18.1.18

Vogue 1447 for Christmas


A green dress for Christmas.



The pattern is Vogue 1447.  Dresses are always problematic for pear shapes.  I made a muslin first.  Then, instead of making a second muslin, I made a top.  It had the right amount of ease, but it didn't feel right when I wore it.  The skirt portion does not have side seams and I think my attempts to go from a Sz 12 in the top to a Sz 18 in the hips wasn't working.  In the end, I drafted the bodice and upper skirt from my own sloper.  I am undecided about the finished dress.  I don't feel beautiful in it, and that's what dresses are for, aren't they?  I'm not sure I like the high-low hem.  I shortened the hem by about 10 cm.  I do like the green.



I used a lapped zipper in the back instead of the invisible zipper directed by the pattern because my cotton lace was fairly substantial.



The fabric is a Milly cotton/nylon lace from EmmaOneSock in a beautiful, vibrant shade of green..   I had a hard time choosing the lining for the dress.  I knew I didn't want green, as the effect of the lace would be lost.  I also didn't want a nude lining.  I knew I would wear this dress in summer, so I decided to use an Egyptian cotton shirting, which is a smooth cotton, instead of traditional lining fabrics.  In the end, I settled on a royal blue lining.


I still have quite a large piece of green lace left over...not sure what to do with that!

14 comments:

Georgia said...

Love the color and the fabric!

Jo, Sydney said...

I really like the dress on you and you’ve achieved a perfect fit. It’s a shame you aren’t feeling beautiful in it as it’s quite lovely! Maybe some accessories like earrings or a necklace would tie it in with your really smart shoes? I went to a styling class and one of the main takeaways for me was the rule of threes - perhaps you just need the third “piece” (necklace?) to finish the look?

Summer Flies said...

au contraire... I believe you do look beautiful in it. The colour is so gorgeous on you and you have a great fit. I like the lining contrast and I love the neckline and straps. Just such a nice shape. I like the high low hem.. lets face it when that trend goes, you can just cut it off and have a nice sundress. I love your shoes too.

2paw said...

I love the green and I am sad you do not feel you love your dress. I see you have coordinated your nether garment as well! You look well proportioned in your dress, maybe it is the high-low hem? I think the navy lining is perfect.

PsychicSewerKathleen said...

I agree with everyone else that the dress suits you but mostly in the bodice and upper hip area - I think maybe it's still too long? You could cut it at the hip level making it a longish peplum top and wear it with skinny pants :) I think you'd feel beautiful in THAT outfit :)

Tropical Threads said...

Hmmm. Dresses are definitely for feeling beautiful in. I like it on you, it looks quite swish and the colour is to die for! But I could also see it as a tunic-lenth or hip-length top too. Or even just un-hi-lo pin it to see if taht does the trick.

katherine h said...

A styling class sounds fun!

katherine h said...

Thanks 2paw!

katherine h said...

Thanks Kathleen! I might wear it a few more times before deciding if it would be better as a top. Can't undo once you snip! This bright green should get an outing for St Patrick's Day.

katherine h said...

Thanks Tropical Threads. I always think this length looks swish on other people..I might just have to get used to it on myself.

Silvia said...

I think you look lovely, but if you're still not sold try ditching the hi-low hem and go more knee grazing. If it's still not working for you, I'd give it away...

katherine h said...

Thanks Silvia

AllisonC said...

I love the dress as it is, the fabric is amazing and I really like the hi lo hem. Maybe it just needs to be styled as a more casual dress?

Summer said...

WOW! The look on your face says it all. I know that feeling. I've sewn with fabric that I absolutely loved, but ended up not liking what I sewed it into. I don't like to keep clothes that I don't like, so it's always very easy for me to toss clothes like that. My advice for you is to try to restyle it into something that you love and makes you happy. If nothing improves it to the point that you love wearing it, then out it should go! BTW--not sure about this, but I don't see the skirt draping in a billowy way, and am wondering if the fabric is maybe too stiff for the style?