No UFOs
I started this halter dress in late August, thinking to finish it over a weekend and still get some wear out of it before the cooler weather set in. Well, that plan went awry with trips and visitors over the ensuing weeks.
This past weekend, I was on the horns of a dilemma: should I take my precious sewing time to finish the dress up, or should it put it away, to be finished in the Spring. I chose the former, and now that it's finished, I'm glad I did. For one, I truly dislike having a UFO in the house, and for another, it's fun to see it come together pretty much as I had envisioned it.
I purposely chose this pattern because the fan-detailed bodice allowed the breaking up of the very large print. The fuller skirt showed the fabric in its original glory.
The large print fabric is 100% cotton from the LQS. The silk doupioni accent fabric came from my healthy stash.
The belt is made from two layers of the silk doupioni with a single layer of fiberfill sandwiched in between. When the construction was completed, it was topstitched with silk thread. The belt ties in the back in a simple smooth knot.
This pattern, Butterick 4514 is OOP but a Google search showed several for sale on Ebay and Etsy.
It took a fair amount of time to get the bodice fitted, since the many layers caused the diagonal seams to be bulky. The darts are cleverly hidden by the designers in the fan detail, so I had lots of places to make changes. I did all the fitting on the lining layer and then transferred the alterations to the fashion fabric.
The only change I made was to cut the side and back bodice pieces on the straight of grain instead of the bias as recommended in the layout. Oh, and I re-designed the shape of the belt, not using the big floppy bow idea as shown by Butterick.
The dress is completely lined.
I won't make this dress again because the style defines it as one of a kind. But it was a fun project and I'm sure I'll enjoy wearing it when warm weather returns.
Fabrics: Michael Miller Poppy Power 100% cotton from LQS
Iridescent turquoise silk doupioni from stash
Hang Loose 100% poly lining from Hancock Fabrics
19 comments:
Wow, Kathryn, this is an amazing work of art. At first I didn't realize that you had used a piecing technique of the dupioni fabric--and what amazing results. You do the best work ever, and I can imagine this beautiful belt on your tiny waistline. Congratulations again.
Karendee
Kathryn, I always adore your work but this is as Karendee says, a "work of art" - just absolutely marvelous and inspirational!
Fabulous dress, Kathryn. You did an exceptional job, particularly with your fabric choices. I bet this is so flattering on.
It's beautiful. The colour of the silk really works with the print.
Lovely, Kathryn. A great dress to anticipate wearing next spring/summer!I really like the quilted belt!
That's very pretty, and a great fabric combination. As always, nice sewing.
WOW! This is gorgeous! Your work is beautiful and you really inspire me... Enjoy your beautiful dress!!
It's always worth waiting for one of your projects because they are so beautiful - like works of art they are! Love everything about it!
A beautiful, beautiful dress! A wonderful combination of the two fabrics.
Just beautiful, Kathryn. I love the way you've used the seaming to break up the print in the bodice. Lovely fabric combination, and I know you'll be reaching for this dress when the warm weather rolls around again.
I am so with you concerning UFO's. Another masterpiece. You are so inspiirational.
Truly a smashing dress and what a treat it will be to wear it in warm weather. Having UFOs around acts as a mentally paralyzing agent on me -- finish them and move on. Love the colors.
Ditto what everyone else has said love the colours the fabric and the style - beautiful.
the week before last we had some mad Indian summer weather when your dress would have been perfect - I arrived from Chicago this morning and had to pop the central heating on I am so cold - don't think I will be making any more summer outfits until I head for Dubai in December.
I am so glad you finished this so it won't hang over your head. Maybe you will have some warm weather ahead soon. It is so beautiful - it is a work of art!
Wow, Kathryn, that is just fantastic! I love the way you've used the pattern to break up the print. I have that pattern and would have never thought to use it with this print. As usual, you produce something beautiful that opens my eyes and look at fabric and pattern in new ways.
What a treat that dress will be when the weather warms up again.
Kathryn, your dress is stunning. I hope you have an Indian Summer so that you have at least one chance to wear it before it becomes cool.
wowwww
The dress is Beautiful Great JOB!!!
Very pretty dress. Love the colors and the look!
Post a Comment