AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Heidi, Now With More Fish DATE: 5:28 AM ----- BODY:

Since I started making multiple iterations of the BurdaStyle Heidi dress, I've gotten lots of email about it. Some folks want advice on lining it, others want to know about fit issues, and still others are worried about the printing-it-out-and-taping-it-together part (don't worry about that, it's easy). No one, however, has written to me to say, "Erin, that's a nice dress and all, but you really need to ADD MORE FISH."

However, I knew that was what was in all of your hearts, so, behold:

Koi Heidi

I've had this fabric for more than THREE YEARS. Obviously, it was biding its time, waiting for me to meet the dress that would be its destiny. And what a destiny that is:

Koi Heidi

I love the pixilated, dappled look of this fabric. Several folks did not even notice the fish, when I wore it. So here, have a fish closeup:

Koi Heidi

And in case you were wondering, yes, this fabric IS nearly impossible to match to anything ... I have four pairs of pink shoes (yeah, that's a topic for another post) and NONE of them matched. (And I made this for a wedding -- if you can't wear pink shoes to a wedding, where can you wear pink shoes?) But I don't care, because: FISH.

Labels: BurdaStyle, erin_sewing, fish, Heidi, prints

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth B DATE:Apr 5, 2010 5:48:00 AM Yes, that's destiny in a dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

beangirl DATE:Apr 5, 2010 6:54:00 AM I'm sort of speechless in awe. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Apr 5, 2010 7:37:00 AM I LOVE fish and if I had seen this fabric I would have bought it too - beautiful dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stacy DATE:Apr 5, 2010 7:42:00 AM Delurking to say bravo! I love that kind of print, where it appears abstract to the casual glance, but upon closer inspection an actual picture or pattern becomes clear.

This might have pushed me over the edge finally to make my own Heidi! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eirlys DATE:Apr 5, 2010 7:44:00 AM "Several folks did not even notice the fish, when I wore it."

I was going to ask if they were displaying staggeringly good manners, not staring at your bust/midriff area, but then noticed the fish swimming neckwards on your left shoulder. Were you wearing particularly bedazzling spectacles and lipstick, by any chance? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Apr 5, 2010 7:57:00 AM I love it!
S ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Larissa DATE:Apr 5, 2010 8:02:00 AM well, fish. Of course! And no pink shoes. Just throw on some disappearing neutrals. Done. You are making reeeeeeaally want to try a Heidi. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Apr 5, 2010 8:08:00 AM I love it! And, it sounds like you have a really good reason to go buy new shoes. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wendy DATE:Apr 5, 2010 8:22:00 AM Awesome! I really like sheath dresses with cute prints, and- FISH! So sweet. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lsaspacey DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:14:00 AM "...and thanks for all the fish."

Wow, how many times do you get a chance to use that quote?! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

tea DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:15:00 AM Oh hooray! I have this fabric, too, and have been wondering what to do with it. I made something awful that doesn't fit well at all, but I still have tons of it left to make something decent. I'm glad to see something decent in it!

Meanwhile, I'd say wear red shoes or cordovan. That was my solution (red patent leather) the one time I wore the awful dress I made with this fabric. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sixties sewer DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:29:00 AM Fish, of course. And so artfully placed on the bodice. I would wear this in a minute. And, the world needs more Heidis. I just finished mine. Next up, birds. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

dulcet DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:35:00 AM I headed over to PatternReview, thinking why are all those silly people asking you about your experience when they can just go read your review.... Oh. Just a suggestion, but it might save you time. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

amy DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:37:00 AM The fish and the fabric are gorgeous! I'm so sorry no one noticed the fish. They are beautiful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:57:00 AM Love the sumi-e painted fish, tooo cute!
Is the dress salmon, not pink?
(almost a joke in there someplace), but seriously, on my monitor its a salmon/melon color--what about white strappy sandals, you're in Calif. now (right?), sandals are appropriate year round... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Tasia DATE:Apr 5, 2010 10:53:00 AM Lovely dress! One of your best Heidi versions :) I'd say wear it with brown leather or wooden-type sandals, much easier than trying to match the pink. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sheila / Out of the Ashes Collectibles DATE:Apr 5, 2010 11:33:00 AM Are those Koi? Very Asian looking! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Apr 5, 2010 12:32:00 PM I love it. Black, brown, tan, nude, silver, bronze shoes would all work. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Apr 5, 2010 1:31:00 PM Love the post title. Love the dress. Love the fish. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

minniemoocher@gmail.com DATE:Apr 5, 2010 2:21:00 PM this is so awesome! I want to see a shot of your closet with all th elovely dresses you have mad! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kathy DATE:Apr 5, 2010 2:27:00 PM Love it! I agree with someone up a few comments, white strappy sandals would be awesome! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ztoamom DATE:Apr 5, 2010 7:26:00 PM Because: FISH

This is wonderful writing, wonderful indeed. Just like I imagine you talk. My husband said."If you knew each other, you'd be friends." Just from your writing style.

Because: FISH.

Go for a neutral metallic shoe. Bronze strappy sandals. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristin DATE:Apr 5, 2010 9:53:00 PM The fish fabric is AWESOME. The dress made out of it? Awesomeness squared. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Vegan DATE:Apr 5, 2010 10:05:00 PM Beautiful fabric and dress! This could look really dressed up with some gold or bronze metallic heels, or dressed down with brown sandals. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Carmencita B DATE:Apr 6, 2010 2:03:00 AM Erin, your fish dress is my favorite Heidi! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

CyberGirly DATE:Apr 6, 2010 5:27:00 AM The fish fabric is totally awesome. Would cream shoes not go with this? x ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Apr 6, 2010 5:33:00 AM fun and flirty! amazing work again ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nathalie DATE:Apr 6, 2010 5:48:00 AM I can never resist a fish print and I have just bought the perfect shoes for that fabric. Now what does it take to persuade you to send that dress to the UK (and make me shrink a few dress sizes)? Love it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

JustGail DATE:Apr 6, 2010 8:12:00 AM Love the fabric! As far as shoes, I like the idea others have had - metalic bronze. My other choice would be a neutral (brown/nude/bone) for a basic color, or if I wanted color - turquoise. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Apr 6, 2010 9:20:00 AM (Erin--I think the first half of the comments has been swallowed up in a black hole somewhere.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Apr 6, 2010 11:34:00 AM This is really nice! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Trude DATE:Apr 6, 2010 11:59:00 AM Love that fabric! You could always do nude pumps instead. :) Or do all black accessories. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AnthroK8 DATE:Apr 6, 2010 1:36:00 PM Oh, fish!

I would wear a pair of sandals I have with peep toes and sling backs that are green and decorated with leaves in various greens and creams.

Because if nothing matches, then everything does! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mommy de Uber-kids DATE:Apr 6, 2010 10:35:00 PM Love that fabric! And so perfect for springtime. I wonder how hard it would be to add sleeves to the Heidi.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ShopGirlXOXO DATE:Apr 19, 2010 12:24:00 PM stumbled upon your blog today, love it! the dress is 2 DIE 4!!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jane DATE:May 6, 2010 12:39:00 PM OMG I love the fishes! They are so spectacular. When I grow up, I want a fish dress too. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Liberty Heidi Update DATE: 5:51 AM ----- BODY:

So I just could not let go of the Liberty Heidi idea, so I grabbed a couple of hours late Friday night and early Saturday and threw this together.

This is not one of my favorite Liberty prints -- I thought it was called "Bourton," but googling "Liberty Bourton" showed me something different, so who knows which one this is. It was, however, a perfect choice for a muslin, being 1) exactly the right weight, 2) something I would wear if the experiment worked, yet 3) not something I would be very sad to lose if I ended up throwing it away. I'm pretty sure I bought this on eBay from someone who was de-stashing, so it was also cheap.

I ended up adding about 4.5 inches to the center pieces of the front skirt and to the back -- they're both cut on the fold, so it wasn't hard.

I ended up not lining it at all -- I finished the bodice with bias binding cut from the same fabric, using the Dread Pirate Rodgers' excellent instructions. (The only difficulty was that the Liberty lawn is very slippery, so it's hard to mark with a pencil -- the pencil drags the fabric along. I ended up using chalk, which tends to brush off. Suboptimal, all around.)

Liberty Heidi

I'm not sure why I'm showing you the side view, as this is such a busy print you probably can't even see the waist seam!

Liberty Heidi

Somehow I managed to get the gathers off-center on the back; I'll wear it once and decide whether I like the way the dress works with the gathers before I rip it out and re-do it:

Liberty Heidi

Problems: aside from getting the gathers off-center in the back, I also didn't gather the entire center front piece of the skirt -- I only gathered between the pleat markings. I think it would look better with the entire section gathered.

I'm going to try to wear this dress this week, weather permitting (ah, who am I kidding, I live in California now, it's the most permissive weather on the planet), and we'll see how it works. If it works, this is going to be great -- it takes SO LITTLE fabric, comparatively, that it opens up a lot of Liberty and novelty-print possibilities ...

Labels: erin_sewing, experiments, Heidi, Liberty

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MrsPost DATE:Mar 22, 2010 7:52:00 AM I can see where the gathers are a possible change point in this version. Theoretically it makes sense to gather those sections but on the dress (and especially on you) they might look .. odd.

As always another triumph of cute dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Mar 22, 2010 8:15:00 AM I'm starting to be terribly curious how many dresses you have ... you either have a very large wardrobe or you get rid of dresses as often as you sew new ones! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Mar 22, 2010 8:48:00 AM Can I just say a Liberty fabric dress competition would just be so much fun? Not necessarily administered on DaD, but somewhere in the online world. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Mar 22, 2010 8:56:00 AM You're a never-ending well of inspiration. I love that Heidi is the new Duro. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 22, 2010 9:09:00 AM This is a nice Liberty print, so I hope you love the changes. I am about to make my first Heidi. Have you always lined the skirts in the past, or just the bodices? Do you think the skirt needs it, if it's a "quilting" type cotton? I look to you as the queen of Heidis.

Mary Fran ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. DATE:Mar 22, 2010 12:20:00 PM I just keep seeing three buttons sewn in a row down the middle of the bodice top... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

evalyn DATE:Mar 22, 2010 12:46:00 PM Thoughts on Life: I too need something on the front that would bring some order to that chaotic print. I guess I don't like the print much, but I think a row of buttons or some contrasting piping would help by coordinating it a bit. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lsaspacey DATE:Mar 22, 2010 2:08:00 PM I'm trying to track down the name of a particular Liberty print, do you know of any resources where I can search their fabric archives? I still have a picture of the dress I made from the fabric and I can give the date as 1989-91. Thanks! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Mar 22, 2010 2:19:00 PM Cute! I was at Target this morning and saw the Liberty line. Nice, but too much pink for me! Still, I love that I can go to Target and see it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anne Frances DATE:Mar 22, 2010 2:38:00 PM Could this Heidi dress print be Mark? Liberty do maintain an archive of their prints in London. Maybe Isaspacey could email their customer services (address on their website) with a scan of the fabric you want to identify and ask that it be forwarded to the archivist?
The dresses are lovely but I don't think the pegged skirt shape would quite do it for me
Anne Frances ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Shanna DATE:Mar 22, 2010 5:13:00 PM I have to admit.....i LOVE Heidi...I have to dig through my patterns and see what i can do a jillion times and make it look new everytime!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Mar 22, 2010 10:15:00 PM I really like this print and it looks like you got your waist seam matched nicely at the zipper. It looks great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

CJ DATE:Mar 23, 2010 12:12:00 AM I love this pattern and it looks super easy and quick to sew and really like a practical dress.

I'd wear a 48-50-52 in the burda style pattern and it only goes up to a 46. I've never really tried to grade up a pattern. Does anyone know how difficult this would be to alter? Could I just add an inch or 2 at the side seams?

Any suggestions for a similar pattern in a plus size? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nathalie DATE:Mar 23, 2010 7:47:00 AM Actually I think that is Bourton fabric. If you go onto Liberty's website they have it there. It has all the same paisleyish squiggles and the little flowers within, but in different colourways to your Heidi's. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cordelia DATE:Mar 23, 2010 9:49:00 AM Erin said "it's hard to mark with a pencil -- the pencil drags the fabric along. I ended up using chalk, which tends to brush off."

On some tricky or fluffy fabrics, using a slice of soap to mark the lines works wonders! Dark soap for light fabrics and vice-versa. Disappears after washing as well. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beatrice and Nadia DATE:Mar 23, 2010 10:24:00 AM What a great change to the Heidi. I read your earlier post and couldn't picture in my head what you wanted to do with it. But I see it now and I think it works very well. The print is perfect for a simple dress like this! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa Simeone DATE:Mar 23, 2010 11:43:00 AM Oh, is there any pattern as joyous as paisley?! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 23, 2010 2:00:00 PM I'm thinking a deep inverted pleat would look better than the gathers? Less 'ploofy' and bunched up? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Mar 26, 2010 12:46:00 PM Oh, I get so excited every time you post a new Heidi--I just ordered two fabrics for my own Heidis and am planning on starting them as soon as I finish a current project. Actually, I'll be making three:
one in the same mulberry orchid Joel Dewberry fabric you made your second one in (because I became obsessed with the fabric once I saw it!)
one in Amy Butler Lotus collection Morning Glory (linen color)
and one in a vintage Lilly Pulitzer print that my grandmother purchased in Hawaii decades ago--it's a dark navy background with brown and black batik-like fireflies all over it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jen DATE:Mar 28, 2010 10:31:00 AM i looooooooooove paisley! i have a paisley dress very similar to the pattern shown here from artfulwears. i'm not so handy, so i still have to buy things. lol ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Mar 28, 2010 12:13:00 PM I'm starting to like the Heidi more and more - it looks so easy to wear and comfortable and pretty straightforward to sew up.

I'm with some other posters that I'd want to add some detail that grounds the pattern - I'm leaning towards edge piping, myself, along the neck and sleeve.

I think this fabric is Bourton but in a different colourway than is currently available. I like the paisley-made-of-roses component of this pattern. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 29, 2010 11:51:00 AM Just plain love the pattern and the fabric. It inspired me to get the pattern for myself.

Maureen ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

edwang DATE:Mar 31, 2010 4:18:00 AM I have enjoyed you information ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eirlys DATE:Apr 1, 2010 2:43:00 PM Oh, I rather like that, fabric and all! Though, granted, Liberty paisleys are possibly targeted more at the taupe-tights-wearing, Miss-Marple/Midsomer-Murders-watching end of the market.

Yes, it's Bourton alright. Anyone who does like the pattern can purchase it here: http://www.shaukat.co.uk/moreinfo.asp?product_id=180.

[No, I'm not on commission. I think you recommended Shaukat about a million years ago, Erin, when you posted about visiting Liberty's then slightly disappointing fabric department.]

Don't know if it's named after Bourton-on-the-Water (also known as "the Venice of the Cotswolds" a large village in Gloucestershire, not far from Stow-on-the Wold). But if it isn't, it should be. Maybe someone higher up the Liberty food chain will tell us. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Vicki DATE:Apr 1, 2010 5:28:00 PM great dress and fabulous pattern matching! When I grow up I want to pattern match like you! I have trouble matching. I only just discovered your blog and I love your dresses. I feel inspired to sew. thanks ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Extremely Short and Quick Post: 2010 Crossword Dress DATE: 6:32 AM ----- BODY:

So, quickly:

here's my dress from the 2010 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. I broke 500 for the first time!

crossword dress 2010

Thanks to Jan for taking the picture (on my cell phone).

Also: this is one of those BurdaStyle Heidi dresses. I'll post a better picture of it later in the week.

Also: the fabric is from Spoonflower. I'll make it available this week too.

Also: yes, those are hot pink patent penny loafers.

Also: that's it.

Labels: crosswords, erin_sewing, Heidi, stunt_dresses

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

megan at moxie DATE:Feb 22, 2010 7:55:00 AM You look great. That fabric rocks. Way to go on breaking 500! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lorene DATE:Feb 22, 2010 8:03:00 AM I'm going to have to make me a Heidi dress. Looking forward to more pictures of this dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sixties sewer DATE:Feb 22, 2010 8:58:00 AM You look so stylish. Love the loafers and the accessories. I just downloaded the Heidi but haven't taped it together yet. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Feb 22, 2010 9:01:00 AM Too cute...love the shoes. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lauren DATE:Feb 22, 2010 9:15:00 AM I really admire your style. Most people are completely incapable of pulling off the slightly funky or quirky things you often work into your wardrobe, but you always look fantastic. I especially love this outfit on you :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Feb 22, 2010 9:31:00 AM This is a really cute dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Katy DATE:Feb 22, 2010 9:42:00 AM That is awesome. So what were the comments from the attendees?? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Alice DATE:Feb 22, 2010 11:15:00 AM Awesome, right down to the pink penny loafers. You really know how to pull off a great look! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Feb 22, 2010 11:31:00 AM awesome! the pink looks great with it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Joni DATE:Feb 22, 2010 12:01:00 PM That's about 900 times cooler than a crossword print tote bag (which I'm sure was ubiquitous at that particular convention!) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jan DATE:Feb 22, 2010 4:24:00 PM You always rock the crossword fabric - loved the pink accents, too! Glad I could help your blogging efforts by taking the photo - I look forward to checking regularly to see what neat dress you discover next! See you next year! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Monabel DATE:Feb 22, 2010 5:46:00 PM As glamorous as you are intellectual! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jana @ Weekend Vintage DATE:Feb 23, 2010 9:07:00 AM So fun and unexpected! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

SewCherie DATE:Feb 23, 2010 9:49:00 AM But will the fabric come with a answer key? :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

saphir DATE:Feb 23, 2010 11:29:00 AM Congrats on breaking 500! I think I only glimpsed you passing by once during the weekend, didn't get to say hi, and didn't get to see the dress in person, so I'm glad there's a picture. (I'm also glad your outfit did not involve penguins.)

I'm just noting that the numbering of the squares on the fabric is somewhat odd :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 23, 2010 12:10:00 PM You are the cutest person.

-AA ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Vegan DATE:Feb 23, 2010 10:20:00 PM Great dress! And I agree with Lorene - would love to see more photos of this dress, without the cardigan. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Coconut Pie DATE:Feb 24, 2010 5:24:00 AM Ah, a fellow cruciverbalist and a seamstress! We should really do lunch! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sheila / Out of the Ashes Collectibles DATE:Feb 24, 2010 9:37:00 AM Makes me wish I had a big magic marker to start filling in the answers! I'm a crossword puzzle addict! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nora DATE:Feb 24, 2010 10:23:00 AM Awesome. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

RheLynn DATE:Feb 25, 2010 6:22:00 PM I like it! I need to come see you more often as I begin to think about sewing for myself again and not just for my daughter ;) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Solo DATE:Feb 26, 2010 12:54:00 AM Awesome!

Solo
Travel and Living
Job Hunter ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beatrice and Nadia DATE:Feb 26, 2010 10:37:00 AM What a fabulous outfit. We're completely in love! You look absolutely adorable. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 26, 2010 12:36:00 PM nice post. thanks. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

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FOR LINK EXCHANGE CONTACT:- malikimrana1@gmail.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eirlys DATE:Feb 26, 2010 2:51:00 PM This is the best crossword dress I've ever seen! And all the others have been yours, come to think of it. Fantastic fabric! Excellent scale! That dress alone makes up my entire smile ration for the day. If not the week. Thanks for sharing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Plookiss DATE:Feb 28, 2010 11:50:00 AM I wanted to say I have left you a Sunshine Award on my blog (http://plookiss.blogspot.com/) for you to pick up for having a great inspired blog.

Thank you and keep up the brilliant work! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 7, 2010 2:18:00 PM Erin you look great! I seen you in another dress like this one; you were standing in a lobby (perhaps a hotel lobby) with black pennyloafers and you had your hands in your pockets. You look great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Mar 15, 2010 10:34:00 PM Erin put your hands in your pockets ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Am I Blue? DATE: 9:07 AM ----- BODY:

One more Heidi ... for now (evil laugh):

Heidi again

I'm not sure if the color really comes across on your screen, but this dress is BLUE. Blue blue blue blue blue. The closest I can come to describing it is that this is the blue that I assumed they painted the Avonlea hall:

a deep, brilliant blue, the shade they use for painting carts and wheelbarrows.

Despite it being probably not so good a color for a community hall on Prince Edward Island, I quite like it as a dress!

Here's the bodice -- note the lining which I deliberately pressed to show, for a kind of piping effect without the work:

Heidi again

And the same lining as the bodice for the pocket:

Heidi again

I have at least one more Heidi left to come -- I managed to cut out FOUR of them in one evening, assembly-line style, and have finished one. Seriously, at this point I hardly want to wear anything else -- they're just so comfortable!

Labels: erin_sewing, Heidi

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 27, 2010 9:44:00 AM The blue is beautiful, but I wonder if it's hard to press, or just not pressed for the picture? Do they offer any advanced level sewing classes in SF? It seems like with a few tweeks, this dress could look couture! Invest some time in learning to make your dresses turn out fabulous. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Jan 27, 2010 10:04:00 AM Hey Anonymous, instead of snarking about Erin's level of skill and pressing habits, perhaps you should just keep your "helpful" criticisms to yourself. I hope you're nobody's mother in law, but you've certainly got the thinly-veiled put-downs nailed. At least our lovely blogger has the guts to put her work out there for all to see, imperfections or not.

Now that the spanking is over: This blue is quite striking, and I love your lining treatment and the fact that you chose to press it so it's visible! My own Heidi pattern is waiting on a table full of fabric and patterns, but when I finally get to work on it, I hope mine turn out half as good as yours. I especially like the beautiful fabric from Monday's post--it's gorgeous and really brings out Heidi's ladylike qualities. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Jan 27, 2010 10:05:00 AM sorry for the triple post, folks--I thought my browser was malfunctioning. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Dora DATE:Jan 27, 2010 10:21:00 AM I love this! I love all your Heidis. One day I want to make one using that Tetris fabric (it'll be just the right thing to wear to a Dress a Day fan convention...). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Jan 27, 2010 11:24:00 AM What a pretty dress - The lining as piping is smart too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Packrat DATE:Jan 27, 2010 11:50:00 AM Truly, I think this is my favorite so far! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

brocadegoddess DATE:Jan 27, 2010 12:33:00 PM I really need to make another one of these, you're right about it being so comfortable. And I get all kinds of compliments on mine. Thanks for the inpiration!

