Quite a bit of sewing and posting to catch up on here ...... again. The light for taking pictures is generally just too dull, so I've been waiting for good light ... and it hasn't made much difference!
This is the dress I sewed for my daughter for Christmas. The fabric is from two old dresses, but It ended up being more work than I expected, possibly because of the 'drapiness' of the fabric.
I had Pinned this dress pattern because I loved the style, so when I saw it on eBay, I (obviously) couldn't resist! I sewed the bodice exactly as in the pattern, and avoided facings by adding a lining of cotton voile instead.
However, the skirt is sewn differently. Instead of adding a side zipper, I changed the pattern by turning it into a wrap dress.
The dress fabric is a silk velvet and was worn as bridesmaids dresses for my wedding .... a while ago! I used one dress and just about had enough for the remake, except the sleeves needed to be cut in two pieces to fit the fabric available.
When originally worn, the fabric was quite dark (winter wedding) so I changed the direction of the nap, basically turned the dress upside down, and now the colours are much stronger.
The collar and cuff fabric is from an old maternity dress of mine.
Though the dress looks ok, the fabric would have been more suited to a less detailed pattern. There is also lining and tulle added to the skirt to give it some badly needed 'poofiness' and it needed to be worn with a separate petticoat to give it some extra lift. It was almost a zero cost dress, as I didn't have to specifically buy anything for it.
It was given the thumbs-up by my daughter which, as always, is what matters most!
Pin It Now!
Yes! If the "client" is happy then it is a win!
ReplyDeleteI hope you all had a merry Christmas and have a Happy 2013!
Thanks Karin :-) we're all still enjoying the holidays here. Many happy returns to you! x Angela
ReplyDeletethat is amazing! What a beautiful dress.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy! I need to sew it again in a more suitable fabric though.
Deletedid you use a pattern if so I would love to know what it is. love love the dress.
ReplyDeleteHello Jocelyne, thanks for dropping by. I used the pattern pictured above - Advance 5578, which is out of print. If I come across a similar pattern, I'll let you know.
DeleteI love that the dress was made from a bridesmaid dress worn at your wedding.:) It's darling!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy. I've been wanting to use the fabric for ages, though I probably could have picked a more suitable pattern! There is another dress however .......!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely dress, perfect as a Christmas dress. How wonderful that your history is imbedded in your daughter's dress. Using one of your brides maid dresses and a maternity dress make this a very extra special vintage dress.
ReplyDeleteYou have my vote on PR,
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ReplyDeleteHello Susan, thank you so much for your lovely comment, and for dropping by to let me know you voted :-)
Delete(I hope you don't mind - I deleted your duplicate comment.)