Saturday, December 26, 2009

19 Dresses and Counting...

I love a dress!  If I lived in an area where I could wear a dress all year long, I would!  I especially love that I can sew my own dresses because being a plus size chick and finding an interesting RTW plus size dress without paying an arm and a leg is damn near impossible...and the pattern companies are really not that far behind with their limited supply.

So since I love wearing a dress so much...I've made quite a few of them this year...19 to be exact!  Hopefully that 20th one will materialize before December 31st!!!  I mean I NEED a new dress for New Year's Eve church service, right! *LOL*

In order of creation...here is the dress parade:

ETA:  to correct the number of dresses I've actually made...*sigh* there's been alot of them so please forgive the miscount! *LOL*

The first dress out the gate was my winterized version of Butterick 5179



The second dress was a pretty popular one on PR as evidenced by the 28 reviews for it. It is my version of Butterick 5247:



The third dress of the year, was my version of the Little Black Dress - made from my TNT dress pattern:



Number 4 on the hit parade was, Butterick 5146.  Can I tell you that I've only worn this dress twice...the close fit of the knit dress makes me uncomfortable...and not that I didn't get compliments on it...but it's just outside my comfort zone.



Number 5 was another knit dress.  However, I loved wearing this dress.  I wore it to work several times and a couple of times for weekend events...it was just so easy to wear!  I really need to make a few more for this summer!  Vogue 1091 - the Tom & Linda Platt dress:




Dress number 6 is "The Ralph Lauren Dress" so named because that was the description of the fabric on Emmaonesock's site. It is made from my TNT dress pattern in a crispy linen fabric. 



Lucky number 7 was "The Dreaming of Spring" dress.  It was a really involved dress with a lot of moving parts made from my TNT dress pattern.  It also houses my greatest disappointment...I put in a sorry invisible zipper and just didn't have the heart to take it out...so I camoflaged...and wore it that way every time I wore it last spring!  Don't look at me like that...you know you do it too! *LOL*




I have two personal favorites this year...and "The Chadwicks Dress" is one of them.  I really stepped out of my corporate work look with the color yellow...using it in three dresses.  So besides the amazing color of this dress, the fact that I copied it from a picture in a catalog and then it also wears so well, makes it one of my top two favorite dresses of the year!



In an effort to bring some color to my wardrobe, dress number 9 is part of a wardrobe of "colorful" garments.  It's a dress pattern that I've used before, Simplicity 4014.  It made a wonderful dress that was comfortable to wear and added some variety to my corporate work look:



I was really on a yellow kick and dress number 10 is also yellow.  Yellow linen to be precise...made from Butterick 5347:



I'm going to be honest here...okay when am I not *LOL*...but seriously this dress is the epitome of a good idea gone bad.  I used an amazing silk print for it...sewed it up and never wore it!  I just couldn't get past the muu-muu-ness of this dress...*sigh*  Vogue 8596...Rachelle if you want this one...you can have it!  *LOL*



The next one is bright, pretty and summery, made from my TNT dress pattern and a woven stretch cotton...it's okay...just okay.  I will take the side seams in on this one before next summer because it just grows and grows and grows with my body heat...which can be quite a bit in a menopausal woman...



Number 13 - is my interpretation of a Micheal Kors dress.  Now you know I love MK...he just knows how to dress a woman...and I can "interpret" his ready-to-wear looks easily to my size.  This interpretation was made with a v-neck version of my TNT dress pattern and was fun and easy to wear.  It's also a testament to having a great fabric collection...because I thought about making it, rummaged around in the collection and voila!



Dress number 14 is all about the fabric.  I loved this fabric when I saw it on Fabric Mart's site and it was a perfect trans-seasonal dress.  It also was the first garment that I made on my Sewcation...yet another version of my TNT dress pattern..."The Black/White Eyelet Dress":



Late summer/early fall is one of my favorite times of the year...just edging out spring.  So I went into a dress making frenzy during my sewcation as well in the weeks that followed - Dress 15 - was made using my TNT pattern and a great embellishment:



...and dress 16, "Pumpkin, Pumpkin...I've got a Pumpkin" was also sewn during the sewcation.  I am really into my "Michelle Obama sheath mode" here and both dresses were discussed in this post.