I love this blue, and yes, this is also the colour I imagined on the Avonlea Hall (hooray Anne of Green Gables!).

Although that print fabric of the second one is gor-gee-ous!

Would love to see a pic of you IN one of these to get the really proper effect! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

becky DATE:Jan 27, 2010 1:07:00 PM YES! please post a pic of you IN the dress! i've been thinking of making Heidi also, and would love to get a better idea of fit.

beautiful work! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pattern Junkie DATE:Jan 27, 2010 1:09:00 PM Love love love the blue. Must add this dress to my over-long list of patterns to try! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 27, 2010 1:23:00 PM Your site won't load for me today! I am so sad. I can only see a little strip of the blue dress in the photo. Weird. I'm not having this problem with any other site. Yikes. I'll check back tomorrow.

Kim ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Janine Basil DATE:Jan 27, 2010 2:26:00 PM That is a stunning shade of blue!

I wish that dress would work for me, but I am such a pear it just won't at all... I'll stick to my full skirts :D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Julie DATE:Jan 27, 2010 2:34:00 PM I love the "piping" and lining. Great idea! I printed out the pattern and plan to do a muslin for fit as my measurements are all over the place on the guide. Should be interesting! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Joni DATE:Jan 27, 2010 4:03:00 PM I love to assembly line cut and sew 2 or 3 dresses at a time. I feel like you get a greater payout for the same amount of work.

I love the lining-as-piping trick too - I wish I had known about it when I had less experience at sewing. (My linings *hardly ever* show, now that I finally learned about understitching. But on the other hand, I have never tried piping yet. So I'm somewhere in the middle.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

alice DATE:Jan 27, 2010 6:07:00 PM Love the dreesses. You are so clever with the lining, and the gorgeous fabrics. But really, we would love to see a pic of you wearing one, but then I'd HAVE to make one too. I'm sure I could make it work.
Great job, beautiful dresses. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 27, 2010 6:20:00 PM http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionpicturegalleries/7045344/Chocolate-fashion-pictures-of-dresses-shoes-and-handbags-made-of-chocolate.html?image=7 ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Teresa aka MarieSews DATE:Jan 27, 2010 6:33:00 PM Love the blue. Love the dress. What type of fabric is it? It looks very elegant while also looking durable. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sheena DATE:Jan 27, 2010 8:46:00 PM I love how you add pockets to all of your dresses. Have you posted in the past what you do to alter the patterns? If not I'd love to read how you do it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Vegan DATE:Jan 28, 2010 2:45:00 AM Great dresses, although at my size, I think I would need more than 2 yards. ;-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jamie DATE:Jan 30, 2010 2:25:00 AM Just discovered your blog. Love the blue dress. Can't wait to read more. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

KIRAFASHION DATE:Jan 30, 2010 9:31:00 AM Love this blue! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 30, 2010 12:01:00 PM I love this blue too! Next to the butterfly red one. I love too how you add pockets. I love pockets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 2, 2010 6:20:00 PM I love your choice of fabrics and patterns -- what a treat these are. Was worried when I didn't see a post for a few days! Couldn't help but see the spanking Steph gave to the person who posted about the need to press. Because I am a faithful reader, I do remember that was one of your new year's resolutions, so I am sure you didn't mind. And I DID have a mom that got after me about that and learned (after too many years!) it doesn't take long and makes all the difference. Thank you so much for sharing! NEVER STOP!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 3, 2010 7:24:00 AM Can you tell me where I can get this pattern. Thanks ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pam~Off The Cuff ~ DATE:Feb 3, 2010 7:52:00 AM Oh heck Erin, so what that you didn't press this one as well as you have some others.

I am obsessive presser..the least little seam, zipper pucker or "dart dimple" makes me crazy, LOL!
Must come from my years of tailoring background...sigh...

So good for you that on this one "good enough" was good enough :)

I just about went crazy pressing the latest shirt I designed with deep bias sleeve pleats...talk about a pressing nightmare...OMG !
But I managed to do a pretty good job, along with a writing a tutorial about how to invisibly control pleats from the inside with "Span Stitching". ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 3, 2010 9:24:00 AM It's the burdastyle Heidi: http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/heidi/finished_projects ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 4, 2010 8:27:00 PM However, Pam off the cuff, I bet it looked swell with all that pressing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 4, 2010 8:30:00 PM I just posted that last comment and need to set up a Google account so I don't come off as someone hiding behind my anonymous post!! What shall I call myself? Mz. Trim? Love Off the Cuff, Pam! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angela DATE:Feb 7, 2010 9:31:00 PM Is this dress metafilter blue?! :) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Heidi #2: The Return (With Butterflies) DATE: 6:00 AM ----- BODY:

Here's the second Heidi I made (fuzzy pic, sorry):

Heidi #2

The fabric is by Joel Dewberry, I'm pretty sure I bought it from eQuilter, although I don't see it there now. I probably hovered with my finger over the "buy" button for five or six visits until I figured out what to do with it ... luckily, Heidi only takes 2 yards of 56" wide fabric (another reason to love it!) so it wasn't a huge commitment once I did decide to buy it.

I lined the bodice on this one with some $1/yard fabric I bought ages ago. Every time I think "oh, I should really get rid of all those remnants that I bought for no good reason," I find a dress pattern like this one (or the Duro) that needs little bits of contrast fabric. Whew!

You can almost see the lining fabric -- it's cream-colored, with a maroon and gray thread stripe, perfect, huh? -- and the gray ribbon I used as pocket trim, here:

Heidi #2

Here's the back -- I actually made a half-assed (pun intended!) attempt at matching the pattern on this one.

Heidi #2

I've been wearing this with dark gray tights, flat penny loafers (duh) and a dark maroon sweater; I could probably also wear it with a bright pink, a dark gray, or a cream-colored sweater, if I thought about it.

I also have a goldenrod-colored scarf (you know, one of those pashmina-y things) that goes nicely with this, and about two weeks ago I was in "the city" (which seems to be what you call San Francisco, if you live near it) wearing this dress, that scarf, and an old denim Levi's jacket I swiped from my Dad in roughly 1987 (with bright pink leather gloves sticking out of the breast pocket) and a tourist actually STOPPED ME ON THE STREET and asked to take my picture. It wasn't the Sartorialist, but hey, it was still nice. So if you see that picture on the web somewhere, let me know?

A few other quick things: I'm sure you already know (and knowing you all, have already donated to the best of your ability) about the tragedy in Haiti -- but if you're looking for sewing-type things to do, eBay seller Charlong is donating the proceeds from her auctions to Doctors Without Borders, and I know Lisa and Tina have been doing relief/benefit auctions/sales, as well. If you have links to other relief/benefit sales, please leave 'em in the comments, and I'll do a roundup later this week.

Labels: erin_sewing, Heidi, Joel_Dewberry

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cindy DATE:Jan 25, 2010 6:53:00 AM I need to get going on this pattern! I love your dress/dresses!! And adore grey tights this season. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Pelicano DATE:Jan 25, 2010 8:03:00 AM Lovely dress in that beautiful fabric! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Pelicano DATE:Jan 25, 2010 8:10:00 AM Of course Joel Dewberry is irresistible - the fabric, I mean... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Pelicano DATE:Jan 25, 2010 8:13:00 AM This post has been removed by the author. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Pelicano DATE:Jan 25, 2010 8:24:00 AM Forgot to mention the auction on my blog:

http://misspelicano.blogspot.com/

Check post dated Tuesday, 19 January 2010. Money goes to victims of Haiti earthquake! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nathalie DATE:Jan 25, 2010 8:31:00 AM So pretty! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Julie DATE:Jan 25, 2010 11:24:00 AM I love this dress! Pretty fabric.
And your ensemble for your visit to S.F. sounds wonderful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

LoriK DATE:Jan 25, 2010 12:02:00 PM "about two weeks ago I was in "the city" (which seems to be what you call San Francisco, if you live near it)"

As a former Bay Area dweller I feel like I should point out that you're not being quite pretentious enough--it's The City :)

And I can totally understand why someone wanted to take your picture. I'm sure the outfit looked amazing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jesse DATE:Jan 25, 2010 12:52:00 PM That dress is fab! But you did give me a flashback to an argument I had to have once (*in* NYC, with someone from San Francisco) about which city is more widely known as The City. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sew Passionista DATE:Jan 25, 2010 1:00:00 PM Gorgeous dress as are all that you make.I love dresses but as a retiree, I no longer have occasion to wear them very often so I live precariously through others . ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

SMM DATE:Jan 25, 2010 1:16:00 PM That dress is utterly gorgeous! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the sewist DATE:Jan 25, 2010 2:36:00 PM The outfit sounds lovely. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Jan 25, 2010 3:08:00 PM What a GREAT dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cel Petro DATE:Jan 25, 2010 3:58:00 PM My favorite you've shown ever! Has to look just great on, too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Jan 25, 2010 5:34:00 PM Sew Passionista,

Unless you're spending your retirement exclusively on horseback, in a bathing suit on the beach, or in ski/snowmobile wear the only occasion required to wear a dress is a day that ends in "y".

As I journey into middle-age I am discovering that one of the great advantages of having grey in my hair is the freedom to wear what I like rather than what anyone else thinks I should wear. And what I like for everyday wear around the house or when running out on errands is a shirtdress -- casual enough but nicely presentable. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marjie DATE:Jan 25, 2010 5:36:00 PM That is a fabulous print! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Garnet DATE:Jan 26, 2010 12:59:00 AM You know, I think I like this pattern better than the scribbles! And those, I adore!

Such a nice-looking pattern, too.

Garnet ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 26, 2010 9:37:00 AM I like this dress better than the first one. I'd wear black leggings & a black turtleneck with this and black leather gloves & boots. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cpeep DATE:Jan 27, 2010 12:32:00 PM Doesn't everyone call "their" city The City?? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

alice DATE:Jan 27, 2010 6:16:00 PM I too love dresses. I used to wear them quite often, but then spent many years working in a dirty shop, and got out of the habit. Being so tall I can't even buy an OTR dress - you know, the waist up near the arm pits, etc.
You are all making me ready to grab my machine and start living in a beautiful dress again. I'm driving a school bus during the day, but after that, a nice dress would really make me feel feminine and fun again.
And SF, The City, is definitely my favorite city. Went to HS there. If someone did take your pic, I'm sure it will show up somewhere, it sounds clever and beautiful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

clare DATE:Jan 28, 2010 10:42:00 AM Love that dress! Just wanted to share my fave fabric shop with you (the world?) www.thunderlily.com -- it's a community of NYC boutique fabric shops all under one roof.
Free samples for those of us who are afraid to make an online purchase that we haven't touched and salivated over.
Oh, and did I mention that 'boutique' doesn't mean high priced -- the prices are actually lower on most fabrics than the big fabric shops. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah DATE:Jan 28, 2010 1:43:00 PM Cpeep, where I grew up (Adelaide, Australia), we spoke about going "into Town", and more rarely "the city. Or maybe that was a southern suburbs thing? ;)

I do miss SF though. I lived there for nearly 10 years. :/ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 30, 2010 12:41:00 PM I like that print. And that neckline. And the lining. Looks like fabric.com has about 80 yards available... ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: My First Heidi DATE: 9:20 AM ----- BODY:

Remember way back when, last year, when I posted about this fabulous new BurdaStyle pattern I'd found, Heidi? I made three of them in quick succession and promised you pictures.

I finally got a battery charger for my camera (and then immediately found mine, in the last box unpacked after the move, isn't that always the way?) and so here is my first Heidi attempt:

Scribble Heidi

Notice how deep the neckline is? Yeah, me too. So I wear a long-sleeved black tee under this one. After this one I altered the pattern to not be as wide and deep, and I still have more of this fabric (glad I bought a ton of it, I love it and it's now sold out!) so I'm probably going to re-make the bodice. It goes together quickly (despite being lined) so that won't be the arduous slog it would usually be.

Oh, and I changed the tucks in the original pattern bodice to darts.

And look! It has pockets!

Scribble Heidi

The original pattern had very shallow pockets, but I deepened them by about three inches, which seems to work just fine. They go together very easily.

Here's the back:

Scribble Heidi

For some reason it was really hard to take sharp pictures of this particular print ... I wonder why? And I'm sorry it looks so baggy -- I adjusted my dress form WAY down to take some pictures of some smaller dresses with a friend, and she's still not back to her usual fighting form. The dress itself is fairly fitted.

As you can see, I didn't even bother to try to match the print. It's giant scribbles!

Next week I'll show the other two versions!

(Sorry, I don't know where this week went. Okay, I do know -- it was trapped in busyland, with two writing deadlines, a couple of big meetings, and torrential California rain which caused minor flooding in our garage [WHICH IS STILL BETTER THAN SNOW!]. Next week, well, it doesn't look better, busy-wise, but it doesn't look like I need to start cadging ProVigil, either.)

Labels: BurdaStyle, erin_sewing, Heidi

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marla DATE:Jan 22, 2010 10:23:00 AM Wow! You've showcased some fabulous fabrics before, but I've never seen anything like this before. Love it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sheila / Out of the Ashes Collectibles DATE:Jan 22, 2010 10:35:00 AM Just when I think I have you pegged in a fashion box you burst out LOL ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Packrat DATE:Jan 22, 2010 10:52:00 AM That fabric! I would have looked at it and run away, BUT it is gorgeous made up. I love the dress pattern, too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Packrat DATE:Jan 22, 2010 10:53:00 AM PS: hope nothing got ruined in the garage! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

tcarole DATE:Jan 22, 2010 11:19:00 AM FANTASTIC fabric! And it looks great as a dress. I would never think to make it into one, but that's pretty. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nan Jaeger DATE:Jan 22, 2010 12:00:00 PM Great dress, I like how the swirly design and colors pop out against the dark background. Sometimes dark backgrounds make it difficult to have sharp images. But the photos look great though! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph in Kansas DATE:Jan 22, 2010 12:53:00 PM amazing fabric. I get a kick out of the more advanced seamstresses who can fix pockets and necklines and change darts, etc while the rest of us slug along. And, I'd take snow in Kansas anyday over the daily fear of sliding into the Pacific! I really enjoy this site.:o) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the sewist DATE:Jan 22, 2010 1:57:00 PM You're right -- matching giant multicolored scribbles would be silly, let's face it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathryn DATE:Jan 22, 2010 2:12:00 PM I love the fabric and thanks for the tips on this pattern in case we ever make it. I would not be comfortable wearing something this lowcut without something underneath either, but I do like the overall style and love a dress that has pockets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nicole DATE:Jan 22, 2010 2:22:00 PM Was this the Vera Wang fabric from Fabric Mart? I'm still kicking myself for not buying some yardage of this when it was still available. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Toni DATE:Jan 22, 2010 2:48:00 PM This post has been removed by the author. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Toni DATE:Jan 22, 2010 2:48:00 PM Beautiful dress! I love the fabric too!

Would love to see you model it!!!!

I'm in a quandary... mud walls or cut fabric for a new skirt.... hum....

Toni in Wy
http://sewingtoni.blogspot.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa Simeone DATE:Jan 22, 2010 2:53:00 PM Oh, wow, this fabric is so cool! I just love it.

But is the neckline really so low? Doesn't look like it. Looks, in fact, like a perfect portrait neckline, the most flattering neckline on any woman, IMO.

You will gather envious gazes wherever you go in this. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allie DATE:Jan 22, 2010 3:14:00 PM Holy crap, what awesome fabric, and a great choice for that pattern. Very cute! Rock it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nathalie DATE:Jan 22, 2010 3:22:00 PM I love the neckline as is, but looking at the positioning of the bust darts, I can believe that it's one that calls for a plunge bra! That fabric is fabulous... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jan 22, 2010 3:37:00 PM Yes -- this is the Vera Wang fabric from Fabric Mart ... they still have some of the chiffon available, I think! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 22, 2010 10:06:00 PM sorry about the rain - I just returned from vacation in southern CA, so it is obviously all my fault. Love your blog! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Jan 23, 2010 1:22:00 AM YAY you're back and I was jsut going to send you an email that says - Voque has new patterns out and an updated site! Check out this beauty:
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8633-products-10775.php?page_id=174 ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jan 23, 2010 10:17:00 AM This is a very beautiful dress. Like you Erin, I would wear a black shirt or long sleeve turtleneck under it too. Way to go on fixing the pockets. Pockets should always be real deep to put things in or I like to keep my hands in them. You should really post a photo of you modeling it just like your denim skirt or crossword puzzle dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Model Citizen aka Bonnie Rue DATE:Jan 23, 2010 10:45:00 AM oh man - I would wear the sh*t out of this! loving every inch of this! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lucitebox DATE:Jan 24, 2010 5:56:00 PM Love the cut on Heidi--even with the low neckline. The fabric is amazing. It's almost glowing from where I'm sitting and it looks like it's in motion. Fabulous. Even a tote bag would be awesome in this fabric, but I'm glad you made a dress...would love to see it on you sometime. (Post pics!) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

those tricks DATE:Jan 24, 2010 6:37:00 PM love.
and i agree - that neckline does not appear abonormally low......flaunt it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

katrinacurtain DATE:Jan 26, 2010 12:14:00 PM amazing fabric! love the dress too! :) good job! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Dress I am Wearing RIGHT NOW, Pt. 3 DATE: 9:57 AM ----- BODY:

Yep, I'm wearing this dress right now. It's the same pattern (Vogue 9760) once more -- in fact, I made this one BEFORE I made the last two ones that I showed you. Which is why the print doesn't match as well.

Orange and Blue Dot dress

I really like the orange facing. It's probably what makes me happiest about this dress. Aside from the fact that it's Liberty fabric, of course. I forget what the name of this Liberty pattern is, but it shows up on ebay.co.uk pretty often, if you are now struck by a boundless yearning for it, just keep an eye out.

And in a behind-the-scenes look, here's the hem:

Orange and Blue Dot dress

I love this pattern -- probably more so than it deserves, but hey, the heart wants what it wants, yes? -- and I have one more cut out on the sewing table. I wouldn't put it past me, either, to make a couple more before I finally stop ...

Labels: erin_sewing, Liberty, orange, Vogue_9760

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:May 1, 2009 11:04:00 AM I really need to find a copy of this pattern...of course, I've been denied the Duro, Jr., until I find it eBay, too! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nan Jaeger DATE:May 1, 2009 11:23:00 AM Love the classic design! I wish that we had more Liberty fabrics around my area ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:May 1, 2009 12:54:00 PM This post has been removed by the author. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:May 1, 2009 12:55:00 PM Very nice! I love the print and the colors. Props to you for doing that lovely hem by hand instead of justifying a machine top stitched hem with the old 'the pattern will hide the thread' line. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sal DATE:May 1, 2009 2:30:00 PM Love the dress, LOVE the cloth! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nicole DATE:May 1, 2009 2:55:00 PM Lydia, I actually have an extra copy of the Duro Jr. pattern if you need one. Let me know... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gwensews DATE:May 1, 2009 6:02:00 PM That's ok--the more the merrier! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:May 1, 2009 6:59:00 PM This is one cool, breezy dress...guaranteed to whisk any blues away. (And speaking of blue, it would look perfect with all-navy-blue accessories...but maybe that's too obvious a choice.) I love the way the orange printed squares down the bodice look like Trompe l'Oeil buttons! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MrsPost DATE:May 1, 2009 10:07:00 PM You may have answered this in the past but why do you use hem tape? Is it a personal preference or does it have an impact on the final product? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

beth DATE:May 1, 2009 11:00:00 PM I love the contrast facing! If it were my dress, I might even tack the lapels down so it would show (your photos with the facing showing are especially pretty!) ... and maybe even run some piping in the same color down the front seam. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MadeByAmanda DATE:May 2, 2009 8:26:00 AM I like the orange facing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jimena DATE:May 2, 2009 12:45:00 PM that dress is so beautiful
i'd love to make a similar one for myself
xoxo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:May 3, 2009 9:42:00 AM This dress is so colorful & I like it but it must have pockets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:May 3, 2009 4:37:00 PM << why do you use hem tape? Is it a personal preference or does it have an impact on the final product? >>Mrs. Post - - As a fellow reader (who's trying to avoid vacuuming my living room), I was all ready to write something about hemming; why it's important to cover raw edges, etc. Then it occurred to me you may just be asking about hem tape, all on its own. Maybe if you describe how you do a hem, Erin can tell us all how hem tape aids in that process, for her? I would like to hear, too! Have a nice weekend : ) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MrsPost DATE:May 3, 2009 10:19:00 PM Oh boy Cookie - you're asking me to talk about sewing stuff. Are you sure you're up for this? ;)

I have 3 ways of doing hems right now, depending on how I want the final result.

Hem 1 - Not seen. I make undergarments and in those cases I'll just do a rolled hem on the serger. It's durable and fast.

Hem 2 - Seen but not important. I'll serge the raw edge, turn the hem, and stitch in place. Mostly that's done by hand but again, if it isn't that special I will machine hem.

Hem 3 - Seen but kind of important. In these I'll turn the hem and press, then turn the raw edges in and hand hem it into a neat edge.

I was wondering about the hem tape because I didn't know if the weight of a double turned hem had an impact on the hang of the skirt or if her preference is to use hem tape to cover the raw edges.

In some cases hem tape can add a stiffening to the hem (horsehair braid, satin ribbon) and that's going to hang differently than the other ways of doing hems.

I don't personally use hem tape so I'm looking to see if there's an advantage to doing so and how I can use it in my next projects. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:May 4, 2009 12:49:00 PM FASCINATING! I'm sure we're all eagerly awaiting Miss Erin's counter-defense argument for her precious hem tape. Thanks for sharing your methods. And keep in mind, people, that if you make every single garment out of tulle, all you have to do is trim the edges neatly....you don't even need pinking sheers! This is the tip I am contributing to the discussion. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:May 4, 2009 3:50:00 PM I use an invisible hem stitch...now that I know how to do it properly. I found a great tutorial on YouTube and the light bulb came on. (Not that anyone asked me.) Imagining cookie vacumming in high heel pumps and june cleaver dress...no idea why... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Joni DATE:May 4, 2009 4:47:00 PM That reminds me, I still have to learn how to use the blindhem on my new machine.

