Inspired by Michael Kors

I was so inspired by Michael Kors pre-fall line yesterday that I immediately sat down at my sewing machine and made my own version of one.

The designer original:

My version ~ headless pic of me:

On Lulu:

(Okay I really need to stop writing about getting my dressform some legs and just do it!)

Some Stats:

Pattern

TNT dress pattern ~ v-neck version

Fabric

1 yard white cotton/linen blend

1 yard black silk/rayon/linen blend

1/8 yard red linen

(all from the collection!)

Notions

22" white invisible zipper

1 yard white lining

1 yard black lining

1 yard white hem tape

1 yard black hem tape

Construction:

I think the hardest part of making this dress was all of the times I changed the thread. I tried to sew it in an orderly fashion, but ultimately I ended up changing the thread quite often!

The other part that took some thinking about was the cutting layout. I wanted to have a white back and front and a black back and front...not something else. I ultimately ended up laying the white fabric on top of the black fabric with the right sides on the outside and facing the pattern pieces a certain way. I cut this out holding my breathe and gave a huge sigh of relief when it worked.

The dress is lined and I cut the lining out using the same cutting method as I used for the fashion fabric. I did end up sewing rayon hem tape to the bottom of the dress so I ended using a little black and a little white to insure that none of the tape showed through to the other side.

For the red band I cut a five inch piece on the crosswise grain of the fabric. Then I folded over an inch on each side and pressed flat. After the front pieces were assembled, I sewed the band down onto the front of the dress.

This is probably the best invisible zipper I've inserted. I've finally stopped feeling as if I am in an alien land during the insertion process...but I still get a lump in my chest when thinking about putting one in...I know it will get better...I just have to keep doing it especially because I know y'all must be sick of hearing about this now! *LOL*

Conclusion

This will be a great work dress. I look fantastic in it ~ much better than Lulu actually! The dress is slimming and comfortable and I love it! Finally on the third try I make one that I love! *LOL*

I cut out another one this afternoon and was a little annoyed that I didn't get to sew it! But isn't that a little unrealistic...I made a completely lined dress today and I'm mad at myself that I didn't get another one done...

Well it's back to work tomorrow...I'm compiling my list of supplies that I need for my sewing vacation...10 work days left! *sigh* I'm starting to get excited...

...more later!