The cutest patch I've ever made!


A friend of mine has this lovely sharkskin vintage dress. From the details; the extended button front, the full pleated skirt and the reversed box pleated back, I'd say this number is from '47-'52.

Look at that sweep! After some research, I found out sharkskin is most commonly a cotton/rayon blend, so I was not too far off on that! The edges are unfinished, and it's a perfect dress for dancing. That's why it's with me. 


She said on a shoot she was asked to bring her own clothes and this dress was damaged. The studio 'fixed' it, but really they patched up areas on the dress that got stressed from the shoot. Their 'fixing' was not meant to be a cosmetic repair, but one for integrity o the garment.

Bad move.


On closer inspection the fabric that was used had a bit of adhesive on it. There are about 5 of these patches on the dress! The good news is the stitching was done by machine so removing it is pretty easy. The bad news is because of the adhesive, the patches are going to be twice the size as I originally thought.


Here I removed the repair fabric and stitching. I then outlined the area (remember at least 1/2" allowance around the patch) and blocked the cut away area with thread. This fabric has a loose weave, so I cut to the fringe of the adhesive area to have a bit of protection from unraveling. I'd say that was the only good to come of the 'patch work'.

The good thing about this dress is there is a good 2 1/2" of hem. That's more than enough to repair all the dress's parts. I took this from the back hem and I plan on taking it a piece at a time to minimize loss.


After that I just folded under the edges and pressed it well.


There you have it! From the inside I whip stitched the edges for extra stability.


I think this is a really, really good patch. I told her that she would always see the mend, but I'm nervous as to her reaction in what she would expect. Still I'm pleased with the mend. 

On to other things.
I finished sewing the new bra. I finished the edges and sewed the straps. Only I sewed the straps wrong. The two front ones to each other and the two back ones to each other! I didn't catch it until I completed both of them. Then I had to undo it and guess what? I DID IT AGAIN!!!!! That's how off I was the other day. Three times the charm and I finally got them in order. 


 I also finished the gutted  cloche. It turned to very well and it's going back to its owner perhaps tonight. I'll have more images on NVL soon.


It's hot and I'm tired. I think I'll have a beer :)

11 comments:

  1. I've just started reading your blog after discovering you on Etsy.

    Just wanted to tell you that I love your stuff and I think you're awesome.

    -jan

    ReplyDelete
  2. really good repair job. You can also reverse applique it on and it's a tad less noticeable.....not much tho.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The weave is like denim, horizontal threads are white, and the vertical weave is this maroon/sheen like fabric, plus the weave is fairly loose and unraveled pretty easily. Its a tough, unforgiving fabric for an invisible mend, but in the right light its not that noticeable.

    Of course, it being in the upper back does not help much either. I just hope she does not think this is worse than how it was. There was really no other choice, especially after discovering that adhesive damage.

    ReplyDelete
  4. But Regena, how would you handle corners on a reverse applique? This fabric would probably unravel like a mo fo :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is a fabulous patch job - very nicely done :)
    I had to giggle on your strap issue- I can't count how many times I do something like that. Usually when I am tired. My least favourite thing is doing something right that I think it wrong, undoing it then realising it was right all along!
    Still- the bra looks great :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can I just tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog? I am not able to sew right now because of health problems but you are really making me want to get back to work. I am not the greatest seamstress, but I have always loved sewing. For my very first project, I made my own skirt, and the pattern (because my mom would not buy me one)at the age of 9 years. I was determined to sew! It was not great but I did wear it to school that week.
    Thanks for awakening the artist in me again! I have so many designs in my head for clothing for heavy women (I am one) but my skill level does not equal my designs so I just need more practice.
    You often make me laugh. I had to shake my head and laugh when you sewed the straps on the bra wrong more than once! It made me see that my idol IS in fact human. haha! Anyway, just wanted you to know how much you have taught me. Take care

    ReplyDelete
  7. By the way I am an adult now and in my 40's and I did sew for years but not to the degree I would have liked.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks everyone and yay Dawn! I'm glad you want to get back into sewing. If you want to be creative with minimal exertion, applique or embroidery is a great way to start!

    ReplyDelete
  9. By the by, she liked the mend. Full go ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice repair work. I enjoy reading your blog and especially the millinery blogs, so thrilled that I found your blog!

    ReplyDelete

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