I loved the concept of the three different fabrics in the front and back of the dress but never got around to making it. My original plan was to use my TNT dress and cut the pattern up to achieve this look after I was dissuaded from using a Vogue pattern. Luckily for me, McCalls issued a pattern recently that I can use to make my version of this dress so I'm starting with McCalls 6988.
Now in my head I knew that I had a yard and a half of a floral ponte that I purchased a couple of years ago from Tessuti Fabrics. I really wanted to start with that piece. However, the piece isn't as vivid in real life as I remembered it, and no matter what I placed it with, it didn't work. Now during this exercise I once again realized just how much ponte fabric I've collected...*sigh*
So 30 minutes in, I switched up fabrics. I changed some fabrics out using this graphic ponte as my base print and ended up with this combination ~
I really liked this combination but when I posted it to Instagram there were some suggestions about changing out the starker white ponte for a taupey beige one. So I dug around in the ponte cabinet and found one ~ here's the next combination...
This combination is a little less jarring than the first one and looks more like fall. I'm going with this one for my Sex & The City Dress. I won't be adding the belt in the front or the back. No need to call attention to what I have an abundance of - y'know!
I also think I'm going to make 3/4 length sleeves instead of short sleeves. I want to wear the dress without a topper. Finally the last change I will make is to the back. McCalls 6988 has two back pieces with darts to give definition to the back. As I've previously said, I hate darts so I will use my 4 back pattern pieces for the dress...but to make it look more like the STC Dress...I will use the taupey beige ponte for the center back and the black ponte for the sides. Essentially the front and back will be the same except that there won't be a back yoke. I haven't decided if I want to go that far with pattern adjustments.
So I will be making two versions of this dress...the ponte one and the wool tweed/lace version. I've already started the pattern alterations for this dress. Will have more to share this weekend...maybe I can get the ponte dress cut, sewn and modelled before the weekend is over...hopefully!
...as always more later!
Oh, wow. This dress is going to be a humdinger in the best sense of the word!
ReplyDeleteCant't wait to see it finished :)
ReplyDeleteRaisa
No back yoke? Oh, sad. Then again, a seam line with the geometric print across the shoulders would be jarring (matching would be a nightmare, that's one loooong repeat). And everything else about this idea just jumps up and down and does a super happy dance, so...good thinking woman!
ReplyDeleteI really like this dress. You always make such lovely ones. Can't wait to see it finished. x
ReplyDeleteHave you considered doing a three piece back? with taupe in the center and black down the sides? I do really like the back yoke on the inspiration piece and how the print transitions to the sleeves, but I'm excited to see your interpretation. Love the color/fabric combo!
ReplyDeleteI like that combo! I made a top using that ponte print and it's a very nice blend of colors.
ReplyDeleteHow do I not remember this top? I'm sure it's awesome!
DeleteGirl, your printed ponte stash cabinet is THE BOMB! FRT!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing all your recent ponte dresses, that tricolor one looks wonderful on you, and your fun fabric combo for this one, I realized why I have been uninspired to sew for fall. I have been focused on dull fall colors. I need to follow your example and think winter clothes in the colors I love. To heck if they are not the colors designers are pushing.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see this! Those fabrics are perfect together. I also love your last dress- the black, white, and fuchsia one! It looks gorgeous on you! I have M6988 in my queue, too. It's already adjusted and ready to go, I just need some black ponte for a color blocked version. I can't wait to see your dress finished!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration dress, it seems be before its time. Or perhaps the inspiration for all the current mixing of fabrics etc. Your combination looks good.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm happy to discover I'm not the only looney out there taking pictures of my tv screen. This will become a great dress! I actually like your fabric combo better than the original.
ReplyDeleteAll the time! *LOL* I see something and many times I run it back with the DVR and then stop it so I can get a good shot! I see inspiration everywhere...so no you are not alone!
DeleteI'm another one who likes your fabric combo better than the original. Your dress is going to be smashing!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how both of your dresses turn out. You really put so much thought into your sewing, and it shows.
ReplyDeleteI like this combination. I liked the white fabric but it works as well with the beigey fabric.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Whilst the white is nice, your Insta friends are right...the taupe is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on the same pattern right now in a charcoal ponte. I'm excited to see how yours turn out.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we save our scraps. You never know when something like this great dress will come our way. I know the finished product will be spectacular. Can't wait to see you in it.
ReplyDelete