I found a cut-out-but-not-assembled vintage dress at a thrift store the other day (long story there) and one of the notions included was some stretchy lace tape stuff. Is that meant to be used for the hem, or what? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cindy DATE:May 5, 2009 7:53:00 AM Hi Erin, Here is a link to something you might find interesting. It's a Prada exhibit of skirts in a "transformer" building in South Korea. My son's GF sent this information to us, she is teaching there for a year. Hope you enjoy. Cindy
http://www.prada-transformer.com/ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:May 5, 2009 8:30:00 AM Joni - since I've learned to use the blind hem stitch - ILOVEIT. I can't hand sew because of carpal tunnel, so it's a reall beenfit to me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cennetta DATE:May 5, 2009 1:12:00 PM This dress is as pretty as the last. I think this is my first time commenting on your blog. I've been reading for about two years. And hope you not mind me commenting.
Thanks and Happy Sewing!
C ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Trudy Callan DATE:May 5, 2009 6:45:00 PM I am not a new comer to your blog, but I am a new comer to commenting. I love the dress.

www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Summer DATE:May 5, 2009 8:56:00 PM Love the dress,and hoping to see more of this.;D

http://www.soloden.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:May 6, 2009 4:44:00 PM Where the heck is Erin?I am impatient for a new dress. I hope she is ok. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

foodandshoes DATE:May 8, 2009 11:52:00 AM Erin, will we ever see the dresses on you? They seem lifeless on the dress form and I'd love to see them paired with one of your famous cardigans! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Dress I am Wearing RIGHT NOW, Pt. 2 DATE: 10:01 AM ----- BODY:

Is this one:

stripe dress

It's from fabric I bought very recently from FashionFabricsClub, and it's the same pattern (Vogue 9670) as Tuesday's dress. (I wore yet ANOTHER version yesterday, but I didn't have time to post about it!)

I didn't do anything fancy with this neck facing except cut it with the stripes running the other way; it's so lightweight that I didn't want to fuss with it. Not that you can really see it in this picture:

blue deco dress

And the back, which I'm afraid doesn't match from the bodice to the skirt AT ALL, whoops:

blue deco dress

The stripes on the front matched more-or-less accidentally, but then I didn't have enough fabric to recut the back skirt to make them match on the back. Next time I'll know how to do it, it's simultaneously easier (to get the fabric cut right) and trickier (to get the pleats to match right) than I thought. It was complicated by the fact that I've adjusted this pattern to be about an inch bigger all around at the waist, which means I always have to re-jigger the pleats, anyway.

The zipper is a bit nicer on this version:

blue deco dress

I hadn't sewn up the hem yet when I took these photos so you can see it in the pictures -- it's gray bias tape and hem tape.

My only uncertainty about this dress is just HOW much it's going to wrinkle today. It is pretty lightweight shirting cotton, after all ... but it's also really nice and cool and feels great!

Labels: erin_sewing, stripes, Vogue_9760

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Apr 23, 2009 10:57:00 AM This looks so wonderfully comfortable. You did a great job matching the front, pleats make it so annoying to calculate. So, I generally do a little wrap belt to avoid that whole issue.
This is really nice! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Donna DATE:Apr 23, 2009 11:18:00 AM Great posts, Erin, I love seeing your creations ! Will you please let us know what fabric you use? I'm assuming this and yesterday's are cotton (my favorite), but not sure. Thanks again for your wonderful website!

Donna ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Apr 23, 2009 11:50:00 AM Her last sentence says it's lightweight shirting cotton, Donna.
I love those pleats! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nicole DATE:Apr 23, 2009 12:25:00 PM I love this dress, and I love this pattern! I am on the lookout for a copy now... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

What-I-Found DATE:Apr 23, 2009 12:44:00 PM And now I'm not seeing any faces in the fabric. So I think I'll be OK.
Maybe. ;-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Packrat DATE:Apr 23, 2009 1:18:00 PM I'm not sure I've commented here before...

I had a shirtwaist dress made out of almost this same stripe, but that was back in 1970 or there "abouts". I liked it then, and I still like it.

Looks like you did a good job. :)
Sue ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marjie DATE:Apr 23, 2009 4:13:00 PM Well, a nice wide belt at the waist hides all the stripe mismatches, doesn't it? The general style of this dress is really flattering! And, of course, we all know that vertical stripes are slimming, so who wouldn't love this one? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Summer DATE:Apr 23, 2009 8:04:00 PM Oh looks comfortable to wear.;D
Great post as always,keep up the good work.;D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Solo DATE:Apr 24, 2009 1:30:00 AM Loving that dress.;D
So cool.. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Apr 24, 2009 10:44:00 AM I have been silently reading your blog for about a month now, and I have to say I am jealous of all you cute dresses. I would love to find great patterns like these and make a bunch of dresses, but I have no experience at all. Do you think that I can figure it out on my own? I also got a little depressed with the pattern sizes my waist seems much bigger than what they have and then I have no real hips. Any advice for me? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Apr 24, 2009 4:47:00 PM Kristen, I do think that anyone can learn to sew; it's more a matter of figuring out how you learn best, and trying that way.

You might want to check out the posts on this page ...

http://www.dressaday.com/labels/learn-to-sew.html ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Morgan DATE:Apr 25, 2009 12:38:00 PM At first I wasn't so sure about this dress, but after returning and relooking it looks strangely comfortable. Very smart pattern. Wasn't sure what type of shoe would look best with a dress of this sort. Great workmanship.

Callie ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Carissa DATE:Apr 27, 2009 10:44:00 AM wow, I love this!!! the print and colors are great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

andrea.at.the.blue.door DATE:May 1, 2009 11:50:00 PM I actually like the way you've arranged the stripes on the back skirt. I think if you had that broad black stripe running full length down the back it would draw too much attention to itself. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Dress I am Wearing RIGHT NOW DATE: 1:21 PM ----- BODY:

Is this one:

blue deco dress

It's from fabric I bought in China, and it's the same pattern (Vogue 9670) as this dress.

Here's the neck facing, which is a bright pink that matches the pink in the flowers:

blue deco dress

And the back:

blue deco dress

I actually had fun matching the print here, on the center front and back seams. It wasn't as nit-picky or as tedious as I imagined it would be, maybe because the repeat of the pattern is a manageable size.

What I didn't do very well was the zipper:

blue deco dress

The hem is done with pale blue bias tape but the sleeves are done with a pale aqua bias tape. Because I had some left over, and because it looked cool. (You can see that in the top photo.)

This is a really comfortable dress -- so comfortable, in fact, that I've made it four times now. I'm wearing the next two over the next few days, and I'll post pictures of them tomorrow and Thursday!

Labels: erin_sewing, pattern_matching, Vogue_9670

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Apr 21, 2009 1:45:00 PM Love it! That print is to die for. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nicole DATE:Apr 21, 2009 1:58:00 PM What a great dress! I think I am going to have to seek out this pattern, as this looks very elegant yet comfortable. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:02:00 PM Adorable! There's something a bit Rolly Crump about the print, and that's always a good thing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:34:00 PM And given credit where it's due, you MATCHED THE FRONT SEAM! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:40:00 PM Outstanding Spring dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

aurelia.donka DATE:Apr 21, 2009 3:40:00 PM Very cute. Why are you inserting your zipper to up instead of down? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mickey DATE:Apr 21, 2009 3:51:00 PM Lovely fabric! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jonquil DATE:Apr 21, 2009 4:01:00 PM Nice work on the pattern matching, and I love the contrast facing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Adrienne DATE:Apr 21, 2009 4:43:00 PM Have you tried using a zipper foot instead of the invisible foot? If so, be sure to hand-roll the teeth flat as you sew to get closer to them for a more closed effect, but careful not to catch thread in teeth - it's the best way I have done them to date; although I am always open to suggestions. god Bless you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sold A Moke DATE:Apr 21, 2009 4:50:00 PM Very, very nice. You did a great job and it looks lovely. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gwensews DATE:Apr 21, 2009 6:42:00 PM Very femninine and pretty. It says "spring"! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Apr 21, 2009 6:47:00 PM The link is not working for me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cindy DATE:Apr 21, 2009 7:27:00 PM I love the dress! It does look comfy. Can't wait to see more dresses! Are you joining the PR vintage pattern contest? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

RachelMM DATE:Apr 21, 2009 8:08:00 PM Great dress! Really cute. You know the zipper isn't too bad and is completely fixable. You just need to sew in a bit closer to get the "seam look." Even with invisible zipper foots often I will need to adjust the needle to get in a bit closer. Love the fabric. You can tell it's a really special one. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amelia DATE:Apr 21, 2009 8:11:00 PM What wonderful work you do! I look forward to see the others. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

squiggy DATE:Apr 21, 2009 9:03:00 PM Gorgeous! And subtly Judy Chicagoesque.
I wish I owned it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Danika Paige Myers DATE:Apr 21, 2009 9:52:00 PM LOVE! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marge, Born Too Late Vintage DATE:Apr 22, 2009 5:23:00 AM Well now it's nice to see that pattern made up. Someone just bought that pattern from my store today! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

laura DATE:Apr 22, 2009 8:11:00 AM use the sewingdiva.com tutorial on invisible zippers. I've never had an invisible zipper problem since. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lucitebox DATE:Apr 22, 2009 9:12:00 AM Lovely--what great fabric--and silk cotton, too. It must feel terrific! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marjie DATE:Apr 22, 2009 1:58:00 PM Invisible zippers can be a real cramp in the butt. But when they come out right, they're terrific! I have also recently learned to do lapped zippers, and love them! This is a nice dress; I'm looking forward to seeing your others. Does this mean spring has gotten to Chicago? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Zazzu DATE:Apr 22, 2009 2:53:00 PM I like seeing the zipper because it matches the neck facing. Besides, I love that shade of pink.

Such a pretty dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Apr 22, 2009 6:03:00 PM So, so, so, so pretty!!! Well done, sis! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Apr 22, 2009 8:07:00 PM Thats a really nice match on the front and very, very pretty fabric.
Keep the 2s's going=smiling and sewing ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

What-I-Found DATE:Apr 22, 2009 8:53:00 PM I see little pink haired flower creatures in that print...with pink hands shaking at me!
Maybe I need to get away from the computer for awhile. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Apr 23, 2009 1:31:00 AM OH, the print is great and has such subtle colors and you did a great job matching the the print! I like your funky, contrasting facings, too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica Cangiano DATE:Apr 23, 2009 5:59:00 AM So much fun! I love this print, you could pull so many colours from it to match or compliment your accessories, shoes, bags - even nail polish with :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cherry Rockette DATE:May 4, 2009 2:48:00 AM is this a vintage pattern? strange that it calls for an invisible zipper, i would have thought it would use a normal dress zipper with an overlap seam?? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Past Perfect Vintage Clothing DATE:May 7, 2009 8:56:00 AM Love the print - very Liberty of London. I sympathize with the zipper - after 30+ years of sewing I am finally moving to invisible zippers from lap seam application. It's a whole new learning curve! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Finally, A New Dress DATE: 8:20 AM ----- BODY:

I am pretty sure I have had this "almost done!" since before Thanksgiving; I just haven't had a minute to finish it up. But last night I couldn't sleep, so I did the needful, which was really only putting in a zipper and hemming the skirt and sleeves. (I did have to hack seven inches off the skirt -- this was made for Amazons, it seems.)

Here's the original pattern, Vogue 9670. I can't remember where I bought it—if you sold it to me, leave a note in the comments!

Here's my version:

Olive Liberty-facing dress

Ignore the little bit of iron shine in the picture, please. And that it needs pressing elsewhere. I really need a steamer. Or a better press cloth. Or hints from you guys.

I made the facing out of Liberty print, because the dress fabric is really thick, and because I knew I wouldn't be able to get the facing perfectly flat, no matter how much I trimmed and clipped the curves. This facing is now meant to show, making a virtue of necessity.

Olive Liberty-facing dress

Oh look! I finally got the zipper to match up nicely at the side seam! Which one of you wonderful people told me that marking trick? Thank you! It works! I was really pleased with how the zipper went in, especially since I was doing this at 11 at night.

Olive Liberty-facing dress

The above picture was taken with flash -- it's the truest representation of the color. It's an olive-y color, not brown. It's a heavy brushed cotton with a good bit of Lycra in it. It doesn't really stretch, it just gives. Very comfortable.

And here's the back. Kind of boring. But at least the back seams match up okay.

Olive Liberty-facing dress

I really liked this pattern: it went together great, was easy to alter (I added more room at the waist as always, sigh), and except for being intended for women eight inches taller than I am (see the illustration? That skirt is right below the knee, amiright? On me it was almost to the ankle!) it fits well.

Next thing on my sewing list? Another crossword puzzle dress. The tournament is coming up!

Labels: erin_sewing, Vogue_9670

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 11, 2009 8:49:00 AM Lovely. And all the nicer for the Liberty facing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Feb 11, 2009 8:50:00 AM I love the contrast facing! Beautiful. I would appreciate a link to the zipper tips. Even though zippers and I get along fine these days, it's always nice to get a new angle on an old skill. Thank you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:05:00 AM I would love to learn how you did such a beautiful job on that zipper! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Libby Fife DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:08:00 AM Great picture-sometimes it is hard to envision what the finished product will look like.
Thanks Again,
Libby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lauren DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:22:00 AM From the picture on the envelope I'd never make the dress- but having seen what you did with that facing makes it pop! I LOVE IT! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:43:00 AM I love the facing!

Don't fret about the extra inches at the waist- these patterns were made for people who wore girdles!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah DATE:Feb 11, 2009 10:07:00 AM gorgeous! the contrasting facing lends some needed interest, I think. What's your plan re. belt? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Feb 11, 2009 10:20:00 AM In my plan, I am beltless. :-)

The zipper trick is so easy, I can't believe I never did it before. Once you've sewn one side, zip the thing up, and mark on the zipper (I used orange china marker) where it hits the waist seam. Then be sure to match that up when you sew the other side! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jonquil DATE:Feb 11, 2009 10:27:00 AM The contrast collar is lovely and striking. Have you considered picking up the print in one other place? A sash would be nice unless you're not a sash girl, or a covered belt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 11, 2009 10:45:00 AM Okay I am probably being retarded, but I don't understand that zipper tip. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Feb 11, 2009 10:55:00 AM I think this looks great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Netter DATE:Feb 11, 2009 11:06:00 AM I think it's lovely. I had a snicker at "did the needful." I hear a lot about doing the needful from contacts in India. Although, I hear it has some interesting connotations in the UK. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Feb 11, 2009 11:07:00 AM I think it's the best you've shown us - the craftswomanship is wonderful. I think you found the winter dress you were looking for. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Feb 11, 2009 11:27:00 AM Erin,

Thanks for the zipper idea. That's a great solution and would work on any zipper, really, even one that doesn't go over a seam--just mark the length halfway through on the zipper and the garment. Voila! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nancy (nanflan) DATE:Feb 11, 2009 11:47:00 AM I love the little peek of Liberty print. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sewingsusan DATE:Feb 11, 2009 11:59:00 AM I'm being thick headed on the zipper instructions, too. Do you mean you mark the wrong side of the zipper teeth where it hits the waist on the already sewed side? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:01:00 PM No, no, I don't think I explained it well. (I should have taken a photo.)

You mark the unsewn side so that you can match it up to the waist seam when you sew it up. If that makes any sense. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:15:00 PM I like the contrasting facing. If I may suggest a pressing tip, press your seam open first. Press if flat, if that makes more sense. Then fold on the stitching line and press again. No little bits of fabric will try to hide in the fold that way. You get a cleaner fold and line that way. Does that make any sense? ---K ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:25:00 PM This is a great dress and design. The collar looks better the way you did it, too. You can experiment with wearing some jade beads or something inside the neckline, so you just get a glimpse of them at the opening...provocative and streamlined at once! I would like to see a sash, too. Maybe it could be the olive fabric on one side and the Liberty on the other, for a fluttery, peek-a-boo effect with the print? Nice nice job, and you picked a great pattern for a bunch of different events. Looks good! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

chickdowntown DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:30:00 PM This dress is great! I just started reading your blog & love it...congrats on finishing this piece! It'd look awesome with a cool pair of tights and ankle boots or a peep toe shoe. What were you planning on wearing with it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:32:00 PM Well, right now I'm wearing it with olive knee socks and cordovan penny loafers. But I like the tights/peep toes idea. :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:37:00 PM Oh, one ironing tip, especially for this type fabric... iron from the inside! No shine that way! The dress is great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

xstpenguin DATE:Feb 11, 2009 12:39:00 PM Yay, Erin made a new dress! Looks lovely.

Congratulations on mastering a new thing. Nice feeling that. Claire Schaeffer has a book called something like "101 sewing shortcuts". I think most of the tips are not time saving so much as "101 ways to do it right the first time and not spend all night unpicking the **** thing". But her title is probably snappier.

I agree with Cookie about a double sided sash!

Cheers,
AJ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Amelina DATE:Feb 11, 2009 1:27:00 PM SEVEN inches?? LOL. How tall are you?? I can see it in my mind---trying it on before hemming, and the dress reaching to an awkward not quite floor length. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Birgit DATE:Feb 11, 2009 2:30:00 PM Nice job, Erin!
One old-fashioned ironing tip from my mother, who actually attended house-keeping school (not fun to grow up with...) back in the day:
Use an old men's cloth handkerchief (or similar quality fabric scrap - cotton lawn?) instead of a pressing cloth, wet it down and wring out well, straighten out over area to be pressed, and press straight down with rather light pressure. Let area dry a bit before handling.
This works shine-free for me even on fine wool suits, unlike my steam iron. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

-E DATE:Feb 11, 2009 2:52:00 PM Yay! I love new dresses! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

NoGrandmother DATE:Feb 11, 2009 3:31:00 PM Did you put pockets in it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Feb 11, 2009 4:23:00 PM I am totally jumping on the Liberty-print belt bandwagon, Erin. I love the facing and think a belt of the same fabric would really make the shape pop. That said, it is super cute! And where did you put the pockets? I can't quite tell from the photo. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen ~ MOMSPatterns DATE:Feb 11, 2009 4:38:00 PM Erin, that's BEAUTIFUL! You really do have The Vision with your dressmaking. Well done!

Since you asked.. *sheepish grin and never one to knock an invite for a promotional blurb..* that was one you purchased from lil' ol' me back in October.. 'Vogue 9670 Vintage 50's Sewing Pattern OOH SO PRETTY Slit Neck Box Pleats Skirt Afternoon Dress, 2 Styles'.

WELL DONE!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Feb 11, 2009 5:02:00 PM Beautiful dress, I love the facing. I second or third (I lost count) the two sided sash idea. Always an excuse for more Liberty :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

caseykoester DATE:Feb 11, 2009 5:45:00 PM I love it! I agree that those contrasting lapels add a lot. It looks lovely. Zippers always give me trouble too. I'm so glad you found a method to conquer them. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cindy DATE:Feb 11, 2009 7:35:00 PM Love the Liberty print peeking out! And Erin, please send the marking tip for the invisible zipper!! I have the same problem...over and over! I greatly appreciate it.

And I can't wait to see your new crossword dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kelly DATE:Feb 11, 2009 8:12:00 PM Love the dress Erin!!!... The Liberty print total makes this dress. Like another posted stated I would have passed on this pattern if I had not seen your version with it. You did a wonder job on the zipper, I will have to use your trick too. I have a graduation dress I need to be making, Thanks!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Monabel DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:32:00 PM All of the above, and how brave of you to sew at eleven at night! Certain disaster for me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean DATE:Feb 11, 2009 9:34:00 PM Might I make a suggestion? You may want to paint the zipper pull with nail polish to help it blend in! Then it won't stand out so much. It's just a thought. We do it and this way with a hidden zipper like this you can use any color zipper you want! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Feb 12, 2009 8:06:00 AM I'm impressed with the side zipper, which I go to extreme efforts to avoid putting in. Great job, Erin. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AuntieShel DATE:Feb 12, 2009 11:25:00 AM Beautiful, Erin, I want to say the facing makes the dress, but the whole thing is so nice. As usual, I see I missed a good tip--wat is the tip for matching seams when putting in a zipper? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AuntieShel DATE:Feb 12, 2009 11:26:00 AM Oops, never mind, found the zipper tip, should have read all the comments first. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Laura DATE:Feb 12, 2009 12:27:00 PM I study couture sewing at FIT, and I've done some tailoring in the past, as well. I use a piece of undyed silk organza as a pressing cloth. You can see what you're doing through it, and it can take an enormous amount of heat from the iron.

I love the dress! Congratulations on finishing it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marge, Born Too Late Vintage DATE:Feb 16, 2009 7:00:00 AM Well now, you didn't buy that pattern from me but I have that pattern in the same size on Born Too Late Vintage Patterns! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Krysta Hughes DATE:Apr 20, 2010 3:13:00 PM I have a huge problem and could really use some advice... I bought a bride's maid dress online and have no time to return it, apparently my back is too wide! That's the excuse im going with, anyways, i can't zip it up all the way, and i need to know if there is a way that I can make the zipper stop in an apropriate place and then hide the rest of the zipper teeth? If you have suggestions please e-mail me soon! I have until May to get this fixed! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: An Interesting Failure DATE: 8:45 AM ----- BODY:

I can't remember when I bought this pattern, but it was recently, and I was so excited about it ... the simple bodice plus the pocketed skirt seemed PERFECT. I even made a special trip to Vogue Fabrics to buy black denim! But what I got was this:

Not what I pictured

Unfortunately, the neck is too low, and the soft pleats, when made in denim, stick out in a bunchy and annoying way.

And here's the back, with more bunchy pleats:

Not what I pictured

The pockets are edged with metal zipper (and now I'm not so upset that the waist seam didn't match exactly when I put in the side zipper):

Not what I pictured

And I used the last of my Futura-font fabric to make the neck facing (I figured it pops up every once in a while [yes, even with tacking it at the side seams and understitching] so I might as well make it fun):

Not what I pictured

I'm calling this an interesting failure, because, well, when you get right down to it, all failures are interesting. I love to know the "why" when things go wrong. This dress *should* have been a success: pockets, black denim, scoop neck, zippers ... no construction issues, no fitting issues ... and yet, when I tried it on, I went "Ugh!"

