So after a long week off having an operation, its panic time! I still have 4/5 garments to pattern, toile and manufacture! I CAN DO IT!

I patterned the shoulder panel by tracing around the shoulder from a kimono block to get the shape I wanted, traced off and added a 1CM SA to all edges. I then sewed around the curved shoulder edge, making triangular snips for the perfect fit. I then top stitched around the edges for a neat finish. I then placed this piece on the stand and measured to create the neck fastening, tracing it off neatly from the stand.

I repeated the manufacture process in my final fabric.

For the block dress, I traced around a standard dress block, removing the darts for a loose fit. I then lengthened the pattern by 0.5m for a midi style dress. I toiled in calico.

I then started to manufacture my garment, over locking the edges as required. It was easy to assemble, yet the neoprene fabric made things a little more difficult as there was a lot of stretch in the fabric.

The zip I found most challenging on this garment. I thought the zip would be the exact same process as the previous box top. I could not finish the zip properly as I had to insert it into an open seam, leaving the closed end slightly hidden. When top stitching the zip into place I noticed the fabric was puckering and slipping out of place, even when pinned in numerous places. I found it easier if I tightly tacked into place and I found it to be more accurate. I learnt from this mistake and improved on my next garment.

So there we go, 2/5 garments complete only 3 to go!