Do I look smug? I can't believe how quickly this dress sewed up. When I was was cutting it out on the last day of February I didn't think I had a prayer of getting it done in a reasonable time frame, but once I got it going, it practically sewed itself.
The pattern I used is New Look 6000, and I chose the view with the side pleats. I really love that collar, but since I was trying for a quick finish, I went for simple. For the sleeve, I lengthened the elbow length sleeve to a bracelet length and slimmed it a bit. As far as size goes, I honestly couldn't tell you what all I did. I started with the size 14, since the measurements on the pattern seemed logical for a fitted sheath on me, but I ended up taking it in quite a bit as I made it, so I think I ended up somewhere between a 10 and a 12. I did cut the shoulders at a 12 and took in the back neckline, as New Look patterns always gape at the back neck on me.
Speaking of the neckline, here it is up close. I was concerned that the neckline would be too wide, so I sewed the facings on with a 3/8 seam allowance to raise the neckline a tad. It worked well, and the neckline is still low enough in front that it doesn't choke me.
The feature of the dress that makes it unique is the pleats on the side. They look complex, but they were surprisingly easy to make. The fabric I chose (a poly moleskin from FabricMart) had a good amount of body to support the pleats well, but I think made it a bit too poofy in front. Fabric choice is really key, I think with this dress. Too much drape and I think the pleats may sag, but too much body and...
Well, not my most flattering look then, is it?You can see the pleats aren't doing me any favors from the side.
On the plus side, the fit in the back is pretty awesome. Between the back darts and the center back seam, there are plenty of opportunities to refine the fit if needed, but it is drafted really well back there, at least for me.
From the front though, it is a really nice look, and the dress itself is very comfortable. I wore it on Saturday and the pouchy tummy didn't bother me, so I suspect that I will actually wear this often. I love that it hits the graphic black and white trend, which I like the look of but never seem to manage to do myself. I love COLOR!
40 comments:
This dress looks great on you! I love that fabric!
I do love the dress on you! I see what you mean about the pleats on the side. Maybe stitching them down would help?
Great dress, all around.
It really looks nice on you. Love the oversized graphic print on the fabric.
That dress is fabulous. Don't stand sideways to anyone and you'll be fine. I love everything about it! g
I love big prints! They never fail to make people smile. =)
Your dress looks great!
~ Brooke
Thank you!!
Hmm, a thought... I'm going to give it a few days in the Magic Closet and see how I feel about it. I think it will improve with distance.
Thank you! It was definitely a little bit of a departure for me, but I really like it.
Note to self: No side views allowed. :)
Thanks!! It's definitely making me smile!
Love it! You sure whipped this one up quickly. Mine is cut out, but just sitting there. Maybe tomorrow?
Love your dress and the print. Great job.
Very Chic! I love the red heels with it too.
Very nice and fits you so well too! Thanks for all the tips about this pattern. I plan to make it for spring so will keep all in mind.
This dress is beautiful. Well done.
Love it!! I made a dress with this exact fabric!
Wowzer!! What an awesome print and it looks stunning!! I like the longer sleeves too. What a great fit too. Very impressed, you look stunning!!
eye popping chic!!! i kind of want you to wear a hot pink necklace a la the flintstones...of course that would take it from chic to shriek...
Very nice! The print is so bold you can't see the poochness, at least in these photos! Great dress!
I love seeing all the garments you make. I do not have to patience to make clothes on a regular basis. I stick to smaller projects, like quilts (HAHAHA). :p
Too cool, Katie!! Love this to death. I love seeing how everyone ran with this sewalong, and made amazing and original creations. Yours is totally rockin'!
Shelley
very cool. the black and white graphic is SO awesome in this dress. You would think it would be overwhelming, but not at all. Looks great on!
Great looking dress!
Excellent fabric choice- you nailed it! I know on mine- if I don't play with the pleats a bit now and then, they become a lovely gut hammock! Not a problem you have!!
Hee, I have the COLOR problem too. I love the way b&w looks on other people, and I have several great b&w pieces in my closet. But I never wear them because I feel so sad and drab in them, even though I don't think it looks sad and drab on other people.
Cute dress!
Thank you!!
My need for COLOR... :) Thanks!
Ooo, I can't wait to see yours!
Thank you!
It just screams "DRESS" doesn't it?
Thank you so much!
Where are my neon pink pumps??
Thanks! I do think the print helps with the volume. Whew!
LOL! I tell myself I don't quilt because I lack the patience!
Thanks Shel! Your mustard polka dot one made me want to run out and find that fabric. Totally adorable and looks great on you!
Thanks! I was worried about that print taking over...
Gut hammock! That is exactly what it's doing! LOL!
I'm glad I'm not alone! I know I'll only wear this dress with a colorful jacket or bright accessories. It's like wardrobe Seasonal Affective Disorder or something...
The dress looks great in the fun fabric! I just bought this pattern after seeing so many lovely Frock Fest versions. The risk of poofing pleats reminds of an early Burda dress I made (4-2010-108) - different sort of pleats, but similar issue.
Thanks! I think pleats are tricky things. The fabric has to be *just right*.
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