Hi girls
Sorry if this posts twice - I sent it but it's not in my sent box, nor in my outbox. Having serious probs with the Wanadoo server today, don't know if that's it.
Anyway, it was just a whoop of joy to say that my mate Rachel came for her fitting, and the sample dress (made from my old duvet cover) went on like a glove, thanks to PMB. There are a few minor tweaks, but far fewer than I was expecting. I redrafted the neck in Pattern Editor and I made it a shade too big, there is a little to take in from the sideseam up by the armscye (where I also got excess in Click and Sew, using my measurements, so I will query it), and she needs a tiny bust dart on one side where she has one bosom smaller than the other (which I will need to match up), but overall it's fabulous.
She said it was so comfy it was like a nightie, and she couldn't believe how unrestrained she felt in it. The armholes are bang on, the waist is perfect, the waist darts for both bodice and skirt are perfect.
I can't imagine how much time PMB has saved me, fitting her 34EE bustline on an Empire-waisted dress. I didn't build a sloper first, but decided to go straight for a toile in the main design, because of her wanting this raised waist with waist darts. The toile is so pretty that she quite fancies it as a proper frock.
So many thanks, once again, Melinda and Olwyn Mary...
I will now feel much more confident about tackling the actual fabric - a gorgeous blue batik.
:)) Trish