The Prototype Dress

One of the most difficult things about sewing clothing is fitting the pattern to your specific body.  For example, if the pattern says it is a size 12 that does not mean it is a size 12.  And if you wear a size 12 it does not mean that this size 12 will actually fit you.  It could be too big or too small.  And too small is never good since you can't add fabric once you have cut it away.  To allow for mistakes I sometimes make a prototype out of fabric I don't really care about.  That way, if it doesn't work I don't have to worry about messing it up.  And I can see if I really want to make it out of the expensive fabric I intend to use. 

I have some fabric that I have set aside to use for just these purposes.  I began and hoped for the best.  Well, just today I finished the dress and I think I like it.  I certainly like the collar which is awesome.  I did not make the bow but would for the real deal.  I'm not sure if the rest of the dress actually fits me.  We'll see how I feel about it.  I'll wear it to church and see if anybody notices it.  I'll also take note of how comfortable it is to wear for three or more hours.  And then I'll decide if I want to make the real dress. 

Here's a close up of the fabric I used.  

And there's the collar.  Let me assure you the entire dress looks much better in real life.