I'm sure you know by now the story of the extremely casual sew along between Tanit-Isis, Nettie and I. We discovered that we had all gotten the same pattern around the same time, and we were wondering how the same pattern would look on three different bodies, in three different fabrics. Take a look here and here for their beauties.
Of course I was the last to finish, and after seeing T's gorgeous full length gold gown and N's perfectly fitted wool jumper, I was all the more squeamish to show off this quilting cotton quickie. Well, to be honest, it wasn't a quickie because as it turned out, THE PATTERN WAS MISSING THE INSTRUCTIONS! I'm sure I saw them at one point, but a thorough clean up of my sewing area didn't turn up the missing sheet, so I may have imagined it.
It was pretty easy to put together even without the instructions, although I did go through my usual litany of alterations: add 4cm to middle back, lower the bust darts 1.5cm,add 5cm for the hips, shorten hem by 10cm. All that added up to a pretty good fit, except that I forgot to raise the armscye, which resulted in this:
Off came the sleeve and out came the bias binding, and a sleeveless shift was born. I've been making more than my fair share of this shape in 2012, so my aim for 2013 is to branch out a little and try some new silhouettes.
I am pretty happy with the placement of those unusual bust darts / underbust seaming combo.
I even like my weirdo huge exposed separating zipper - it was the only red zip I had in my stash and I thought what the hell.
You may be able to see where I had fisheye darts in the back that I picked out. I didn't like the placement, but now that I see photos of my rear, I can see that I need some kind of shaping back there. To be addressed very soon.
And a post wouldn't be complete without my usual outtakes.
LOVE it in red!! It looks fantastic and festive! I love the zipper detail, too. I have a ton of really long zips begging to be used this way.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think this pattern may have some kind of miracle mojo. It looks amazing on so many different body types and in every fabric imaginable!
Thanks for sewing along with me, however informally :D
I liked doing a no-pressure sew along too, because I'd never make time for any other kind! It's funny that it looks so good on so many bodies; now I understand why there are so many version of this and the reprint online. Both you and Taran have given me ideas for other versions. And I definitely have to remember to modify that arm hole so my next version has proper sleeves....
DeleteWoohoo!!!!! Love the red, too. I came very close to making mine in quilting cotton. I'm tickled that, different as our versions are, none of us did sleeves...
ReplyDeleteFunny, I did the rear darts more or less exactly as marked (well, slightly distorted from my swayback adjustment.) and they were basically perfect.
I had to add width to the back pieces, so the darts ended up a little to far to the sides on me. Totally due to my modifications, and easy enough to fix, as soon as I get around to finishing my Christmas sewing. Ooops.
DeleteGreat job on the dress. I'm a new reader of your blog and I find it very informative and entertaining :)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to know what is your favorite type of dress to make? And what was the most complex piece you've done :)
Thanks Anonymous - haha. I make way too many of these easy shift dresses. I have to branch out in the new year!
DeleteSleeves are an issue for me too! I agree you could add darts to the back for a more fitted look...but it´s a matter of taste. Overall I like the shape...will look at this miracle pattern!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it, especially since it seems to work with so many different fabrics. You could probably sew from something you already have in your stash. The only thing I would check is the depth of the arm holes, because I read two other bloggers complain about the sleeves being restrictive.
DeleteNow that I'm looking at my photos again, I have to comment on something: Holy Christmas-Dinner-Gut in that second photo! A combo of overeating and bad posture makes me look about 3 months along, but let me dispel any internet rumours about another sewing baby coming in the New Year (I'm looking at you, Casey, Liza Jane, Christine, etc.) No little sewing scientist in 2013.
ReplyDeleteAs you were. ;)
I love you in red, and I think this shade is particularly smashing. I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THE ZIPPER! It adds a ton of character to it, and it's a design choice if anyone looks at you sideways. I'm a fan of the whole thing, especially the part where you went sledding all day. PS I'm coming to visit you right now so we can go sledding together - K? K.
ReplyDeleteSorry, no more sledding for me. I hurt my arm on those icy runs, so between that and my hip that's been buggered up since I gave birth almost 4 years ago, I'm a wreck. I'm going to leave the sledding to the young'uns from now on. I'm always up for drinking and fabric shopping though ;)
DeleteHi Vicki, I love your blog. I'm sending you the Hipster Liebster award to pass along some love! See the details of the award here:
ReplyDeletehttp://madebytrisha.blogspot.com/2013/01/hipster-liebster.html