Monday, October 11, 2010

Dress Number 42 - Completed

As evidenced by Saturday's post, I spent a considerable amount of time going through the stuff in my Sewing Studio/Bedroom this weekend.  I'm doing it section by section so that the task doesn't overwhelm me.  Because of that, I didn't start to work on Dress Number 42 until late last night.

Here I am wearing it at work:


And here is a close-up of the neckline view:



Of course you'd like some info on the dress, right?

Fabric:
2 yards of a midwt tropical plaid embroidered wool from Emmaonesock
1/2 yard of black wool crepe from Fabric Mart
(both of these pieces were from the collection)

Notions:
3 - 1" floral mother of pearl buttons from the collection
22" black invisible zipper
3 yards black rayon hem tape

Construction:

1.  The dress is unlined.  I hemmed and hawwed about that and finally decided that the dress did not need a lining...wearing the dress with a slip would be fine, so that's what I did.

2.  The dress' neckline is faced with the same bands on the front of the dress.  I just cut a second set from the wool crepe, machine stitched them on and then hand stitched down the edges inside the dress.

3.  The sleeves are cut with a center seam.  Then machine stitched leaving a 2" opening to allow the band to be sewn on. 

4.  The band is comprised of two pieces.  Stitched together at the hem and around the curves, leaving the top open.  Then the top is stitched to the bottom of the sleeve and the seam allowance is hand stitched down enclosing the seam.  Finally the button is attached and I added a few hand stitches to the back side of the band so that it would lie flat.

Comments:

It wasn't a difficult dress to construct.  The base fabric plus the black wool crepe and the flower buttons is what makes the dress sing.  I think those details are what I appreciate most about the dress and the fact that the plaids match everywhere...even at the sleeve and bodice join.  It was so worth the extra time spent cutting it out to get that plaid match to work.

I didn't finish the dress until early this morning.  I just couldn't get motivated to sew.  I'm sure it has to do with the remodel, my mind is so focused on that and its process.  Also since it isn't that chilly outside, I don't feel the need to sew.  I have plenty of pretty dresses (an understatement right?!) to wear that I'm good for now.

One last shot:


Next up is the suit for the AG doll.  My sister and niece finally picked a piece of fabric yesterday afternoon.  So I will work on that a little tonight before Dancing with the Stars!

...as always, more later!

28 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I wish I could get a dress together in the time you do! I did make a dress for my mother's halloween costume and it took me about 8 - 11 hours..I lost track of time. I also hated the fabric she choose so that didn't help me out at all either. I love the extra touch with the flower buttons! Truly beautiful!

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  2. Gorgeous fabric. The dress fits you beautifully.

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  3. Absolutely love it! You look great, as always, great fit and style. Every time I see another one of your creations it makes me realise how important a TNT pattern is :-)

    I am excitedly looking forward to my books arriving - I ordered the two you reccommended in a previous post and intend to channel my inner Caroline Lol

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  4. Another beautiful dress. I love the flower buttons.

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  5. 'The Collection' sounds so much more elegant than saying it came from your stash! Lovely dress and fabric.

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  6. This is one of my all time favourites. I love the way you've used the fabric. It is perfect.

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  7. Very nice. I love the neckline treatment and the cuffs.

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  8. That is a fabulous dress! Look at you go! g

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  9. From one comment ho to another: Beautiful dress. I just love the collar with the button detail. The fabric is so unusual (in a good way) too! This is a winner.

    Oh and I love the new profile pic.

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  10. Really cute dress, I love the fabric.

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  11. I love this one. I wish it was mine.

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  12. Really lovely dress Carolyn! The black collar sets off the print beautifully.

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  13. beee-yoooo-teee-ful!
    I love that embroidered plaid and the neckline is the perfect touch.
    You were smart to break your sewing room clean-up into chunks. I made myself crazy trying to accomplish too much.

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  14. Love the print and the dress looks great on you. Your short explanations are so good for others (like me) to think about and use.

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  15. You are an inspiration for me. Great dress

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  16. Beautiful dress! Love the details!

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  17. I love it. The neckline is great.

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  18. Really nice - it is professional, but the flower button keeps it feminine.

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  19. Love the dress. You make terrific things, but I love the print in this one. Lucky you!

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  20. I love this dress. It looks so professional, but the embroidery and contrast bands makes it special. You seem to whip up these beauties so quickly!

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  21. "I have plenty of pretty dresses." —Carolyn N., Oct. 11, 2010

    Hell, yeah you do! I don't know anyone who has as many dresses as you! Love your latest too.

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  22. Love the neckine and fabric. This came together beautifully.

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  23. Dress Number 42 is beautiful. I love, love, love the neckline.

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  24. Very beautiful Carolyn, it really fits you well. Such a pretty neckline.

    I thought of you the other day when I saw your Macy's dress at the store!

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  25. Carolyn, that dress is fantastic. I love that fabric, and the fit is perfect!!

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  26. What a beautiful dress! I have the best fabric choices and match them wonderfully to a pattern!

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