First, this dress has ALOT of hand stitching in it. All of the piping was hand basted in before being machine sewn down. Since there is piping at the neckline, the sleeve hems and two rows of piping in the waist insert you can imagine that this took some time. Then the lining is hand stitched to the zipper tape and the hem at the bottom of the dress, as well as, the sleeve hems.
Even though this dress is similar to other dresses I've made before with the base of the dress being made from my TNT dress pattern, there were some details that stood out. Some because I've made them before and some because of the time and effort associated with bringing them to fruition in this dress.
The piping at the neckline is a common detail in my dresses. I like the way it defines the neckline and I will continue to use this feature in my dresses.
The piping at the sleeve hems were a journey and I'm planning a post on how I added them to the sleeve for later in the week.
The bias inset at the waistline is the eye-catching detail (the money shot) in this dress. It was the most challenging part of the dress and caused me to change direction after the first insert didn't work.
I love lace on the hem of my lining. It makes the lining feel like a slip (luxurious lingerie) and adds a special-ness to the dress.
Finally a pic of Lulu wearing the dress...
Now that the dress is done, I'm much happier with it. Yes, the silhouette is familiar but this is a silhouette that I'm most comfortable wearing and that I believe I look prettiest in. Since confidence is a huge factor in making you feel better about anything, I'm gonna keep on wearing and making this silhouette! *smile*
I've already moved on...starting my first piece on "The Ten Yard Adventure" wardrobe. This dress is pressed and hanging, waiting to be packed for the journey to Chicago...
...as always, more later!
This dress is beautiful.Love all the extra details. Great!!! Can't wait to see you in it.. Have a great trip to Chicago..
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing.
This is a really lovely dress! The fact that it is in a silhouette that's familiar doesn't matter as much as being comfortable and feeling great in it just as you said. This is something that I'm learning for myself too. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous details on this dress! It is really elegant.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing more about the sleeve piping; I've gone a few rounds with it myself, experimented with facings and cuffs for the insertion, but am still not entirely happy with the results.
Very pretty! Can't wait to see how it looks on you. And I am excited to see your next creation. I hope you have a fun time on your trip!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really lovely, feminine dress without being too froufrou. I agree that the bias cut waist line and piping are defining dresses that really make the design *pop*.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say "touches" not "dresses". Ooops!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Chicago! The dress is beautiful; I really love the piping.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Chicago! Your dress is just stunning. I covet the herringbone.
ReplyDeleteYour idea of what and why you wear a certain style is my sentiments exactly. Through many years some have not learned what looks good and what is not so appealing on their body types. If you make it just because you like it and it is not making you feel good when you wear it you have missed the mark of what it means to make and wear what is complimentary to you. I applaud you in knowing what is best for you. I've learned this too. Not every outfit is for every body type.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular, Carolyn! Definitely worthy of Haute Couture. I wish I was joining you!!
ReplyDeleteThe dress is really beautiful. I love all the details an I hope I'll have just as much patience when I sew my -hopefully - Haute Couture evening dress in a month or so.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others - your dress is lovely. I am eagerly awaiting the photos of your wearing the dress. I hope you have a great time in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! You are an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeletegreat looking dress. I believe you should make whatever makes you feel good/pretty, no matter how many times it is. There are too many confidence killers already out there without bringing it into our creative environment.Not everyone is a size zero, but we look just as FIERCE Just love your blog.
ReplyDeleteBTW, are you still participating in the craftsy course with Susan Khalje (sp?)
I'm really looking forward to seeing how you style this dress. I've already got a picture of it in my mind. It's such a pretty colour and I know you will look lovely in it. I
ReplyDeleteVery nice, I think that the addition of the piping adds a crispness or finished look that a lot of RTW don't even begin to have! Isn't it nice to have something on that you have made and feels good to wear too!
ReplyDeleteYay. Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the lucky ones who will see this in person next Sunday! Carolyn, the dress is just lovely--and I am, as always, struck by how well you articulate your style choices.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you!!!
Wow. I can't believe that you finished the dress so quickly and all the fabulous details! I am anxious to hear how you did the piping on the sleeves.....You sandwiched the piping on the neckline between the dress and the facing, correct? Great job! I like the idea of the lace on the lining hem. Just lovely. We will want to hear all about the show. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, have a wonderful trip
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! Along with the others...I want to know how to put piping on sleeves. Thank you sooooo much! Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Piping was one of the classes I took with Cynthia and it really does add such a nice detail.
ReplyDeleteI wear a silhouette similar to yours most of the time. It's what works. Details change, but when you find something that works, there's no good reason to be disappointed by something else.
ReplyDeleteLulu looks beautiful in your dress. If only she could go to work for you and leave you more time to sew! Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteA really lovely dress, can't wait to see action shots of the dress. I wish I was making something right now, sort of in a slump I go in my sewing studio and just don't know what to do. Its not lack of time but of lack of supplies and notions. Maybe I should try a dress.
ReplyDeleteLovely dress and I am sure you will look stunning!
ReplyDeleteCynthia would be proud of all the hand sewing and
your piping work :)
that's really lovely
ReplyDeleteLovely dress, Carolyn. I'm so following your lead on piping and this dress style. Love both.
ReplyDelete