Sunday, December 02, 2018

Myosotis in Velvet

This is a total left field make. Especially since it seems like so much of my sewing lately has become "statement sewing" instead of basics. I've reached the point in my sewing where I'm taking creative journeys instead of sewing necessary garments. I can pretty much guarantee that 2019 is going to be all about creative journeys! 


Originally I purchased this fabric to make a peasant style maxi skirt. You know the kind with the gathered tiers.  Since the fabric was only 45" wide I bought six yards of it. It was inexpensive because I bought it during Chic Fabrics "moving locations" sale.

It was purchased prior to making the Deer & Doe dresses. I love all three versions that I've made and each was worn several times during the summer and early fall. 


When I was moving some fabric I touched this velvet and knew it needed to become a long sleeved maximized version...


Supply List ~
5 yards of polyester tie dyed velvet from Chic Fabrics
A scrap of coca brown ponte for facings
Blk & printed piping from Joyce Trimmings
5/8" 4-hole buttons from the button collection
Interfacing from Steinlauf & Stoeller

Construction ~
1. I chose to leave the collar off this version and make it true to the pattern. I added piping to the collar edge and the front edge of the bodice.

2. Ponte facings were used to add interfacing to the collar stand and front facings. That made it easier to apply the fusible interfacing and the piping.

3. I also lengthened the sleeves so they were full length. Then I added cuffs.  The cuff pattern was taken from my TNT shirt pattern.

4. Care had to be taken because the velvet handles differently than other fabrics.

5. I used my needleboard and silk organza pressing cloth to press seams open & flat.


6. Typically, I use tailor tacks to mark darts and markings on garments from velvet.  Though with this one I did mark with tracing paper and a tracing wheel because the fabric is crinkled and absorbed the tracing markings.


7. Used my straight stitch food and straight stitch throat plate on my sewing machine when I sewed the dress, it made sewing the seams a tad easier.

8. Also added seam tape to the shoulder seams to stabilize them since the fabric had a little give.

9. I wavered back and forth over adding piping to the sleeve cuffs. Since I had a lot of piping left (because I typically buy 5 yards at a time) I decided to have fully piped cuffs. Adding the piping to the cuff is explained in this post.

10. I thought for this one that I would make a longer cuff but it didn't work out - see below...


11. Made a shorter cuff and I handstitched the cuff to the sleeve. It's a little tight and I didn't want to squeeze it under my sewing machine needle. I think it will be okay since this dress won't be worn much. However, I'm so happy I chose to make the cuff tighter and smaller. It works perfectly with the sleeve and dress proportions.


12. I added piping to the waistline seam to take the piping all the way through the garment.


13. The last thing is that I basted the bodice and skirt together before I sewed the waistline seam. That way I could make any needed adjustments without ripping out seams in the velvet and possibly marring it.

I know there's a lot of information here but in case anyone is thinking about making a version of the dress, I hope this will help you.

A few pictures ~







Conclusion ~
If you've never sewn with velvet before there are a few things you should know to make the sewing journey easier.  May I recommend Sandra Betzina's book, "More Fabric Savvy" for instructions and a guide on how to handle sewing with this fabric. 

Cause I broke all of the rules/suggestions.  
     - I used fusible interfacing on the cuffs.  
     - I marked the fabric with a tracing wheel and tracing paper. 
     - I did not use a walking foot.  

However, I did baste a lot and I did cut the dress out using a "with nap" layout.

Also, this was sew slowing...some ripping out and replacing and A LOT of piping with hand basting. As with all projects I get neck deep in and start to wonder if I should have waded in with all those special touches on a difficult fabric. Then when it's done I'm almost always glad I went for it.

This dress turned out so much more luxurious than I imagined it. It's comfortable while having a "Tudors" vibe! BTW, I originally dreamed up this dress with a leather collar, collar stand and cuffs and no piping. The only reason I didn't go that way is because the two pieces of pleather in the collection, didn't match the fabric.  


I have no idea where I'm going to wear this beauty. However, I'm glad I made it! Also, there will definitely be more of these added to my spring/summer wardrobe. I finally understand why some sewists made 3-4 of these right away. I will be joining their ranks next spring.

...as always more later! 




65 comments:

  1. I loved this when I saw it previewed on Instagram. I didn’t realize then it was velvet! That just elevated another whole level. Gorgeous and cuddly comfortable. I have total envy for this one.

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    1. Thanks Barbara! Originally I didn't buy the velvet at Chic. I just looked at it and then had to go back and get it. It really does elevate the dress doesn't it.

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  2. Carolyn, this dress is absolutely amazing!

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  3. WOW Carolyn, this dress is gorgeous and you look amazing in it.

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  4. Just beautiful! Love the piping especially. You look fabulous.

