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Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 2
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Posted on: 6/11/08 10:04 PM ET
I have a long, slinky, tank dress ( sleeveless, fitted, rounded collar, low shin-length dress) with a crop-like button jacket. It has a zipper in the back and two darts on the back, one on either side of the zipper, and two darts at the breast. It has a lining or built-in slip. It fits perfectly, my hubby loves it on me, and I would love to reproduce it. I saw the article inThreads on copying ready-to-wear clothing with masking tape. It mentioned making darts on the edge of the pattern, but I have no idea how I would make darts in the middle of the fabric that shape the dress. How would I do that? How too would I put in a lining. The bodice looks like I could cut out the lining material and outer material, sew right sides together, and turn right side out. Is that OK? Also, the dress is in a stretchy washable rayon-like fabric, but I would also like to make it in some type of tight knit. Lastly, I'm a new sewer and I haven't sew in a zipper in a long time. Can I make it without a zipper? Any and all suggestions you all can offer will be greatly appreciately. I am sort of a perpetual beginner at sewing and a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, and a part-time speech therapist. I wish I had more time to sew, because it relaxes me. But right now I need relatively simple projects. Thanks again everyone
-- Edited on 6/11/08 10:16 PM --
  
Member since 6/25/08
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 6/25/08 3:12 PM ET
In reply to Pat Gardner
I'm trying to figure out the dart thing as well. But in terms of a lining you're right -- you just make the dress again in the lining fabric. Then with the right sides of the lining and the dress facing in, you sew around the neckline and then turn in inside out and you have a finished edge and lined dress. Don't sew the top of the back lining together, then when its put together you sew the lining edges down to the sides of the zipper tape.
You probably need a zipper unless the fabric is really stretchy. You can test by trying on the dress you have with the zipper closed and see how it goes. Its pretty easy to put in the invisible zippers - just look online for directions that make sense to you.
  
Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 2
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Posted on: 6/25/08 9:28 PM ET
In reply to whylion
Thank -you so much, Whylion. It's good to hear that I was on the right track. Thanks for the tip re: the lining. I probably would have sewn it up to the top. It's a good time for me to review zippers. Thanks again!
  
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