Shrug Done/Sewing Commences

Unfortunately gloomy weather yesterday & today means I've taken no photos as yet, but I can report that Sunday 3/21 saw the beginning of official sewing on THE DRESS as well as the completion of the wedding day shrug.

The shrug is quite lovely - a little tight, but I think it will relax with blocking. Grafting the two ends together was more complicated than I'd expected and took nearly two hours. Least said about that the best. I may wear it to a friend's wedding this weekend as I'd like to get more than 1 day's wear out of it and wearing it on our wedding day isn't even guaranteed.

By the way, I don't think it's too early to start praying for beautiful 75 degree, sunny weather on May 15th. Not too early at all.

Sewing commenced on Sunday morning. I had cut yet another bodice piece out of lining fabric and used this to figure out the issues with the bodice. I'd had some problems with the darts on this pattern - they just weren't laying properly. The ends were poking out in a way that looked dumb at best and kinda like Madonna in the early 90's at worst. Finally realized that the main problem was that, measurements given on the pattern envelope not withstanding, I really should have cut a smaller size for the bodice. Fortunately I was able to partially recut the pieces and adjust the side seams and got a nice smooth fit. Was able to translate those changes to the actual bodice pieces (bodice, underlining, lining, all cut from silk) and completed the bodice, along with sleeves. Also made some modifications to the skirt pieces, again starting with the skirt lining, to make the skirt completely A line as opposed to partial A line, partially gathered at the waist.

I'd love it if I could attach the skirt pieces to the bodice before we leave for Maryland this weekend (that would still leave the train, setting in the zipper and the hemming). But between performances of A Voluminous Evening of Brevity tonight and tomorrow and the bus at 9pm on Thursday, I think it's unlikely. Still - you never know!

PS I knitted one new sleeve on Oscar night. Somehow I never posted that. Am planning to knit the other on the bus on Thursday. This weekend told Justin the story of the sleeve that went down the drain. He was surprisingly calm about the whole thing, although the fact that it happened weeks ago and our drain has been fine since probably contributed to that calm. That and several Heinekens.