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The Walkaway Dress – The Hype and my measuring nightmare!

So Last week following Episode 3 of the Great British Sewing Bee the world went mad about the Walkaway Dress.  That included me who went straight on line and bought myself a copy of Butterick B4790 from Jaycotts and at the same time I also ordered the new Sewing Bee Book, Fashion with Fabric.

The book was first to arrive and I had a good look through.  From the outside it looks very nice, there are good projects and the instructions seem clear.  ‘We shall see though’ I thought to myself remembering my foray with last years book and it’s terrible measurements and wobbly instructions.

Well, yesterday the pattern arrived.  I have to admit I have not seen many finished walkaway dresses on social media this week.  I would have thought by now they would be springing up all over the place but I think I might know why.

Straight away I can see a big issue.  The pattern is not designed for the everyday woman.

Lets take my measurements as an example.

Bust: 40 inches
Waist: 36 inches (I know how lucky am I)
Hips: 46 inches

A tea dress usually fits me beautifully as I have a narrow waist and the skirt can skim out and over my enormous bottom, therefore I thought the walkaway dress would do the same.

Alas the bust – waist ratios on both patterns make simple pattern grading next to impossible.  On a regular pattern I can grade in from my bust to my waist with ease but as this has an unusual construction method with the wrap front and back grading seems impossible to me.  On the back piece how can you see where the bust ends and the waist begins?

I had hoped that one pattern may be better than the other but with Buttericks I am an 18 bust and a 20/22 waist (I don’t worry that my hip measurement is off the scale as that’s irrelevant with this type of pattern.

Looking at the book version it’s even more ridiculous.  I am a size 10 bust and a size 18 waist.  Hilarious how can 1 pattern come in two totally differing sizes?

So I have made a decision…….I think I might get angry with the book version going by past experience so I’m going to cut a size 20 Buttericks from an old duvet cover (which is very pretty so may end up totally wearable – fingers crossed) I am hoping and possibly assuming that as the whole thing is bound, once the bodice is attached to the skirt I can try it on and if need be shave a little off the sides here and there before I bind it!

Watch this space………….

I’d love to know your thoughts on these patterns, have you had the same brain numbing conversations with yourself that I have or have you made a beautiful frock first time round?  Do comment below and let me know I’d be most grateful.

 

 

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Its payday and we've added heaps of new stock to o Its payday and we've added heaps of new stock to our shop. Colourful bright quilting cottons. Beautifully soft viscose wovens and jersey and some Frida Kahlo canvas too!!

Shipping is flat rate to the UK or you can click and collect from the store. Alternatively, pop down and stroke it in person. BTHQ is open 10 till 4 today.
Today we are delighted to be introducing a new cha Today we are delighted to be introducing a new challenge to you that is free to join in with.  We hope it will encourage you to try something new.

The 'Sew out of your comfort zone challenge' is designed to encourage you to create something that you wouldn't normally try, or to venture into a new sewing territory.

Maybe there is a pattern you think just wont suit you, but you've seen lots of other people making it and are tempted to give it a try.  Maybe there is a new technique you've always wanted to have a go at but have been to scared to try.  You might have been sewing for years but have never tried a particular fabric or method before.

Sandra has always avoided the Tilly & The Buttons Indigo dress as it has soooo much gathering and she thought it would not be all that flattering.  But she's seen me wearing my many versions and has now decided to give it a go.

I have made lots of jumpsuits but have never worked with Scuba before or a Deer and Doe pattern so I'm giving it a go for the first time.

Join us during Februrary and pick something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.  Be sure to post your progress on social media using the hashtag #sewoutofmycomfortzone and we can all hold your hand in the process.
We had an amazing busy day in BTHQ making hats…I We had an amazing busy day in BTHQ making hats…I mean Closet Core poufs! 😂
We will be live on our YouTube channel at 12.30 to We will be live on our YouTube channel at 12.30 today showing you all of the beautiful fabrics we now have in stock. Link in our stories
Ooooh have we had a fun day today!! This is just h Ooooh have we had a fun day today!! This is just half of our new stock. We can't wait to share it with you in the next couple of days.
Hi it’s Sandra. I’ve finished my first project Hi it’s Sandra. I’ve finished my first project on my #makenine2023 list. It’s the Atlas Bag by Swoon patterns. It looks so pretty but I don’t like it! I used a vinyl that I realised I didn’t have enough of, so lined the straps in cotton, but don’t like that they are then facing upwards with the lining.
The straps are also ridiculously  long. The bag is much too wide for my shoulders so isn’t comfortable to wear. Never mind, good reason to try another pattern!
We had a great session this morning learning to ma We had a great session this morning learning to make Roman Blinds. Everyone is always amazed at how very simple they are to make and how many super sewing tricks they learn in this class.
We welcomed back our beginner sewers tonight for a We welcomed back our beginner sewers tonight for a new term. More fabulous quilted boxes whizzed up in their 1st session.
We've just had an exciting delivery. All new class We've just had an exciting delivery. All new classroom machines for our workshop. Now you can try before you buy across the range of Janomes computerised machines.
@sew59sandra is very happy today. She's treated h @sew59sandra is very happy today. She's  treated herself to the Atelier 6 sewing machine from Janome. It's currently on special offer until Feb 9th and includes a free quilting kit.
We still have 2 places left on this fabulous cours We still have 2 places left on this fabulous course this Saturday.  Claire will be showing you how to make something wonderful from your scrap fabrics using the Creative Grids Scrap Crazy templates. 

Not only is this a great scrap project you can also create beautiful planned quilts from fabric bought specifically for your own designs.  The templates are so versatile that they can be used to seamlessly create beautiful designs.  Come and enjoy the magic as Claire talks you through lots of different options and leave the class with your own set of templates to play with at home worth £29.99!!
It may be disgusting outside, but inside the kettl It may be disgusting outside, but inside the kettle is always on, and there is always room on our couch or craft table for you to pop on for a chat or a bit of knitting or crochet.

There's no need to book. Just come on down. We are open 10 till 4. Free of charge, just pop a donation in the tin for your drinks.
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