I think this may be salvageable, though. I can take the waist apart (another ugh) and change the pleats to darts. Not much I can do about the low neckline for this version, but I could make a note to bring it up an inch the next time (remembering to make a new facing pattern). I could also (again for next time) use a slightly lighter-weight fabric (this denim is just a bit too heavy). So perhaps this is not a total failure, but instead a very, very detailed (and possibly someday wearable) muslin ...

Labels: erin_sewing, pockets, Simplicity_4561

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:08:00 AM Could you add some lace material / font fabric to create a fake T-shirt look - this would raise the neckline. Did that make sense - I can visualise it but not explain... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ladygrande (Texas Marie) DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:22:00 AM What were the recommended fabrics for this pattern? I'll bet denim was not one of them. It needs a softer fabric, I believe - one that "moves". ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ShannonAnn DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:39:00 AM That bottom part would make a great skirt as is. I think it's the top that's not working. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Myra DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:39:00 AM Could you steal a stand-up collar piece from another dress, you know the ones that are two pieces, left and right, and meet in the middle tapering down? That would add neckline coverage as would a lace insert or a ruffle between the bodice and facings. Also agree with darts over pleats. They usually do nothing for me on the bodice. Also, the zipper detail is cool, but may make those pockets too heavy. Try piping or rickrack. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa Simeone DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:43:00 AM I'm realizing why dresses in the flesh are so often disappointing when compared to their illustrations: women -- real women -- simply do not have waistlines that small. The waists of the women in the illustrations are always TINY. Unbelievably tiny. 99% of women don't have that enormous measurement gap between their busts/hips and their waists. It's a total fantasy.

I've been noticing this about the pattern illustrations especially, because there are so many of them posted here; but you also see it in those lovely vintage fashion illustrations. Even with a girdle, you can only shave off so much from your middle (I know, I've tried!).

So now when I look at an illustration, or at the dresses on certain eBay sellers' va-va-va-voom mannequins, and think, gee, that's a beautiful dress, I have to remind myself that I don't have that body and that said dress will not look like that on me. (I don't know if that's what was going on here, just observing that it's been my experience.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

laura DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:52:00 AM I agree with shannonann. Cut the bodice off and turn it into a skirt. The bodice, in denim, is too heavy IMHO. It just looks heavy. I like the zipper pocket detail. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

fidelio DATE:Oct 21, 2008 9:55:00 AM You know, washing that denim with heavy things like towels and jeans several times will soften it up right away. (I won't suggest you follow the example of the industrial blue jeans agers and wash it with rocks, since you probably aren't all that interested in buying a new washing machine just now.)

The suggestion from Anonymous above about adding an insert to fill in the neckline might work as well.

I usually wash my fabric before I cut it, and since I have a piece of embroidered denim awaiting attention at home, I think I'll take this as a warning to wash it a few times more before touching it with scissors. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andie DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:22:00 AM The dress pattern reminds me of The Advance 8434 pattern you have about 3 or 4 posts down from this one. View #2 has some sort of collar attached to the scoop neck. Perhaps you could create that collar with a bit of a stand to help fill in the low neckline. Also, the view 3 on the same pattern handles the low neckline with a bit of ribbon. You may be able to hide the pleats with a wide belt or a sash around the middle (think duro jr. dress) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:23:00 AM Hello! Love your blog. I wanted to mention that Vogue Patterns is having a sale on it's website that ends today-5.99 patterns. Most of them are 5.99. Have fun! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angélica DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:25:00 AM Actually I thought the outcome is not as pathetic as you described. Maybe you to post it in Sew Retro to share? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

scmtngirl DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:48:00 AM I guess I just don't see what is so bad about it! I think it would be lovely if you added some decorative trim to the neckline and pockets like the original drawing, pair it with some some bright tights, an equally bright belt, and a pair of black stilettos and call it a Winter Dress.

Then again, I like to funk-ify classy vintage dress styles like that, so that may not be your style, but I think it could still totally work. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Helen DATE:Oct 21, 2008 11:03:00 AM Maybe that's why the pattern illustration has the chain trim detail? I actually like it as is -- it looks like something you might wear in the prison laundry in an old movie about girls gone wrong.

Sorry, too much TCM lately.

But, I agree about changing the tucks to darts -- it would shape the bodice better. I love the detail on the pockets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Oct 21, 2008 11:07:00 AM @ Lisa - I have the same problem about pattern illustrations! I am 5 feet tall with short legs, so the dress/jacket/top never looks the same on me as it does on the envelope. It's so depressing!

One thing I've read about (but, full disclosure, never tried myself) is using something called a croquis (see a short article here: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/th_125_051.asp) which is basically a paper model of your body. If you have one drawn on lightweight or tracing paper, you can then trace the important parts of the pattern design from the image on the envelope onto your body, to see how it will work out.

Like I said, I've never done this, but I bet someone here has. Anybody? Has this prevented a serious fashion disaster for you? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Oct 21, 2008 11:19:00 AM This is the exact same pattern that made me swear off scoop necklines forever. I'm a 32D and the alterations required to keep the neck from gaping to the point of public indecency are more work than I'm willing to invest. So yeah. No scoop neckline patterns for me.

Hm. You know, this might be one of the patterns I sent you...probably because of the pockets.

Lydia ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Caroline DATE:Oct 21, 2008 11:48:00 AM I love the skirt part could you salvage that by adding a waistband?
I have to say it looks better than anything I could hope to make! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Deborah DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:01:00 PM I like the dress but agree that the pleats in that fabric are a little bulky. This is a problem I oftenhave - unable to visualize how a pattern would look in a particular fabric. I often choose too heavy fabric for the pattern. I do read the pattern suggestions but even after all these years will go, "Hmm. That might work." yeah, I know. I live in a dream world. I think I would try darts then if that doesn't work, make the bottom half into a skirt. It's too nice to rag-bag it. Just my opinion, for what it's worth. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stacie.Make.Do. DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:02:00 PM I think you should wear a chiffon scarf like they do with the regency dresses in Sense and Sensibility.

http://janeausten.info/moviegowns/sands1995/Marianne/maribrown.jpg ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

tea DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:05:00 PM Huh. It must look a lot worse in person than it does in the photo because I rather like it! :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lavon DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:06:00 PM I like the look of the dress. Yes I would put in darts.

I also think that the demin should have been washed a couple of times just to soften it up.

I really do not think it looks bad at all. You wanted a simple dress and it is that. Maybe when you do make it again using a diffrent type of fabric you will see the dress you really want.

I had a simple dress pattern. It was exactly what I wanted and when I had made it in my favorite floral print material, I hate it.

It looked like something Mama would wear on Mama's Family with vicky Lawrence. I was so disappointed! I never wore it. But I made the dress from a different fabric and it was the dress I dream it could be. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:16:00 PM The neck doesn't look VERY low. Is it a matter of brastraps showing? Too exposed for the climate? Or just personal preference?

How about raising the neckline by making another piece of the black denim (or perhaps a contrast fabric), that would echo the neckline but a couple inches higher and sew that in underneath? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

aurelia DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:19:00 PM Fix the waist pleats and wear it for gardening next summer. Everyone in your neighborhood will want a denim gardening dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

colour by number DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:20:00 PM It definitely looks salvageable! Could you put in princess seams in the front? Or...add darts at the waist and soft pleats gathers in the middle of the neckline...don't give up on this one. I think, it could work! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:26:00 PM lisa simeone - just have to say, just because 99% of ladies may not have such proportions, it doesn't mean the remaining 1% aren't "real". I can appreciate seeing unusual body shapes being presented as the norm being highly irritating, but the ways the term "real women" are thrown about these days are just as insulting and annoying.

(sorry! dont mean to be internet-mean!) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gidget Bananas DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:49:00 PM On the body shape issue: women in the 40s and 50s started wearing waist-cinchers and girdles in their teens, so many did have a 10-inch difference between their bust measurement and their waist measurement. I always marveled at the waist of my Mother's wedding dress, which seemed impossibly small for a well-endowed woman, but photos of her and her friends all showed the same silhouette.

Dior used to put his of-course-very-thin models in waist cinchers and then pad their hips and busts to get that impossible New Look hourglass, leading Coco Chanel to say "Dior doesn't dress women, he upholsters them."

Women's shapes have really changed over time as they've thrown out their girdles, become more athletic, grown taller, gotten breast implants, started driving everywhere and eating more, etc., etc.

The vintage dresses from the 1930s I've looked at have all been unbelieveably narrow, especially through the hips, leaving me to wonder about what people got to eat during the Depression.

It's unrealistic to assume that a vintage pattern will fit a modern body (alas!). Anyway, I'll take 60s trapeze dresses for $50, please. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Oct 21, 2008 12:59:00 PM I wouldn't call this dress a "failure". It's more like that plain gal in the old movies who lets down her hair and takes off her glasses and suddenly looks more "interesting" to Our Hero. You just need to apply a little "something" to bring out its best features. A belt? a neckline treatment? I imagined a zipper trim around the neckline. That's only one possibility. Or something else creative. The dress's bones are good.It's not a failure, its a design opportunity. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sold A Moke DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:06:00 PM Ugh,I hate it when something doesn't measure up to expectations. My guess is that the denim was just a tad too heavy for this project. Maybe a lighter fabric would have let the pleats behave. The seam with the Zipper is a bummer, a long time ago something like that would have had me relegate to the back of the closet or worse... By and large you do such great work normally, this just proves to the rest of us that you're human. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:07:00 PM I like the idea of zipper trim around the neckline, then wear it over a turtle neck with matching tights. It's winter, after all, layers are good. Turning the gathers into darts would decrease the bulk around the waist. I'd wear it with a belt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ms. D DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:14:00 PM I haven't read all the comments, but denim wouldn't have been my choice of fabrics. A Liberty of London cotton, a swiss dot, a seersucker, something like your facing fabric, perhaps....what did the pattern say? The pleat problem is clearly caused by the thickness of the denim. I would also bet the mismatch of the waist seams is caused by the thickness and lack of give in the denim. If you want a crisp, heafty look, the heaviest fabric I might choose would be a dark navy weavers cloth. There also seems to be a problem with pressing. Does the denim have lycra in it? For now rip the bodice off and toss it. Cut a new waist band and have a really neat denim skirt with those great pockets featuring the zip trim. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Julia DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:18:00 PM Erin, I think that denim, even lightweight, might have been a tad heavy for this pattern and honestly, these dresses with fitted waists were NEVER supposed to be worn without a belt. It's intended to reinforce the seam AND it will softn those pleats you aren't happy with. Self belt or contrast, it needs a belt. Just sayin'. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gabriella DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:44:00 PM I actually don't think it's that bad. Replacing the pleats with darts would help immensely. As for the too low neckline...could you wear a blouse under it. I'm thinking someithing with a cute peter pan collar...but maybe that's too twee? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gaby DATE:Oct 21, 2008 1:49:00 PM Hi Erin
I think this has been all said before but as I read your post I saw "denim" for the first time, looked at the illustration again and thought "ooh, is that going to work so well?" I love black denim but I don't think it is the answer here. That said, if you make the dress a little more structured you may still pull it off. Re neckline, could you add a strip of bias (maybe the last tiny scrap of the facing fabric) to sit within the neck and fill it in a little? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Oct 21, 2008 2:20:00 PM I agree with the suggestions for a dickey and a belt (I'm thinking obi-style). And of course, both made of the Futura-font, if at all possible. Otherwise, I agree with the make-it-a-skirt brigade.

Thank you for posting about your 'failure' - most illuminating! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean DATE:Oct 21, 2008 2:58:00 PM Someone else mentioned something that I figured would work, or at least part of it! By washing it, with towels etc... it will soften it up quite nicely. Also, you might try pinning (temporarily)the shoulders to see if that may help with the neck line. If the pinning takes it to where you need it, then, you can take then in! If you work from the neckline towards the sleeve, and do a tapered to a point next to the sleeve... then you don't have to take off the sleeve and re-do all that! Good luck! It really is a cute pattern. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture DATE:Oct 21, 2008 3:48:00 PM I think this dress is cute and par for the course for making a dress without a mock up first. I have done this so many times in the past! I turned them into my "homespun " look!

I would just put some darts in the front and wear a belt - its cute and denim softens up with wear. You can never trust an illustration - its an artists rendition in order to sell a product. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen DATE:Oct 21, 2008 4:37:00 PM Interesting the Kathleen Crowley would respond, as her post recently on her blog, really is very informative about this 'vintage re-creation' issue (http://kathleencrowley.blogspot.com/2008/09/vintage-patternsand-why-they-dont-turn.html)
But what interests me most is that the pattern she shows in this post has an 2" or 3" wide band around the neckline--a perfect solution for filling in a low round neckline, in an historically appropriate style. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

BeckyW DATE:Oct 21, 2008 5:54:00 PM Goofy suggestion, but here it is. What about adding denim loops around the neckline? Then thread a scarf through the loops and tie on one shoulder. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Oct 21, 2008 5:59:00 PM I'd wait and remake it in a linen in summer. Navy would be nice, and you could wear it with one of those snazzy cardigans you love (can anyone say "yellow"??) in late spring, early fall, when you would want to be able to take the sweater off, but might need it in the cool morning/evening air?

I think that the denim was too heavy, though..washing it might help, a bit, and either a matching belt or one in yellow or red...maybe patent leather? Hmmmmm....I'm seeing a terrific vintage matching purse/shoe/belt combo with this one...

LOL...sorry for the ramble...hope it works out better next time! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Alex DATE:Oct 21, 2008 6:49:00 PM Hi Lisa Simeone - don't fret about the "internet mean" poster. The fact is that the models during that period wore both padding in their bras and on their hips and were very thin. This gave them an hour glass figure. So not "real" even then!

But as far as the dress goes, I find that if I think about the Dior "trick" and balance top and bottom and then give the illusion of a smaller waist, I get the same feel as the picture (even if I am bigger). Since I am large on top, I always add more skirt fabric as it gives more volume and use either a small belt or a cumberbund of matching (or counter) fabric. This is comfortable, gives me a wasit, and gives the impression of an hour glass.

This dress could be saved (IMHO) if you either recut the skirt to make it fuller OR if you don't have more fabric, took the skirt apart, created an "under skirt" in a contracting fabric and used the denim as an over skirt. Very 1950's and it would give the pockets more give and you could use the same contracting fabric in a colar to raise the neckline.

Alex ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Emilee DATE:Oct 21, 2008 7:01:00 PM Nothing about the dress, but Erin, I've wondered about trimming the pockets with zippers before. Don't they scratch your hands when you use the pockets? I have zip-shut pockets on a few jackets, and they always hurt my hands. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

froginthepond DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:31:00 PM beckyw's suggestion is really interesting - adds contrast and fixes any problems with the scoop neckline. I see what you mean about the pleats not working, and I agree (sorry!) that denim probably wasn't the best choice, but bodice and skirt are recoverable if they're removed from each other's company and greater contrast added.

I'm planning a summer dress in a similar style and I'm already thinking about some pattern mods like raising the waist an inch or two (shortwaisted) or neckline details to suit. Then there's the pattern re-grading - I may have a very hourglass figure, but it doesn't mean I have a ten inch waist! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Oct 21, 2008 10:43:00 PM beckyw,

Your denim loop and scarf idea is WONDERFUL!

I'm losing weight and expect to find the neckline of a favorite dress getting too large and gaping by spring. I may try that to try to extend the wear before I have to give it up. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Uncle DATE:Oct 22, 2008 1:10:00 AM This post has been removed by the author. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Oct 22, 2008 1:13:00 AM I vote for the tab and scarf deal. I think that would look really great.

I also think a number of trips through the washer and dryer (throw tennis balls in the dryer) would do wonders for the fabric.

If you don't want to take the entire skirt off and have to contend with redoing the zipper, you could rip the seam only where it is pleated. Then, form your dart and stitch the bodice and skirt back together.

I do have to pick on you a bit, though. Some simple marking would avoid the misalignment at the waist. It doesn't take long and is worth the effort.

I think a belt is in order, too. You could make a cummerbund of the alphabet fabric and do a scarf in white or black.

I think this is a very salvageable dress. But, if you just hate it all, turn it into a skirt and chalk it up to experience. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 22, 2008 7:26:00 AM Erin, did you pin-fit the pattern bodice to see where the neckline ends up? If you don't, generally, you might want to next time you use a new pattern; it's easier than the fix-it! You can raise the neckline with a matching piece; I'd pipe the seam where the two pieces meet, just to make it look as if I really *meant* to do that. Or you could cut down the sleeves, and make it a jumper - AFTER you make those bunchy gathers into darts. I have to say, gathering denim in the bodice area would never be my own first choice; it's too sculptural a fabric for that, and I LOVE making denim dresses! But it is fixable.

LisaSimeone, because you don't have a 10" bust/waist/hip difference doesn't mean other people don't. It doesn't mean that they aren't "real" women, either. It just means that you and they have different figures. And while Dior may have padded his models - and he did - Chanel chronically underpaid hers, and expected them to take lovers to pick up the economic slack, so: I'll take Dior, because the padding, if needed, is less offensive a choice; and I'll take Dior anyway, because I can wear his New Look cuts, and not Chanel's. There are plenty of women with a 10-to-14" B/W/Hip difference; they are the ones who can never find a doggone pair of jeans to fit, too. Even the women who aren't busty may have that difference between their waist and hip measurements; those would be the pear-shaped among us.

Just because it doesn't fit your proportions doesn't make it a total fantasy; read the measurements on the backs of the envelopes. Even without constricting undergarments, a lot of women can use those patterns as is, since the vast majority of vintage patterns actually have a 6" bust/waist difference, and a 9" waist/hip difference. Then they have to be altered by the women who DO have a 10" B/W/H difference, since there are actually fewer patterns with those measurements. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

LisaB DATE:Oct 22, 2008 7:55:00 AM I love that skirt and think it is worth saving.

I awoke with this dress on my mind! I envisioned it with a white linen top (neckline adjusted to meet your preferences) and a wide, black patent leather belt.

Or I think you could play with the idea of making the white linen top to meet the pattern's dimensions, adding a strip of the black denim to narrow the neckline. Your linen would need to be hearty for this idea, I think. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Oct 22, 2008 10:07:00 AM I like Becky's suggestion as well ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa Simeone DATE:Oct 22, 2008 10:53:00 AM I give up!

I DO have a 10-inch difference between my waist and bust/hip measurements. Most women don't. But that wasn't the point anyway.

I never mentioned a measurement in my original comment. I only said that the illustrations on patterns were crazily exaggerated -- they depict women's figures with waaaaay more than a 10-inch difference between waist and bust/hips.

Good grief. Talk about taking things out of context. I wasn't impugning anyone's figure or insulting anyone's body type. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 22, 2008 11:15:00 AM I'm afraid it was still within context for your comment to be reacted against in the ways that it was; you mentioned that 99% of women dont have whatever. That still does leave 1% of people within the original, railed against "measurements", who were then talked out of existance by the rest of your comment. I'm sure you didn't mean to be insulting and I wasn't assuming then that you were, but nevertheless, your comment *was* carelessly worded and thus casually dismissive.

Please don't feel that you're thought a terrible villain. It's surely wiser to note that bodies do come in a wide range of shapes and sizes when it seems that variety's honour is at stake than to let any maybe-sort-of-possibly suggestions to the other way go by, and see even more of a THIS WAY IS NORMAL AND NO OTHERS assumption grow. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 22, 2008 11:30:00 AM I made a vintage denim dress and I found the same problems. Just too stiff of a fabric, even after I pre-washed it. I had lined the bodice in a crepe backed satin and noticed how nicely it laid with the darts. I'm going to revisit it next spring with a different fabric. Also, with dresses that I'm not happy with, I just turn 'em into skirts. It's usually the bodice that doesn't work so just cut the darn thing off and make a skirt.
jilly ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

-E DATE:Oct 22, 2008 1:45:00 PM Belt :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mand DATE:Oct 23, 2008 9:47:00 AM Happened upon you via Laura's Cafe au Laine blog, and i love your attitude: all failures are interesting. Reminds me of my grandmother - the sewing also reminds me of her, i can design wonderful garments in my head but have three left thumbs with needle or machine! 80) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

theresa DATE:Oct 23, 2008 2:16:00 PM I went back and read Lisa S comment. Honestly, I don't see what all the fuss was about. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 23, 2008 4:31:00 PM Since the 1950s princess pattern lovelies I find are usually in a Bust Size 28 or 30", and I am so not, I look at the shape of the pattern pieces on the back of the envelope. Generally on 1950s princess patterns, the waist is more sharply indented - there's a definite, pronounced cut in, then flare out, as opposed to the oft-recommended "gradual taper" for the waist curve on modern princess patterns. It's not necessarily a big cut in, but it's sharply angled (so there may be some seam clipping to do for it to lie open or flat properly). The 1950s princess pattern - even for the 30" bust (still sized for a B cup, remember), ALSO includes bust darts. Yes, bust darts in addition to the princess seams; this sharpens the fit over the bust. If you have a favorite princess pattern already, you can use it to make a paper copy with the above changes. If you increase the flare at the bottom of the pattern pieces to widen the skirt to a good 120" or more (to taste), and the length as well (if necessary or desired), you will have a good, usable, fits-you-properly 1950s princess pattern in your very own size, regardless of whether ebay or our beloved vendors actually carries one in your size. You can use this to make up dresses or jumpers as you see fit, while you keep an eye peeled for that elusive vintage original in your very own measurements. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 23, 2008 4:41:00 PM A separate comment, so it doesn't get swallowed by all the Princess Seam Denim commentary:

Erin - and anybody else who really doesn't want to go through the whole pin fit (which doesn't take but a couple of minutes, but sometimes you Just Don't Feel Like It) of a bodice to make sure the neckline isn't too much (or not enough), make a duplicate of a bodice pattern you have used before and like (I recommed using a graph-type gridded paper, so you can see how many inches or fractions of an inch more easily, but wax paper or freezer paper's pretty darned good), and keep it pinned up on a bulletin board, or wherever you keep your Handy Stuff in the sewing room. When you have a new bodice pattern, lay the new one out on top of the Faithful Fitted Friend pattern, matching the shoulder seams at the top of the shoulder. You will see at a glance, or at least get a pretty good idea, of where the new neckline will hit you, as compared with the neckline that you usually wear. As it happens, of course, I tried to GET THAT PATTERN that didn't quite do it for you, Erin, and I expect that in fact that neckline hits just where it works for me, because it has to work a whole lot harder to cover ground. But such is the adventure that is life. If you think this particular pattern is not going to be All That for you, I will gladly buy it, so you can drop me an email if you'd like to just make it go away and buy one you like better. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

melodie DATE:Oct 23, 2008 5:38:00 PM @la belladonna--thanks so much for the info on altering a princess to a 50's style princess. I'll be sure to wear by best cross-your-heart 18-hour bullet bra when I make one. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pat DATE:Oct 23, 2008 6:00:00 PM looks like a dress for someone in prison...wrong color, wrong fabric ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MinaW DATE:Oct 24, 2008 3:34:00 AM Lisa Simeone and others,
I think that this problem pattern is a good example of what I call the "Why didn't they just make the pattern like the illustration in the first place?" syndrome.

