We left off Day 1 with the front bodice and straps completed. Let’s move on to the sleeves!
***Make sure to use a back stitch at the beginning and end of each seam you are stitching. This will ensure your stitches don’t come out. Just a couple back stitches should be adequate***
Step 5
It may not be entirely clear from this picture, but this is the front bodice we just completed (right side up) and one sleeve on top (right side facing down toward the bodice). The curved portion of the sleeves is lined up. It is just the curved “j” portion of the sleeve that you will sew at this point. Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Step 6
It might be a bit tricky to figure out how to attach the sleeves to the back bodice. Just take your time. The instructions that came with the kit have a good diagram to help you figure it out. Most importantly, make sure the right sides are together =)
Step 7
The importance of pinning the armpit seam first is just so they line up correctly. When you sew, you can sew from the end of the sleeve to the armpit, continue on by turning the corner and sew down to the bottom dress. Use a 3/8″ seam. Sew both sides.
Don’t be afraid to trim a little bit! Make sure you don’t trim off your tie!
Step 8
THE STRIP WILL BE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SLEEVE WHEN THE DRESS IS RIGHT SIDE OUT.
This obviously assumes your strip has birds on it! The point is that you want the bottom of the pattern (if there is a bottom to your fabric pattern) to be lined up with the raw edge of the sleeve. This will ensure it doesn’t end up upside down when it is finished.
Step 9
The instructions say to leave a 1″ opening. It’s up to you! I usually leave a larger opening but smaller works just as well. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching. There will be a bit of pressure on the seam while you are inserting the elastic and you don’t want the stitches to pull out.
Insert the elastic just as you did in the waistband. This time you’ll work the safety pin back around to the opening and sew the elastic together to itself. Be careful you don’t twist the elastic in the process.
Step 9 & 10
There are a couple tricks to sewing up the opening. I stretch the sleeve out so the elastic all works its way into the sleeve casing. Then line your needle up with your previous stitches. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Gently stretch the sleeve out as you sew, making sure not to stitch on the elastic.
The sleeves and the neckline are done the same way.
Done for the day! Tomorrow we’ll add the skirt ruffle, hem and we’ll be done! Any questions?
You may post any of your pictures of your progress on the Flickr group if you choose!
