By Amy Mayen
Ready for the dress that’s been making me hard to live with?
I used Simplicity 1804.
Before you get all judgmental on me, know this: this fabric was woven off grain. I’ve never dealt with that before. I had to get very creative while cutting. For 4 hours. Spread out across my living room, and on through my kitchen. Nightmare.
And almost just as bad: I couldn’t iron it. AT ALL. Not good folks.
Yeah, it’s not perfect.
The draping looks fine to the untrained eye, with real boobs in it that is. But some of you will know that this is real, real bad.
The eggplant colored fabric (woven deep in the pits of hell) wasn’t stable enough on its own, and a bit sheer.
So, I did what any idiot would do, and added a lining that was too heavy. Cuz hey, stabilizer is for chumps.
Hmm.
As for the pattern review, instructions weren’t step-by-every-single-step. So if you haven’t got a couple successful projects under your belt, or aren’t up on all the sewing terminology, this one ain’t for you. Don’t feel bad, it wasn’t for me either. But I’ll use it again, I have the feeling second time’s a charm for this project.
This project was featured on Pinkapotamus!
I think it turned out great. It’s beautiful.
Judy
pursuitoffunctionalhome.com/
Judy recently posted…How to Organize your Gadgets
A stunning dress!!!
I think it turned out great! You did a fabulous job.
Thanks for sharing at Artsy Corner! Hope to see you again this week :)
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama recently posted…Valentine Love Jars
I think the dress is so pretty. i have that pattern and am inspired to try this now. I have an idea for our fabric. Boden sells these cute dresses that are deliberately crinkly. When you wash the dress after it’s wet, twist it and wrap it with a rubber band until it dries. It will look like it’s meant to be wrinkled like that and is a cute look.
I’m going to try again soon. I’m going to use a different fabric next time and clean up the draping a lot.
It is gorgeous, Amy! So pretty! I love the fabric! Thanks for sharing this at my Pin Me Linky Party.
Diana, I’ll be back next week. I’m working on getting my current project written. Honestly, getting cooperative little models is the most time consuming part of this blog!
I love it! It looks really good!
Oh my goodness…it is so pretty. I love maxi dresses!
Holly, you are so sweet. But you went to FIDM & I know you noticed the bulky draping and weird side seam. I’m trying to pretend this dress is legit but it’s a hot mess. I’ve seen worse RTW though. Shh! I won’t tell if you don’t…
I was totally looking at the big picture – I only pick apart my own sewing/designs. Looks good to me!
Well God bless ya for that! You rock.:)
This looks amazing. I think I have that pattern but I didn’t remember a bow option. Hmmmm might have to make one soon with how cute yours looks. PS I get SOO mad when the fabric is woven off grain uggg so frustrating
I was a virgin to off-grain fabric. I didn’t even know it existed until I googled the crap out of my fabric woes to figure it out.
I changed the bust drape to make the bow. I kept the pattern the same, and used the same twist in the middle- but stretched the edges to meet up top instead of empire level. My fabric was extremely stretchy though. I was hoping for some extra booby support!
I love this! I’m a novice seamstress, but I think I could tackle this project! Thank you for sharing! So glad to have found your lovely blog…I look forward to reading more!
Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be visiting your place in a bit!
Cute!! I love it.
I think the frustration was worth it! That fabric is awesome!
Thanks for linking up.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
i am impressed! i love the detail on the bust, and the color is so pretty! great job!!
super cute – do we get to see you modelling it?
I used my sister in law to hand sew some of the draping. So it’s kinda tight on me!
I absolutely love this!!! Pinning:) Stop by http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/02/be-fearless-arianna-huffington.html
I think IT IS STUNNING! I love the pattern, texture and color. Worth all that effort!
You did a great job! It looks like the perfect V-day dress, too! :) Thanks for sharing this with us via our Sweets For My Sweetie link-up! :)
I’ll be back. I’m loving all your recipe links too…but they make me hungry…
Thank you! I look forward to seeing you there! :) Making you hungry is better than making you sick, so I’ll take that as a compliment, too! :)
That’s an ambitious sewing project and haven’t you done well with it. You’ll enjoy wearing it, I would say.
Cool colour….. xo
Its sexy! Love it! I HATE to iron so most of my clothes look wrinkled whether or not its the way the fabric looks. The color is charming, too. Enjoy your new dress!
Looks great to me. I think you did an awesome job. I am sure you look great in it …you will have to post pic’s.
You are so talented! And I love that color!!! Maxi dresses are def my favorite (especially now that I’m pregnant). And the drape look is my absolute obsession!!! Super super super cute!
Happy Tuesday!
Redheaded Daybook
I like the purple and the texture- I’m sorry it was such a terror to work with! At least the pain was worth it awesome final product- I bet you’ll wear it a lot.