My dress imagination is in full gear now...revved up and ready to roll!  And during this period, I think I came up with some of my best dresses of the year.  Dress number 17 is my ultimate favorite dress of the year...I don't think what I've planned for number 20 can beat this one.  It has everything I like in a dress ~ color, comfort, fashionable but with a corporate look but most especially it makes me feel pretty when I wear it.  So without further ado, my favorite dress of 2009 - "The Variation on a Theme Dress":



I threw a basic gray sheath dress from my TNT dress pattern into the mix to match this fabu jacket from Vogue 1127.  It just works with so much in my wardrobe and again is a nod to the Michelle Obama style:



The last two dresses are variations of black and white and part of a series of dresses that I called "The Cardigan Series."  As much as I like color I still have to fit in at work *smile* so black and white fulfills those requirements yet gives me an opportunity to be uniquely me.  I used the bones of my TNT pattern from the Chadwicks dress for this black and white boucle dress and added a little embellishment:



...and finally dress number 19 (actually 20)...which I named after LindsayT because we bought the fabric together one summer Saturday at Moods.



To recap - I've used seven patterns from the Big4 pattern companies to create some of my dresses this year.  I've "interpreted" two dresses - one from a designer and one from a catalog.  The final 10 were some variation of my TNT dress pattern.  I really gave that pattern a work-out this year and ended up with so many different looks.  However, the predominant look in my dress wardrobe this year was the sheath dress and this was in direct reflection of Michelle Obama's style.

My goal for next year's dresses (yes, there will be more!) is to use more of the vintage patterns that I've collected to make some awesome dresses with interesting details.  I definitely want to add some more sheath dresses in other colors to my wardrobe...they just make dressing in the morning sooooo easy...and my final goal would be to make at least one dress a month.  

For my final dress of this year, I can't decide whether to make it complicated or to finish off the last dress in the cardigan series.  I have so many ideas floating around in my brain, quite a bit of fabric and some time...so we shall see what emerges!

If you've lasted to the end of this very long post...thank you for reading along and please tell me which dress did you like best this year?

...as always, more later!

61 comments:

  1. I can't decide, they're all very pretty, you have great fashion sense.

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  2. Absolutely dress number 12. It's stunning!!

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  3. Wow, wonderful dresses to have in your wardrobe. I can't just choose one. I've narrowed it down to my 2 favorite dresses and two pictures that I love of you. The two favs are #5 and #12. I think you look so stylish in black dress number 2 and elegant in LBD #3.

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  4. (Uhmm..is it me or do I count 20 dresses here?)
    My favourite one is definitely the little black dress. You also look stunning in nrs. 14 and 17. In fact, you look stunning in all of them.

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  5. They are all fantastic and you are a great model. I think I like the Michael Kors dress the best.

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  6. So many fabulous dresses!!! I know it isn't your favoreite, but I really love number four. It is so flattering on you! Of course, 13 and 20 look great on you as well - Hmm - I vote for them all!!

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  7. I like many of these but my three favourites are:- first, the "pumpkin" dress (I only wish I could wear such colour), second the "LBD", and third the homage to Michael Kors no: 12. Looking at ahead at the final verdict, I would bet on the overall favourite being the Michael Kors knock-off.

    I think I do agree with you on the silk muu-muu! However, as ever, great work on all nevertheless.
    OllieV uk

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  8. I've been a "Skirt and Top" person, but you have certainly inspired me to consider dresses. I think I made more more dresses than skirts in 2009. Thanks!!!!!

    A Blessed New Year to you and your family.

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  9. What fun to review your marvelous dresses! Hard to choose, but I think my favorites are #2 and #5 . . . they're a little more casual and fun looking than most of your more conservative work dresses. Can't wait to see your 2010 collection!

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  10. They are all beautiful dresses, I love following along as you create.

    Couldn't narrow it down to one and I think my choices are really all about the color but my favorites are the Chadwick dress and the Pumpkin dress.

    I wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to seeing your 2010 pieces.

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  11. What a great recap of some fabulous dresses!

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  12. The Michael and the Ralph dress are my two favorites. I'm so sorry you have to cover up that pretty spring design. I loved your recap. Next show your jackets because you make some lovely jackets this year as well.