(Yes, I know that this illustration was probably done for the pattern envelope after the pattern was made, but the original designer's sketch was first.)

Whatever the person's measurements, that skirt is not flared enough to be like the illustration, and if it were flared enough, it would hang more gracefully in any fabric, and be just fine in denim. Looking at the illustration in the lighter color, each gore should be at least twice as wide at the hem as at the waist, but it looks even more like 3 times as wide.

That flare would make it fit in to the waist better. And clearly the dress itself is not flared anything like that much.

I say, if you have to make the drawing of the dress flare so much more to look good, and be so much longer to be well-proportioned - you should draw the pattern that way in the first place.

MinaW ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 24, 2008 6:55:00 AM Minaw, OH, how I love thee. You speak a great truth, which I will now (as is my wont) elaborate upon:

If you ladies have a favorite dress width, either memorize that width, or write it down. Keep it not only with the Faithful Fitted Friend bodice pattern in your sewing room, keep it in your wallet, or your Electronic Whatever. If you have a dress or skirt that's just right, and you don't know how wide it is, measure it. Always compare this measurement to the measurement on the pattern you are contemplating buying. Speaking as a sucker for - I mean, afficianada and collector of - princess dress patterns, the fuller the better, I have often been dazzled by the lush, flowing, graceful sweep of a New Princess Pattern - only to look on the back, and read: "Hem width: 88 inches". And at least the hem width is LISTED on old patterns. The heck, folks - nowadays everything else BUT that is listed on the back of a pattern, but you're supposed to read the hem width on the pattern itself! Not even on the instructions - the pattern pieces! No, I will not be buying you after all. Anyway. As it happens, an 88-inch hem width doubtless has its function in life, but not my life; I'm looking for 120" and over, and will whip out my trusty yardstick and Make It So, if the want for the pattern is overwhelming. But I'll be peeved. I know that 120" works for me; I wear my skirts long, and for a fitted and flared 50s style, the longer it is, the fuller it needs to be, for proportion's sake. (I am 5'6" [down from 5'7", alack], and I will buy anything from a 34" bust to a 38" bust, and alter it to fit, because I always have to alter it to fit; I'm an XLarge hourglass, 36D, with a short backwaist, long arms, a REALLY LONG front waist, and a lower belly pad. I give these measurements so you have some idea of Skirt Width:: La BellaDonna Height/Width.)

Fifties dresses actually come in an extraordinary number of widths, from pegged wiggle dresses (comfy and practical for a day at the office, running up stairs and lugging file boxes! or ... not), to straight, to modest flares with gores, pleats, or gathers, to Really, Really Full!! I think for a good many of us, we are drawn to the fit and flare of the New Look silhouette (Bar, how I love thee! It's a different love from Minaw, but a true love still.), so we are looking for that fitted shape and full skirt. So many pattern illustrations seem to promise that, and then you look at the measurements on the back - before you buy, hopefully. Then it's Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire. Now, if you shorten your own patterns - I know Erin prefers her hems shorter than those usually provided - you have to be careful about where you shorten them. If you just whack X number of inches off the bottom of a pattern to shorten it, you are also reducing the width of that pattern. How? Well, the widest part is at the bottom. So then it's not really the pattern's fault. If you need to shorten it, and there's no "shorten here" line (there probably won't be, on a 50s pattern), then pick a spot up about midway down the skirt. Fold up the pattern up evenly right across the entire skirt half the amount by which you want it shortened [i.e., fold it up one inch if you want it two inches shorter, two inches if you want it four inches shorter], and take your trusty yardstick and smooth out the jagged bit you get when you fold up something flared. I recommend doing this on a COPY of the pattern, and not the original pattern itself, because maybe you'll want to sell the pattern one day. Maybe you'll want to make your own copy of the pattern, sell the original, and buy another pattern! It will be much easier if you haven't altered the original pattern itself.

My own trusty Personal Fitted Princess Dress Pattern actually started life in the 1970s, when it was Brand New. (*sigh*) I don't know that I made it up then, as a matter of fact, but I know it was well underway by the late 80s/early 90s. I started with a not-very-full ankle-length version of a sweetheart-necked dress with straight sleeves, and the mother pattern would be hard put to recognize her grandchildren, which are generally sleeveless, scoopnecked, very fitted through the torso, somewhat shorter than the original, and well over a yard wider at the hem; maybe two yards. A lot of brown paper has gone under the pencil since I started. It is possible to get the result you want, even if illustrations lie, and it's possible to get a 50s dress, even if you're Hard To Fit, large or small, in whichever direction your individual variations lie. Mostly it takes a pencil, a yardstick, and a lot of brown paper and determination. It doesn't hurt if you've laid in a stash of fabric that no longer is predestined for X, because it may take several iterations to get what you want. You will then have some very pretty (if unlikely) dresses or jumpers to lounge around in, or even sleep in, if you wind up using that bunch of Christmas or Halloween print fabric to practice on. If you're thinking of laying in some muslin (which dyes!) or cheap prints for practice, and you don't know how much to get, what with needing New Layouts for the wider pieces, I usually reckon one full body length per piece (that is, the measurement from shoulder to hem, plus hem width). A princess dress is generally Front, Side Fronts, Side Backs, and Back - seven pieces, whether it opens in the front or back (or side - a center back seam is just easier to fit), so you would buy your fabric Body Length X 7. Now, this is probably enough to make yourself the longest, fullest princess dress imaginable; five to seven yards, between 45" and 60", is usually enough for an average, middlin' sized person to work with. If you're very tall, or if you are large, and want that 50s princess dress, I would recommend using the formula (which is about 9 yards on me) to acquire fabric.

Yes, that can be a lot of fabric, and there are ways to make a 50s dress out of a lot less fabric, but the classic princess dress is made without a waistline seam. Once you throw in a waistline seam, per the pattern that Erin used here (you can use your precious fitted princess dress as a base pattern, remember!), you can move the pieces around on fabric to get a better layout. A 50s dress can be pinched out of 3 or 3 1/2 yards of 45" fabric, and still have a hem 120" around, if you make a half-circle skirt and cut a sleeveless bodice out of the remnants. Some folks can even get sleeves as well as the bodice out of that much.

Melodie, hee! I'll pass on the bullet bra, because it would look more like Weapons of Mass Destruction - but the one I wear definitely works on the principal of Nearer My God To Thee! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 24, 2008 7:38:00 AM N.B:
For those of you who do NOT currently have a princess dress pattern which fits the way you'd like, and who may be a trifle daunted at the prospect of flinging around a whole lot of fabric and paper, trying to get the fit right, we have yet another Sneaky Sewing Trick:

Take your base princess dress pattern, and mark where the waist is on all the pieces. Draw a horizontal line across on each piece at the waistline. Draw a second horizontal line approximately four inches below this. Now copy the TOP PART OF THE PATTERN ONLY, down to the SECOND HORIZONTAL LINE. (The extra four inches is to cover any fitting challenges you may have in the front or back.) Working with this new pattern, ONLY FIT THE TOP PART OF THE DRESS. Yes, all by itself, until you're happy with it. Now, generally a full princess skirt on a dress pattern skims a lot of body anomalies, and may not need to be fitted separately. Then again, you may have a swayback, as I do, or a high hip, etc., so you may, in fact, want to fit the skirt. You have the waistline marked on your original pattern; mark a second line two inches ABOVE the waistline (I recommend using a different colour to mark this than the one used to mark the seams copied for the top), and copy the skirt section of your pattern, and fit it, all by itself.

Once you have carefully fitted each pattern section, top and bottom, in fabric, MARK THE NEW WAISTLINE SEAM ON EACH, TOP AND BOTTOM, ON THE FABRIC. If you are busty, have a bit of a belly, are swaybacked, etc., I can pretty well guarantee that the waistlines you've marked before fitting your patterns have shifted.

Now you get to take all those pattern pieces with their new markings and adjustments, and transfer them to paper! Yes, you want to do this, because paper doesn't stretch out the way fabric does, and your fitted muslins WILL stretch out. After you've marked your separate paper sections (which you might as well hang onto, because: gored skirt! fitted bodice!), one more pattern gets made: lay each bodice pattern section on its corresponding skirt section, MATCHING THE WAISTLINE SEAMS, yes, right on top of each other, and secure them. Trace all around and transfer any markings, and you now have a fitted princess seam dress pattern of your very own. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 24, 2008 8:03:00 AM See, this is why my costume design students are taught to read the back of the pattern for suggested fabrics. A light weight denim would have worked much better. Or how about a batik print? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Oct 24, 2008 8:15:00 AM I've just finished making up a denim dress of my own which has a darted bodice and a similar skirt. I think perhaps I was using a lighter-weight denim because my skirt seems to lay quite nicely with the little pleats -- not "bunchy" at all.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a370/MBVoelker/sewing%20projects/Denimdress.jpg ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MadeByAmanda DATE:Oct 24, 2008 9:35:00 AM I think ya'll are all being pretty hard on her about the "recommended fabrics". I hardly ever consult recommended fabrics, because often the designer (I'm talking to you, Vogue patterns) has a very narrow view of what exactly would work with a pattern.

I've only had a couple of clunkers, less as I learn more about the way different fabrics act. We're only looking at a picture, and it could be that the fabric FELT to Erin to have better drape than it actually had. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Elle DATE:Oct 24, 2008 9:49:00 AM I seldom even follow the recommended fabrics, but I do take into account the drape and behavior. I try to get something that drapes like the fabric and/or/also alter the patter to fit the behavior of the fabric I use.

In Erin's dress, I'd of added bodice darts instead of pleats and darted the soft pleat of the skirt down several inches to make it lay flat across the stomach, or in denim, avoided it all together.

Necklines I don't bother with. I'm busty and pretty much if they fit without gaping, I call it good. Erin, tho, I might add a faux dickie or something to raise it, or embellish the top to raise it as it's been stated. Me tho, I'd show the girls off :D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Judy DATE:Oct 24, 2008 10:14:00 PM Hi Erin,
I love reading these comments. I can hear all the various voices too - like the queens, or the ones who say something like "just being honest here but are you crazy using denim," and I especially like the ones who are earnestly trying to help. I heart real people. Good post. You should eff up more often. :)
ps What would Diana Vreeland do? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 25, 2008 10:53:00 AM I have the opposite problem--a denim skirt with some stretch (1% lycra?) that is too drapey. I wanted to achieve a more rugged, constructed look, but it has washed into something that just looks like light blue cotton blah.

Love the zipper pockets a lot. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 25, 2008 10:55:00 AM maybe a black chambray? if such a thing exists? I am conceptually behind this dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Terry DATE:Oct 25, 2008 3:36:00 PM re the neckline: a little voice is whispering to me "camisole!"

I second the motions about turning the gathery stuff into darts.

I suggest that instead of what appears to have been medium weight denim you try a rayon/linen blend. Or outright rayon, which would have been used at the time I suspect.

Just a thought.

Karen
ps I personally am not thrilled with those pockets. But I don't like them on the sketch either. YMMV. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 26, 2008 3:43:00 PM My question would be did you use 6 ounce denim. It is very hard to find lately but might have been okay. I too have noticed that patterns do not always deliver what they say they do. I have been sewing for 48 years and I used to be able to throw together something straight from the patter, but lately the pattern illustrations tell me lies. A tee shirt pattern will show a simple sleeve and then the pattern has a huge sleeve cap that just will not work for the look. And most directions are from the old days when sewers knew the various methods that can be used as alternatives and did not need them mentioned. I think you ran into something like that. You should have just 'known' to adjust the neckline to your taste, not what was on the pattern. Make it into a skirt or jumper either one will work. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

goldilocks DATE:Oct 26, 2008 4:16:00 PM Add me to the list of people who blow off the "recommended fabrics" list all the time. Gamblers unite!

My favorite day dress is made out of home-dec twill, which is at least as heavy as most denims out there. (mebbe slightly drapier, though.)

And it's actually not even made from a real dress pattern; it's a heavily modified maternity blouse. (and I'm not even pregnant anymore.)

Whatever works. Or, in this instance, doesn't. You win some, you lose some, right? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kay aka dkswife DATE:Oct 27, 2008 10:44:00 AM Okay a belt would be good once you remove the pleats and add darts. Also you could add a faux neck edge to give it a "lift" so to speak. I think it looks good anyhow :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 27, 2008 3:07:00 PM Also, many sins can be hidden by a jacket or sweater. That little ballero jacket might give just enought coverage at the neckline and just enough shape to the bust area to complete the look of the dress. -Evalyn ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Kitty DATE:Oct 27, 2008 7:21:00 PM Awwwww. I'm so sorry to hear about your Dress FAIL. It sucks when that happens. :-(

However, with the link to Vogue Fabrics, you've now given me one more fun site to browse. Thanks! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 28, 2008 3:07:00 PM My 2 cents...the choice of denim (and black, yuck) was the 1st mistake, it's dreary looking enough in a pair of pleated 80's jeans, has a mean, sad, dish-moppy look in what should be a pretty light weight summer dress, and the zipper trim is a slightly (no, a lot actually) out-of-date idea. There's only so many times since the 1970's when you can see it and go "Oh, what a clever idea!", it's just half of a zipper, not handmade lace, beaded trim, or even humble ric-rak, and I'm guessing you are way too old to be trying to do "punk", come on, have you seen Betsy Johnson lately, she's a fright...and not making a belt when you can see one on the pattern picture is why the waist darts/pleats show so much, I mean, they're naked! Also, the facings really should be unobtrusive, neat, and as invisible as possible, otherwise you get that dreaded look-at-me, hand-madey look, sort of like wearing your underwear outside of your clothes. Unless that's what you were going for. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Oct 28, 2008 3:36:00 PM Here, troll-y, troll-y, troll-y ... Oooh, I didn't have to call after all, one came all by itself!

There's a certain ... repetition in these boorish, cowardly little posts. I'm guessing either no one visits your blog, or you got a review you didn't like. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

atomicliving DATE:Oct 30, 2008 9:31:00 PM if this pattern did recommend denim I bet it was really what we would call twill today. Not the heavy denim we now have. I could be wrong, but I love that pattern, I also collect vintage patterns. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

SambearPoet DATE:Nov 12, 2008 1:53:00 PM I was wondering about the drape on this fabric: maybe black denim's not the right way to go? Or maybe it's just *this* black denim. Anyway, I love the idea of dresses with pockets. I wish more of them came with them; I am a pocket aficionado. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Dec 1, 2008 11:57:00 PM you really need to have a belt ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Mirror Photos Day Two DATE: 8:47 AM ----- BODY:

Sorry for the "Let's all go to jail!" expression on my face here; I was rushing to get *something* shot before heading to the airport. (Also, usually I have feet.)

This dress is fantastically comfortable; it's this one again, Butterick 7513. The only flaw in it (for me) is that I set the zipper in too low on the left side, and so the fabric is stressing there -- not when I put it on, but when I take it off. So someday soon I have to take the zipper out, reinforce that stress point, and put the zipper back in, only higher. (And if you think that sounds like fun, email me and YOU can do it. And then you can whitewash my fence, if you give me your apple.)

Sweater is, again, from Lands' End. I keep buying their sweaters, especially once they go to $20 on clearance, but I really wish they would put a "true red" in their color lineup.

The bag (you can see it on the table) is a Fossil I bought on eBay; the leather is really nice -- soft but sturdy -- there are a lot of pockets, and my laptop + power cord + notebook + something to read fits in it just fine, but the crossbody strap is a bit too thin to be comfortable, and so I end up holding it over my bent arm a LOT, Mary-Kate Olsen style. (Which I hate.) Also, it snaps shut instead of zipping shut; ten demerits. I switched back to my Chrome laptop backpack for the plane, and shoved the handbag into my luggage.

Oh -- I almost forgot. When I was getting on the plane, the crew member at the door said "Hey, you look like that educational play toy stuff I buy for my kids!" So I told him that yes, I WAS very popular with infants. That's me -- forming young minds. Scared yet?

Labels: alphabet_prints, Butterick_7513, erin_sewing, mirror_photos

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mangokat DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:09:00 AM You are so cute and you make me smile AND think every day. Thanks so much!

If only you could mold the minds of all the children today.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa Simeone DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:19:00 AM Erin, the world -- and especially this country -- would be a better place if you were molding young minds. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:31:00 AM That crew member certainly won't forget you..and you travel enough that your paths might cross again! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:39:00 AM The fabric was at reprodepot; they don't have it any more but they do have this red-letter fabric on sale:

http://reprodepot.stores.yahoo.net/wplabcrd.html ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

frualeydis DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:41:00 AM You look lovely. Aside from the dress I really like your hair. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

aurelia DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:51:00 AM What happened to camouflage for the security theater at the airport? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Sep 24, 2008 9:55:00 AM Had meetings all day before flying, meetings for which camo was not a good choice.

I did buy some lovely lightweight camo, almost like lawn, so I'm planning a camo shirtdress Real Soon Now. :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bex DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:01:00 AM I like that the waist hits you exactly in the right place. I think that is very important for this style of dress, but I haven't tested my theory, yet. Thanks for the photo, it is nice to see your dresses modeled. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:15:00 AM What a cute dress! And the sweater is a nice complement. Lands' End needs to make a red one AND fix that apostophe thing they have going on. They could make a whole ad campaign out of it. But do they care? They do NOT ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

melinda DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:23:00 AM actually, delurking to say, I think several of your dresses have a wonderful "Miss Frizzell/Magic School Bus" vibe! That is actually a compliment, she has an amazing dress wardrobe...check out the books in the kid section if you're not already familiar with Miss( or is it Ms.?)Frizzell& her fabulous dresses! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sugardale DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:25:00 AM It is always nice to see someone on a plane dressed in something other than sweats and ugg boots. You're bringing class back to air travel, Erin. I like it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Amelina DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:31:00 AM RAD! I am heading out on a plane today too, and I am all about the poofy skirt...happy travels!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Toby Wollin DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:37:00 AM I'm sure seeing someone 'dressed for travel' is something pretty unusual for that crew member. I've seen everything from pj bottoms to sloppy sweats on planes and though I do understand people's needs to be comfy and take their shoes off to prevent blood clots, a nice dress and getting up from the seat and walking around is probably a far better idea. I love that dress... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Deirdre DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:47:00 AM You and I have very similar styles, Erin! I love that dress and I love that sweater! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

tcarole DATE:Sep 24, 2008 10:59:00 AM This picture made me rethink shirtdresses. I considered them a bit frumpy on the dress form, but it looks anything but frumpy on you. I love it with the yellow sweater. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

enc DATE:Sep 24, 2008 11:23:00 AM What a dopey comment from that guy. I admire your ability not to frown at him. I love how you responded.

You look great.

Now, let's all go to jail. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kim DATE:Sep 24, 2008 11:36:00 AM Oh witty sister in law of mine....you made me chuckle out loud again!! I know an infant that you would be VERY popular with and a 3 year old that thinks you are FUNNY!
Have a safe week!
Love,
Me ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kim DATE:Sep 24, 2008 11:37:00 AM Oh witty sister in law of mine....you made me chuckle out loud again!! I know an infant that you would be VERY popular with and a 3 year old that thinks you are FUNNY!
Have a safe week!
Love,
Me ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

vespabelle DATE:Sep 24, 2008 11:51:00 AM is that a cotton sweater? My Lands End cashmere cardigans are all Way too long (verging on dumpy "office sweater" territory.) Maybe I should go for the cotton knits? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eirlys DATE:Sep 24, 2008 12:50:00 PM Very cute! But Jeez, you're ever so slightly freaking me out there because my dear mama had the exact same glasses and almost the same hair-do back in the Fifties [Cue Twilight Zone music].

Have a great and groovy rest-of-week! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ambika DATE:Sep 24, 2008 1:00:00 PM I *love* your glasses and you look fantastic in your dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

bani DATE:Sep 24, 2008 2:10:00 PM "(And if you think that sounds like fun, email me and YOU can do it. And then you can whitewash my fence, if you give me your apple.)"

Oh Erin, I lolled so hard. Made my day that did! :D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

AngelaBeth DATE:Sep 24, 2008 2:14:00 PM Have you seen THIS FLICKR GROUP YET?: http://www.flickr.com/groups/863449@N22/

:),
Angela ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Sep 24, 2008 2:50:00 PM That's a great photo! Woohoo! I'd go to jail with you, babe. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 24, 2008 6:20:00 PM Love, love, love the dress, hair, glasses. But..... girded with the courage of anonymity... I'm admitting that I don't like the cardigan. The color is FAB, but it's simply too boxy. I'd like to see you in something a bit more fitted. I found a Liz Claiborne cardie, in the same length, but with a princess seam that nips the waist just enough. That's what I'd like to see with that dress. You've got great curves; I say, show 'em off!

PS Perfect riposte to the snarky crew member! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lopi DATE:Sep 24, 2008 6:26:00 PM You look great! The color of the cardigan complements your black and white dress perfectly, but - as anonymous above notes - it doesn't shoe off your waist. I would suggest a skinny belt. Very 50's, don't you think? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Dawn DATE:Sep 24, 2008 11:49:00 PM I am so relieved to hear that you have feet ;-)
I was just wondering how you would survive jail without them... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Vegan DATE:Sep 25, 2008 3:46:00 AM Very cute dress! It begs to be worn with a crinoline. Not on a plane of course, unless you really want to annoy your seat mate. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 25, 2008 5:45:00 AM Lovely dress - I too have a thing for the Land's End cotton cardigans as they are so comfortable. I wish they'd add more colours and sell them at US prices. They cost almost 60 dollars at the current exchange rate but go down to 20 dollars for the clearance.
Lokking forward to the remainder of your "Dress A Day" Week.
Juliet UK ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eileen DATE:Sep 25, 2008 7:44:00 AM Love the dress and love the Tom Sawyer reference. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

saidee DATE:Sep 25, 2008 1:57:00 PM Love this dress and the cardigan (you could nip in the side seams a bit if you agree w/ the comments on its shape: I for one think it looks just great as is). I know just what you mean about redoing the zipper-ugh! I think it's the thought of it that's demoralizing: I actually do enjoy doing that sort of thing once I get started, and no, I won't do yours because I have too much on my plate, including similar tasks. If we were sewing buddies I would definitely consider it, though! Jail, too...

