Lekala #4936 Dress with Ties for Lidia

 #campsewing.

Over to Lidia.

A sweet cotton sundress Lekala #4936 

Lidia found some gingham in my stash, that was very light and airy.

It was so delicate I decided to drop in a lawn lining.

This all went a bit pair shaped.

I drafted a piece to match the front facing, lined the skirt with lawn and then the sleeves and bodice with self fabric. Then I attempted to sew...

I got is such a muddle!

I had great intentions of having all the seams enclosed but I just couldn't make it happen.

I ended up sewing the back together with raw edges on the inside, then constructing the front, turning and pressing the ties. I then sewed the shoulders, attached to the front and then set in the sleeves.

Next time, I would sew the main, then the lining and then sew the two together.

Liddy chose river-stone, flower shaped buttons. My dress ended up double breasted, I am not sure why, possibly her measurements threw out the pattern algorithm?

So fresh and pretty! 

We shortened the dress to make it more youthful and I put up the hem by hand, for a bespoke finish.

The custom made Lekala pattern fit her like a glove with no alterations.

~My Verdict~

A lovely dress that I over complicated by trying to be clever! I will definitely sew this one again but not attempt to 'bag' the lining. I am not sure why our pattern ended up with 'double breasted' front but I could easily trim that back. 

It took me 5 hours to sew but I definitely could make it quicker if I simplify the construction.

They were typical Lekala instructions, you do need a degree of sewing skill and the patience to 'nut' the pattern out. Well worth it for the price (around $4.50) for a custom fit pattern.

~Lidia's Verdict~

 I really wanted a yellow dress and was overjoyed when Mum made me one, even prettier than I imagined. 

I love everything about it! 

The gingham is gorgeous and the perfect shade of yellow. The style of the dress is perfect as it is sun safe but still really fun.  I haven't been given too many opportunities to wear it out yet but I can't wait till I can. I feel as though I've already worn it so many times because I am always trying it on.   I can't help it, I put it on and just immediately feel so happy! 

The fabric that I chose and the pattern I loved didn't quite work together. The fabric was too thin and needed lining and the pattern didn't call for one. This meant Mum had to work her magic and make a lining for the dress.   

I am in the process of convincing mum, that as I turn 18 in February the perfect present would be 18 new dresses made over the summer, this being the first. Please help me convince her! Then I get 17 more gorgeous dresses, and you get to read about them!

Oooh, she is a try-er!
Thank you for reading .... xx Nicole