My Kineton Dress Struggles

What I thought was going to be an easy make has turned into more work than I thought it would be.

[@andreayucis2008]

I like the dress, but I think a contrasting belt, like the blue in the flowers, would look nice. I can definitely relate to putting it away for a bit. Good luck! 😊

[@shirajackson9605]

I like putting the 'time out' name to this situation. It makes me feel better about the two unfinished problem children sewing projects I have. As for the dress, I think it would make a beautiful blouse.

[@bunnypep55]

I thought the dress looked really nice on you when you tried it on. My suggestion is to not hand tack the seam down. What I do to all waist seams like that is stitch in the ditch as soon as done. I use a 1.5 inch stitch lenght, on the right side of the garment. I pull the fabric apart so I can see the seam really well and stitch right on it with the short stitch length. I only stitch for the length of the seam I want to secure. I then dial down to a 1.00 stitch to secure the stitch and cut the threads. The stitches sink into the seam and you cannot see it. It's a lot faster and more secure . It does a better job than the hand stitching method, too. I do this at every seam going around. Good luck.

[@Lorraine-yy8ey]

Oh, Polly! I know exactly how you feel. Darn waistband . . . so frustrating! If it's any consolation, the dress looks very cute on you.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Good for you for putting it in time out! Perspective is everything. Always works for me too.

[@janicecalouro9497]

You can make a Camy out of lining to use then you could use with others

[@Heyreneesews]

You husband made a Pollometer? I love it! There are other fabrics and other patterns, but I think it looks cute.❤

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

I would wear a natural leather belt with it, it’s lovely fabric so I can understand your frustration, hope it works out

[@amikrenzel5788]

I think it needs a brown leather belt that is about 1" to 2" wide. This would define your waist better. This would also help with the casing problem. Layer a blue cropped jacket or sweater over it as well.

[@patriciabennett961]

I'm right there with you. I've put several projects away for awhile, by the way, your dress is very pretty ❤

[@gloriahill9519]

I think your dress looks very nice on you, but what counts is how you feel in it. As others have said, maybe a little time apart will help you either like it more, or decide how to proceed from here. Good luck; it’s beautiful fabric.

[@lisagoldring2838]

I just found your channel! I struggled with this pattern as well. I had to lower the bust point, and lengthen the bodice. I made the top version, but lengthened the "skirt" so it is high hip. Im constantly pulling it down, too. And for me, a belt doesn't really work because I typically wear it with jeans. Sigh. Like yours, mine us a lovely fabric - rayon batik.

[@user-wu7sv6hr7v]

I hope adding a belt or nailing the casing down helps make this beautiful dress work better for you. Or just get used to the quick tug to get it where you want it when you're sitting and standing - almost every woman I know instinctively smooths tops down when she stands up, especially in the back!

[@vintagegirl68]

How about a hat and jewelry to dress it up? I really love the dress on you! Cheers!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

I think the dress is really nice but definitely try it with a belt and see if you like it. But nothing wrong with giving it a time out for a while!

[@francescaleaton4973]

Why don’t u make a self fabric belt with a silver buckle or perhaps faux tortice shell. Such a shame as u have put so much work into it ❤ I felt it looks like u could use the dress as an every dress and team with some smart accessories- perhaps some dramatic pearl earrings ♥️ Use this as an opportunity to turn this project into a masterpiece ♥️

[@sewenticing]

I think most Cashmerette patterns are short waisted. It’s the way it’s drafted. I am not long in the torso but I have to lengthen the bodice on most of my Cashmerette patterns on most other pattern brands I actually shorten the bodice

[@dionnewarr1760]

My two cents… it’s hard to dress an hourglass figure. And on top of that we see other seamstresses with different bodies look lovely in their makes (in their posed photos, not while they’re sitting at their desks). I think you’re too close to the project right now, some time apart will hopefully add clarity. I’ve also made this dress. I add 1" length above the bust darts, and I’m not keen on the way the casing is done either. I do get lots of compliments on it every time I wear it, though. I hope you can become friends with yours. It looks lovely. My first thought when I saw yours was that it’s a really nice basic that you could layer under a blazer for work, or add a belt and flats for a casual dress, or nice shoes and a handbag if you need a fancy daytime outfit. I hope you find a way to make it work for your lifestyle.

[@linvin18]

Why not wear a white half slip?

[@janicecalouro9497]

You need a belt to class it up