You make the day more fun!

When are you going to make up the exclamation point fabric--or were you not able to get it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Dilly DATE:Sep 25, 2008 2:39:00 PM Yay for dresses and cardigans!

Yay for pictures of Erin in the clothes she's sewn!

Yay that you are still alive and kicking after your disappearance last week! (although boo that I won't be able to wear mourning dress... http://www.artofmourning.com/textiles.html) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 25, 2008 2:45:00 PM You looked great!! It is nice to see some women are dressing better and with more individual style again. i used to love shirtwaist dresses when I was young and skinny, I could turn one out in a few days of sewing. And all the fabric stores had lovely fabric back in those days. Gave up wearing pants years ago when the longer dresses came into fashion and I intend to wear them til I die, no matter what happens. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 28, 2008 4:43:00 AM Erin
What do you do with scrap fabrics from the dresses you make? Do you use them for quilts? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Sep 28, 2008 8:44:00 AM I often use the scraps as pockets or facings on other projects ... but I am collecting a bunch now to have someone ELSE make me a quilt. I don't have the patience ... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 28, 2008 10:35:00 AM Thanks for the ideas. Not knowing what to do with the scrap fabrics has been one of the reasons that have kept me from sewing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:06:00 PM "Usually I have feet" is my new favorite catchphrase. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Pockets! DATE: 7:50 AM ----- BODY:

Mindi sent me this picture of Laura Dern at the Emmys -- obviously, because it has pockets. I'm not a fan of purple (although it looks great on Ms. Dern!) and I admit to having an urge to yoink that bodice up a bit, but for pockets, all is forgiven.

(Do you think the woman in the background carrying a wrap in the same color and two clutch handbags is Ms. Dern's assistant? I do.)

And now, to go from the sublime to the ridiculous, I present the first bad mirror self-portrait of the week -- taken, not in my hotel room, but in a fairly posh corporate bathroom.

Laura Dern at 2008 Emmys

This is this dress; I've been trying to wear it on days when I think good things will happen, and so far it's working. The sweater is from Lands' End. I'm pretty sure the light wasn't good enough in the bathroom, thus the fuzzy photo, but the flash reflected in the mirror, so ... any self-portrait photography tips are appreciated. (I have a Canon PowerShot 1100 IS btw).

Labels: Emmys, erin_sewing, pockets

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

colour by number DATE:Sep 23, 2008 8:10:00 AM I love self shots! You look great. I am making my first shirtdress...will finish today! You inspired me...only took me 6 mos. to get around and make it...have a good day. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 23, 2008 8:25:00 AM You look so cute! I'm not any better at taking self-shots. For self-modeling, I use a tripod and put the timer on 10 seconds, then run madly into place. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Toiling Ant DATE:Sep 23, 2008 8:40:00 AM Turn off the flash. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

choiceofpies DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:07:00 AM Ooh, I just got that same camera (after dropping and breaking my ancient PowerShot S410) and I love it! I don't have any tips, though, since I'm just getting used to it myself.

Erin, I remember when you made that dress. That post is so beautiful and touching. I just reread it and it made me tear up again. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

em DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:12:00 AM Cute dress!

Mirror self-portrait tip: Frame the shot, then stop looking at the camera's veiwer and look up at the mirror instead. Also, experiment with holding the camera at your hip or somewhere it won't obscure your face or garment you are trying to photograph. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Canine Diamond DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:21:00 AM I didn't watch the Emmys but I've seen the Best and Worst Dressed lists. They all looked pretty bad to me. I didn't see Laura Dern on either but she looks a lot better than most of them (that dress isn't my style, mind you, but it works on her). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:43:00 AM Laura Dern looks REALLY tall in that pic, too. But yeah, I'd want to yank up that bodice too.

Erin, I'm so glad that you have taken the idea of wearing that dress on days where you hope for good things to happen. That's such an empowering viewpoint, considering it could've stayed in the back of the closet.

And yeah, that post made me cry all over again too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

enc DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:56:00 AM Self shots can be tricky!

I guess I'd say always go for as much light as you can get, and hold the camera as far away as you can possibly manage, so we can see your whole outfit.

You look great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

xstpenguin DATE:Sep 23, 2008 10:13:00 AM With all its memories, must be like wearing a hug! Nice to see it again.

Night settings take longer to expose the picture, capturing more of the available light. BUT also more likely to suffer from camera shake. How about a gorilla-pod, I think that's what they are called, super bendy grabby thing for cameras, and using the self timer.

Either that or tip a waiter to take your picture!

BTW I love posh bathrooms! Especially the ones with the supercomplicated taps/sinks.

Is it just me or is Ms Dern's assistant making a finger gesture?

Cheers,
AJ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Amelina DATE:Sep 23, 2008 10:26:00 AM I was blindsided by the link to your dress...and now I am am a weepy mess. And a poet, evidently. Very pretty. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Sep 23, 2008 10:51:00 AM I also remember when you made that dress and that post makes me tear up again... too, too many people are gone this year, including my own dad a month before yours.

I am glad that a) you're still wearing the dress because it's gorgeous, and b) you're wearing it on good days. We all deserve good days! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

theresa DATE:Sep 23, 2008 11:10:00 AM I remember that dress. I didn't wear a dress I go t bad news in (a friend had committed suicide) for a year. Then I took it out and wore it on my birthday and it wasn't a sad dress anymore. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

beth DATE:Sep 23, 2008 11:49:00 AM Self portrait tips:
1. If you are standing 10 feet from the mirror, don't focus the camera on the mirror (the photo will be blurry). Focus it first on something 20 feet away.

2. Look in the mirror at the camera's lens - NOT in your own eyes, and ABSOLUTELY NOT at the physical object in your hand. (Or, just look aloofly off to your side.)

3. If you can't get enough light to take a steady photo without the flash, find a place to set the camera down (in lieu of a tripod) and use the self-timer. This process takes more iterations to get right (you have to run back to the camera, see what you did wrong, adjust, try again...) but ultimately gets higher quality results than the mirror method.

I'm happy to report that Target has two styles of WINTER dresses - thick fabric and lined, such that I almost thought they were coats at first. And they had POCKETS! Whoever designed them intends for women to wear them as an everyday dress throughout the colder months, and still have a place to put their keys! What practicality! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

baylibrarian DATE:Sep 23, 2008 12:01:00 PM There are not enough self portraits in posh corp. bathrooms, and I love 'em too, so thanks for remedying this. You look really fine in that dress--it would make me want to trust you with the English language, (which I do anyway). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

belphebe DATE:Sep 23, 2008 12:08:00 PM I do like purple, so I love the color of Ms. Dern's dress. And obviously I love that it has pockets. I don't like the bodice, but I do admire her for being brave enough to wear that style.

I echo the suggestions about using the timer for self-portraits, and a mini-tripod to set the camera on. You can even balance the camera on a pile of books or something if you don't have a tripod.

I do miss using my old 35mm camera at times. With that camera, I was able to hook up a shutter release cable so that I could get in position and then take the picture when I was ready, not when the timer was ready. I don't think you can do that with a digital camera. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Sep 23, 2008 12:24:00 PM That's a very graceful pose....you and the dress look great : )

I think having a handler/assistant at a red carpet event is on the babyish side. Do these adults really need a sitter to walk them through a black tie evening? Maybe having one with you is seen as a status symbol. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy B. DATE:Sep 23, 2008 12:33:00 PM For self portraits in a mirror, don't stand directly in front of the mirror. stand just slightly to the side so the camera is pointed at an angle and the flash will flash off at an angle (picture a cue ball bouncing around a pool table) instead of directly back at the camera. It might take a few shots to get the angle right, but that's what digital is for, right? ;) I do agree that you need to look up as you take the picture and not at the camera.

The dress is beautiful. It's so good to have a good day dress. :) Mine is red. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

this vignette DATE:Sep 23, 2008 12:47:00 PM Ever since Citizen Ruth, I have noticed that Laura Dern has a ridiculously long neck/chest area. It's downright ill-proportioned which is why I think you want to pull it up. Her decolletage is longer than average! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Valerie DATE:Sep 23, 2008 3:09:00 PM That long necklace of hers is doing nothing to remedy the long neck/chest situation (neither is the dress). But the pockets are way cool and she does look very pretty.

There should also be a setting on your camera for taking pics under florescent lighting. It will probably be under some manual setting called white balance. This should get rid of the green tinge. Often it's a picture of a florescent light bulb with a number by it (at least with all the cameras I've had it is). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Sep 23, 2008 4:20:00 PM If your camera has a setting called 'P', use it. (It's the exposure-priority setting.) Don't use the flash. OR, use the manual setting with the aperture as wide as it will go (a LOW number like 2, not 8) and set the shutter speed for 1/60 of a second. You could also set the 10-second timer and put the camera on the bathroom bench.

Pose it up, my darling. Put that other hand on your hip, lift your chin, hold the camera away from your face/neckline (I like it over my head, but that's quite a contortion!). Your feet look lovely - very elegant! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cindy b DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:11:00 PM I'm glad you are wearing the dress again. I cried all over again reading the original post.

Can't help you on the camera stuff though. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 23, 2008 9:44:00 PM Re: the pockets in the purple dress... don't they look too low to anyone? I thought Ms. Dern could hardly reach her hand into the one showing.

Re: mirror shots, all good suggestions. I would add, my Canon (old now, an A85) has a portrait setting that works well when I have to use the mirror image approach. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

beth DATE:Sep 23, 2008 11:50:00 PM belphebe: many digital cameras support an honest-to-god remote control. Sold separately, of course. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Penny DATE:Sep 24, 2008 12:00:00 AM Erin, you portray such an elegance and I love this shot of you in your very special dress... Way to go!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Sep 24, 2008 1:19:00 AM Dang, LD looks great! I don't care for the dress, the hair or the necklace. But, she and I are the same age and I am starting to look dumpy. I'd better get to the gym!

The dress looks great! I can't offer you any better photo tips than what you have already received. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

flurogoddess DATE:Sep 24, 2008 4:06:00 AM I'm going to have to read the link!

I love the purple. I want the purple. I must make the purple... *dribble* ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Hana DATE:Sep 24, 2008 6:32:00 AM This is good news with the Emmy dress. Not that it would be my style, but at least now I know I can put pockets into formal gowns that are!

When mirror shots are concerned, I can't help much, the only thing I thought of was shooting it a bit from the side, so the glow from the flash isn't in the middle of the picture. I usually take self-timer shots instead, though. Sometimes I need to take a lot of them before I'm satisfied, but it's easier than always looking for a big enough mirror with enough room in front of it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 24, 2008 5:44:00 PM Love the purple on LD but the dress looks slightly too big for her. Maybe pulling it up at the neckline would fix that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Sep 25, 2008 1:37:00 PM IMO, the issue with the purple gown bodice is the lack of a proper, strapless, long-line BRA. Braless busts droop and all the plastic surgery in the world won't prevent gravity from having its way.

A good bra would pick her bosom, and her bodice, up several inches -- making her figure look better proportioned and younger as well. She's over 40 and ought to be old enough to have figured that out.

Erin, your dress and cardigan combination are great. I can't help with mirror pics, but isn't there someone around whom you could ask to spare a moment and take a picture for your blog?

Maybe its the small-townness of me or the fact that I live in the south, but I've always seen people more than willing to do the small favor of taking a picture as long as the camera isn't something esoteric and complex. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

saidee DATE:Sep 25, 2008 2:10:00 PM Well, I like LD's purple dress: the 2-toned insets are a nice touch. Also, I think the bodice fits her very nicely and looks much better, for one so low, than most of the over-exposed lines of dresses at these sorts of events. Of course, I too love that it has a pocket! An assistant seems quite practical to me: LD needs to be seen and photographed because of the business she is in and the assistant is there to assist! BTW, LD is one of my favorite actors--she always does a bang-up job.

I want to see a better photo of your dress, Erin; it looks lovely. Will link to read more in a second. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

saidee DATE:Sep 25, 2008 2:12:00 PM Correction: the insets are not 2-toned, but a darker purple, which makes for a subtle, 2-toned gown. Writing...sigh. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

saidee DATE:Sep 25, 2008 2:19:00 PM The next photo of this dress needs you in it (just checked the link, so sad and touching, still,of course)...after implementing the self-portrait suggestions. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Oct 8, 2008 8:31:00 AM I would like to add side pockets to a dress with a bias skirt and am looking for instructions and tips on how to cut this pocket. Pockets do not feature in the pattern that I have on hand. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: The Last Duro Jr of Summer 2008 DATE: 10:28 AM ----- BODY:

So this is the last iteration of Simplicity 3875, at least for Summer 2008. This is (if you don't recognize it) some of the fabric I bought at Tomato in Japan.

Here's the bodice, close-up:

ultimate Duro Jr

There's a little white speck at the vee of the neck where I need to either clip the threads better, or color over the thread with a marker (I'm not fussy!). I used white thread for this, because I didn't really have any red or orange that looked right.

Here's the back:

ultimate Duro Jr

I altered the pattern to add a back waist seam for ease of construction, but (as you can see) I put it in the wrong place! It's right for my Actual Waist, but wrong for the waist of the dress. I'll raise it next time, if I remember.

Here's the back, close-up:

ultimate Duro Jr

I actually forgot that the entire back was two pieces, and not one on the fold (and so I cut it on the fold). I didn't want to have a center back seam in the skirt, though, so I left that part on the fold, and just eased it into the bodice. Worked fine. (I didn't want to leave the back bodice on the fold, because that would have screwed up the neck facing, possibly.)

I do this sort of stuff ALL THE TIME (especially if I'm in a hurry) and it's almost always recoverable. A slightly smaller or bigger seam allowance here, a few unplanned gathers there, and everything works out okay. You can do a lot of "fixing" if you just think about it for a few minutes before you give up. (Of course, I wouldn't have to do so much "fixing" if I spent those few minutes thinking before I cut out the pattern pieces, but I suppose that's why they're called "mistakes", and not "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles".)

Despite the mistakes, though, I was really happy with this dress. The fabric is beautiful; smooth and light, and I love the colors. I got a lot of compliments on this dress ... I wish we still had another month of summer for me to wear it in!

But anyway, speaking of "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles", Penny at Antique Dollhouse of Patterns is offering this pattern free to whoever clicks on it first. Go!

And Ingrid is giving away patterns here -- but you have tell her what you like most about Spring (guess what hemisphere Ingrid is in)?

Labels: Duro, Duro_Junior, erin_sewing, japan, mistakes, Simplicity_3875

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

LadyT DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:40:00 AM This is BY FAR my favorite of the Duro Jrs! I love what you did with the stripes at the waist and the sleeves. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lucitebox DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:50:00 AM I agree--this is my favorite of the series! It's just lovely even if there are a few happy fun time jitterbug sparkles mixed into the project. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Myra DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:16:00 AM Definitely like this one. Also, thanks for the link to Antique DH pattern, got it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:16:00 AM And I love the way the back matches the print! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:28:00 AM Beautiful! I try not to call them mistakes...they are "design decisions". I love the whole 50's feeling that fabric has. I want to go to Tomato! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:29:00 AM that duro jr is stunning! Oh, I love it! Maybe you can get away with it a little longer this year, what with this fall's bright color palette... :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miz Shoes DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:29:00 AM PERFECT!! Like all your other commentors, this is the best Duro Jr, yet. Love the fabric, love the combination, love it all. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Penny DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:31:00 AM Thank you Erin...My store is ringing off the hook and the free pattern went into minus inventory mode and sold 3 times.. Myra you were 1st to pay and sent you one pattern today, and I sent my second copy to the first person that actually purchased it successfully in the store, Julia.. Going out today... Thank you.. The patterns are now going home!!! Penny ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

What-I-Found DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:36:00 AM Absolutely love this one...I am all about that fabric. Don't know why you feel so limited about when you can wear it, isn't that what all those cardigans are for?
I hope you go out and wow 'em!
Tina ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

KibitzKnitz DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:12:00 PM Wow!! This is just awesome; definitely my favorite, as well. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jonquil DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:13:00 PM You did a BRILLIANT job taking advantage of the pattern. Well done. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:35:00 PM So so so so pretty, Erin! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lorrwill DATE:Sep 3, 2008 12:50:00 PM I second the push it into fall vote. A nice little cardigan and you are set.

Excellent colors and what mistakes? I see some clever design interpreting, that's all! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

BeckyW DATE:Sep 3, 2008 1:06:00 PM Love your dress. I broke down and bought this pattern at a Labor Day sale. I must find some nice fall color fabric - will be hot here for a long time - but I guess I could get in the spirit with the color at least. I am dying to make it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Sep 3, 2008 1:24:00 PM I need to go fabric shopping with you. You have such a fabulous eyes for coordinating fabrics. I'm just terrible at it. *sigh* ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

xstpenguin DATE:Sep 3, 2008 2:29:00 PM Love it!

May I suggest the investment of some silk thermals? A long sleeve turtle neck and some leggings? Then you can wear some of your cotton dresses for longer. Silk is so comfortable and breathable you won't get sweaty in it like some of the cheaper stuff. I buy mine from Patra.
http://www.patra.com/default.asp
They are definitely expensive, but daily wear 7 or 8 months of the year, 2 pairs of leggings (one to wash and one to wear!) last me 2 winters in the cotton/silk blend. So I think it's worth it.

You've sewn a lot this summer - keep going, wanna see what you do with the next lot of fabrics!!

Cheers,
AJ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gidget Bananas DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:25:00 PM Cute! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pretty Jane DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:27:00 PM This is totally my favorite fabric so far--loooove the way the print works with the shape. Yum! Wear the crap out of it 'fore the coldness sets in! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MARLA DATE:Sep 3, 2008 3:59:00 PM Absolutely my favorite Duro - the fabric seems perfect for this pattern. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

baylibrarian DATE:Sep 3, 2008 4:20:00 PM Best, best, best--I really love the stripes and the reiteration of stripes in the leaves. A beauty. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sara DATE:Sep 3, 2008 5:09:00 PM This dress is really lovely, Erin -- beautiful fabric!

I almost bought this pattern this weekend, I didn't even recognize it as the Duro Junior...d'oh! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rose Campion DATE:Sep 3, 2008 6:15:00 PM This is Chicago. You may well have another month (or two) of weather warm enough to wear this dress in. Or not. You never can tell with Chicago. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky O. DATE:Sep 3, 2008 6:38:00 PM I'm with everyone else- This is my favorite! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sandra DATE:Sep 3, 2008 7:24:00 PM My fave also. Awesome print! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Sep 3, 2008 8:51:00 PM I'm with the majority -- this is the best of your Duro Jr's.

Surely a red cardigan, black tights, and a slip underneath would stretch the wearing time until late September.

When I lived in New England I would often layer up several skirts to keep the chill off my legs. Two or three layers of cotton in fall and spring, two or 3 layers of wool in winter (Much warmer than jeans -- at least if you like your skirts mid-calf to ballerina length so they would come down over the top of the snow boots). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jen DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:40:00 PM "happy fun time jitterbug sparkles" - i'm totally using this the next time i make a sewing mistake. there's nothing like a smile to diffuse a situation. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

enc DATE:Sep 3, 2008 10:49:00 PM Your Duros/Jrs. are getting so great, Erin. This dress is really sophisticated. Nice job. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candis DATE:Sep 3, 2008 11:00:00 PM That is simply super fabric. And I DID recognize it as the fabric you got at Tomato...I said to myself..."hey, I know that fabric!"
Thanks for allowing us all to follow you around on your adventures. Sometimes it can feel like stalking...but it isn't. Ü ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Elizabeth DATE:Sep 4, 2008 4:24:00 AM I love this Duro Jr. Fabulous use of this fabric. Thanks for hipping us to this pattern - even though I'm pregnant at the moment, I plan to buy the pattern and make it next summer. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

S DATE:Sep 4, 2008 6:50:00 AM Very Orla Kiely! Stunning. xx ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sickofitcindy DATE:Sep 4, 2008 11:11:00 AM That dress is lovely. And the fabric is adorable. I don't suppose Tomato has webstore. Then again, I probably wouldn't be able to translate it even if they did. Does anyone have any ideas where to buy fabric like this online? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

engineer beth DATE:Sep 4, 2008 11:48:00 AM Erin, I'm going against the tide here. It's a lovely dress, but....
Surely you have done enough sewing now that you can use a coordinating thread or backstitch at the top of the neck slit. And why would you put that seam in the back? Would you get sloppy with spelling? I think not. You pick such lovely prints. Put in that little extra effort and make you dresses look professional, not home made. After all, you are wearing them in a professional capacity, not just around the house. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kim M DATE:Sep 4, 2008 3:46:00 PM I love this dress!! I love the fabric......too bad I can't sew! :) Maybe one of the famous Duro dresses will make it into a box of goodies headed to Jax?!??! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nora DATE:Sep 4, 2008 7:29:00 PM What a lovely late-summer juicy tomato of a dress!

And thanks for the implied permission to make mistakes, and call them jitterbug sparkles. Why not? To respectfully disagree with engineer beth, while you are a professional (insofar as you have a profession), you're not a professional dressmaker, you're a happy amateur! Nothing wrong with that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ceciiii DATE:Sep 4, 2008 10:56:00 PM i have always been kind of skeptical about duros; duro jr.s i liked better but to look at. I saw this one and I fell in LOVE.

