Two Stitches Forward, One Stitch Back

I made big progress on my dress this weekend, right up until I reached an impasse - actually three impasses simultaneously. On the progress side, I finished tinkering with the fit, the lining (formerly the muslin) is basically sewn and the dress fabric is cut.

Lining

I'm rather happy with how I fit the back. My wildcat alteration of sewing a dart into the muslin to deal with my narrow shoulders, and then using the muslin (with dart sewn and pressed/starched flat) as the pattern piece worked beautifully, at least on the lining. The back is now fitting very well - there's no gaping at the nape/upper back, but when I raise my arms or reach forward there is also no pulling or binding. Perfect, hooray! I can't really take credit for this "eliminate the dart" method. I first saw it applied to a small-ish bust dart in Fit for Real People. It worked well.

Muslin with dart = pattern piece without dart

Where I got hung up is these three things:

• Topstitching thread - My seersucker is the classic blue and white variety, so I bought both blue and white topstitching thread last week with plans to test them this weekend. Both have mysteriously vanished into the vortex where stray socks and pen caps go. I'm convinced that I'll someday find the thread in the same Bermuda-triangle corner where my missing hair canvas went. 

• "Nylon Fusible Interfacing" - This is what Vogue prescribes to interface the bodice. The problem is that I haven't been able to find it anywhere...in the NY Garment District... or online. So, last week I finally emailed Pam at Fashion Sewing Supply. Within 24 hours I received a very helpful reply saying that nylon fusible has fallen out of favor (sheesh, Vogue needs to get with the times) and suggesting some alternatives. On a side note, not only does FSS have the best interfacings IMHO, but their customer service is top notch, and Phin just let me know that my interfacing arrived this afternoon. Thanks, Pam!

• Finally - and this is the one that kind of surprises me - I couldn't find Maxi-Lock serger thread in my usual notions stores last week. Maxi-Lock is what both Brother and the retailer where I bought my serger recommend. And since my serger is new, I haven't really bought any color thread beyond black. So, I had to order white serger thread on line, and it too has not yet arrived. Anyone have a source in NYC for Maxi-Lock? It seems odd that it eluded me. 

Anyway, lest you think I am stewing over any of this, I am not. I recently received an invitation to a shower for my very excellent friend, Magenta. It's on the 16th. So, despite not making this dress in time for one friend's wedding, I'll wear it for the first time to another friend's shower.

So, tonight I will be interfacing and getting started sewing the dress bodice. Hopefully my thread will arrive in the next day or two so seams can get finished!