Friday, March 27, 2015

Print Obsessed


As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew I wanted to add it to my collection.  


Of course, the weather was still a bit cold for a summer dress.  So I planned to make a modified version using the bodice pieces and some wool yardage.  Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately!) the weather turned, and all I had accomplished was a mock up of the bodice.  So there was a change of plans.


This pattern is drafted with multiple views - one is an off-the-shoulder design and the second includes sleeves and a yoke, but the bodice pieces remain the same.  The thing is, a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress bodice should be treated differently than one with sleeves that hang from the shoulders.


I ended up using the sleeves from the yoked version, and eliminated the yoke pieces.  A covered length of elastic keeps the sleeves in place.  The strapless version includes instruction for  ¼” elastic, but I substituted ¾” elastic and ended up shortening the elastic guide provided by approximately 1.5”.


I also added a few pieces of boning.  I suppose I could have fused some interfacing to all of the bodice pieces (this is mentioned in the directions), but that would make the dress rather stiff.  Instead, the boning keeps the back bodice from collapsing.  The neckline was also stayed with a length of seam binding.


A waist stay was added to the waistline.  And I just realized I am going to have to add a couple of ribbon hangers before I can call this dress finished!  But I am so, so close!


11 comments:

  1. How wonderfully gorgeous! I love poppy print fabric a great deal and feel that that in general poppies are a bloom that we need to see more of in the fashion and accessories world.

    ♥ Jessica

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  2. What a beautiful, summery dress! I too have a thing for poppies. I don't know why, but they make me feel nostalgic :)

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  3. This is so beautifully made! I'm always in awe when I see the insides of your pieces. They're so perfect and professional! Thank you for sharing, you're a great inspiration.

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  4. You did such a great job & I too enjoy seeing & hearing about the insides as well. What did you use for a waist stay & what the purpose ? Pardon my ignorance .
    Great job

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  5. Poppies...poppies...poppies...

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  6. It's beautiful, Laura Mae, and so deliciously feminine. I love that poppy print.

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  7. that fabric is to die for. love it

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  8. I can't wait to see you in it, it's SO you. I really like the black version with the animal print, very tempted...

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  9. Simply lovely! I look forward to seeing it on you. :o)

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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