So, I think I’ll call this new creative endeavor “Project Replica.”  I’m counting last night as night # 1, because I did some of the prep work - basically clearing off my sewing machine/makeup vanity.  Don’t mock me; that was a big achievement!

Tonight I opened up the pattern, gathered all of the pieces, laid them out on the fabric and did all the cutting!  See?

Once I started actually *thinking* about the placement of pattern pieces and cutting process I wondered if I chose the strip a little too hastily.  I had considered the conundrum that stripes would pose with the collar and midriff and had opted to do those segments in white muslin.  But when I took a real close look at the pattern I realized that the front of the skirt is flat with pleating on the sides, not all around pleated/gathered as I had originally though.  So, I had to think about lining up those stripes.  Even though the bodice and the skirt will be separated by the white midriff, I don’t want the stripes to be too far off.

I enlisted my mother’s help.  She is the professional seamstress after all.  Besides, I get her involved (willing or not) in all my projects.  As we bent over the fabric pinning pattern pieces in place I said to her, “Wow - last time we did this together was probably ten years ago!”  Then I realized, I need to move out.  Soon.  @__@

Mom helped me figure out how to line up the stripes and, if it turns out disastrous, I have plenty of extra fabric to recut.  I cut the pattern with an extra 1/4” at all of the side seams because, according to the vintage pattern measurements, a size 11 waist is 24.5”.  Well, I’m at *least* a 25”, so I’m giving myself some extra room.  I can always tailor it back down if necessary.  By the way, can you believe the difference in sizing over the past 50-ish years?  

Snip snip!  So the entire dress is cut out.  Although, dang, I forgot to cut the interfacing.  I guess that will be for another night.  Anyway, the bodice, sleeves, and 6 paneled skirt (!) will be out of the floral stripe and the collar and midriff of white muslin.  It’s gonna be loverly!

As diminutive as it seems, this little pile of fabric pieces will supposedly add up to be an awesome rockabilly dress!  Stay tuned for more!