Here are some thoughts on the pattern, to start with. the smallest size available is 38. It is normally fine on the hips for me, but the top needed reduction, so I graded it to 34 on top and evened it to 38 at the bottom. i have to say that even at that the fitting is way too loose. I ended up taking another inch (2.5cm!!!) on both side seams to make it look like on this photograph. The middle part could to with 1-1.5" (2.5-3cm) reduction in width , as I feel that the side parts are too wide apart and give the bust area quite an unflattering look.
I shortened the original dress (Burda style 2/2012, 119B- I blogged about my plans earlier today) by 5.9" (15cm) - now I am not that sure this length is ideal, but longer would look too baggy and shorter it would be a simple tunic.
The dress is fully lined with a tan coloured knit jersey, I wish I had a grey one, but it doesn't look too bad even with the lining showing a bit. The collar seem to be too wide, but this is again due to such a wide fit- if I was to use this pattern again, i would definitely make the middle parts much narrower- thus narrowing the collar circumference.
The fabric was relatively easy to sew and press, i expected more grief working with it. It even forgives ripped seams - no marks visible. it does look surprisingly like a real leather. I only used about a meter of fabric- so have some left over for another little project sometime in the future.
To sum up- no it is not the most attractive and definitely not the most favourite of my creations, but it will do for a shopping trip, or a quick lunch in town with my hubby. And I definitely not going to make any more boxy dresses. Ever. Again.
P.S: - just adding to this post a couple of hours later. Fixed! Adding military style shoulder straps seemed to fix the collar 9 it does not stick out anymore like before. The silver ring buttons look very glamorous. I might even fall in love with this dress, if I am not careful now!
I think you did a good job and picked an interesting fabric. Boxy dresses are just like that...boxy! I think most of us also prefer a little more shaping, but it's nice to try different things.
ReplyDeleteWell, as I said, it will be used, I have to admit - it is a good angle on the photo too. As for the fabric- I have a good bit left over, can't wait to make something else out of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed you can blog your plans and finished dress in one day! Personally I have to wear dresses like this with a belt, but that is my shape - you can totally wear this style, but I agree you might take a bit of time to get used to it since it is so new to you. I thought the collar stuck out a bit on Burda's version too and so I love the addition of the shoulder tabs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Allicon. I admit, I started on the dress the night before the first blog. But I do tend to be very spontaneous with my projects. I absolutely hated the original collar. Should anyone decides to make the dress, the collar bands should be overlapped at shoulder seams and sewn in a V style. Hope you know what I mean.
DeleteI love the look of this dress, it was worth all your trouble! The military strap detail you added is definitely the finishing touch to pull this dress together, love it!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Bri! Wore it out last night and have to admit- it looks well!
DeleteI love the combination of a military epaulets with a spacey fabric, great idea that I'm sure will get borrowed!
ReplyDeleteBe my guest, by all means!
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