Kay, first of all please ignore the weird poses I pull. I am not an actual model (despite my stunning good looks) and therefore have no idea what I'm doing when a camera is pointed at me. Sometimes it ends well, sometimes it ends in poses like this...
Anyways, this post is supposed to be about the dress, so onwards! It was designed for a clubbing night with a circus theme so me and my boyfriend went as Harley and the Joker. An obvious choice. I designed this dress to be a clubbing appropriate variant on Harley's clothes. It is entirely made of Duchesse Satin (which is a gorgeous material) except for the lining, which is a basic satiny lining.
One thing I'm still not sure about was whether I put the horizontal split too low. Originally I had planned to have it just under the bust, but that looked weird with the mockup so I moved it to where is is now. At the time I thought it was perfect, but looking at it now my perfectionist brain is slightly bothered by it... still no idea why...
Anyways, on each skirt quarter are three diamonds, though you can't see the black ones so well. These were of the same material, and were appliqued on with a zigzag stitch around the edges.
Oh, and this was not entirely patterned by me. I mean, the halterneck and the quartering were planned and patterned by me, but the basic dress shape was based on a commercial pattern I have lurking around somewhere.
Now, this was why the horizontal split was at that point. It's where my hands rest naturally and so looked best there. I think. I'll debate that mentally until all turns to ash, I suspect! Also, another weird pose... sorry...
The halterneck was actually a fairly last minute addition. I had though about adding it, but decided not to until I tried on the unlined dress and realised it needed something a bit more. This was particularly helpful now, as I have lost enough weight since making it that I need the halterneck until I have time to adjust the dress to fit me again.
Wooo, adorable closeup! You can kinda tell it doesn't fit me so well anymore, which is sad, though also a triumph.
Oh, the bodice part has princess seams, as all the cutest dresses do. I have sewn so many princess seams in my life by now that I'm getting really quite good at them
You might be able to make out the zip down the back. I was very happy with how neatly I was able to stitch that in. Also, the dress could do with a bit of an ironing, but I didn't realise that til I saw these pictures. Ah well.
The halterneck ties behind my neck, as you can see. It was in a bow when I wore it out, but I have since discovered it looks better in a simple knot, as it is here.
In Summary
I am really, really happy with this dress. I took it from sketch to finished and wearing in two days, without leaving any bits not finished or bodged (well, not really)
Still not sure about the horizontal split...
Princess seams get easier every day
The zip was also easier than zips I have done in the past. This pleases me.
I really like not sewing arms onto things. I might never have attached sleeves again. (except I guess the challenge is good...)
I need to learn how to model the stuff I make better
This dress really is super comfy. I need to adjust it so it fits me again so that I can wear it more. Cos It's probably one of the best things I've made to date
I think that the horizontal split works well where it is. Moving it up to just below the bust would give you an empire line dress which is not so flattering to a curvy figure. It looks like it falls pretty much on the natural waist, which is a good place to put a bodice seam as it helps emphasise the figure.
ReplyDeleteKudos on the zip, those things are bitches.
Lauren