“How many times do I have to try on these bodices?” Someone’s whining…

Ten Ping thought it would be fun to be the model again and show you her new dress… She didn’t know I needed to draft a new pattern for her to have a sleeveless dress that fit right in the armholes… The pattern I have is one I use for a dress with sleeves, but when the dress is made sleeveless, it creates a big ugly hole around her armhole. I was determined before I did another dress for her, that I would draft a pattern that would work… It took longer than I thought, (but next time it will go faster…)

The first one had to be made to see where the problems and gaps were… Not a pretty sight…

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I made a few adjustments on my pattern and this time I got the armholes too tight. Her hands barely fit through the armholes. It also caused a slight ripple just under her armhole, so that wouldn’t work…

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I thought I got it right this next time, but as you can see it’s too wide… it sort of looks like a kite on her… and there’s that gaping hole around her arm again.

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Finally, on the 4th try I got it “just right!” No gaps, no puckers, no pulls, not too tight to fit over her hands… perfect!

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It’s a good thing, because Ten Ping was getting tired of trying on bodices…

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…and I was getting tired of making them! We’re both happy now… :o)

Stay tuned for the rest of the dress…

See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne

16 thoughts on ““How many times do I have to try on these bodices?” Someone’s whining…”

  1. Jeanne, you did it, and no wonder,— you don’t give up! I’m not sure I would last for 4 different tries, but then again, I’m not Jeanne Marie! I didn’t post yesterday, just a full day of activities and the weather was so perfect–although windy– for being outside. Ten Ping is going to have a darling, well fitted dress in a day or two! I can’t wait to see it!

    1. HI Linda,
      I don’t like gaping armholes and need to do this with every single pattern for every single doll I own… Now I have a good working pattern for when I need it.
      It WAS a beautiful day yesterday and I don’t blame you for working outside. I worked inside on a lunch after church… I was so tired when I got home at 3:30…
      Actually this morning I slept in till 10:15…yikes!
      Thanks Linda,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  2. As I clicked on your tile on the tahlet, I wondered what your blog would be about today. Well, it is Ten Ping and a new dress.

    1. HI Jan,
      Yes, Ten Ping will be in the “spotlight” till she gets her new dress finished…
      Thanks for “tuning” in….
      Blessings, Jeanne

  3. Ten Ping is so expressive. She is going to love this beautifully fitted new spring dress, and the hat does fit perfectly. I’m looking forward to a new pair of Ten Ping sized shoes as well. You have that pattern down completely.
    You haven’t let us know how your foot is. I’m sure it gets better and better, but it would be nice to have it really back to normal.

    1. HI Marilyn,
      By the time I got the final bodice done, Ten Ping was barely smiling, but she was really happy that the skirt was going to be added next. I haven’t checked but I hope I have some hot pink Ultrasuede fabric that goes with this…
      My foot is better, but not 100%. It still feels sort of weak when I move it certain ways… I guess it just takes a lot of time…
      Thanks Marilyn,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  4. I admire your endurance, Jeanne, to get the draft just right. Both you and Ten Ping have much patience.

    The fabrics you used for the drafts are very pretty too.

    Take care.

    1. HI Becky,
      Well, let me tell you, I’m just glad there didn’t have to be a 5th bodice made… We both were getting tired of it all…
      I was hoping the drafts would have turned out better and I could have finished one of them for a prototype but they didn’t… oh well…
      Thanks Becky,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  5. Happy Leap Day! Ten Ping’s dress is going to be so cute, I also like the fabric on the first bodice for Ten Ping.

    1. Hi Regina and Happy Leap Day to you too!
      Thanks for your kind thoughts on Ten Ping’s dress. Eventually it will be a completed dress and not just a bodice…
      Blessings, Jeanne

  6. So, it looks like your pattern has no top shoulder seam? That would certainly reduce the bulk on such a small shoulder. The pink/black/white fabric really looks wonderful on TP. Wish I had your tenacity.

    1. Hi Joy,
      You are right.. no shoulder seam… I can’t imagine having to deal with a tiny little seam up there. It’s much easier to lap the pieces over one another and cut them out in one piece. It also helps with the lining being pulled through the tiny shoulder seam…
      Thanks Joy,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  7. Jeanne, that’s what sets you apart in the sewing world. You strive for the correct fitting and your sewing is so perfect. It is why I want your outfits for my dolls.
    Can’t wait to see Ten Ping’s little outfit.
    Have a great Monday.

    1. Thank you Paula,
      I think my days of sewing for 4H helped me see that there’s no need to make things fit just so so… you need to try to achieve the absolute best fit you can… I guess old tricks are hard to break. I still sometimes make something and look and it and wonder if it would pass a 4H judges scrutiny!
      Thanks Paula,
      I hope you have a great Monday too… I plan on it!
      Blessings, Jeanne

  8. “Miss Patience Perfect” should be your name!! Yes you did get it perfect!
    Can’t wait to see the rest!

    1. Thank you Kathie,
      I am so glad it worked on the 4th try…we both were getting tired of the process…
      Thanks for the compliments…
      I did order the Twin Pines stuff called Remove-Zit and mailed it to the lady… I hope and pray it works…
      Thanks for asking,
      Blessings, Jeanne

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