Orange Color Block Mod Dress- Simplicity 7535 from 1968

I heart color block patterns
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Coffee & I are BFFs
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When deciding on this pattern, I wanted a really popping color. That's one thing I love about the mod color-block patterns- the ability to combine a really bold color with a neutral like white. So, I went with a bright orange, which I thought was a great color for the mod look. I also went with the fabric that I've been the most comfortable working with-- 100% ponte de roma polyester that I got from a local fabric store (is it just me or does Joann's have a very limited color palette for knits?). Sure, knits can be tricky, but they have that stretch that I love.

Overall, this was a pretty seamless project--uh wait, bad choice of words. Let's just say it went pretty well. I did have some trouble getting the two fabrics pieces (the orange and the white) to meet at the front in clean points. There was some bunching at the corners, but I didn't let it stress me out too much. Instead, I moved along at a pretty good clip and came out with a product that I was quite pleased with (but of course, as always, with a few warts here and there).

I didn't spend much time with my bestie Mr. Seam Ripper, although I did struggle a tad with the facing for the neck. I have been using a bias tape technique to face my armholes and necks. I got the technique from this link: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13143/how-to-sew-a-bias-tape-facing It's a great technique by the way, and I'd like to thank the original poster for putting this out there. BUT, with this project, I got sick with over-confidence (anyone have a cure for this?). I decided to cut the facings from the pattern pieces and use those. Why did I decide to use those when I had a workable technique that I actually understood? I guess I thought I was getting "good". I thought I was a big kid, ready to sit at the adult table.

I'm not a big kid yet.

I think you can see the overconfidence in my face
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The pattern called for slip-stitching the facing to secure it and keep it down. I still have no friggin clue how to machine or hand slip-stitch. Yep, I've seen the tutorials. Yep, I've looked at pictures. Yep, I've read my machines' manual. I just DON'T get it. When it comes to hand-stitching, I must say, I just hate it. Deep down, I think I'm resistant to learn hand slip-stitching because I just HATE HATE HATE hand-stitching so much. I have no patience for it. I hate hand-threading. I hate tying the knot. I hate the actual stitching process. Did I mention I hate hand-stitching?

When it comes to machine slip-stitching, I tried to follow my machine's instructions. I set it to the correct stitch, but no matter what I did, the stitches weren't blind and that's the whole point. I can see them VERY clearly, each and every damn one of them. So, I know I'm doing something wrong but I just don't know what. I think I should sit down and practice with some scrap fabric. Now, it's just the little matter of getting over a little laziness and a lot of impatience. I wish there was a cure for that...

Now, there was one minor difference between the pattern and my actual results that I didn't quite understand. I don't think I did anything "wrong" to cause the difference, but I noticed that the color block is under my bust in the final result, whereas the pattern pictures the color block as mid or above bust-line. Could my bust size be forcing the color block south?

Overall, with relatively few snafus, I found myself speculating about a few things that I've been glossing over:

1.) IRONING: I'll admit it. I don't iron my fabric. I tried to when I did my first pattern, but either I'm an ironing imbecile, or my iron just plain sucks. No matter how much I try to smooth out those wrinkles, nothing seems to happen. At least I pre-wash my fabric (okay, I didn't do it the first few times, but now I do), doesn't that count for something? So, my question is, am I making a big mistake by not ironing? It doesn't really bother me to use wrinkly fabric, but could it be throwing off my technique?

2.) ON THE GRAIN: I line up things okay. I'm on the grain. Well, pretty much anyway. I'll admit-- I'm not that picky about getting things on the grain. My pieces are decently "on the grain." Does "decently" cut it? Should I be pickier?

3.) SELVAGES: I keep reading about how you're supposed to pull your selvages to make them even. Mine are sometimes a little off. I haven't been able to bring myself to care. They're not horribly off. Just a little. Does this matter much?

4.) HEMS: My hems aren't bad. They just aren't great. They're always a little "wonky" looking, but I can't quite put my finger on what I'm doing wrong. They always look a little rumpled in spots. Every book I have glosses over hemming. It's makes me feel a little dumb, when the book thinks it's so damn easy that hardly any instructions are required. But, I don't feel that dumb, because I'm realizing something about sewing. I had thought originally that it's all about technique. I'm beginning to think it's more of an "art" than a "skill". It's also a lot more about patience than anything else.

Over and out!

Love those mod chain belts-- got this particular one at Target
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Earrings were purchased at Target, necklace is vintage Sarah Coventry
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