Then found this one on Pinterest where the seaming drew my attention...
which when added to the basic sheath style of the Talbot's dress...throwing my TNT dress pattern into the mix...and this is what I ended up with...
Fabric ~
Midweight wool crepe from Fabric Mart
Notions ~
beige invisible zipper
silk batiste lining from Farmhouse Fabrics
beige rayon seam binding
beige cotton bias binding
Construction Details:
I made a few alterations to my TNT dress pattern to get to my vision for the dress.
The first alteration I made was to add a center front seam. The was done by sewing right sides together. Pressing the seam open. Then folding & pressing the excess under and topstitching the seam down on both sides.
The second change to my TNT pattern is that I sewed the center back and center side seams right sides together. I flipped it over and pressed the seam flat. Then pressed it to the side.
Finally I topstitched it flat.
I was trying to emulate the seaming that I liked in my inspiration dresses and I believe I was more successful with the seaming in the back than the front.
The dress was then sewn as I normally do. I added an ivory silk batiste lining because I'm out of ivory rayon bemberg lining and of course I added lace trim to the lining's hemline. I kinda like the wool/silk combo that the dress fabric and the lining fabric form.
...and the armholes were stitched with the bias binding finish...
A few more pics of how I will wear the dress with an Isaac Mizrahi blazer and cardigan in real life...
With three strand pearl necklace and Nine West heels
With Heidi Daus cross necklace and matching earrings
This is my first finished garment of February! I've already started working on my next piece...more basics but with a twist.
Finally there's been a lot of Barbie sewing in the blogosphere lately. I saw this on Yahoo ~ Barbie has put her Malibu dreamhouse on the market. The listing is here. Let me know if anyone is considering purchasing it...I'd like to come by and visit! I will even bring my sewing machine to stitch up a few designer dresses for my girl, Barbie.
...as always more later!
This is lovely, Carolyn. The really pale beige is very pretty on you.
ReplyDeleteso basically you did a flat felled seam on the back princess seams, right? it's a great effect. I think the front looks good as well. I love, love the giraffe cardigan. I really want something with a giraffe print. This dress is lovely and will be a great 'basic' but not - garment to add to your closet and your work collection. I'm envious you've got something made already. g
ReplyDeleteThe seaming details are fabulous and make a quietly stunning dress in the lovely pale crepe. Beautifully sewn and such a lovely style on you.
ReplyDeleteLove love love this dress Carolyn, and you look fabulous wearing it. Your sewing is perfection, as ever!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful dress. Such clean lines. Looks fabulous on you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress and I love your whole outfit(s)! Very classy.
ReplyDeleteI like yours more than the original inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThat dress, in that fabric, in that color, with that detail, is absolutely fabulous on you. One of my all time favorites.
ReplyDeleteOooh really pretty. I especially like it with the jacket!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE!! And both of the cardigans/jackets make it sing.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, your details are always so stunning! I love the tone on tone, textured stripe down the middle. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is gorgeous, and I love all your different outfits! It's a refreshing look in the middle of winter!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely! Another classic item, with some gorgeous details.
ReplyDeleteGreat dress. I like your seam finishes better than the inspiration dress. And you make me want to click over and order that Heidi Daus necklace - nice job with the styling!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, awesome dress! You look absolutely fabulous in this dress. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou are so glam it hurts! You have the perfect combination of sophistication and sass. I love it! Great job on drawing inspiration from your pinterest dress.
ReplyDeleteI agree! This dress is lovely! I want one.
ReplyDeleteLove your interpretation, especially the topstitch on the CF seam. and I loved that inspiration dress when I saw it on Pinterest. What do you think the fabric is? Looks like it might be the fabric they call Silk n Wool - a blend of the two fibers that has a satin weave structure. I love the sheen and the body on that baby. Almost makes me wish I needed work clothes - Almost!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteAnother note - Congratulations on the newest addition Grandma.
Maybe a silk satin or a silk/wool satin fabric...it is a lovely fabric though. I pinned it more though for the seaming detail than the fabric. I still may cut my TNT dress pattern up and try those seams, though.
DeleteBeautiful and very inspiring is your latest dress and love how it changes so much with the different cardigans/jackets.
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenting, been lurking around 6 months though. This dress is so flattering on you - the lines, the color, etc. that I just had to come out of hiding and tell you that this is #1 in my book. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteLike the details that you added. Taking a very basic dress and making it your own. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm sending you a FedEx delivery slip so you can send this dress to my house., lol.
ReplyDeleteSuper classy and chic!
ReplyDeleteWow! I LOVE it! It looks awesome on you!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautifully fitted, beautifully styled and beautifully executed dress! I am not a frequent commenter, but I want to let you know that I always look forward to your posts in my RSS feed. Fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteVery classy!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! The color is fab on you and I really like it paired with that blazer.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous dress!
ReplyDeleteI like it! Looks like it will be a great piece for your wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteSo very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI really love this one on you! It is perfect, and I love the different looks with the cardigan and accesories!
ReplyDeleteThe center front seam and topstitching really added so much to this dress. It is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteStunning! This will work wonderfully for spring as well.
ReplyDeleteThis dress reminds me of spring... I love the seaming details that you added to this basic sheath dress. by the way your pictures look great.
ReplyDeletePerfect shape and color and backdrop for all your beautiful jackets and cardigans..a win -win addition to the wardrobe! Love the necklace and hint of Spring even though we are all shivering!
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented! I wish I could sew - tried sewing class a couple decades ago... made one outfit , but I was never very good at it. I live vicariously through you LOL
ReplyDeleteLove this sheath! The seaming and center detail set it apart and make it look very professional and special, and the wool crepe hangs beautifully on you.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I love about TNT patterns. A few minor changes and it's a completely different garment. I've had sewing buddies look at things I've made from the very same pattern and not recognize that they've seen the pattern before. Isn't it great to be able to use your imagination and creative talents so well? Love your creative energy. Keep 'em coming. You inspire me to stretch.
ReplyDeleteI really like this seaming detail, very flattering and well-executed. And a luxurious lining makes everything better.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I love the detail you added. Beautifully sewn.
ReplyDeleteOh, how wonderful! Absolutely exquisite, as is the seaming. Your sweater is the perfect garment to pair with this lovely dress. I think the seaming on this is so flattering and the color - to die for, and should work with just about everything. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteOh my. That is the most beautiful, gorgeous, flattering dress. LOVE it.
ReplyDelete