Wednesday, October 13, 2010

First of Frocktoctober

This is first of my three Frocktoctober dresses using the 'Amazing Fit' pattern Simplicity 2648. Originally I'd intended to make a muslin of this dress until I remembered that my fabric (a polyester crepe?) was purchased for only $3 a metre at the Remnant Warehouse and my muslin cost just as much. So I settled for a tissue fit and fitting as I went.

Despite a few hiccups, I'm reasonably happy with my dress. The pattern includes different cup sizes and a curvy option for the skirt. Unfortunately I ran into difficulty right at the end. The dress fitted around the neck without the facing, but once I attached it it flopped and gaped open. I must have stretched it when steaming the interfacing down. I also suggest interfacing the sleeve caps. I didn't and the result is rather floppy - more like a ruffle than a cap. Still I don't mind this.

My quick fix was to hand stitch in two darts and add covered buttons to match the ones on the belt I made. I didn't like the simple buttoned tab at the front, and after forgetting to sew the buckle front bands into the front bodice, decided a belt was the way to go.

Next time I make this dress, I will line the top rather than use facings. This is a summer dress and an acetate lining will not do in Sydney's climate. So rather than put a silk lining in a cheap dress I opted for Hong Kong seams throughout. Much less comfortable than a soft silk.

The second of Frocktober is coming up. Think old kimono scarf, and gun metal grey duponi.
I also want to thank my two latest followers for finally getting beyond 99 followers! I have a give away planned to celebrate. Will post on this shortly.

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27 comments:

  1. I know you are starting the summer where you live, I envy you. Love the red dress, I like the sleeves and finished well, they remain seriously the model. Sometimes great things come in small errors. Beautiful!

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  2. We both have new red dresses this month! I like the way the sleeves turned out, it gives the dress a softer look.

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  3. Fits you perfectly and love the color.

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  4. Wow, fantastic fit! (I guess those are called Amazing Fit patterns for a reason.)

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  5. Cotton batiste would make great linings in your climate. Good save and the dress looks lovely on you. Of course the batiste would cost more than the fabric for the dress did.

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  6. Beautiful version of this great pattern! I love it in red - you've made me think that a LRD (little red dress) is a must for my wardrobe too!

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  7. Lovely dress and red looks great on you.

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  8. Very pretty and nice save for the neckline. :)

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  9. You look gorgeous in this dress. I like cotton batiste, or even poly cotton batiste as a lining for summer dresses too. - Greenfields also has a very inexpensive cotton-silk voile range that I want to try as lining, but it is more than $3 per m. What a bargain!

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  10. What a great dress and the colour really suits you.

    Did you sew directionally around the neckline? Mine has stretched slightly on the neckline as well and I think this may be the reason.

    I also love cotton batiste as a lining for summer dresses and skirts.

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  11. Glad you could save the dress it looks really good on you, I've done similar fixes before too.

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  12. Fabulous frock - red is really your colour! And the buttons at the neckline are a really good idea, it gives a nice symmetry with the belt

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  13. The dress looks fantastic on you. And I'm glad you were able to tweak it to get it to work--there's nothing more frustrating than putting a bunch of time into a project and not liking the results. Looking forward to seeing the next dress!

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  14. I love Frocktober!

    I was going to say that red is a wonderful color on you, but everyone else has already said it. It's definitely true!

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  15. Lovely Frocktober! This one truly makes you look like Bree Van De Kamp:)

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  16. Gee, you never would know this is cheap fabric! It looks great on you.

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  17. Love the colour... and when you have time, put up some earring pics, would love to see your collection!
    http://stylewilderness.blogspot.com/

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  18. I love your dress; makes me realise how a LRD would be a wonderful addition to any wardrobe...
    btw, in answer to your question, no, that isn't Cottesloe beach. I love that beach too, but I wouldn't be allowed to take my dog there. It is called Dog Beach (yes, really!) and it is immediately south of Cottesloe beach

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  19. Red is a fantastic color on you! The dress turned out beautifully and thank you for sharing some great "learnings" --- it always helps me to learn from others' experiences.

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  20. I agree with everyone else the red is great on you. I have this pattern, it may need to be pulled out now...

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  21. Great save on the dress! I have this pattern, and I may have to work on it...thank you for the tips and hints!

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  22. Fantastic red dress... the color is beautiful, the fit is amazing, and you look amazing! :)

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  23. That could well be a terrific TNT dress! Very pretty.

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  24. The dress is very nice and fits you well. I think it's great you were able to turn the issues into alternative design points.

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