Gridlock!

Is the name of dressmaking fabric from Tessuti

which is the focus of a sewing competition they are currently running...

BUT

could easily describe my thinking processes at the moment as I struggle to 

custom-fit a dress pattern to my 

ample curves!

This is the fabric, a lovely winter weight blend with a moderate amount of drape.

You can see why Tessuti have named it "Gridlock"!

Make something with this fabric (discounted by 50% for the competition:) and be in the running for a $1000 prize!

A chance to win $1000 is hard to pass up

And I thought this would be a great opportunity to 

customise a dress block/pattern for me.

Having a good standard dress block that fits yourself 

provides a head start for making dresses, shirts,  and jackets. 

Half the battle (for me, anyway) of dressmaking is getting the fit right.

I started with this basic dress block that incorporates bust darts and shaping darts at the waist back & front. I made a quick toile to see where modifications needed to be made. What a demoralising fascinating process this was!!!

I discovered that I have a flat bum - but a hip measurement the same as my bust; my waist line at the front is FOUR inches lowers than the back and my bust point is sagging......

No wonder I have so much trouble buying clothes off the rack.

Here are a couple of my mangled attempts to wrestle this block into (my) shape...

Slash & spread at the front? No...

Here it is sulking in the corner...

 After a week of experimenting, cursing, temper tantrums and advice

 I think I am close to getting it right...

Which means I can finally get to the exciting part - 

Using the block to create the pattern, then garment that will be my entry in the

 Tessuti Gridlock Competition!

I have just about settled on a design for a button-through sleeveless dress that could be worn as is, with a shirt under, or perhaps over leggings or tailored pants.

Here are a few pics from my inspiration folder :)

Cheers for now

Kathy