This is the duro I want in Every color. <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 :] ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 5, 2008 4:24:00 AM My favourite of your duros ever!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ginabutton DATE:Sep 5, 2008 10:46:00 AM Simply charming. The fabric reminds me of Orla Kiely's fabrics. Her clothes and bags are really cute. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Sep 6, 2008 7:26:00 PM Oh, I love this! I am with Engineer Beth, though. You are at a point where with a few seconds of planning, you would have anyone who stood behind you thinking "Wow! Where did she get that?" Not, "What lovely fabric, looks like she made it herself." It is so nice to say "I made it myself!" to the comment that accompanies the first thought. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

amp DATE:Sep 17, 2008 1:18:00 PM this? this is the most beautiful duro, jr. or otherwise, that i have yet seen. absolutely gorgeous with that fabric. GORGEOUS! i tell you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa DATE:Apr 21, 2009 2:10:00 PM I've always said that it's more important to know how to recover from a mistake than it is to not make any. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Crowdsourcing Color Choices DATE: 8:53 AM ----- BODY:

Remember this pattern?

newspaper 4829

Well, I had a couple spare hours last night (Sure, I was sorry that my husband and son were stuck in traffic, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from SEWING with that found time) and decided to give it a shot:

newspaper 4829 fan cotton

And this is as far as I got. Which is pretty far, except that I need to buy bias trim for the edging, and I'm undecided as to which color it should be.

Colors I have ruled out: red, black, brown, gray, green, and (gasp) orange.

Colors I'm still thinking about: mustardy yellow, turquoise, blue, pink.

I'm looking for a kind of Palm-Beach, Lilly Pulitzer vibe from this dress. What do y'all think?

Here's a better look at the belt part:

newspaper 4829 fan cotton

I haven't done the buttonholes or the buttons, obviously, because I want them to match the binding. I zigzagged a facing to the wrong side, to stiffen it a bit and keep the edges from fraying too much.

And the neck:

newspaper 4829 fan cotton

Anyway, as you can see, the dress is pretty "eh" without the bias edging. It did sew up really quickly, though, which was nice. The skirt will definitely flap as you walk, showing the wrong side (which on this fabric is nearly white) so I'm almost convinced that I should line the thing, which would then (bonus!) make it reversible. I might have enough turquoise cotton to do that, and then instead of bias binding I could do rick-rack in the seam ...

I still have NO IDEA where the pockets will go. I think they will have to be patch pockets applied after the bias binding, so I can get the spacing right.

Ideas? Comments?

Labels: erin_sewing, newspaper_patterns

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:08:00 AM Why not White? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:11:00 AM White gets too grimy (at least, it does if you're me). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cory DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:13:00 AM I agree for no white. Personally it is a dirt magnet for me. My vote is turquoise. And what an adorable dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Simone DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:15:00 AM no, no, patch pockets would ruin the line. how about on the seam of the overflap apron thing? they'd have to be smallish pockets - and it wouldn't show if you lined it like you mention.

pink or turquoise piping, for sure! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:20:00 AM I'm with simone on the pockets...just little things on the belt, like some of those funky ones you see on some vintage sewing patterns from the 1940s. I'm also for the turquoise too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sarajane DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:22:00 AM Seconding turquoise or pink, to go with the tropical Lily vibe. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

DivaJean DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:22:00 AM Sometimes I don't read clearly the first time. Somehow, I came to thinking YOU were in the car with husband and kidlet, frantically sewing by hand.

Just because I embroider and sew on the bus to & from work, guess I thought everyone would do this...(and all I "sew" is quilt squares or doll clothes on the bus- not dresses- too bulky to carry around). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Justine DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:24:00 AM I'd vote for bias trim in the light blue color in the "fans" on the print. The green would be too hard to match.

For buttons it would be perfect if you find some with a combo of the blue and coral from the fan design.

Good luck! :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Adrienne DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:27:00 AM Adding 3/4 sleeves might be a nice 5o's touch. More coverage, too. variations are fun! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stacy DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:30:00 AM I agree with either the turquoise or pink! It's absolutely lovely so far. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Peggy DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:33:00 AM I think patch pockets would ruin the lines. I like the pockets in the side seam idea. What about just lining those flap pieces to the side seam? Much easier and it would finish the edges of the front piece. Turquoise would defintely give it the "Lily" loo. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:34:00 AM Speaking as a Lilly Pulitzer expert (I have over 100 vintage Lilly items, some dresses with their original price tag), and scores of vintage Lilly fabric, I'd go with lime green for the edging, or a bright pale pink. I know the lime green wouldn't match the green, but it would be such a different shade, that it wouldn't look like you're trying to match. And Lilly isn't so much tropical as bright pale colors. Typically pink and green are her signature colors, but also lime green and turquoise are another favorite grouping. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Deborah W DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:35:00 AM Turqoise gets my vote. Love the fans! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:40:00 AM Turquoise! And please no patch pockets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:43:00 AM The problem with pockets in the side seams is that there are no side seams. Just darts. I could do welt pockets, I guess ... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kharma DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:45:00 AM MUSTARDY YELLOW!

OH GOD PLEASE DO MUSTARDY YELLOW!

Also, I have also just discovered not but a few weeks ago when I found the cutest mustardy yellow cropped cardigan at Target (!) of all places, that it looks absolutely excellent with my Turquoise poplin rouched-waist dress.

Therefore, I would have to recommend in good faith that you could then carry the mustardy yellow piping (or rick-a-rack) to the inside lining further increasing reversable glee.

As you can tell, I have a thing for both mustardy yellow and turquoise, bordering on the unhealthy. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sold A Moke DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:47:00 AM Go with the pink. So feminine and lovely.

You're dress came out much better than the picture on the envelope. Much better than the other way around!

Jennifer ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Catherine DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:49:00 AM Turquoise piping, definitely! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lucitebox DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:49:00 AM I think white would have been very Lilly P, but, my second choice in keeping with the Pulitzer spirit would be pink.

This is some of your Liberty fabric, right? Me likey! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cheryl DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:58:00 AM My vote would be for the pink. (I have a need to make everything pink lately, though) I love the fan fabric! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Liz DATE:Jul 9, 2008 9:59:00 AM Turquoise for the "Pulitzer" look, but yea, I agree w/Kharma - I'd love to see the mustardy yellow.

I wish I could wear mustardy yellow, because Kharma's enthusiasm is swaying me from my undying love of turquoise (from sky bluey to greeny) with red. But yellow...so "Anthropologie"! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky O. DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:15:00 AM If it were *me*, mustard yellow would be the choice. I always default to lime green, but that wouldn't pop as much as yellow.

The button could always be your second choice. The pattern (lovely!) is small enough to support two popping colors.

So, are you secretly hoping for more traffic : ) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:24:00 AM I assume the lining will be a solid color. Put patch pockets inside the sections that come around to the front, and trim them with the same as the binding. Then, when you wear it reversed, the pockets will show, and not when you wear it print side out.
Or, you could match the pockets; they'll nearly disappear and no one will notice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Little Hunting Creek DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:33:00 AM I love this dress and I'd pick turquoise, [but then I always pick turquoise]. When faced with dilemmas like this I get samples of each color and lay them on the fabric in the width I'd use and stand back and see what looks right. It might be that the dark blue or peachy pink look best. This is so cute already!
p.s. I love the rickrack idea too and that would be true to the time period as well. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Carrie DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:41:00 AM I'd line the flaps and put the pockets on the inner part of the dress, so I could flip the flap open and use the pocket. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:41:00 AM I was going to say turquoise (nothing says "Palm Beach" like...) But Kharma is just so darned persuasive, that I'm going with mustardy yellow. I'm too exhausted from the excitement to even think about the other options. I'm sure your choices will be fabulous! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy G DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:43:00 AM Turquoise would bring out that color in the fans, and would definitely have the Palm Beach vibe you're going for. I can't wait to see the finished dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Libby DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:43:00 AM I love how quickly the comments come in when you ask for opinions! We're such an engaged bunch :-D
OK, here's mine... definitely line with turquoise but with the wrong sides together so you'll still use the bias binding. I like the mustard yellow idea but not too dark. This fabric is so elegant that I think heavy contrast would take away from that. As for pockets? Well, Erin, you don't strike me as the walk-around-with-your-hands-in-your-pockets type so I would make secret pockets. Patch pockets on the front panel just under the wrapped part. That way, when you go for your Burt's Bees you'll give everyone a little flash of turquoise! However, if you must put them on the outside, I say match the print up perfectly with the dress so they're but a mere illusion. Please update soon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jessica DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:44:00 AM mustard!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cindy DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:47:00 AM Love the dress! are you positive you can't carry a simple clutch for a day, maybe a wristlet so it is still attached to you? the dress is perfect the way it is! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:48:00 AM I love for yellow, too. Maybe a creamy, cool one, though. It'll be a nice contrast to the turquoise lining. Turquoise binding and linking might be a little too matchy-matchy. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristina DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:49:00 AM i vote turquoise or pink. mostly, i love turquoise, but i think if you line it with turquoise, you should use the pink binding. i'm not a huge rick-rack fan. i can never get it consistent all the way around.
i love the idea of secret pockets. definitely go with that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:49:00 AM Definitely pink for the binding. It will have that sharp contrast that will make the dress memorable. Pink and green is a classic and perfect for your lilly-pulitzer-palm-beach vibe. For example, see the dress here:
http://www.cottoninc.com/pressreleases/?articleID=337
And the Lilly Pulitzer website colour scheme is pink & green after all. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Pasha DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:54:00 AM I vote for turquoise (with pink running a close second) and matching the pockets so they are nearly invisible. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

karmologyclinic DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:05:00 AM I'd go for a peachy pink. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Shannon DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:09:00 AM I think turquoise is winning with mustard yellow making a strong challenge from behind. I am going to throw my support behind the underdog! I think mustard yellow! I just think it would "work with" the fabric better -- not insistently dragging the eye away, but blending into a vivid and harmonious whole. SO THAT'S MY VOTE. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gabriella DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:09:00 AM Wow! It's way cuter made up than in the pattern drawing. I definitely see the Lily vibe you were going for. My first pick would be off-white for the binding...but since that's off the table, I'll have to agree with the mustardy yellow. Very 70's kitchen, but in a good way. And the pockets must be invisible! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

BeckyW DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:11:00 AM I thought it would be fun to photoshop

http://home.comcast.net/~beckynbart/wrapdress.htm

I like the turquoise myself ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marjie DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:11:00 AM Pick up the dark pink color in the fans for the trim. That will give it a tropical floral feel! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:20:00 AM I vote tiffany-box turquoise, though mustard is also nice and would let you wear it into the fall. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

selvedge DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:20:00 AM Welt pocket, with the lip of the color of the chosen bias. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jul 9, 2008 11:29:00 AM That looks GREAT! This dress is actually much more elegant than I imagined! I know you're against this, but I think you should keep the trim subtle green, because the fabric and cut are lovely on their own, and I just fear it's going to turn kindergarten circus-y. Perhaps the lining can be turquoise, as you said, and with the green trim it will look perkier when you reverse it. Or you can make several...and leave this one the subtle version. I like the way it looks now. Verrrrrrry nice! (Needless to say, you'll also need a headband that matches the trim to complete the country club look.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

CatMacGregor DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:01:00 PM What about pockets in the belt. Have the pockets run horizontal thru the belt. Wouldn't hold a lot though. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Greedy Book Pig DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:13:00 PM Line it in turquoise and put white rick-rack in the seam!

Little-known fact: while seam binding can be a dirt attractor, rick-rack is a dirt repeller.

It's true! I swear!

(I think I'm a little too excited about this.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

marla DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:13:00 PM Just had to weigh in...I love the fabric!!!!

I'd go with the blue...could you go nearly purple? I sincerely love the idea of high contrast...like the vibe from the pattern pic with the added advantage of adding interest to the reverse side in turquoise. I know; not so Lilly.

Pockets...interesting...could the side dart be cut open to accommodate side seam pockets? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather In Progress DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:29:00 PM Turquoise binding! I'm not sure about the lining colour, though, if you do line it. Maybe a slightly different turquiose than the binding? The fabric is really cute, I love fans! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lavon DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:34:00 PM Please just forget the pockets! The pink would be beautiful.

It is a very pretty dress! Love the fabic where did you get it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:40:00 PM I was all for turquoise until I saw Becky W's photoshop options--the yellow is by far the best in her renderings.

I think rickrack would detract from the lovely fan shapes and cool elegance.

Liz F from Brooklyn ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:49:00 PM It looks so good, so far!
I voted for pockets tucked away on the underskirt of the walk-away dress and I think the same for this dress.
For the binding, I say go for pink! Not only would it pick up the little bit of pink in the print, but it would be the most flattering next to your skin.
If you don't want to line the whole dress, you could just do the skirt. I vote for pink there, too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:51:00 PM Ok, I'm casting my vote for turquoise. It will just be too cute.

As for the pockets, if it were *my* dress I would put small invisble pockets in the waist seam on either side of the belt. (if you line it, these will be even better--invisible from both sides!) But I am not (yet) in the Really-Big-Visible-pockets faction of the Vast Sewing Conspiracy; I'm a Stealth-Pockets kinda gal. ("Hah-hah! You thought because I wasn't carrying a purse I was completely lost in the world and totally helpless! But you were wrong!") ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

wundermary DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:53:00 PM Oh, I just looked at Becky W's photoshop options, too. I'm still voting for pink, but a very soft pink, nothing so assertive. It did sway me a bit on the yellow, but it would have to be very soft, as well. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Josie Thames DATE:Jul 9, 2008 12:57:00 PM I think mustardy yellow. And that fan print is really, really cute. I also love the gathering at the neck--it really does have that Lily vibe! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

3KillerBs DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:02:00 PM I like the idea of the turquoise lining but on a fabric this distinctive I'd go for a self-binding -- making bias from a square of the fabric as shown here: http://www.mccallsquilting.com/lessons/fundamentals//index7.html

But that's probably not enough "pop" for your tastes. :D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lorrwill DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:05:00 PM Wait...buy bias tape? You don't make your own?

You're kidding me! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kitti Ritter DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:11:00 PM I choose turquoise, or any blue which matches the fan print. Can't wait to see it completed! Unless I overlooked something, the pattern name and number were not listed. The link to Patterns from the Past is for a different pattern. I like yours much better. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:16:00 PM I think pink or turquoise and baby white ric rac to match the edge of the fan.

Patch pockets to perfectly match the print that the patch goes over.

And a be sure to buy an aqua slip to wear under it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

merel DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:37:00 PM pink! pink! pink! and i second adrienne´s idea about the 3/4 sleeves: it would make the dress more stylish, but the pink! of the bias binding would prevent it from becoming too serious ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:37:00 PM i go for pink.

also, no side seams? ouch, that's a tough one! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rose DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:43:00 PM Turquoise or yellow--turquoise would be expected, but mustardy yellow would be delightfuly different, so I would go with yellow. I'm not going to be the one wearing the dress, so I can't wait to see what you choose. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:53:00 PM Why on earth no orange? What could be better than green and orange? But failing that I have to second

OH GOD PLEASE DO MUSTARDY YELLOW!

Just because it'd be so 50s. Or turquoise, but I don't think it's enough of a contrast.. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

upon a whim DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:56:00 PM This is such a cute dress! For my two cents, I agree with the aqua/turquoise binding. If you line it, the aqua would be a nice choice, and then a white rick rack in the seam might be very pretty.
I really admire your enthusiasm for sewing and use of vintage patterns in particular! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Karen DATE:Jul 9, 2008 1:58:00 PM I will vote with the minority on green trim. I usually am all about contrasts, but somehow this dress is calling for a more subtle approach. Once you add a pretty button, contrast lining, and pockets, with that print you're putting a lot of stuff on a small figure. if you want to contrast though, find a color that matches the shoes you'll wear with it.

Now on the pockets - why should it be impossible to insert them into the darts on the side? just slash the dart open, and treat it like a side seam. I've never done this before, but I can't see why it wouldn't work.

I adore the gathered neckline. So much so that I want to learn to drape, so I can adjust all of my patterns to have that neckline. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kagitsune DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:00:00 PM I like the idea of turquoise. It's a nice accent that picks up on a color from the fabric, yet it's subtle enough to not look "cheap". I think a maxi piping edge would go nicely. ^^

I disagree on the lining idea. Wrong sides of fabric can be beautiful, too! ^o^ Also, wouldn't an extra layer of fabric get a little *hot* for summer? O_o;;

Hope that helped~ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Industrioushead DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:05:00 PM I love it. The fabric fits the time and style perfectly. Can't wait to see the finished dress! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Gidget Bananas DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:28:00 PM I vote for shocking pink.

Isn't it amazing the way a change in fabric can update a dress? If you had sewn this pattern in some crisp solid fabric with contrast piping it would look very 60's. In this lovely print the dress is a perfect timeless summer outfit. Wear it in good health! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Miss Fitz DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:42:00 PM Turquoise! It's the shade that makes me almost like blue. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:46:00 PM The fabric is so beautiful, that if it was me, I'd want the bias binding made from the dress fabric. Or edge-to-edge line it in one of the colours from the fans - first choice green, second choice what seems to be a nice rosy-brown. However, YOU are Erin, so I vote mustard. (I can't bring myself to vote pink, even when I'm pretending to be you.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Oldpatterns DATE:Jul 9, 2008 2:50:00 PM wow! I rarely see a pattern that is bought from my company sewn up. You should put the final project in your vintage pattern wikia!

regards,
michelle
www.oldpatterns.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Christina DATE:Jul 9, 2008 3:01:00 PM While I am normally one to go for turquoise( or orange) I think in this case, pink is the color I'm gonna vote for. It will be femmy and smart while still having nice contrast. Plus, pink and green is very spring and I am sweltering away wishing it were still spring. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ai DATE:Jul 9, 2008 3:30:00 PM I'd go with the light blue that seems to be in the fan. My second choice would be a bright turquoise. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ladygrande (Texas Marie) DATE:Jul 9, 2008 3:42:00 PM Isn't that a mauve stripe, too? or is it purple? I'd go with the pink or mauve/purple. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 4:05:00 PM Ok, I know you said white was a problem for you, but I think if you used turquiose edging (definitely)and then lined it with white, and then wore it in reverse, it look so superb on those days at the club when you were sitting by the pool having a business meeting and drinking...oh, I don't know, martinis with tiny onions maybe, and eating lobster salad.

I say no rickrack because it reduces the classiness cleaness factor ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 4:23:00 PM That fabric is exquisitely elegant. I know the color on a computer screen isn't necessarily the actual color of the fabric, but I think to keep the beauty of the fabric I would use a green similar to the background OR a deeper rose pink or lovely purple as seen in the fans. There is soooooooooooooo much bias trim used on this dress that I would want to be careful not to detract too much from the fabric but just a touch of contrast to bring out the design of the dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 4:47:00 PM MUSTARDY YELLOW!

MUSTARDY YELLOW!

MUSTARDY YELLOW! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Theresa DATE:Jul 9, 2008 4:49:00 PM PINK! Second choice mustardy yellow. Pink woudl be so very Lily Pulitzer. Mustard more Erin-y. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kate DATE:Jul 9, 2008 5:02:00 PM MUSTARDY YELLOW definitely receives my vote. It is a classic color, yet vintagey-retro, yet also very in vogue now. So basically, you can't go wrong. Your dress will be stylish for eternity as it fits in all major categories of fashion.

p.s. I saw a comment on here from somebody named San Antonio Sue... I am also in south Texas and would LOVE to find some like minded vintage sewing buddies. Sue, if you are out there and interested, let's get in touch. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cherie DATE:Jul 9, 2008 5:18:00 PM Had to stop by and admire that fabric - it is one of your Japanese fabrics? I'd go with Sue above for high contrast in the trim color. The turquoise would do it nicely. Then, you could wear that green bag, or mustard yellow SHOES!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jasun DATE:Jul 9, 2008 6:11:00 PM Pink!
(And I'd also usually go straight for turquoise)

..a sort of dusty-dusky-light-bright pink? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Myra DATE:Jul 9, 2008 6:38:00 PM I vote pink, because I love pink & green together. You could line it entirely in a lightweight to reverse the dress, like that idea, but pockets need to be camoflauged, matched with the print. Cool dress, which I have the same pattern, now I am inspired to make it.
Kate & San Antonio Sue seem to be in my region (Yorktown is SE of San Antonio, about 60 miles, in the country). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 9, 2008 6:49:00 PM the fabric!!! the fabric !!!

please please Erin tell us about the fabric.

I can't believe that I somehow missed that posting ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angela DATE:Jul 9, 2008 7:23:00 PM A creamy yellow gets my vote, even though that is not an option. Mustardy yellow is a close second ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Maricana DATE:Jul 9, 2008 7:57:00 PM Dahling. . . it must be pink or green for that Palm Beach look. Not that anyone is in Palm Beach now. Everyone is up in the Hamptons or on the Cape. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

/anne... DATE:Jul 9, 2008 10:25:00 PM Teal.

Deep and mysterious, it goes with so much (and I'm sure I can see it in the print). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mooah DATE:Jul 10, 2008 12:12:00 AM Sunset pink= Palm Beach

and secret pockets!! Functional and sneaky. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

denise@thebluegardenia.com DATE:Jul 10, 2008 12:14:00 AM I am so impressed! Two hours and you have a dress (almost!).

Anyway, my vote is for turquoise. I love green and blue together. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

dudara DATE:Jul 10, 2008 1:18:00 AM Love the fabric - absolutely gorgeous. I've been labouring over a pair of gents pants for a while now and you're inspiring me to get going on a dress again. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 10, 2008 2:02:00 AM Wow, this really does look better in real life and on the pattern illustration. What a nice surprise!

I say: Pink all the way! How can you ignore the advice of a person who owns more than 100 Lilly's ladies? It has to be pink. [Mustard is for hot dogs.] ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

flurogoddess DATE:Jul 10, 2008 3:01:00 AM Voting for pink bias.

I don't know where I stand on the pockets issue!

But definitely pink! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathleen DATE:Jul 10, 2008 6:54:00 AM I agree with Liz F "I was all for turquoise until I saw Becky W's photoshop options" - now I say YELLOW. Yellow harmony with the yellow-green background.
Becky, you are a clever lady! How great would that be to do for all life choices.
Erin, I look forward to seeing your choice finished.
Cheers, Flagon Donaldson of the Conspiracy ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Elissa DATE:Jul 10, 2008 7:30:00 AM oh my gosh, i LOVE this. ALL of it. the pattern (i think i would kill for that pattern and i am not an accomplished seamstress), the fabric.... LOVE IT! i can imagine that whatever trim you choose this will look so lovely! (i'd be inclined toward the yellow or a turquoise blue myself) please post a pic when it is finished.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

fourkid DATE:Jul 10, 2008 7:54:00 AM I vote for the turquoise lining - pink bias edging, and secret pockets. Please - no rick-rack.
Blessings,
Patti ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eirlys DATE:Jul 10, 2008 8:22:00 AM Me vote turquoise binding too (not sure about lining colour then though...). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 10, 2008 9:36:00 AM I *really* like the lines of this dress now that it is partially made up. I was not jazzed about the pattern illustration.

