Finishing garment construction

Yesterday, with the help of Fiona, I managed to finish the construction of my final outcome, my apron dress. Originally I had planned to make a toile from calico first, to give me the opportunity to experiment with placement of my print and embroidery, and then make up my final outcome after I had made those decisions. But due to time constraints and the fact that I have chosen to make my final outcome out of undyed calico anyway, we made the decision to make the toile the final garment. Luckily I had been very neat with my cutting and sewing anyway so it was just a case of overlocking the raw edges before I finished sewing it all together.

I forgot to take a photo of it on the mannequin, but this was me laying out on the table so I could get a better idea of how to draw it as a flat so I could decide of the design placement of my print and embroidery.

Pocket placement

I've decided that since my apron dress is supposed to be a practical garment, it's important for it to have pockets, and decent sized ones at that to fit all the garden paraphernalia you need to carry around with you.

Fiona suggested that I cut out some different shapes and pin them on to my garment so I can visualise the correct height to place them, so they are comfortable and practical to use, and also what they might look like aesthetically. The pocket above would be hidden and sewn into the side seams of the dress. It is deep so things will not fall out when you are working.

The design above is a large patch pocket that would be on either side of the dress. I would need to take it into consideration when finalising the placement of my print and embroidery on the dress.

In the end I have decided to go for one hidden pocket that runs under the front of the dress like a muff or hand warmer. It is joined to the side seams on each side and is accessible from either opening so you don't have to remember which side you put your plant labels of string in! The pocket will be hidden under the pleating in the front of the dress.

Taking Shape

With the help of Fiona, our tutor who specialises in garment construction, my apron dress is starting to take shape. My toile (dressmakers test garment) is cut and this is what it looks like pinned to the mannequin.

It needs to be overlocked and sewn together, but I am really happy with the outcome. I have researched other apron dresses and utility style garments that are currently available to order on the internet. So my aim was to incorporate some the details that I seen and liked, whilst still creating my own original design.

Some of the designers that particularly influenced me were Old Town Clothing and Pip-Squeak Chapeau. I wanted the front of the dress to look like a traditional apron, but the wrap around back will enable to wear the dress on its own as well as over the top of there own clothes as an overall.

I have made the ties long so the wearer has a choice of tying in a long bow at the front for a traditional look, or wrapping around them twice and tying a knot for a modern practical look.