FBA

Oh yes dear none existent readers, I'm now talking in codes. Any of you that sew will have an idea what I'm referring to in today's catchy title. I am talking about the Full Bust adjustment.

I am in the middle of trying to make a dress for my Christmas party. this party takes place on Friday. This Friday. Yeah I know I'm cutting it fine. I bought a pattern, measurements matching mine or thereabouts. We (Spadger) made some adjustments to it to accommodate the girls. I made my muslin. It didn't fit. Shoulders were out, the neckline gaped. Not to mention the mess I made of the zip.

So a bit of research later and it seems that I shouldn't be using the pattern piece that fits my full bust measurement. I should be measuring above my bust and then doing an FBA. Apparently dress patterns are made with a B cup in mind. A B cup! I was a B cup from growing boobs up to being 18. I've steadily worked my way through the alphabet til I reached the wondrous letter of J (Jewels, Jubiliant, Jiggery-pokery, Jabber, Jackanapes, Jibe). However I only have a 32 inch back. So by my workings out the pattern piece I was using is designed for someone with a bust size of a 38B. Hmm, no wonder it didn't fit.

So currently I'm making toad in the hole and Spadger is making new pattern pieces complete with FBA. I love him!!!!

Hope it works this time or Cinderella may not be going to the ball.

Edited to add: The new pattern seems to work fine and I shall be starting on the dress proper tomorrow. Woot!

Edited again: Spadger is now cutting out the actual lining material for the dress. Man I love him!

I really must get on with some sewing!

Francoise Duparc (1726-78) Woman Knitting,






We've had a countdown on our board at work of the days til Christmas since the 100 day mark. Mostly to wind up our boss, bless her. However it is now 77 days and I haven't started any of my Christmas gifts yet. I've decided that everyone is getting something homemade this year as this fits in with my increasing dislike of commercialism.
As much as possible I'd like to make them from my wool and fabric stash but I get the feeling I may need to buy some new stuff. Might be time for a charity shop rummage! Anyone who isn't getting something from the sewing machine or the needles will be getting baking.
My boss has suggested I offer to bake things for folk on the Christmas run up for a small fee. It's a brilliant idea as I like baking. Might look into seriously pricing that up next week.

On the none Christmas related front I have completed stage one of the baby quilt. Only 5 more stages to go! I also really need to go through my stash and figure out what I'm doing with it all. It will be the next sign up for Wardrobe Re-Fashion next week and I'm planning on signing up for life!! No more new for me, just re-fashioning and thrifting :o)

Emma's dress

Well Emma sent me some pics of her in the dress I made. Not bad for my first real re-fashion!