3 hours worth of step by step

First we looked at our pattern and found the pieces we would need to cut out for Bodice A with open back D! In this case pieces 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15

Then we found those pieces on the sheet and cut them out! Notice how there are 3 similarly shaped pieces in the middle? Well they each measure a different size. When I was at the store the lady cutting my fabric recommended a 6 for me. I told her I was more like a 4.... But then when I measured myself it turned out to be I was more like a 12!!! I'm not kidding. Nancy and I were both really confused! But a 4 had a 22inch waist.. that's literally the size of my thigh... and It's not like I have huge legs! So we figured we best just go with the 12 sizings because it's easier to take it in then let it out! So we cut out all the pieces that were for the 12 size! 

BIG LEARNING MOMENT. ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF!!!!!!! 

Then we folded the Fabric as the directions told us. That way when we cut the patterns, we'd either have a single, double, or a cut at the fold that made the sides symmetrical! 

Like here! Also see the arrow on the #9? That is to make sure the pattern is being lied down horizontally with the fabric. Also this is before we put pins in.. normally there would be pins holding down the pattern outlines before cutting the fabric. 

Once all the pieces were cut out we began to sew! and add the little details. Nancy was really good about helping me through the pattern steps, but then letting me sew all by myself. She kept leaving the room to go check on dinner and that was at times a little nerve wracking! I kept wanting to make sure I was doing it right before continuing on. I'm glad though because it definitely got me out of my comfort zone. She came back the one time and I had even pinned down the next part without her guiding me! AND IT WAS RIGHT! so that was rewarding for sure!

Front piece cut

ME! sewing, obviously! Nancy's sewing machine is soooooo much better then the ones I used at my class! It just glides along so effortlessly! the other machines would tug at the fabric and it was hard to keep them going straight! 

Her foot pump also works so much better then the old singer ones at Sew Green! I just felt like I could control it much more, whereas the other ones were either dreadfully slow, or way to fast and threatening! For some reason I thought I would like the older ones better, but Nancy's is way nicer. I forget what kind but I'll ask her and do some research to see what has changed! 

Front with stitched folds to give the bust some shape! 

Back with straps! 

The straps were on backwards at first! we had to rip the stitches out.. which is so tedious!! and then flip them around and sew them on correctly! but I bet you cant even tell :) and it was a good learning experience anyways!

the 12 fits!!!! 

The back! The edges of the shoulders still need to be trimmed and of course the skirt still needs to be attatched but its something!! It's wearable! And it only took 3 hours!!! I'm not kidding... I was working on it with nancy from 2-5! And then we got to eat her yummy lasagna! and rum cake for dessert! I'm home now after the long drive from tburg to brooktondale! I've already modeled it around my house and posted it to social media! I'm already proud of it!! And I sewed the entire thing!! Not to say I could have done the sewing without Nancy's help, but it feels good to know I can make something thats wearable! When I go back to make the skirt part and attach it I want to try reading more of the instructions and interpreting how the patterns go together! Overall I'm really proud of myself and the work I've put in this week! I think Drew is going to be really surprised too!