Okay, so for the last day of this incarnation of fabric week, I thought I'd show something made up ... I bought this fabric on eBay, I'm pretty sure, a decision based solely on that color green. I love that shade of green.
Of course, as with all fabric I bought in 2006, it was supposed to be part of a Duro dress. I could never find anything to match that raisin-y brown, though, and I thought matching the pink or the green would be too Lilly Pulitzer. So it sat in my fabric closet (which is not of Tardis-like proportions, despite rampant speculation in the comments, but is pretty darn close) for a while.
Then I needed some fabric to "test" a new pattern -- this is in fact the bodice from one pattern and the skirt from another; I'd show the images but I can't find them, arrgh -- and thought of this stuff. The idea was the pattern would be SO BUSY that any bobbles in the construction wouldn't show.
Of course, I wasn't able to match the large medallions right on the bodice:
But the pockets turned out okay (they're curved!):
Despite the many flaws of this dress (the facings like to turn out, despite practically supergluing them down, and for some reason I got a bad spool of thread so the seams are weak and constantly need repair) it's actually incredibly wearable. The pockets are just the right size and the bodice is very comfortable (it's the same bodice as this dress). In fact, I'm thinking of making this again but in red with white polka dots ...
I really really really like that bodice. It looks faboo with this fabric!--Lydia
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/13/2007 at 08:54 AM
I love, love, love the fabric with the lines of that pattern. Beautiful!
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/13/2007 at 08:58 AM
You did a great job. What kind of fabric is it? Rayon? Cotton? Silk?
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/13/2007 at 09:09 AM
That is really adorable! Great print!
Posted by: Claire | 07/13/2007 at 09:23 AM
Love it!
Posted by: kitty | 07/13/2007 at 09:32 AM
Okay, now I want THAT fabric. Any more details on where it came from, besides E-Bay?
Posted by: geogrrl | 07/13/2007 at 09:37 AM
Fabulous! I share your green-lust as well and with that raisin color - it's drool-worthy. Any chance of you scrounging up the vintage pattern it (and the previous link) is based upon? Thanks for the daily eye candy!
Posted by: sara jane | 07/13/2007 at 09:53 AM
Love the fabric, and the pockets. Yay!
Posted by: Nora | 07/13/2007 at 09:58 AM
Yes, more information please! What pattern is that? I love the shape of the pockets! What kind of fabric is it? When you buy fabric on ebay, you can't touch it before you buy it, so how do you know it isn't cheap scratchy fabric? Tell me your secrets, please!-Amy
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/13/2007 at 10:00 AM
Great job on aligning the print - esp the design in front of the shoulder seams, that looks very professional. Love the pockets as well. Wear it with pride!
Posted by: Donna | 07/13/2007 at 10:02 AM
That's so dang cute - and as if I didn't already love your blog, now you're making Dr Who references again. Hurray!
Posted by: gaile | 07/13/2007 at 10:23 AM
i LOVE that fabric! it's gorgeous!
Posted by: barbie2be | 07/13/2007 at 11:12 AM
This dress is amazing! I love the fabric and green is my favorite color! Fantastic and very creative. I'm going to haunt your blog from now on!
Posted by: ioio | 07/13/2007 at 11:25 AM
been lurking for a while, but the tardis comment brought me out of the woodwork. thank you for a big grin in the middle of my work day. :)i need a tardis for yarn storage. gosh, that would be handy. i aspire to a similarly sized collection of fabric...and sewing skills to match. and by the way, i totally want your day job. :)
Posted by: Beth | 07/13/2007 at 01:49 PM
I love this dress so much. I wish I had the skill to make it!
Posted by: Nicole | 07/13/2007 at 02:37 PM
Very pretty. Love the pattern!
Posted by: bani | 07/13/2007 at 03:03 PM
Boingy facings are usually too narrow... I think it was Sandra Betzina who pointed out that good RTW has facings that are 6" deep in the center back, for instance. Since I started 'wasting' fabric that way (and it need not be the same fabric, let me remind you), I haven't had one of those pesky ones. Check it out...
Posted by: Marie-Christine | 07/13/2007 at 04:05 PM
Oh please, please, show us the skirt pattern--just gotta see those pockets? Are they inset into the side and waist seam?
Posted by: Juliane | 07/13/2007 at 09:00 PM
are the facings understitched? to prevent turnout?Love the fabric and pattern!
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/13/2007 at 10:11 PM
Just beautiful! I love your blog, I've been reading it for over a year now. This dress really reminds me of the "day dress" from Trashy Diva.
Posted by: Thursday | 07/14/2007 at 05:38 AM
I just finished a wrap dress, and I cheated and topstitched the facings in place. M-C makes a good point about them being wider.Love, love, love this dress and fabric. Wear it someplace fun.
Posted by: Joni | 07/14/2007 at 10:42 AM
Ok so I've never made anything that required the fabric details to line up (like you medallions or stripes or plaids) but I had a thought. With a large print like this could you trace that design element (your medallion) onto the pattern when you pin down the first piece (i.e. the right side front)and when you flip the pattern piece over to cut the left side front make sure to line it up with the outline on the pattern? Of course you'd have to cut the two pieces separately instead of at the same time like most directions instruct but it would be worth it if it worked. Thoughts?
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/14/2007 at 03:45 PM
Scratch that...I just realized that the object might not line up if it's not symmetrical. It might help a little..jenL
Posted by: Anonymous | 07/14/2007 at 03:47 PM
That dress is totally gorgeous. Don't you love it when a test dress turns out well? :)
Posted by: Mandy | 07/14/2007 at 08:35 PM
This is lovely indeed. The fabric the style, perfect. I'd wear it immediately, if I ever came across this kinda thing over here, which unfortunately is very unlikely.
Posted by: Myrte de Zeeuw | 07/16/2007 at 03:52 AM