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    1. Cynthia - thank you. I jumped for joy when I realized how well the piping matched the velvet!

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  5. This has to be my favourite so far (of this Deer and Doe pattern).... It looks gorgeous on you. You need to find a place to wear it...

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    1. Joyce - I know right! But I have a few more Deer & Doe's planned for spring that I think will rival this one. I love that pattern.

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  6. It is gorgeous! Love the colour. I am sure you will find somewhere to wear it.

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    1. Thanks Linda and I hope so cause it can't just hang in my closet!

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  7. The dress looks fabulous and comfortable at the same time. A winner in two categories!

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  8. Beautiful! I love the piping everywhere!

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  9. I think this is my favorite thing you have made (so far)! It looks fabulous and I think it could be worn to both a fancy holiday party and to a more casual one...that fabric is so pretty

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    1. Lucky Mom - thanks for following along on my sewing adventures. I have no idea where I'm wearing it to yet but I will figure something out!

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  10. Beautiful Carolyn! Would never have thought to pair piping with velvet but it really adds to the sumptuous look. Thanks for all the tips for working with velvet, too.

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    1. Catherine - I love piping with everything and your welcome of the velvet tips!

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  11. Brava! This is stunning. I honestly don't remember you wearing these colors, but they are really fabulous on you.

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    1. Nancy - I don't own a lot of this brown colored family but it is lovely isn't it? Thanks for liking the dress.

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  12. Next to leggings and tunics, maxi dresses are my number two go-to for 'cute and comfort'. I'm sitting here drooling over this sensational 'statement' dress. It's rich and the piping sets it off just right. My, my, my friend-in-my-head, you're the kind of sewist that keeps raising the bar and it's all good. Can't wait to see where your'creative journey' will take you in 2019!

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    1. Robin - love the "friend-in-my-head" reference! If I lived in a more temperate climate, I would wear maxidresses year round. That's how much I love them! Thanks for appreciating my dress!

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  13. As I said this dress is EVERYTHING! You'll just have to make an occasion to wear it to if one doesn't present itself, but I see it fitting in perfectly with the upcoming holidays! Well done!

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  14. Next time, I'm in NYC I'm coming to steal this dress. It calls for candlelight and a big glass of wine.

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    1. Towanda - after FINALLY getting to meet you in person, I can tell you that my dress is too short for you but if you must steal it ;) I'm sure you will figure out a way to lengthen it!

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  15. So pretty in velvet your smile says it all!

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  16. What a lovely dress, Carolyn. You definitely raised the bar on this one and, like Robin, I can't wait to see what creations you sew in 2019. Karen

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    1. Karen - I'm kinda excited for my 2019 sewing. I don't feel constrained about my clothing challenges anymore and am just ready to go for it.

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  17. I read this on my phone when you put it up (cause west coast) and then went to sleep and I Dreamed About Your Dress. It's so lovely. The piping on the multicolors is perfect. It's poly, it could be the mostest housedress of all time. I mean, life is short. Why not make yourself happy? You certainly have made me and the others here very happy. Le sigh!
    Thank you so much. I wish you and your sweeties all the best of holidays.

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    1. SJ - I've been dreaming about this dress for weeks so glad you dreamt about it too! *smile* Thanks for your compliments, they're appreciated.

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  18. Enjoy your including us on your creative journeys. Thanks so much!

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  19. One of my all time favorites. The fabric is divine and the design choices you've made perfectly compliment you and the fabric. Awesome work!

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  20. I love it and would wear it everywhere.

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  21. Wow, this dress is gorgeous. The fabric drapes so beautifully and is really enhanced by the wearer. You could wear all sorts of layers underneath in Winter and no one would guess. Definitely a fav of mine, and is so beautiful and so flattering.

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  22. It is an interesting dress. A nice holiday dress. Not my pick. Happy Creating.

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  23. You look fabulous in this dress!

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  24. I love this dress. The yummy tie dye velvet fabric with the swishy long skirt and the elegant piping. It looks fabulous on you. I am working on a velvet holiday dress right now, Grr! so it is encouraging to see other's successful makes with this type of fabric.

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    1. Audrey - can't wait to see your holiday dress cause I bet it's going to be amazing! And thanks for loving the dress.

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  25. Wow! I love it! The combination of pattern/fabric/color is perfection, and it looks great on you.

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    1. Thanks girl - sometimes we do get to create magic. I got lucky this time!

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  26. Oh stay on the left-field of sewing - this is fab!
    Wear it with style and panache...

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  27. I absolutely think you should wander out in left field more often, lol!!!! I LOVE this dress on you! It is perfect, and you look ready to take on anything in it!!!!

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  28. What a BEAUTIFUL dress!! The colors look so great on you!! You should wear it a lot!

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