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  13. I'm so impressed by all your lovely dresses, but MY favorite is #7. I think it's the combination of the yellow skirt and the floral waistband. It's very spring-like and feminine. Thanks for sharing all your pretty dresses with us.

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  14. Oh, so many choices! I especially like #2 and #19 on you.

    You are one of my sewing blog goddesses.

    Thanks so much and keep on sewing!

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  15. Definitely number 3 (the little black dress) and the pumpkin dress. I think the classic sheath looks so absolutely elegant on you. I think it is an interesting observation that your hair is up in both pictures. That certainly adds to the elegance. The others are fabulous and I do like the Kors dress. But, overall, I'm a minimalist and love allowing the fabric to just speak for itself. You've done a beautiful job. I wish I had your drive and determination for finishing things.

    Joan R.

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  16. Well, I certainly can't decide. Personally, your smile is my favorite thing about all the dresses. You obviously enjoy designing, constructing and wearing them, and it shows!

    Happy New Year! You are an inspiration to us all!

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  17. Favourite? Oh, that is just so impossible!!!

    You are an inspiration!

    Brenda

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  18. I loved your parade of dresses.My favorite is the Michael Kors version, although the pumpkin color sheath looks fantastic on you...

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  19. I like them *all* but I really like Lucky number #7 and #3 the Little Black Dress :)

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  20. I love the 'Thinking of Spring' dress and also the retro tweed dress. But most importantly I love how you wear the dresses, I love that you use a TNT pattern predominately but show us - the masses who follow - how you went from TNT to inspiration. You make me think I could do the same thing.

    Happy Holidays to you and yours. I hope you had a fantastic day and that the new year brings all your heart desires. g

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  21. Hi Carolyn,
    You look smashing in all of them (it must be the smile).
    I think your numbering got messed up after #10.
    Anyway, for what it's worth, I like #5 (very cheerful yet office-worthy) and the "real" #12 (black and white with a bit of lime).
    Vicky F

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  22. Vote for number 7 Dreaming of Spring. The high waist looks so professional and stylish and you look very happy in it.

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  23. What a wonderful collection. Congrats. My favourite is the black white eyelet dress.

    - Myrna

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  24. Great Recap! I love the Michael Kors dress as well. Thank you for sharing your creative journey with me. Happy New Year!

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  25. They all look fantastic on you! My favorite however is number 17. The color looks great on you! I can't wait to see what you have in store for 2010

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  26. Love them all. But my absolute fave is your Dreaming of Spring dress, in spite of your ordeal-by-zipper. I fell in love with it the very first time I saw it. Great recap. Your dresses always inspire me....can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves in 2010. Thanks so very much for sharing!

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  27. Having a recap is such a good idea. I can't decide between 9 or 16.

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  28. I love them all! A "sewcation" is a fabulous idea! I might have to do that too.

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  29. I love dress 16 - it's a great look on you and I love how it gives you such a nice shape!

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  30. I love your dress recap! My favorites were also your top two favorites, but all of them are beautiful!

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  31. Hi Carolyn,
    I like all of your dresses and I think my favorites are#5 and then the pumpkin dress. I can't wait to see your 2010 collection. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  32. Wow, you have been busy! You look great in all of them, but if I were to pick my favorites, they'd be
    1. the Michael Cors - for the color blocking and the V-neck
    2. the Chadwick's - love the panel down the front and the color
    3. the Dreaming of Spring - again for the colors, and for the waist band detail. If it had a V-neck, I think this would have been my #1 choice.

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  33. I've been reading you for a while, but I don't think I've noted you before. I love all your dresses, you are such an inspiration!

    I think I like #7, and #17, and the Michael Kors dresses best. It was a tough decision, though, as you really have great taste, and magnificent sewing skill!

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  34. I love them all, but I am particularly partial to the Michael Kors dress, but then I get sucked in by the yellow ones, too. I love yellow on you, it really suits you. The pumpkin dress is gorgeous, the variations on a theme is lovely. It's really hard to pick a favourite!!!

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  35. Wow, so many great dresses and different looks. I love them all but I think my favourites are #7 and #1

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  36. Thanks for the offer of the dress but I would prefer 1, 3, 6 or 13. I know beggars can't be choosers but I am a choosie (sp) beggar!

