FINISHED! Eliana and Kevin

Today, I get to talk about a dress I made all the way back in October as a pattern test for Pauline Alice. You all know that I am a fan of Pauline's patterns and so when the opportunity to test a new one comes up, I jump at it.  This one is her new Eliana dress.  A wonderful, raglan cut dress with two options, one with sleeves and the other - a very flattering summery version. You can see a super summery version over at Lizzie's.
But, first it's made from Liberty of London fabric, so lets quickly talk about the fabric.  As usual with me, I threw caution to the wind and used a Liberty that was in my stash. High risk testing! The design is Kevin (colourway B) from the Liberty Art Fabrics Collection Autumn Winter 2014.  I have fancied this fabric for a while and ended up buying it from Shaukat back in August 2014. It sat in my stash for a little time until I was asked to pattern test the Eliana dress. Inspiration.
Liberty Art Fabrics Kevin Tana Lawn
Fabric Story:
Kevin Liberty fabric was based on the celestial ceiling art in the hallway at Mount Stuart in Scotland. The constellations in the print were hand drawn in white and grey chalks on black paper to create a conversational starry night.

There is something about wearing this fabric that makes me want to pull out the latest trash magazine and read my horoscope!
Anyway, now to the important part, the dress.  The dress comes in two versions, the one I tested has a gathered neck tied with binding, an elastic waist and raglan sleeves.  I love a short dress with long sleeves, even in summer, so the choice for me was obvious!  I think that it would be trivial to replace the elastic waist with the ribbon tie which is used in the summery version.  Of course raglan sleeves provide such an opportunity for colour blocking.  And for pocket lovers, there are pockets!
As this was a test version I had a few adjustments to make with the length of the bodice and sleeves. I finished making it according to the instructions, but then found that the neck was too wide for my liking and that the sleeves hung too low due to the raglan design.  Before my next wear, I unpicked the binding collar, regathered and re sewed. I think these adjustments have been reflected in the pattern and this small change made this a much better fit for me. The photo above was taken before I redid the neck.
I really like this dress and before coming on holidays, wore it weekly to work. It is a slightly different silhouette (at least the bodice is) for me, but one that I definitely enjoy wearing. I think that it would look fabulous made up in a slightly heavier fabric as well for cooler months, with tights, so there might be another version somewhere in my future!
Lizzie is having a giveaway of the pattern so pop over there, not only to see her great version but enter in the giveaway.  Well, just a few more days of holidays for me now and I'll be back in Australia next week, where I hope to start on some new garments for 2015!

51 comments:

  1. I just saw Lizzies version in red this morning and wondered what it would look like in a woven. I never thought of Liberty though, so you answered my unanswered question! It looks like a wonderfully versatile dress. And that fabric is very cool!

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  2. Ooh, I love this silhouette and fabric! Just dreamy.

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  3. Beautiful dress and that Liberty's going to send me searching, love it!

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  4. love it! makes me even more excited to make mine up! washing fabric today.... :)

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  5. Lovely! Love raglan sleeves, so i will be sure to check this pattern

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  6. Great dress Kirsty! This length is perfect on you... Shows off those stems!

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  7. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I've always loved that print, and the pattern is so lovely in it. Do you find the raglan design comfortable? I'm always on the hunt for a pattern where I can move my arms about. (Bass playing garb!)

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  8. I love easy fitting dresses like this! Very cute, love the fabric!

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  9. very pretty dress. The pattern is a perfect match with Liberty. I'm sure you'll get a lot of wear out of this dress.

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  10. Beautiful! The shape really suits you and I can see why you've worn this version a lot.

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  11. I love that fabric, and your dress is such a pretty, feminine shape - looks great on you of course :)

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  12. This is such a pretty dress !!!... looks beautiful on you and has a very nice bohemian note. Perfect pattern/fabric combination

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  13. Very pretty dress-I will have to check out the pattern.

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  14. Love this: on my to sew list now. Looks very flattering, feminine and comfortable.

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  15. So very Pretty Kirsty! I've definitely got this one on my make list. Love the summer version too.

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  16. This is so fun! I really like your version!

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  17. Very pretty and very boho. Looks like to could carry you through many seasons.

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  18. Thanks Bernice. Yes it is a little bit boho which isn't usually my style, but this one works well and agree, it can see many seasons!

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  19. Thanks Sophie. Yes the super summery version is so flattering isn't it.

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  20. Thanks Sasha! Have you made this one up yet? I agree, it is just a little bit boho!

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  21. Thanks Gabrielle. I wasn't sure how it would look at first, but really happy with the end result.

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  22. Thanks Claire. It is forgiving and feminine at the same time so works well I think.

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  23. Thanks Barbara, it is the perfect hot weather dress!

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  24. My favourite combination - as long as they let the breeze in!

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  25. Thanks Bella! It is comfortable now after I made the adjustment that lifts the sleeves, before it was a bit limiting, but now it works well. If I had muslined it - ha! - then I would have noticed this first. I'm pretty sure this has been changed in the pattern.

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  26. Thanks Margo - any dress that shows off the legs is a good one !

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  27. Thanks Morgan. I hadn't thought about that before but you are right, it is a bit dreamy! :)

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  28. Thanks Debbie - in fact I had wondered the exact opposite about what it would be like in a jersey! Her version is lovely!

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  29. This dress suits you so well Kirsty and the colour is fabulous - you really do have a knack for picking the best of Liberty! I'm going to check this pattern out, it'll be perfect for spring. I hope you've had a safe trip back home.

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  30. Hi I just wanted to warn you about Shaukat liberty fabric. I live in London so I'm able to visit the shops of both Shaukat and Liberty. Went to Shaukat for a specific pattern which they didn't have in stock, thrilled to find some of the Greyson Perry print fabric from a few seasons ago in poplin, bought some then went to Liberty and got the print I'd set out for. Was chatting at the counter and showed the shop assistant my Shaukat purchase only to be told it was a fake - they hadn't done that print in poplin or in that colourway. Assistant said he'd been in their store and yes they did have new season Liberty at Shaukay, but a lot of the shop is full of fakes they have printed themselves. (I've no problem if you don't want to have this post public or delete it as it's not about your dress, just wanted to warn you).

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  31. Thanks Christine. Yes, we finally arrived back. Good to be home and yes you should definitely make it up!

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  32. Lovely fabric for that design. Looks great!

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  33. No not yet :) ... I see bohemian as in more a Montmartre vibe and less of hippie one ;)

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  34. Good to know! I was thinking of placing an order online from their site, since it's a little more difficult to find new season Liberty in the States!

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  35. I actually really love the neckline in this dress! It's looks like a comfortable, simple thing to throw on and head out to the farmers market with a wide brim hat and some sandals. Or for an afternoon lunch somewhere.


    The fabric choice is on point! When I saw that horoscope print I fell in love!

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  36. My goodness. Liberty test fabric?! High stakes indeed! It's come out wonderfully, such a lovely silhouette. And well done for digging deep to unpick the neckline so that you are happy with it. I'm not sure I would have found the motivation to do that important step! BTW, I'm so freaking excited that you have bought the Dolores batwing pattern! When I saw your order go through I went 'YES!!!!!'. If anyone is going to make an awesome Dolores garment then it's you! xxx

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