Today I spent the afternoon sipping champagne, drinking coffee and eating lots of yummy things. It was SewcieTea!! And it was fabulous. Thanks the Melanie, aka Seamstress Poppykettle, for organising.
I had planned to purchase a new pair of nude pumps to complete this outfit but considering I am supposed to be wearing sneakers due to my broken foot, ballet flats was a good compromise.
I did manage to finish my dress. With 2 whole days spare! I made Vogue 8787 again in a wool blend floral print I picked up at the August Sewing Meet Up at Tessuti. I made the cowl version this time with the capped sleeves again. The first version of this dress was not a success. The black ponti knit was too thick for the style and I made it too big. I went down a size in the bodice but kept the same size in the skirt and waistband. Love the dress but do NOT like the sleeves. I cannot move my arms in this dress and had to drive to SewcieTea with my dress fully unzipped.
I will make this pattern again, without the sleeves, in a red wool crepe from the Alannah Hill outlet. I love the cowl neck and classic style of the dress.
I took a few photos of the dress on Florence as I really gain a lot from studying photos of dresses on the internet. Amanda's Adventures in Dressmaking in particular is a great resource.
Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8787, view D, size 16-18
Fabric: Wool blend floral remnant from Tessuti Melbourne & goldliner lining from Clegs
Alterations: Size 16 bodice graded to a size 18 waistband and skirt in addition to a swayback adjustment (2cm above and below the waistband)
I couldn't find the right shade of green for the lining and had to settle for an olive green instead of a bottle green. A minor detail, but it drives me nuts!
I didn't follow the instructions for finishing the armholes. The instructions have you stay stitch the armholes, then clip and turn in before hand stitching. I find this method tedious and not very durable. I opted to finish the armholes with bias binding instead.
The fabric is lovely and not something I would normally wear so I thought it would be a good occasion to use it. A high tea surrounded by lovely people who talk in pattern numbers was the perfect occasion!
A few happy snaps from SewcieTea.
My friend Siobhan & I |
Lara (Thornberry), Anna (Blogless Anna), Rachel (Boo Dogg & Me) & I |
The gorgeous spread at The Gables |
L x
I didn't know you couldn't lift your arms! It's gorgeous anyway :)
ReplyDeleteIt was (and still is) a gorgeous dress! Love the shots of the insides :) Poo about the sleeves but. Thanks for coming - such fun!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that you couldn't lift your arms either! I loved the look of those sleeves! Suffering for beauty....
ReplyDeleteYou all had such a great time! What a creations! Your dress is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, Leith! Sorry you can't move your arms. :( I've made long sleeved dresses with that problem before. You definitely have the fit ironed out. The sleeveless one will be perfect!
ReplyDeleteOMG Leith I just bought V1027 cause I fall in love with your dress. Now I have to go and get this pattern cause I am in love with this one too!!!... The fabric and the pattern are simply gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteand to top it all I am green of envy (in a good way) of what a great group you guys are getting together and sharing face to face.... that is simply priceless.
ReplyDeleteLeith you've done a great job - your dress looks so well made and fits beautifully too. Thanks for the tip on the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning - that fabric is divine. And I will always remember having to unzip you so you could drive!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome dress, Love the fabric & can't wait to see in the Alannah Hill red, sleeveless ;) Am fabulously jealous of everyone's wonderful day and hop to meet you all soon.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is lovely and even better in person! Great to meet you in the weekend and I look forward to seeing the red moveable arm version of the dress :)
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks fabulous on you, and I love the fabric. It's a perfect choice for the pattern. It's a shame about the sleeves. Can you take them out and make it sleeveless?
ReplyDelete