Sunday, January 25, 2009

BWOF 11-2008-118 - Large print green shift

Yes, this is me, in the dead of winter, standing outside in a mini-dress I just got done making. I'll bet you're wondering if I'm about to jet off to Hawaii or some such tropical island like Dawn. Um, unfortunately not. This dress is featured in the magazine with tights and a long sleeve shirt underneath, which I thought totally chic. But when I tried my version on with the same accessories, it didn't look too cute. This is still a mystery to me. Perhaps the fabric pattern I chose has too much black? Anyway, I've decided to wear it for a short 'n' sassy summer date dress instead.

Justin said, "That dress makes your legs look... white!" Yes, thank you dear, it is the middle of January and I've not had a chance to work on my tan lately. I'll forgive you if you need to put on some shades. This little sheath looks deceptively simple, but of course I had to have some problems with it. The binding around the neck was super saggy and at first the length was to my calves. Very dowdy. Because of that, I think I was a bit over zealous with trimming the length and it ended up a little short. Oh well, Texas summers are known to be hot.

I got this fabric from Denver fabrics for $4.75 a yard (they still have some) so in using 1.5 yards the total sum was under $8.00. Woo hoo! I love inexpensive good quality garments. I thought this big print would look great with this pattern and I've been on a green kick lately. I did spend several hours cutting it out so I could match up the pattern on the sleeve and dress sides.


It's a bit hard to see but the lines of the reglan sleeves are curved in and very unique. You can see that here in the neckline close-up:

I did my typical french seams for the sides and sleeves. Bias tape was used where the sleeves meet the dress and I got to use my double needle for the first time at the hems. So there is that exposed raw edge at the hem but I'm just going to have to live with it. I slip-stitched the neck binding down as well.

Here's me a few days ago not too happy with the outcome. I actually did a post for this dress last Wednesday. Did you catch it? Right after I blogged I had an epiphany of what accessories to pair it with and now I actually do like it. Ug, these shoes, not my favorite.

Here's the magazine picture. I really think my pattern had too much black so, combined with more black in the shirt and tights, it was not quite as chic as this rendition:

Drawing:
And finally I would like to thank Cennetta and Kathy for nominating me for this blogger award. I'm flattered that you take the time to follow what I'm working on and make such appreciated comments. Thank you, thank you.

20 comments:

  1. This dress is too cute all by itself. No tights or shirt needed. Beautifully made as always.

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  2. What a difference the belt and shoe choice makes. Now you look totally chic.

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  3. Hi there! I just recently started reading your blog and am really enjoying it! You do such lovely work!

    This dress is tres chic - especially with the accessories you landed upon, and such a great print!

    I have a theory as to why the shirt underneath doesn't work so well on your version as the original (if I may be so bold). I don't think it's the amount of black but the nature of the prints. The BWOF dress has a very blocky print and the way it's been cut, with the black in the middle, makes the black of the shirt's sleeves look like a continuation of that. It looks 'incorporated' into the print of the fabric.

    Your fabric stands very well on its own, it just has a different kind of chic feel to it!

    I'm really looking forward to what you do next, I have to live vicariously through other people's sewing until summer.

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  4. I really like this one. You did a great job. I love seeing what you come up with.

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  5. This dress looks so cute on you. I like the thin belt and peep-toe shoes you used to accessorize. Very nice.

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  6. This is a cute dress on you and as you say be fantastic come summer! Can I ask a question - Do you own a serger? I was a little confused by the raw edges? Thanks!

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  7. Very pretty dress and I like your chose of fabric.....

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  8. Amanda-- I love the color on you! You look so cute. I think, you need to make more!!

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  9. That fabric is wonderful and goes really well with the pattern you used.

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  10. WOW!!! That dress is so cute. I totally passed over that pattern in BWOF. That fabric and belt you chose just makes it. I really enjoy your blog.

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  11. Super cute dress Amanda, I wouldn't even bother with the t-neck & tights! (but it IS cute styled that way in the mag. Isn't that weird the way that happens sometimes?) I have a serger, but sometimes I just turn up my hems & don't bother flatlocking the edge before twin needling. I go back after stitching and trim the unfinished edge pretty close. Maybe 1/8". You have to have a steady hand!! LOL. I really like twin needle hems!

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  12. Hi, you can add me to your nominations for Kreative Blogger Award. Thanks for blogging and giving me something to enjoy ... smiles.

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  13. Wow- great pattern/fabric choice! I love the dress it looks very "mod" and trendy- well done :)
    Kate

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  14. Cute! Very retro looking. The slim belt makes it, IMO.

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  15. Wonderful dress! As usual, your attention to detail is perfect. I find the curved raglan sleeves an interesting concept though! Wouldn't mind trying that out for myself.
    And the dress looks great even without the accessories...guess you'll have to wait until summer to wear it out. I envy you though, being able to be outdoors to model that dress! If I did that here...well...let's just say that I'd have icicles forming on my legs in a matter of minutes in chilly Ontario :-) Keep the dresses coming - they're inspiring and motivating

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  16. This dress looks great, speacially with the black belt on it. Great job!!

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  17. Hi Amanda, I love this print and the colours are really flattering on you. You are so productive! I'm afraid I've burdened you with another blogger award nomination, so drop by and pick it up if you have the time.

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  18. like i've said in PR, absolutely beautiful!

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  19. Stunning dress and that bold print was the right fabric choice for achieving such a wonderful end result!

    Congratulations on the Creative Blog Award!

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