What makes this version distinctive is that I used a Telio Denim Embroidered Floral fabric that I'd used before.
I bought the fabric last year and made this dress (the StyleArc Marilyn)...
...I really liked the fabric so I bought it again this spring with the original intent to make a version of M7470. I rebought this fabric because I got it in my head to make a shirtdress with an embroidered eyelet border after seeing a designer version.
I had a totally different piece of embroidered cotton in mind to remake this dress. When I pulled the fabric from the collection, the embroidered edge wasn't as wide as I'd remembered, so it wouldn't work for what I had in mind. My hand touched this embroidered fabric and the search was over.
I had a totally different piece of embroidered cotton in mind to remake this dress. When I pulled the fabric from the collection, the embroidered edge wasn't as wide as I'd remembered, so it wouldn't work for what I had in mind. My hand touched this embroidered fabric and the search was over.
Additional Pattern Alterations ~
I made a couple of changes to the bodice front. One I lowered my dart by a 1/2". The second change was to add 1/2" to the lower half of the dress front. I mentioned that the bust dart was a little too high in my original dress post. However, I didn't notice that there was a little pull in the button band until I wore it and saw the pictures. I want the button area to lay flat so I added some to the front to achieve that.
The last change I made to the dress was to cut the dress skirt 6" longer. On the first dress I only added 3" which placed the hemline right under my knee. This additional 3" makes the dress hit a spot that I'm more comfortable wearing. In all honesty though it changes the look of the dress. The first version looked young and hip, this one looked a little dowdier.
So after assembling the dress, I went back in and removed an inch from the top of the dress skirt. I also used a 5/8" seam allowance on the side seams of the dress where previously I'd sewn them with a 1/2" seam allowance. After adding the extra to the button band, the top was a little too loose. I liked the more fitted top of the original dress but wanted to eliminate the pulling. I think I accomplished that by sewing a deeper seam on the side seams.
So after assembling the dress, I went back in and removed an inch from the top of the dress skirt. I also used a 5/8" seam allowance on the side seams of the dress where previously I'd sewn them with a 1/2" seam allowance. After adding the extra to the button band, the top was a little too loose. I liked the more fitted top of the original dress but wanted to eliminate the pulling. I think I accomplished that by sewing a deeper seam on the side seams.
Otherwise there were no other construction changes. I sewed this up exactly as I did the first version just omitting the pockets.
A few pictures ~
Conclusion ~
I can't guarantee that I won't make another one of these before the summer is over. I keep wondering what it will look like as a maxi dress. Or if I need to make three tiers to make a maxi look work? So there may or may not be a third version of this pattern.
This version is all about the embroidered fabric. I think it was the perfect choice for this simple silhouette.
...as always more later!
Cute and I love that fabric!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute and the perfect use for that gorgeous border!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love a border print! And love the embroidery even more! It looks summery and cool.
ReplyDeleteI love embroidery prints but especially love embroidered border prints!!!
DeleteWow this dress is great on you -
ReplyDeleteThis dress is darling and I love your tennies with it. Great job!
ReplyDeletevery cute, I love border prints!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely GORGEOUS!! It looks so great on you!
ReplyDeleteI like the dress! The border print makes it. Personally, I like the longer skirt. The lack of fear of a wardrobe malfunction makes a skirt over my knees more comfortable to wear than a shorter skirt, and let's face it, confidence makes anything look better. You look great in this dress - You go girl! And I love the shoes!
ReplyDeleteAdding length to the skirt of the dress is what made it a perfect sew for me. I will be making more of these and really want to figure out how to maximize it.
DeleteI think this version came out beautifully, especially with the print placed at the hem.
ReplyDeleteShades of Fall madras?
ReplyDeleteI can see why this is becoming a really popular pattern, it's a great variation on a shirtdress and I love it in the border fabric (& with the cute shoes!)
ReplyDelete