There’s nowhere near as much sewing going on Chez Stitches as I would like, but I have finally finished my first outing with this pattern:
I had plenty of fabric left over from the café crème Sorbetto, so used it to make the round necked version without the waist ties:
I have to say first up that I found this pattern to be less than satisfactory. The bodice pieces were different lengths and the skirt was a very odd shape. Although to be fair to the skirt pieces, I am a bear of very little waist so that could be something to do with it.
I added selfmade bias binding to the neckline and armholes. It’s a treatment I really love.
The lining, which you can just about see in this picture, is an old cotton sheet given to me by Ma SIL. It’s super soft and just perfect for this dress. And because the lining was free the whole dress, including the cost of the pattern and notions, came in at about £15! Bargain.
Needless to say, because of the problems I had with the pattern, this dress took far longer to complete that it should have done, but it’s a very wearable muslin, nonetheless.
I do need to tweak this bodice some more. I think a little more shaping of the princess seams under the bust to remove the little bit of bagginess, and another 1″ or so on the bodice length to drop the waistline a bit. I’ve already dropped the neckline an 1″ from the original pattern but think it would stand at least another 1″…possibly 2″.
I will be making this again because it’s such a cute dress and very easy to wear. Not too dressy for the school run but smart enough for outings too. I’m wearing it with ancient Clarks sandals here that I love, but have also just bought some cream flats and a cream cardigan to go with the dress. Flats are so much more appropriate to my everyday life!
Next up a pair of jeans.
Seriously!
I must be crazy!
This is so lovely! Do you have one of those little gadgets to make the bias binding (I love using it too on necks and sleeves) or do you hand cut it? I also have to typically drop the waists – they always seem so high!
I hand cut the binding and then do the folding bit as I sew. Terribly lazy…I do have a little gadget thingy but I always want a different size! As I machine sew the binding to the outside and then turn and handstitch to the lining, it’s never really a problem.
I think I´ll have to give this a go as I sew it on the same way!
It saves the tiresome folding and ironing and scorching your fingers step of the process! 😉
Perfect for summer, if we get any.
It’s not looking hopeful on the weather front at the moment, hence the hastily purchased cardigan! Not raining today but very chilly.
It’s beautiful! I love the self made binding, I love making and sewing on binding it’s so neat & professional. Thank you again for the book & the toys you sent to knitting for Jack, Liz passed them along on Thursday, they are lovely! Hope alls well xxx
I love sewing binding too. It’s very soothing.
You’re welcome for the goodies. I’ll bet he’s growing apace. x
That is a rather gorgeous dress . I love the gentle flare of the skirt and your handmade bias trim is fab ! Fingerscrossed we get a summer for you to wear it.
As it’s raining again today I’m not holding out a huge amount of hope. I think it’s going to be worn with a cardigan more often than not!