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  37. My favorite on you is #5, but there are about 18 runners-up for that title! I love knowing that you used the same TNT pattern for most of these dresses, because I'm sure if you hadn't told us we wouldn't have known.

    Can't you come up with a way to save that silk one? I love the fabric, and I love the fabric on you, just not sure about the dress. There must be something . . .

    Hope you had a wonderful holiday, and looking forward to seeing #20.

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  38. wow! 20 or 21 dresses in one year. Amazing! They are all beautiful, but i like the Chadwick and the Michael kORS the best.
    Kathy

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  39. My votes are for #'s 4, 5 and 9! I love reading everyone's different perspectives in the comments, but I am seeing a theme with #5-- very, very flattering on you! But they are all fantastic and you are such an inspiration. I love your blog and can't wait to see your 2010 creations! Happy New Year!

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  40. My favorite 2 are The Variation on a Theme Dress & The Ralph Lauren Dress. Of course, you look fantastic in all of them.

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  41. I like number 7...love the color...love the waist...love the whole look. Too bad about the zipper.

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  42. I love your parade of dresses! I like a lot of them, my favorites are 14, 17, 19, 4, 7. I look forward to seeing your next 20!

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  43. My top picks are 15 and 17, but all your work is great! You know what fits and works for you.

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  44. I love all your dress for 2009. But my favorits are #17 and the Chadwicks dress. I love following you blog you always have so many great ideas.

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  45. I love them all and it's hard to decide which I like best. I think my favorites are #3 LBD, 6 and 19. I am eagerly awaiting #20.

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  46. I like #5 and #7. There is something very fresh about the #5 dress, and I think the #7 is very slimming. Also, you can't beat the little black dress either.

    mkhughes

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  47. OMG, they are all beautiful... I am just finding it difficult to decide....

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  48. They are all lovely, but the one I think is most flattering and pretty is #5. This looks absolutely stunning on you!!!

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  49. My fav is dress #17. I think I liked it so much because I knew it was your TNT but it looked so different.

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  50. Wow! I've really enjoyed looking at your parade of dresses. I'm with you in that I also love dresses. All of yours are beautiful, so it's very difficult to choose. Like you I love no. 17. I also really like your Michael Kors interpretation - it is both striking and stylish. Also in my favourites is no. 14, the black and white eyelet dress - I love the fabric and the style is elegant and flattering, it is classic yet also fresh and modern.

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  51. Thanks for the fashion show! It helped to brighten up the gloomy, cold, rainey day here in Florida. You are so productive that I understand how you can lose count. My favorite dress is the Chadwick dress - looks great on you and love the color. I'd like to copy that one! A close runner-up (among your many awesome dresses)is the Michael Kors dress.

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  52. I love your sheath dresses, and admire your sewing ambition. I'm now retired, but when I was working I staffed a volunteer commission that met every six weeks. I tried to make a new dress/outfit for each meeting. At the time, sewing was the only way I could have nice clothes for work, and I loved the creative outlet, too.

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  53. My top three are these, red variation on a theme ( I think is absolutely lovely on you), Ralph Lauren dress and # 20. I loved seeing the recap.

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  54. So many dresses! I think I like the black and white eyelet best.

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  55. Wow you continue to amaze me. Reading this post was like watching a fashion show! Well done for 2009!

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  56. Great roundup! My fav is also your fav. Here's to another productive year in 2010!

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  57. The black/white eyelet dress, because it is so becoming. You have very nice arms, and the dress shows them off. I also like the fabric and the style! - Tiina

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  58. What a fantastic collection of dresses! I love them all! I also love that you put so much thought into what you sew, using TNT patterns that you know are going to look fantastic, as well as creating collections with your fabric. I wish I had that much discipline! I am forever hopping from one project to another with little thought as to how it will fit in with the rest of my wardrobe.

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  59. I can only hope that my collection of homesewn dresses for 2010 is as varied and beautiful as your collection is for 2009. You have some really great dresses there and I'm excited to see what you sew up for 2010!

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  60. Wow! I loved seeing them displayed this way - it was fun to scroll through and note the changes in color/style as the seasons changed. I narrowed my favs to three, and this was hard! My favs are the MK inspired color block dress, the Tom and Linda Platt knit dress and the black and white boucle dress with the black piping from the Cardigan series.

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