I had a feeling-sorry-for-myself post lined up about a sewing wall that I hit a few months ago. It started with my attempt at making the skirt of doom, followed by the top of torment. But I no longer want to hit 'publish' on that sad episode of my sewing learning curve. I try and keep the blog a positive space.
So, here I am, back from the sewing pit of despair with the successful tale of a pink dress!
I really love all the pink that's been on trend this year, and wanted to incorporate some more into my wardrobe. I also like the ruffle sleeve trend, so decided to make a dress incorporating both pink and ruffles - with a vintage air, of course.
I used my 'Coco' pattern from Tilly and the Buttons as my base, which is fairly '60s in style. Last time I used the pattern I made a top, but the pattern includes a dress version too. I omitted the funnel neck, and then had to work out how to make ruffle sleeves.
The fabric I chose was a pink double-knit jersey, from a trip to a local store (which sadly closed down last week, I'm most upset about it). The pink fabric was half price due to a few flaws, but on getting it home there was only one small visible flaw so I managed to cut the pieces out avoiding it completely.
Because it's a heavier weight fabric, I knew gathered ruffle sleeves would be bulky (see the Crafty Pinup for a great tutorial on doing gathered ruffle sleeves, great minds think alike!). So, I went back to the maths I'd used to make my circle skirt, and drafted the pattern pieces, using two half circles stitched together. It worked!
It came together fairly well. Since I made the dress I have seen many similar versions in the shops. You might have seen this one in Marks and Spencer?
Cost: I really can't remember how much the fabric was, maybe £8 a metre, and I used about 1.5-2 metres. I already had the pattern and matching thread.
On the quest to not fall off the sewing horse, I've also hemmed some kitchen curtains, made thermal curtain linings for our bedroom window, and a peg bag, so all of these little successes mean I don't weep at the sight of my sewing machine anymore.
My next sewing update will show you a slashneck top I made, based on the popular Vivien of Holloway ones. It was so good, I made two....
This is a very cool make! This dress looks awesome on you, I love it when you wear interesting sleeves :D I'm so impressed by how your efforts are coming along - there were bound to be some hiccups along the way, right?? xx
ReplyDeleteThis was a bit of a smooth-sailing project, a welcome relief after a few disaster projects that didn't result in anything wearable!! The sleeves took a bit of fiddling and a lot of maths, but honestly this was a pretty simple dress to make, especially as I'd already used the Coco pattern for the top. None of it is 'easy' though, I have to really concentrate with sewing!! xx
DeleteAbsolutely inspired. You are very clever - technically AND creatively, because it;s a fabulous look! Kx
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, it all just seemed to come together really well. x
DeleteThis is fantastic, I love it! It looks so good on you and is sooooo 1960s. Lots of clapping of hands! And, I actually much prefer yours to the M&S one. I'm so glad you didn't give up on it all. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Cate, I'm pleased that it turned out okay after the mini series of other disasters. Sewing is so hard - you make it look so easy!! xx
DeleteWhat a triumph! That dress looks utterly fabulous on, the colour is spectacular and it's miles better than the M&S one which is an odd length.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. You're right, even if it's mending a hem keep your hand in. xxx
It's all practice, right? I have already worn it a few times, it's a keeper!!
DeleteThat dress is a total success! I love the colour and the ruffle sleeves are a great touch. Like Cate, I much prefer yours to the M&S one! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's a nice compliment! X
DeleteWhat a lovely dress! I really like the sleeve ruffles.
ReplyDeleteMistakes can always be made, no matter how far along you are. Personally, I still can't believe I made a Victorian dress and cape, but had such a palaver with a pair of bloomers!
Wow, sounds like you created an amazing historical costume!
DeleteYou look so cute! Hurrah for success after doom and torment! And well done on thinking of those lovely flounces because you'd made a circle skirt. :-)
ReplyDeleteDee
Thanks Dee! I was a bit daunted by all the maths again but it paid off!! X
DeleteYou look so cute! Hurrah for success after doom and torment! And well done on thinking of those lovely flounces because you'd made a circle skirt!
ReplyDeleteDee
I'm so impressed! I love the sleeves. Excellent job and choice in fabric and colour.
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne, I thought it was quite a '60s pink so glad the style worked with the fabric! X
DeleteI love your dress!! It is so 60's and it also looks like (judging from the photographic evidence above) it is great for dancing ;) It is so satisfying to finish something, after the failed projects, isn't it? (I love your descriptions: the skirt of doom, and top of torment!)
ReplyDeleteAlso- that's too bad about that factory and fabric store closing down :( At least you were able to get this fabric before then.
Ha, yes, the sleeves add drama to dance moves!! The top of torment will never be finished, but the skirt of doom may yet be salvaged... x
DeleteThat looks really fantastic - and I say that as someone who touches neither pink nor ruffles. You make pink ruffles look grown-up. I prefer your sleeves to the M&S one; yours drape more elegantly.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mim! I think the hot pink instantly looks more grown up than the lighter pink shades, I did think carefully about what kind of pink I wanted! X
DeleteYou did a great job. I love that color.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Thank you Marilyn! X
DeleteI adore this dress! And those sleeves! To die for!
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey
nice
ReplyDeleteThis is really fabulous, and it's very impressive that you are making your own adaptations to patterns so early in your sewing career!
ReplyDeleteI am determined not to be scared of adaptations, so wanted to plunge right in with those. It's probably the best way to get exactly what you want without having to draft something completely from scratch. x
DeleteWow, this looks so amazing!!! Well done and it's so very you! I love your choice of fabric and those are some beautiful sleeves! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Kayla, I'm pleased with the result, the fabric couldn't have been better for the style. x
DeleteYour dress turned out great! Good for you for persevering. I think the first year or two of serious sewing is the hardest---then you have experience and muscle memory to rely on, and it gets easier. It sounds like you went from frustration to being on a good sewing streak!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You're probably right that it will get easier after a while, but I am definitely anticipating a few more hiccups along the way - all good practice, I keep saying! x
DeleteSo trendy, with your pink and your ruffles! I'm really digging this, actually. I love you in 60s and 70s inspired styles, so of course I think you look fabulous. Great job!
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