Monday, March 18, 2013

Dance, ballerina, dance...then let's fix your shoe


Well I was ready to try my hand at another pair of those shoes I had made out of the stripy fabric – a nice black satiny pair. Plus I definitely wanted a nice non stretchy material to work with. I also got to thinking that I didn’t have much luck with the 2 attempts I made on the American Girl patterns, whereas I had a little bit of luck with the commercial pattern.

I chose the same McCall’s pattern as the winter outfit. This time I went with the ballet outfit in the lower right hand corner.

I had a nice black satiny material. I don’t think it was actually satin because one side was a softer, non-shiny while the other side was satiny and shiny. Not sure though.

I laid out my material, cut out my pieces and began to construct the garment. I think I did a pretty good job on the leotard, but again with my inability to follow directions well… I didn’t understand the back piece where the Velcro goes – at the bottom. I don’t know why I just can’t seem to get some of this, but I “winged it”. For some reason, it seemed to indicate that there should be a notch or something cut into the back and then I couldn’t figure out what to do with the notch, so I ended up just ironing it crisp and then adding the Velcro.


The leotard did come together fairly well. I liked doing the leg elastic and had all kinds of visions of making doll swim suits and people underpants. And I’ve discovered I have a knack for sleeves. For some reason, my sleeves usually turn out really good J

When I got to the skirt, I discovered that I am NOT good at hemming in a circle…I have a lot of difficulty with that. I can hem straight all day long, but hemming curves has proven a bit difficult for me. I’m gonna need some tips and advice on that, for sure.

I liked that this was a ‘wrap-look’ skirt – and I LOVE the little bow. I bought the black satin ribbon to make the shoes and it was just the right size for the skirt bow.


Then I did the headband. I know that shouldn't tickle me as much as it does, but I just think this headband is super cute. Unfortunately, I did one of the sides kind of cruddy and it already has come loose, so the headband doesn’t look as impressive as it did when I made it.


 
Then I did the shoes – I chose to do the shoes from the shoe pattern instead of the shoes that came with the ballet outfit. I followed the instructions really carefully but I don’t think they came out as nice as the stripy ones. I have found that I have difficulty shaping the toes well. I also didn’t realize until I took these pictures that I did not sew the ribbon on well, as one came off. See she’s holding it in that bottom picture… as if to say “tsk tsk such poor craftsmanship” ha ha ha


That’s ok. I give this outfit a strong, resounding sideways thumb. I think I did a mediocre job on the outfit, but I tried my best and am pretty satisfied with the final product.

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