I decided to try a new pattern--the Melody Valerie Couture "Schoolgirl" pattern (found
here.) I have always been interested in MVC's sewing--the design and construction are both eye-catching and really unique. And I'm always intrigued by finer hand sewing techniques. I thought trying a MVC pattern would be a fun way for me to practice my "couture" sewing skills without committing to a larger project.
So of all the MVC patterns, I picked "Schoolgirl." I thought it was the cutest design--and one that could be made in a variety of looks for dressing up or dressing down. I also chose a piece of deep red velveteen that I had in my stash and got to work.
So here is what I liked: First of all, the pattern is excellent. It's well-written and each step is illustrated clearly. I enjoyed taking the time to carefully piece together the bodice and the lining. I loved how each seam is finished. It was also fun to hand-stitch the blind hems. I forgot how much control hand sewing can give you--it leaves everything inside so neat and tidy. I also liked inserting the invisible zipper. It looks great and makes the dress so easy to pull on and off. The pattern is definitely worth the price, in my opinion.
But there were a few things I didn't love. Like velveteen. The pattern lists velveteen as a suitable fabric for this dress, but I hate sewing velveteen. It sheds and frays. I got tired of taking the lint-roller to everything in my sewing room: my clothes, the ironing board, my cutting counter, my son in his fleece footsie jammies . . . even my cat was covered in the red dust. I also think velveteen is hard to press well and so this dress isn't as crisp as I would have liked. I also thought sewing the sleeves into the armscyes was a bit tricky. I struggled with that and the armhole binding before I realized I wasn't following the instructions exactly as pictured. Go figure.
But overall, this pattern is great. I didn't attach the bow on the front because I thought it would look cute with a pearl necklace. And now that I have made this little test-run and worked out the kinks, I'm excited to try it again and make one for my shop. But not in velveteen.
So Happy Valentine's Day from McKenna and her red dress:
It's not often she gets dressed up and combs her hair. McKenna is usually a bed-head pajama kind of girl. But she looks good in red. Maybe we can keep her looking nice at least until Valentine's Day is over.
