My cousin recently passed away and I realized that I no longer own a proper funeral dress. My lifestyle is so casual now and most funerals during Covid either happened via Zoom or YouTube so I didn't need to be "dressed" to attend a funeral. And if you don't know, a Black funeral is a celebration of life. So not only is the funeral a celebration of the person but people of my generation tend to dress our best.
So I needed a dress. I did have enough time to rush order some black linen from Fabric Mart because spring has sprung here on the East Coast. My pattern of choice was the Style Arc Hope Dress using the extension pack. Buttons and black bias binding came from my notions stash.
Construction was easy and didn't take long, 8-9 hours over the weekend, that was cut out to finished dress.
- I did add 8" at the lengthen/shorten line and another 1" to the hemline of the skirt pattern piece to maximize the dress. Probably why the Hope Dress is so popular.
- The other construction item was I used a 5/8" seam allowance to sew the bodice to the skirt instead of the 3/8" the pattern recommends. This was to cover the 2 rows of basting stitches.
- I added my label to the facing.
- Then used bias binding to clean finish the facing because I wanted some pretty in the dress, even if I was the only one to see it.
- The black & white buttons were from my notions stash and gave the dress a pop...cause seriously all black.
I made this one in a size 22. The last time I made this dress, I chose a size 26, why? That one the fit was too loose, this one fits way better.
I know extension packs can seem like they're not worth the money. But this extension pack is GOLD! I have plans to make several more dresses using this button front version and the bias bound neckline. There are some rayons lounging in the fabric collection that would do this pattern with the extension pack justice.
The photos below are how I wore it to the funeral. These were taken right as I got home...
As I stated, I will be making more of these for spring/summer! BTW, I will be off the week after Easter. A short trip with my grands and then a little sewing. Since the weather is changing, maybe some pictures too...
However, I do have a question, do you have a dress or suit for funerals?
...as always more later!
I am a volunteer usher for my local theater company and our uniform is a black suit - so I could wear that to a funeral - but I just made a dress I really like that’s black with white polka dots and that would be my first choice. I agree that a funeral is a celebration of life, so I try to have a bit of color in my clothes. You are so right that we don’t wear “special” clothing anymore. I miss dressing up (once in a while.)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss but it’s always such a treat when you have a new blog post. I’m anxious to see how you got along with the Cashmerette Wexford!
Jane
There are lots of recommendations for things a woman 'must have' in her wardrobe...I honestly believe every woman needs something suitable for a funeral and something suitable for a wedding. Your dress is perfect.
ReplyDelete...and I have to come back to say that YOUR HAIR IS GLORIOUS.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress- it really suits you! But I'm so sorry for your loss. I keep a funeral dress in my closet at all times after having to really scramble for one when the last thing I felt like doing was shopping or sewing.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had one ... it was an Easter dress, black rayon crepe with daisies sprinkled over it ... wore it twice within a year for funerals of dear ones ... one was a cousin's, who died from a brain cancer that metastasized ... within twelve months, my little brother died from the same condition. Gave the dress away. I think it was cursed.
ReplyDeleteI have not looked at sewing blogs, or really sewing, in a long time. Love to see that you are still at it, I'm starting to pick it back up again myself. I do not have a good funeral dress/outfit, and really not a great wedding look either. Haven't been to either one in a long time, my mom's funeral 4 years ago is the last. I'm starting to make a wish list of things I can reach for, for a given occasion, and be out the door and happy. Thanks. KarenT Oh, btw, Lisa Laree is right, your hair is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your loss, but good that you could be there looking appropriate. Blackk skirt (or dress slacks if I thought there would be a graveside element to the ceremony), subdued color jacket and a pretty scarf for covering my hair if needed, and lapel brooch was my funeral go-to for many years, especially as I tended to attend a lot of funerals as a representative of my employer so went from the office. I really need to get something like your new dress, the last funeral had me casting around for black slacks that fit!
ReplyDeleteYou looked very nice, honoring your family in your own style.
Ceci
Great dress! Please accept my condolences. Your question did get me to thinking. I do have a dress that is appropriate for a funeral but, it is not representative of my current style. Like you, in my former work life(currently retired)I dressed up daily. I would like a to make a dress that's appropriate but speaks to my current sensibilities. (Fashion that feels like pajamas😄)
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Carolyn. Your dress looks stylish and perfect for a celebration of life
ReplyDeleteA very sad occasion for a nice dress, sorry about that. No doubt a lot of sewing the big4 is what taught you not to trust the stated body measurements in patterns, but this is a reliable indie company. And yes, sadly I'm old enough to need to keep funeral clothes handy. I read Instagram posts by young things planning their summer wedding outfits and sigh
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your family. Losing a loved one is hard, I'm sending calming energy your way.The dress is very nice.-SeaminglyHistorical
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of black in my wardrobe and I was able to easily dress for a funeral I went to two weeks ago. Not the case when my father died 12 years ago and with travel to get there and the short time for a Jewish funeral after death there wasn’t even time to shop much less make a dress. After that I made sure that I always have an appropriate outfit in my closet. I am sorry for your loss and impressed that you managed to create a beautiful and appropriate dress.
ReplyDeleteNancy Karpen
So sorry for your loss - it is sad to see one's family start to go. Your dress looks amazing, and as others have said, your hair looks fabulous too. For quite a long time, I have made sure there is always a black dress in my wardrobe and make a new one every now and then. Australia is less formal at funerals now than earlier times, but I like to dress appropriately. Sometimes I wear black and white if that seems appropriate. I am off to order that Hope Dress extension pack! Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI wear either a navy/ivory embroidered silk tweed sheath dress, a black/ivory/hints of chartreuse tweed skirt suit, or a light gray/ivory tweed skirt suit with a pale pink silk charmeuse shell. It depends partly on the season and partly on my relationship to the deceased. Each of these is me-made.
-BetsyV
Condolences on your loss. That is certainly a beautiful dress, I love the bias finish and when we sew a feature that only the sewist or wearer can see, makes it a bit special
ReplyDeleteI do not have a dress appropriate for a funeral in my closet. I would most likely have to rush order fabric from FM as well, or drive up and get it. Is the neckline on the expansion pack that low or did you lower it? Because it feels high on the regular Hope to me and I've lowered the neckline on my versions.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. I'm sorry for you loss. May your memories bring you peace as you remember your cousin. g
Gaylen - Nope that's the new neckline on the Expansion Pack. And I like it better than the neckline on my original Hope.
DeleteThank you! I find that the neckline on many of style arc garment's is just way too high for my liking. I lowered the neckline on the first Hope I made and I just lowered the neckline on Yvette 3"!! g
DeleteI had one until this morning when I did a seasonal change of clothing and decided to do some purging while I was at it. My minimalist black dress was just that. I want more coverage now, not sleeveless, so my go to went to the donate pile. I do have some back up but will consider making a new funeral outfit. Like you, I would need a bit of pop somewhere, as well. I am at that age. A dear friend from a big Irish family lost five siblings this past one year. She now has one left. I am sorry for your loss, Carolyn. I am glad you got to celebrate your cousin's life in a lovely new dress of your own making. Hugs.....
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss; I'm in the same boat; I will need Sunday best clothes for a funeral, since I too have been dressing so casually. I would wear a 2pc dress/ suit look if I could find a good one.
ReplyDeleteSneakers - I am sorry for your loss and grateful that we can attend events again to share memories. I love the bias tape inside - your finishing is always so lovely and joyous. I just went back to your posting on updating how you change patterns with time - thank you for the details.
ReplyDelete