Ladies Wrap #0400

This is the first pattern I received from VPLL. ("Vintage Pattern Lending Library".)  If you did not read my first post, and you do not know about this great project, you can read all about VPLL and the Titanic Project here.
 This pattern has 3 layers, a top lace or net layer, a second layer to show underneath the lace or net, and a third layer for the lining.  I wanted it to look sort of like the pattern picture, but I really didn't want to spend the time to either embroider or bead the net layer.  I decided to cheat.  I know it is not period authentic, but just bear with me.  I decided to use (Gasp!) glitter.  I originally wanted to just use black t-shirt paint with the glitter already in it, but I couldn't find any I liked.  Quite frankly it would have been a whole lot neater than what I decided to do, which was use a glue for gluing down glitter made for fabric, and loose black glitter.  (However, thinking about it, I bet you could just mix the fabric glitter into some fabric paint and it would work just fine.)  Glitter everywhere.  Yes, I know I'm insane.  But it looks a whole lot better, and I think it simulates the beading closer than the other would have.  They ask you to make a muslin for your pattern, (Which is a test of the pattern first done in muslin or a cheap fabric.) however this pattern was fairly simple, and reading all of the comments made by the other test sewers, I decided to just go ahead and make it.

     At first, I wanted to use this beautiful black satin that I had gotten at a thrift store that has silver on the opposite side and just use 2 layers instead of 3.  I really tried to make it work, but at the end it just wasn't feasible.  The seams wanted to peep out even though I tried to sew a ribbon over them (Sorry, I didn't take a picture, I just got frustrated and ripped it out.  :)  ) and it just wasn't heavy enough.  I am kind of sorry that I cut the satin already, but I am using it for the lining.  Next, I did a test piece for the net.  I am not reccomending this, but I used a net I found at my local fabric store.  It is not sturdy enough, and I am afraid that someone will give me a hug with jewelry with a sharp piece on it and will rip a big hole in the net after I get the wrap finished. :)   I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money ordering fabric off of the internet though, so I just used what was available.

I based my design on the picture that came with the pattern. This is my test piece drawn on butcher paper with the plastic side up, with the net piece taped on top. 

This is what it looks like with the glitter on it still taped to the paper.  It worked out pretty well.

This is the finished test piece.  I found a piece of pewter satin that I had forgotten I had in my stash to use for the second layer.  I think it turned out pretty well, however the net wants to stretch and subsequently retract when you are sewing, so it doesn't want to lay right.  I basted the net to the top satin layer before I sewed it to the lining so that it wouldn't slide around as much.  I sewed it together using the largest stitch my machine makes to try and help it not move, but it didn't totally work.  I also sewed it all together along the line of glitter to help keep it more together(Also with a large stitch.).  I still might take this apart to try and fix it, however I hate to take it apart too many times because of the risk of ripping the net.

This is the main back piece, basted but not sewn yet.  I had to do the glitter on it in sections because it was so large.