Do you remember when I became obsessed with this fabric? Well, I ended up buying it despite it being way above my skill level. My original intention was to make either this Pattern Runway or this Burda dress. I even went as far as to muslin the Burda. I might do another post on that dress. Anyway, I like those styles. Short but with sleeves. Arm coverup! Anyway, when the fabric arrived, I just didn't feel that style was right and felt that those hanging chandeliers needed a longer dress. I had been a bit stingy and bought less than 2 metres so thought I'd go with tried and true dress.. the Drape Dress from the best named sewing book ever "She has a mannish Style". Easily my favourite of all the Japanese sewing books I own. This dress takes no fabric so I thought I was on a winner. I have made this dress before, here and here. The difference though is that those dresses were in a slightly stretch fabric and shorter.
These photos are a study in why I should only photograph in the morning. I look tired. And I was. But I wanted to see what the dress looked like on.
I will say that I am happy with my cutting - my chandeliers hang straight - especially at the back where it really counts. I tried to get the placement of the 'busy' part of the chandeliers in a drop waist position, however with this aspect I'm not convinced it turned out exactly right, perhaps I could take a bit more length off it. The dress is much tighter than previous versions, the fabric obviously doesn't stretch, but I also decided to french seam the sides which meant I lost a bit on the sides.
I will say that I am happy with my cutting - my chandeliers hang straight - especially at the back where it really counts. I tried to get the placement of the 'busy' part of the chandeliers in a drop waist position, however with this aspect I'm not convinced it turned out exactly right, perhaps I could take a bit more length off it. The dress is much tighter than previous versions, the fabric obviously doesn't stretch, but I also decided to french seam the sides which meant I lost a bit on the sides.
The fabric is just so beautiful, but I'm not sure about the dress. I was going to wear it to a wedding tomorrow but have decided on an a different hand made one because I just don't feel great in this one. I need to think about it a bit more and consider what next with it.
This fabric is just gorgeous! I saw it at Tessuti but just didn't know what to do with it. I really hope this dress grows on you :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely like the draped neckline! Maybe what is missing is ac accentuated waistline? Have you tried wearing a belt?
ReplyDeleteI lke the drapey style and the placement of the chandeliers. Maybe you could wear it with a belt and see if you like it better?
ReplyDeleteI think this dress looks really great on you! So I'm afraid I don't have any good styling suggestions because I'd wear it as is!
ReplyDeleteI really like this and think you should keep the length. The fabric is so beautiful and dramatic and I think you got the pattern placement just right! I think the thing that's throwing it off just a bit is the drape right below the waistline. I agree with the others that a belt could work, but then you wouldn't get the unbroken flow of the chandeliers. Do you think you could snug it in a bit more on the upper side seams which might pull the bottom drape up? (Mind that I'm no fitting expert!) It's really lovely and I think you should wear it to the wedding.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you can make such a long dress out of under 2 metres of fabric and still have such great fabric placement - must have taken some thought. I really like it. :)
ReplyDeleteWow that fabric is just beautiful! Less than 2m, how did you do that? I think as you noted that given this is a woven and not a stretch fabric it has the drape but not the cling that would give the dress more shape and definition. That being said, it showcases the fabric beautifully and I really think a belt would detract from that. I am a firm believer though that unless you feel great when you put something on you just won't wear it, so I hope you find a fix that works for you. I'm not much help am I?
ReplyDeleteI think it looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of relaxed shift dresses, I think either the pattern runway or burda pattern will work and it looks like you have some largish pieces to work with if you choose to change your mind. Maybe let it sit for a bit and think about it. Have fun at the wedding! I LOVE weddings!
ReplyDeleteStunning fabric and am loving the draping!. My suggestion would be a belt as well.
ReplyDeleteYou don't seem one hundred percent happy, so please let me assure you that you look STUNNING in this dress! The print is utterly beautiful and the sleek lines of the pattern design are a really good match for it :)
ReplyDeleteI think you got the drop waist effect you were looking for. I would just add a little gold, fringed clutch to complete the 20's vibe.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore it. I think it is very chic and very sexy.
ReplyDeleteThis is super smashing, lovely! Though meh to things not fitting quite right- curse you stretch! Did it hold up to the wedding?
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you don´t want to wear it to the wedding? I bet you´ll be among the best dressed! Super pretty!
ReplyDeletethanks Merche, but I wore a different dress.... I have't given up on this but need to learn to love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks A, but it got shelved for the wedding - it will come back like lazarus though - just need to rethink it a bit :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel... I really wish I felt chic and sexy in it :)
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is amazing, I remember loving it (not its price though) when you first showed it here. And the silhouette of the dress is perfect for it, loose and elegant. Maybe wearing a belt on the hips? And if you still don't feel it, can I suggest sending it to me? I'll show it good love, hehe ;)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm loking for some fabric for a Coco as well, can't wait to see yours!
I think that this dress really highlights the fabric, and looks smashing on you! I hope that you'll give it a second chance!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is awesome! What a shame you don´t like the dress...
ReplyDeleteI think the dress looks great. can't see what you have on your feet, some pretty strappy heels might make it look even more chic.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'm really enjoying all the Drape Drape type garments that are going around the blogs now. So different and so modern looking. Will have to look up that Japanese Sewing book. Also, I love your hair, did you get a haircut? What do you call this style? I went recently to get my haircut into something like this, and......well, I guess the hairdresser and I had different visions of what the haircut was, so want to be able to name a style.
ReplyDeleteI always loved that fabric and remember when you first shared it. Give it a chance... it does look very pretty and unique... and I mean that in the best way! I suggest taking more pictures of it in better light and you may just see it in a "better light" :)
ReplyDeleteAgree re the price! Thanks for your positive comments... I might return to it at some point.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela - it certainly deserves a second chance so stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteYes, the fabric is so special, what a shame about the dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara - I have my gold shoes on which look pretty good but maybe some other shoes could do it. ... any excuse for another pair of shoes!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great book and yes, there are some terrific drape drape garments around! My hair was due for a cut so it was a bit longer than usual.. I don't know what to call this cut. We'll have to think up a name so that you can get it - or else come to Australia for a visit to my hairdresser!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margo - yes, a different light might help!
ReplyDeleteYour fabric choices are always so interesting.
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