Monday, January 28, 2013

lining in progress


ivory lining and main fabric

what's this? fabric and lining! i took the leap! 

yes the lining was more expensive than my cheap-o on-sale exterior fabric - which is probably a poly blend - i have no idea. the lining is some kind of poly blend as well. i know everyone hates on poly, but i don't have a lot of choices locally. couldn't find any of that bemberg rayon that everyone raves about. not at hancock fabrics anyway. and i didn't want to wait for something ordered online. so this is going to have to do! i didn't buy it from the "linings section" those felt stiff and not at all what i wanted. so this fabric was hanging out somewhere else and it felt a lot better. so it came home with me. and it will have to do.

here's the front after i got the darts in. i held it up and so far the fit looks decent. we'll see once i get further along… the only change i made was to lengthen the bodice (as always!!)

front bodice piece in main fabric

here's the lining and the facings. after some debating, i decided to do both. i read that the facings would add a little more stability and i had enough extra fabric, plus if the facings curl outward slightly then it won't be as noticeable in the same fabric, whereas the ivory lining would be very noticeable at the arm or neck holes. do you ever do both a lining and facings?

actually this pattern doesn't call for a lining, i'm just doing my own thing. fingers crossed.


lining and facings laid out flat

here's a close up, because i was super impressed with how neat and tidy the insides are (so far).

close up of lining and facing

and then i laid the main fabric on top with the wrong side facing out. next step is to sew up the neck hole and the arm holes…


main fabric wrong side up, laid on top of lining and facings

hope it all works out in the end! and i hope you don't mind work in progress posts because if i waited til i was done, it might be a month between posts! i. am. that. slow.

but at least i'm enjoying myself, right!

any more tips, tricks or words of warning about linings?

19 comments:

  1. This is looking fantastic! Such cute lining fabric :D I always finish my lining edges off carefully as those suckers can unravel easily depending on your fabric choice. Good luck!

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    1. I serged the edge then turned it under and stitched it down. I am Loving my new serger!

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  2. What gorgeous lining fabric! I've just completed my first fully lined dress. There were so many layers!!

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    1. Congrats! Did you post about it? I hope I don't get all my layers confused =)

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  3. Looks great so far! I don't know if you have a Joann Fabric near you, but sometimes you can find Bemberg Rayon in their lining section. Not cheap, but worth it. I once even found some in their clearance aisle! I have never done facing plus lining..I can't tell from the photos, are you stitching the facing down to the lining at all?

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    1. We don't have a Joann's, but there are rumors circulating that one will be built within the next year. I'll have to look online.

      I decided not to stitch the facing down to the lining, for fear that if i stitched it down it my cause some pulling across the chest area? I could still go back and stitch it down, but for now it's attaches at the neck and arm seams, but the bottom of the facing hangs freely. Is that what you would do?

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    2. Yes. I think that is a good idea. If once you wear it is bothers you (or the facing moves around, or it gets in any way annoying!), you could try stitching it down. But secured at the neck and arm seams sounds good to me!

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  4. Nice fabric! What pattern are you using? I haven't braved lining yet but my next project is the sewaholic cambie which is fully lined so fingers crossed it goes ok!

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    1. Thanks! The pattern is Style 2325. I think it's from the late 70s. Here's a link to the cover image: http://soisewedthis.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-re-sew-lution-focus-on-enjoyment.html

      Maybe I should've started with a pattern like the Cambie that includes lining instructions! I might have to try that one next because I've seen a lot of cute versions. Have you picked your fabric yet?

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    2. Wow, that pattern looks really nice, such a lovely silhouette. Good luck! I got some nice cotton from my in laws for Xmas which I think I'll be using for the cambie. It's a dark racing green. Can't wait to make it but have suddenly found myself with 2 other things to make before I can start! Looking forward to seeing your finished dress.

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    3. Ohhh, dark green would be so pretty! I keep coming up with all of these ideas for things i want to make, but I'm really trying to stick with one project and see it through til the end before buying anything for a new project =)

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  5. It's looking good so far! How is the lining with the cheaper fabric going for you? I loathe sewing with slippery fabrics, and therefore usually avoid linings ;) Also, I'm lazy.

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    1. Actually the slippery fabric has been sooo easy. It's kinda crazy. My walking foot and a little spray starch (before ironing) are making it smooth sailing! No problems (knock on wood)

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  6. I do lining and facings sometimes, if I'm concerned about show through. I think it gives a nice high-end look to the inside. It is coming along!

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    1. I made more progress over the weekend so i'll have to post some photos. The insides do look really nice like this, yay!

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    2. so, I was about to refer you to: http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-machine-clean-finish-sleeveless.html, recommending you follow her blog if you don't. D'oh!

      I just subscribed to your blog, can't wait to see the project as it comes along!

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  7. You should totally check out this post on lining a dress: http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-machine-clean-finish-sleeveless.html

    I love slapdash sewist, if you don't follow her you should. She goes into a lot of detail on many things. I just subscribed to your blog, can't wait to see the project as it comes along!

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    1. Yep, I follow her! I need to read that post again. I didn't follow it exactly because i didn't trim the lining smaller. i guess i should have, but I did understitch. I'll try to update today =)

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Thanks for reading! I welcome any advice, insights, witty remarks, snarky comebacks, commiserations or just a quick hello. I'd love to check out your blog as well, so let me know where you're posting. Happy sewing!