Sewing Beyond Your Comfort Zone

I'm back again with something has been on my mind this month. Do you sew beyond your comfort zone and choose a challenging pattern?

This question popped into my head when a tester posted a pattern that I knew was an intermediate level. I knew it would be full of detail and techniques. Was I ready to commit to sewing it? Would I bomb it or would I succeed? 

To Succeed

To be successful, I knew I needed to do several things. 

1. Read the pattern through prior to printing and cutting out the pattern pieces. Have an understanding of the pattern construction is important to being successful. 
2. Press the fabric well so there are not wrinkles or creases in it. 
3. Cut out the pattern accurately. The more accurate you are the better the fit. I should have traced the pattern pieces on to freezer paper for better accuracy. 
4. Sew in doable chunks of time or steps. 

Details and Techniques

The dress is a Victorian period dress and the designer puts a lot of detail and techniques into her patterns. This dress was full of them. 

1. Pleats on a curved shoulder seam. 
2. Underlining on front center bodice for proper shaping.
3. Princess seams in front and back.
4. Beret sleeves which were very full and odd shaped.
5. Pleated skirt with an attached hem that was padded with yarn.

Those Doable Chunks

Most days I sewed for an hour or less. Once I felt the stress level rising, I would quit even if I hadn't met my daily goal of sewing.

1. I read the instructions prior to sewing and then again while sewing. 
2. I would take the pieces to the computer and work the steps while reading. 
3. I sewed slowly. Very slowly. 
4. I pinned, basted, measured and probably over did it. But it did help me get an accurate fit. 
5. When the tension was thick or I had finished what I had set out to do, I stopped sewing for the day. I never left the sewing room feeling overwhelmed. 

Would I Make It Again?

I would love to make this dress again with the plain bodice and a large lace collar. I'm certain the second time will be easier. I won't feel panicky doing certain steps (the sleeves were panicky for me). I will trace the pattern onto freezer paper and iron it onto the fabric for more accuracy in cutting and pleating. As the fabric for the second has a white background, I will use white cording to pad the hem. 

I often chanted "One stitch at a time" as I made this dress. Am I ready to take on another challenging pattern? I think I am. But not tomorrow as I need to destress and do something simple. 

Happy Doll Sewing.............................