First, I just want to say thank you to all of you who left feedback via the poll on my previous post. I was so pleasantly surprised that most of you (94%) liked the mismatched stripes. I also reviewed this on Pattern Review and the response was very positive again.
But…. I…. just…. couldn’t…… Argh! My inner perfectionist just couldn’t-shouldn’t-wouldn’t rest easy. And then I saw The Material Lady’s Drape Drape 2 tunic with perfectly matched stripes and that finished my waffling on it. Begin digression: And speaking of Drape Drape patterns, I traced off the Drape Drape 2 No. 4 Asymmetrical Top pattern, graded up through the waist and hips and am really disappointed because the L/XL sizes with my changes fit my daughters. Not me. The XL size has 33″ measurement for 38″ hips. Uh… the last time I had 38″ hips I was a 16 year-old teenager with an eating disorder. I can’t imagine the endless hours of exercise I’d need to get down to that size. So, no Drape Drape clothes for me. I’ll stick with Donna Karan! End digression.
So I unpicked stretch triple stitches (Pia has the record, btw…) and made some changes. First, I deliberately off-set the stripes down the CF like a checkerboard.
And then I fixed the centre back seam and matched those stripes from the high hip to the hem. It cost me about 3cm in lost width, but I’m happier – so much more satisfied! – with the result.
Perhaps a little less interesting, but my inner nerd isn’t writhing in a striped torture chamber. 😉
Mezzo Couture 
Just beautiful! I need to look at that pattern now : ). Loving reading through your blog; its very inspirational. Thanks!
Textilegram
That dress is fabulous!
I’ve made things and changed them many times before. Sometimes the pattern, the fabric and my body just don’t agree! Wear what you’re comfortable with!
Good to know on the Drape Drape patterns- guess those will have to be made for my girls.
The stripes look great! I missed the voting but I am glad you did what made you happy!
Well the previous mis-matched stripes didn’t bother me, but you’re right–this looks so much better! Nicely done!
It is still beautiful, and if it doesn’t drive you crazy, it is worth it! It is all about you when it comes to sewing your own clothes, right? As for the sizing, when I traveled to Japan, I comforted myself by buying accessories and shoes as nothing in the clothing stores would fit. I also bought kimono fabric rolls =D
Wow! That is such a beautiful dress!
Oh! Now I feel bad.
I am nowhere near the Japanese pattern sizing but have tried to just check them against an existing pattern I know fits and ‘fiddle’ from there. It doesn’t stop me feeling like an outsized elephant but I do get to try some interesting patterns😉
Just perfect, now, your inner perfectionist can rest for a while!
10/10 for perseverance and perfection.
Oh much better! Well done you.
Oh Dear…you gotta do what you gotta do but in the end it is still a stunning garment!