattern spoke to me as soon as I received it with the Love Sewing magazine. It’s so simple and ticks the boxes for a friends’ wedding, which is in four weeks time. Yes, I aim to make this top and skirt set in under 4 weeks and not have a nervous breakdown! I’m told it can be done. I’m just hoping at the end of a Ceilidh I will still be dressed! 

The Pattern

The pattern is the 2 in 1 Sophia Top & Skirt #017 by Simple Sew. 

oh Sophia, please stay together!

The Fabric

I’ve the had fabric for a wee while as I had a vision of the finished garment in my head and I have a sneaky feeling it might be because I actually saw the colour combination in the magazine.

For the top fabric, I’m going to go with this sequin gold fabric from John Lewis. I’m intending to make the top slightly longer just to suit myself. It has some stretch so I’m planning to set up the overlocker for the first time ever and stitch the edges!

Glistening gold

The skirt will be made using the lovely Damson Stretch cotton from the Cloth Spot. 

Notice I tucked a little fasinator in the same photo. Not sure if this would look too much but it was a wee bargain in the sales! And also my hair situation is still yet to be finalised … Another drama! 

Dancing in Damson
I’ve also lining too, even though the pattern states no lining I think it would be a better finish if it were lined. 

So here goes … And I will update on a weekly basis as the dress (hopefully) comes together!


But before I head off into fabric dreams I would like to say a big thanks to RedWSews as she gave loads of tips via Instagram and her blog post documenting her Sophia, puts me at ease! 

Over and out x