Tell me why, no matter which hair stylist does my hair or what I say I want, I get the same very short in the back, long in the front cut? I asked for a shoulder-length bob. They gave me a reverse mullet. I had just finished growing out a slightly better version of the same cut. It was disappointing since I have grown it out three or four times already.
In any case, I managed to make my first wrap dress and work my way through to being all zen about hating my hair cut. Sewing is good like that. Here it is. Simplicity 0269. (It is also listed under Simplicity 1653, but it is the same dress)
I chose a black two-way stretch knit fabric.
 |
| Simplicity 0269 pattern envelope |
I thought the instructions were a bit confusing. Maybe I am too used to sewing retro/vintage patterns and didn't have the knack for modern ones. They lost me when they explained the underarm sewing. It looked like they were going to put in a gusset, but then... no... then... who knows. Eventually, I just ignored the instructions and sewed.
There are pleats at the tie on the wrap on front. I put binding around the edges. This is the only part of the dress I like.
This is the view from the side. Kind of shapeless in the front.
Here I am in the dress. It looks worse in person. I feel like I am wearing a square sack. Even though it is not flattering at all, I still couldn't entirely ignore my vanity and I chose the best photos I could so that made it and me look better than reality. I couldn't stop myself.
I manage a smile here. Maybe because I know that I will be donating the dress to Goodwill and never have to put it on again.
I have had the same problem with hairdressers, now I find a picture of the style I like and show them. So far so good.
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks good in the pictures, pity you are unhappy with it after all that work, but I look at it as part of the learning process.
Totally... I had never really sewn with knits and I did learn that if your blade isn't sharp on your serger, you will want to throw it and the fabric through the window. If you change the blade, things go better. I need to bring in a photo next time and stick to my guns. I let him "make it look good". Holy miscommunication.
DeleteYou did a very nice job sewing this dress. If I were you, I would put it to the back of the closet for a while. You may find it looks better when you are happier with your haircut! Worst case you can keep it for ultra conservative occasions...maybe like church, funeral visits, or some types of job interviews.
ReplyDeleteI would totally wear it to a funeral. If I wore it to a funeral of a person I didn't care for, it would make looking unhappy easier to fake.
DeleteIt is funny how we don't see ourselves as others do !
ReplyDeleteI do understand that one has to feel comfortable when wearing a garment but I think you look smashing. I don't think it looks shapeless at all, but looks soft and modern. Now I have to comment on your hair. I realize it is not what you pictured and I don't know your personality, but from an outsider it suits your face shape beautifully. I think if it was longer it would drag your face down as you have delicate features. I think you look fresh and lively.
That is so nice of you. I admit to picking only flattering photos even when trying to show things don't look good. Vanity wouldn't let me post horrible photos. What a sickness.
DeleteThanks about the hair... the back is so short, but it MUST be the right cut for me if everyone has insisted on giving it to me for the past 15 years, right?
I like the binding idea - lifts the wrap part of the dress. This dress looks fine on you - a pop of colour around the neck may be what you are looking for with it. Don't donate it just yet, wait awhile and try wearing the dress a gain...J
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point... maybe a scarf? Or were you thinking something sewn in?
DeleteGreat looking dress. I understand about the hair thing, showing a photo of what I want has helped. I think your hair looks good though!
ReplyDeleteThanks... I think I just need to not be so attached to what I thought I wanted. It isn't an inherently bad cut. Thanks so much. Your comment made me feel better. :)
DeleteLovely dress! It looks comfortable and easy to wear but elegant too. Your hair looks great too - but I know what you mean about hairdressers...I've actually left a place in tears of frustration because the stylist said my hair was too fine to try anything different!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I didn't leave in tears. I thought I was able to fake enthusiasm I didn't feel really because we have a mutual friend. It turns out am NOT a good actress, apparently. I have fine/thin hair, too. Ugh!
DeleteBy the way, I love the pattern for the party dress you posted on your site! I have it on my list of things to sew!
I think the dress looks fine and agree that it just needs a pop of color. Maybe a necklace or a scarf would do the trick. Love the binding. I also know exactly what you mean about the haircut. No matter how emphatically I say I don't want it shorter in back than on the sides, they still cut it that way. Then the next time I tell them I have been unhappy with the shorter in back cut, they tell me it is not shorter in back. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI think it is just the wrong fabric for the dress. Too think and not drapey enough. It took a year, but my hair is now grown out and I just got the cut I had originally wanted. Maybe you will have the same luck the next place you ask for a haircut. It could happen!
DeleteI love your frankness. I seem to have the same issues as you with this pattern. It should have been a perfect fit...if I could have guessed how much the fabric was going to stretch. The instructions seemed a bit backwards at times so I, too, gave up on them and started sewing. My dress will be given away as it turned out quite large in the end.
ReplyDelete