Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Impressions


This was one of those projects that kept me guessing.


I received the pattern from an incredibly generous lady named Vivian earlier this year.  We met at a Britex event, and she mentioned that she had a stash of vintage patterns she thought I might like . . . would I!?!  This Spadea design was one of my favorites, but there was nothing suitable in my fabric stash, so it was put away.


But last week during a quick trip to JoAnn Fabrics, in a last minute effort to stock the sewing room with everything I would need for a sewing-filled holiday, I fell in love with this fabric and decided I could handle the 2% spandex mixed in with the woven cotton because I simply could not miss out on the color and impressionistic style of the print.  And it was just perfect for the Spadea pattern that kept popping into my head.


I was so excited, I threw the yardage in the wash as soon as I got home, followed by the dryer so I could cut right into it.


And then I started to doubt my choice of pattern and/or fabric.


It looked like a muumuu.  Not good.


Oh, the difference a belt and a petticoat can make!  I agree with the pattern illustration . . . a dress like this needs a wide belt, which meant that I did not have a suitable buckle option on hand.  And I desperately wanted to finish at least one project over the weekend.  So the only thing to do was make my own using the same technique I came up with for last year’s gala gown.


And I convinced myself to continue with the dress.  If I ended up hating it, I could always salvage the oversized pieces for something else.


In fact, there was just enough leftovers to make a straight skirt from this pattern, so that is also in the works (it was a rather successful few days of vacation on the sewing front!).


And in the end, I love my new dress!  Thank you, Vivian, for the lovely addition to my stash of vintage goodies!!



Dress:  Made by me, Lachasse of London for Spadea NS-203
Belt:  Made by me
Petticoat:  Made by me, Butterick 4792
Shoes:  Vince Camuto

15 comments:

  1. It's a very nice dress! Indeed... What about the difference made by a belt and a petticoat.
    I'm always a bit apprehensive about styles like this. It seems like they look great when you put everything on just right but activities like lifting your arms would pull the dress up through the belt and make quite a big change to the silhouette.
    That said, I only tried it once and that design had a fairly fitted shoulder...

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    1. I had the same thought about all the bulk shifting throughout the day, but this dress was surprisingly comfortable to wear and everything stayed put. It might have something to do with the fabric, but I am now more interested in other similar vintage styles . . . just hope they turn out as well!

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  2. It looks lovely, and the belt totally makes the shape. I bet it's comfortable as well. Happy new year.

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  3. Without the belt and petticoat it looks like a gigantic nightgown - perhaps it can double as that? ;) The fabric is lovely and you look - of course - great in it!

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    1. Ha-ha! It does look like a nightgown! I was thinking more of a muumuu or housecoat, but there is definitely a nightgown vibe with out the belt.

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  4. Such a gorgeous dress! And you look fantastic in it, too. I'm totally in love with the print; I can see why it caught your eye!

    Happy New Year!

    Jenny

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  5. This is a lovely dress! I have several vintage patterns and need to give them a try as yours always look lovely!

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  6. As always, you pull it together, and pull it off, beautifully.

    Between the sweater and this dress, are we seeing a bishop-sleeve trend heading into 2015? Hmmmmm??

    Happy New Year Laura Mae!!!

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  7. so pretty, love the color on you. and your shoes are perfect :) Happy New Year !

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  8. The dress is beautiful and I love the fabric choice. Thanks for the shoutout 😀

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  9. Beautiful! I love the volume, it looks so luxurious!

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  10. That is such an utterly gorgeous dress! I love the volume on both the top and the bottom halves. I find such, when belted or sashed in the middle, to be very becoming, and think you're rocking this style something fierce! Beautiful choice of fabric, too, may I add.

    Wishing you a truly awesome, happy, healthy, fun filled 2015!
    ♥ Jessica

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  11. I love this dress. You look like a walking Monet.

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  12. This is lovely, I really like the shape and style. You are so right about the difference a belt makes!

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  13. Belts can add so much to vintage cloths and in fact, I think that many dressed practically cry out for a finished look using with an accessorized such as a belt. I agree with everyone else that the fabric is awesome.

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