If pockets are a must, I would put small patch pockets on the over-dress layer close to the front edge. Of course, I would put them on before the lining, and perhaps stabilize them a with a bit of light weight fusible interfacing on the dress fabric back. If the print was matched carefully, you would hardly know they were there. (Unless they, too, were edged with rick-rack/piping.)

Amy ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bridget B. DATE:Jul 10, 2008 10:07:00 AM I vote for turquoise binding, unless you line it in turquoise, in which case, I'd vote a mustardy yellow.

Now I'm curious to see a tally! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 10, 2008 12:48:00 PM Go with Pink or Turquoise!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Karen DATE:Jul 10, 2008 3:07:00 PM Much as I like the mustardy yellow idea, I think that pink is the most appropriately Pulitzer color.

And yes, about that fabric - is it Liberty? I want to hunt it down and make something from it. After I pet it for a while and tell it how pretty it is. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jul 10, 2008 3:53:00 PM Sorry, I kept meaning to get back here and say, yes, it's Liberty Viktor, I bought it from ebay.co.uk from Laluthan! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jen DATE:Jul 10, 2008 11:26:00 PM i think a blue or a turquoise would be really pretty - enough of a contrast but not too much. anyhow, it looks wonderful already. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

faeryrowan DATE:Jul 11, 2008 2:09:00 AM The dress is so nice. I love green. I wish I can sew like that. I'm still learning, just doing minimal mending and stuff. My mother, she makes clothes like this, too. She's one of my inspiration. Now, I'm adding you to that list. Hehe!

By the way, Keith gave me your blog address. I am forever thankful! Have a nice day! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 11, 2008 9:58:00 AM On the subject of making this dree reversible. I'm still a novice at sewing, but I would love to make a few of the dresses I'm working on reversible, but how do you create a reversible closure for a dress? Would it only work with buttons, and reversible zips or is there any other way?

Thanks, Kristin ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 11, 2008 3:17:00 PM My vote is for mustardy yellow all the way. Thanks to the person who did the photoshop thingy... I am not a good visualizer. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Linda DATE:Jul 11, 2008 7:03:00 PM I would go with one of the darker colors in the fans. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ann DATE:Jul 12, 2008 1:40:00 AM what a gorgeous dress. love the pattern, love the fabric. So refreshing ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

BunGirl DATE:Jul 13, 2008 12:35:00 PM Hope I'm not too late chiming in here, but this dress just SCREAMS for yellow, IMHO. Something around this shade I would think:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/F1_yellow_flag.svg/800px-F1_yellow_flag.svg.png ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 13, 2008 6:12:00 PM And again a pattern I remember, did this up for someone but tunic length in blue flower on white with blue binding and blue pants to match. Love your take on it, think self binding would look best. Kristina K. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Alaina DATE:Jul 14, 2008 11:12:00 AM Aqua! No question. I love the dress, adorable style. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Shelly Benson DATE:Jul 15, 2008 8:58:00 AM I think mustardy yellow would look amazing. Can't wait to see the results! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jul 17, 2008 3:26:00 PM I LOVE THAT PATTERN!!! I vote for mustard or pink.

Chris in WI ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mimi DATE:Jul 31, 2008 11:10:00 AM As if you needed a 110th comment days later...

To my mind, there is only one choice... a very strong PEACH. It would match the personality of the dress, and give it just the right "pop". I envision it being no more than 1/4 inch wide. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 3, 2008 5:37:00 AM I'm thinking pink and I'm thinking that you should channel the scalloped edges of the fan with or a twist in the bias. I wonder if you could do without pockets just this once, or go for the kind of pockets they put in Tilley endurables so you don't get pick-pocketed. Hang it from the inside of the belt or something. Or buy a new purse! But not something fan shaped. Then you will look like one of those horrid "they forced me to make a hat" victims from the Threads magazine designer challenge. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Shelly Benson DATE:Nov 14, 2008 12:24:00 PM I'm still curious to know what color you chose for this... is it finished yet? ----- -------- AUTHOR: Erin TITLE: Work In Progress: Gray Ruffle Dress DATE: 7:09 AM ----- BODY:

So this is what I worked on this weekend. I'm not *thrilled* with it, and so I figured I'd put it up for your comments.

What's wrong:

-- the skirt was originally about 3" longer, which was WAY TOO LONG, Texas-compound long, but I'd already sewn on the ruffle, which meant I had to take it up from the waist. Which meant resewing the seams on either side of the center front and back piece (had already put in the pockets, too, so I didn't want to resew those seams).

-- I wanted to match the darts with the center front seams so I had to ease the front into the skirt and so it wrinkled. I think if I stay it with some twill tape it will stay stretched, but I haven't done that yet.

-- I thought I was ready for an elegant gray dress, monochrome and understated and all that, but now that I have one I think it needs some color. Where? I could sew middy braid around the neck and hem ... or, you know, I could just wear a yellow cardigan over it (which is what I'll probably end up doing anyway).

The weirdness on the right-hand side of the picture (left-hand side of the dress) is from pinning it -- I haven't put in the zipper yet. Nor have I sewn down the sleeve self-facings.

This dress came about because I (shock, horror!) managed to LOSE the pieces for this pattern:

Mollie Parnis pattern 1338

I don't know where they went; all I know is that I can't find them. Arrgh.

So I took a six-gore skirt from a pattern I had NOT lost the pieces from (McCalls 3036, which I don't have a link to right now), did some rudimentary math and some pattern-piece surgery, and put together the skirt. Then I just slapped on the bodice from McCalls 8858 again.

Here's a few more pics:

gray ruffle dress

Anyway, am I not thrilled about this dress because it's inherently not a thriller, or am I not thrilled about this dress because I had to do too much fussing with it? (Actually, the more I look at it the more fun I think it will be to wear, if I try not to overthink it too much. And if I finally wear a solid-colored dress, perhaps I could finally wear some of the colorful jewelry I've collected ...)

Thoughts?

Labels: erin_sewing, McCalls_3036, McCalls_8858, ruffles

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:39:00 AM I think it's the color, but if I were you, I'd bite the bullet and remove the skirt. Then I'd rip it out and start over so it lays the way you want. Then, I'd sew some bright red soutache around the neck, front and back. Red and grey go well together. Then I'd add the same soutache to the ruffle hem. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Zigzag Baby DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:44:00 AM I actually like it... I think it would look great with a red belt... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

kharma DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:48:00 AM I would personally vote for either lime green or 60's mod orange piping (or just a nice addition of bias tape to take my normal method of trimming) around the neckline and sleeves. Add coordinating belt/sash at waist and it is awesome. The pockets could be handled in the same manner.

Electric blue could also work, but I am less fond of that contrast with grey than the previous other two. That way, you get a pop of color that outlines the construction without making the dress busy when it was originally supposed to be understated. Then it's just understated with highlights. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:49:00 AM The model on the pattern seems to be wearing a crinoline. That, combined with your general joie de vivre, would carry this off just fine. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sweetpea DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:53:00 AM Honestly, I feel the severity of the upper part of the dress fights with the ruffle. I think if you put in cap sleeves instead that might soften the whole thing--and then made a little belt (or cumberbund) out of a great remnant-something with a blue or green in it to tame that grey a bit. It could be gorgeous. Or orange piping - I like that! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:53:00 AM I think what makes the ruffled skirt work is the original bodice...v-neckline with center front seam is sophisticated and a nice complement/contrast to full skirt with ruffles. Maybe that's what makes your version of the dress seem less than thrilling and more prairie girl gone, well, grey. I really love the skirt AND the color and think that next time you could totally rock it with a rethink on the bodice. In the meantime, a colorful cardigan and some killer shoes makes all things right again.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

celaine53f DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:08:00 AM It so needs a red polka dot belt! With a gorgeous buckle! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Callista Cassady DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:10:00 AM I like it the way it is. Add some nice bright shoes and jewelry and it'll just make them pop. It's hard to tell when it's not on a person. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathleen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:11:00 AM This dress cries out for Smart Accessories! Yellow or red and white shoes, a colorful necklace, a bright jacket or sweater, a thin belt... Cute colored buttons? Piping? You're right, it does need...Something. When you find that something, you'll know it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:12:00 AM I think the color is very nice, but I like gray. This dress might be the perfect backdrop for any number of fun accessories! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Toby Wollin DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:18:00 AM I think you hate it for two reasons - one, that you had to 'make do' in terms of trying to recreate something that you had a picture of and KNEW you once had the pattern pieces for. A lot of sweat and anxiety invested there, I think - disappointment already. Then, you have this grey thing going, which I think might have worked if it had been made in something like dupioni - something that had some light-playing-off-the-surface thing going for it. So, I can understand your feelings of disappointment. There is part of you that wants to throw up your hands and resort to the 'plastic bag at the back of the closet' thing. I'm with celaine53f - this baby needs a wildly colored belt - she likes red polka dots. I'm thinking that if you are going to go with the yellow cardi, then I'd go with a wide yellow stretchy belt with a yellow patent buckle. Or red. Or fuschia. Or make an obi sash out of some way crazy plaid (as long as one of the colors is grey or black)dupioni and put the bow smack dab in the front. I would not invest another minute in trying to 'fix' the dress - that's like what my mom used to do with cutting my hair and I used to end up with super short hair which was STILL uneven. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jab DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:21:00 AM Beautiful! I would buy it! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:22:00 AM I agree with the color complaint. Ruffles were not meant for gray. At least not *that* gray. Brightening it up with a cardigan or belt will certainly help--as might ditching the little V detail of the neckline. Too much whimsy in the wrong place, I think. The bodice in the original pattern was striking, but not whimsical. Does that make sense?

Best of luck. My sewing mojo was not in attendance this weekend, either. Very annoying. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:24:00 AM I think a cardigan with a pattern would look great, as well as colorful pins or a great necklace, bright flats, lots of ways to dress this up. I like it. It will look smashing on you, I promise! From Karen S. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nora DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:28:00 AM My sewing mojo is off lately, too...I do my best sewing when it's warmer, and it's practically been knitting weather.

That said, I think a yellow cardie, red shoes and a red belt and beads (or something) will totally resucitate this. I personally like the contrast between the ruffliness and the seriousness of the gray. Another thought would be to sew a few brightly colored rows of ricrack, at the hem and around the neckline, "midcentury Mexican" style. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Summerset DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:29:00 AM Perfect canvas for wild, bright accessories. Where's that yellow purse? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

astrojen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:32:00 AM Texas compound long......Erin you are so funny!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

laura DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:39:00 AM My two cents worth.... rip the skirt off (practicing perseverance and patience). Add rickrack (the color of your choosing) down the 2 center front seams and possibly around the neck edge. Remove the ruffles and reapply the fabric as large inverted pleats. Wear with a thin buckle belt to match the rickrack and matching cardigans and flats.

Laura ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:41:00 AM I too like grey and I think it'll look lovely as is, once finished and accessorised (shoes, jewellery, cardie). I like the slightly serious top, serious colour, combined with the soft, playful ruffle of the skirt. Any one of your 'object of contention' summer short-sleeved cardies with that will look fab! Personally, I'd go for a soft orange, but yellow would look lovely too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Canine Diamond DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:43:00 AM I'm not quite seeing it yet. It's not saying "Texas compound" to me but it's kind of whispering "Mennonite-inspired". Not that there's anything wrong with Mennonite dresses, but it seems that that was not the look you wanted.

Is it too big for the dressform, or is it supposed to fit like that? I think its bagginess is spoiling the effect, but that might be a problem that goes away on its own when worn on a proper human body and with a crinoline. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Libby DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:47:00 AM I'm with your instinct about yellow. It screams for it. I see a wide sash: yellow with big white polka dots, your cardigan, and, if I must get up on the petticoat soap box, give that ruffle the support it deserves and find/make a yellow petticoat! It doesn't have to be enormous, but show off that ruffle, Girl, and the inherent silhouette of the design. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:57:00 AM add a couple of internal bustles to the skirt near the hem. it will take it out of texas compound land and turn it into something you might wear in SoHO.

Don't add rickrack or anything cute in a contrasting color. Yoiu may want to add a bit of texture or interest to the bodice or change the neckline a bit. add color with jewelery or with a cardigan. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cindy DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:04:00 AM Hi Erin- I am the same way with color---I love it and can't get enough, but I have to say I do feel good wearing a neutral,sophisticated color dress now and then. I love the dress and think I am going to run to Vogue for some grey! I might not like it as much if it didn't have the ruffle, but i think the steel grey and ruffle is the perfect combo. As for the length, I think you could get away with it a little longer and wear with cute sandals. If that doesn't work, how would it look with a shorted ruffle? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Helen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:13:00 AM A thin yellow belt, preferably patent leather. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chris DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:14:00 AM A very narrow scallop ruffle along the sleeve openings, methinks. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:17:00 AM You know, Erin, the first thing I thought was that this dress is screaming for some yellow. But nominally, so that you can also do the cardigan and/or other accessories.

You're not going to like hearing this, but I think also part of the problem is that the ruffles at the hem aren't deep enough. The dress doesn't need to be longer, but the ruffles need to be deeper; probably about half again as long, and a little lining with a bit of netting attached for a make-do crinoline wouldn't hurt underneath.

For what it's worth, I love the color grey that you chose. A lot of grey is just blah. This at least has some interest. If you even just put the tie at the waist in bright yellow, I think it would make it fabulous. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Emily DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:18:00 AM It wants piping on the bodice, in a color. It also wants piping to define the skirt panels. I like the belt ideas. This dress is austere enough that a bright belt would pop. It probably needs to have belt and jewelry coordinated and vaguely matchy.

The crinoline idea is also good. The skirt looks somewhat saggy, and it just doesn't suit the style of the dress. It would be less serious if the skirt had the fluff needed (plus, that would show off the piping). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ties. DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:22:00 AM I really like the dress, but i agree it could use a little colour ... something like this maybe? http://www.ties.be/bloglinks/dress.jpg

you could stitch the shape of a necklace onto the dress instead of wearing a real one ... makes it a bit more special ... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

SE DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:25:00 AM I agree with the above that the grey is fighting with the ruffle. It like it wants to a be a business square dance dress.

However, a bright green wide sash would help a lot and/or lopping off the bottom ruffle entirely and making it more clean-lined, which is what I think the grey calls for.

I have seen your videos and in person at the Caxton Club many years ago. I can't see you in grey at all. If you want to try monochrome, I think a slate blue, chocolate, forest, or for fun a cobalt, would be better for you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Allison DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:33:00 AM My first response was that it needed a brightly coloured belt or sash. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen - The Alien Spouse DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:34:00 AM Having been a devotee of bright colour all my life I found myself married to a man who loves drab. He somehow has convinced me about the beauty of charcoal grey.

Personally I wouldn't add in any colour to the dress itself, purely because this shade of grey will go with a yellow cardigan, or a hot pink belt, or an oversized turquoise necklace, or a duck egg blue shoe-and-handbag combo.
It'll be a great blank canvas as it is, and you will find it extremely wearable.

I also think the rufles are fabulous, they lift the whole thing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the_lazymilliner DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:35:00 AM You can alleviate the heaviness of the fabric with some yellow fabric paint. Scribble or splash it on for some newfound excitement. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Laura DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:08:00 AM Use white piping, or possibly a combo of black and white, so you could wear it with any bright color you felt like wearing that day. Could we see it with a crinoline? Perhaps the added volume on the skirt would help to balance the bodice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kristen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:09:00 AM i certainly love it. it seems like you don't have a love for belts - but a red belt and shoes with this, i think, would be fantastic. or some turquoise accents.

my bet is you don't like it because it's not the pattern you had in your head, the one you lost the pieces to. love the dress for itself! :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:21:00 AM Yellow or red belt, sweater, jewlery and shoes, this dress needs a LOT Of spiceing up!

Tru ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Alison DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:34:00 AM I've always been a fan of embroidery as a way to spice something up. I think it would be cute with yellow finches perched on either side of the upper bodice, or a wiener dog stitched in place of a breast pocket. Even if that is too much work, there are lots of interesting patches floating around.

I'm having a similar problem with a recent dress. It fits perfectly, but it is the exact color (a medium blue) and length of a hospital gown. I'm contemplating screen priting clouds on the lower part of the skirt, or stitching an anatomically correct heart on the upper bodice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

cc DATE:Jun 2, 2008 12:17:00 PM I would resist the urge to add color to the dress- you say you have fun jewelery, and we know you have a plethora of cardigans, adding color to the dress limits what colors you can wear with it. I"m seeing black with large clunky silver jewelry.

I agree it needs a crinoline in the worst possible way. I would love to see it with a bright pink or scandalous scarlet peeking out from under it.

Remember lapel pins aren't just for lapels. Use a few to make a fun vignette on the skirt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chantelle DATE:Jun 2, 2008 12:24:00 PM I love grey, as a rule, but there's something about the grey that looks sort of dark. Bright accessories (yellow or otherwise) will definitely brighten it up.

I don't think I'd add any coloured trim on this dress. I might add white or black piping or soutache braid up at the neck, around the sleeve area, and maybe along the seam over the ruffles. I say white or black (well, even a light shimmery grey or silver) so that it will still go with lots of colours but will subtly add some emphasis and focus.

Honestly, I like this dress, and it seems like lots of other people do, too. I like that the ruffles are not too overpowering and I like the top. I don't notice the wrinkles unless you point them out and even then those would hide when worn or under a belt.

I understand why you might not like this dress, though - it's in a colour you don't normally wear, in a style that's not exactly what you wanted, and although it captures some of the details of the dress you wanted, it doesn't have quite all of the spirit of that original dress.

I have several dresses that I've been unhappy with. One was a "wench dress" that was my first major pattern design project. I'd seen it somewhere and had to make my own. I went through a lot to get just the right fabric and notions. Then I wore it twice. I wasn't happy with it either time, although people told me it was nice. I just didn't feel my normal pretty, confident self in that dress, and I'm not sure that I ever will.

That experience and others have taught me that some things, no matter how awesome they are in my head or how gorgeous they are on other people, will not look right on me. Before, I worked to finish them no matter what. Now, as soon as I recognize that I don't love something, I put it away. Most times they stay unfinished although I have been known to go through the things I put away and to finish/fix them up and wear them.

So I would understand if you just put this dress away without finishing it and I give you permission to do that :). If you don't want to do that - and there are reasons not to - then you might think about taking a one-dress break from it. Go forth and make an awesome shirtdress in a fabulous fabric. Then come back to this. Fresh eyes can make a huge difference.

Good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 12:39:00 PM Erin,
The worst construction problem I see is the gathering where you eased the bodice. This is not a place where easing is the answer. The fix is easy - just undo the front waist seam past the dart. Then take up the dart seams from the center only - that way the darts will still match the skirt seams. That will smooth it down correctly. I really don't think stay tape will fix the problem- especially the way it seems to wrinkle toward the right side. I make my living doing alterations and I really think this will solve the bodice/waist problem.

Janet from Alabama ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 12:53:00 PM Wow. Erin, I love you, and... I really hate that dress. It's saggy and baggy and dreary, and sad. I've loved every one of your dresses you've shared with us, but this one...one of these things is not like the others!

-Sandra ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cherie DATE:Jun 2, 2008 12:55:00 PM I agree with having a longer ruffle (a proportion thing, the pattern itself shows a longer ruffle)and V-neckline. I see the neckline as adding to the austere feel of the dress.I also agree with the others that the waist seam needs *something*. And a yellow cardi, there you go! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anna DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:07:00 PM I say sash! And I say mustard-colored! This may not be your style, but I think a sash that wraps several times around and ends in a bow at the front would be darling. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:08:00 PM A simple gray dress is always welcome and useful! I can't speak to the construction (except to echo that a deeper flounce, without lengthening the dress, would be graceful), but I DO agree that colorful trim would be jarring. And if you feel you were winging the construction, anyway, you might not want to call attention to it. I agree that white, black, soft silver or a lighter gray would be best. My first vote was white/cream, but the silver idea is intriguing, especially if this is headed for bright, jazzy accessories. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

RachelMM DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:08:00 PM I have a feeling that every seamstress has a basket full of garments that "didn't quite work" for them. I know I do.

If you think that a quick fix like adding a colorful belt and maybe some contrast along the neckline could make you love it and feel happy, then I would go for it. I'm just suspicious that you might continue along in this dress' journey and still never pick it from your closet to wear. If that's the case, put it in your basket, be refreshed, renewed and re-inspired to start again--either this project but probably more likely a new one.

Best- Rachel ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

vespabelle DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:09:00 PM The top and the bottom seem mismatched. The top is severe (severe grey with a high neckline say "I'm in power!" but the ruffle says, "oh, little ol' me." I think the two ideas can combine, but not in this dress.

A v-neck would help balance out the mismatch between the top and the bottom. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean S DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:16:00 PM I agree with vespabelle about the mismatch.

thing is, I just don't like ruffles, so maybe that's the issue for me. Would a crinoline (suggested above) do the trick? or one of the many color suggestions that people have offered?

or maybe...ditch this one and sew up a grey dupioni sheath dress...

good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:52:00 PM sounds like the sewing gremlins paid you a visit...I think a hint of off-white piping at the neck would pop this dress. And sometimes taking the blasted ruffle off the right way to fix the length. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:55:00 PM I second the person who said 'Mnemonite' (no offense to them, just their clothes). I think a grey dress is great. But not Texas-compound long, not with ruffles. Can't you just take off the ruffles and hem it right there? As to color, I agree too that it could use some. But I vaguely remember reading something about you buying 15 cardigans in shocking colors, so I'd omit color on the dress itself, much as rick-rack might seem tempting (too Mnemonite also) and wear it with a cardigan, or really bright shoes and jewelry. I think it'll grow on you.. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jgodsey DATE:Jun 2, 2008 1:59:00 PM without the ruffle it looks like a hospital gown, with the ruffle it looks like a milkmaid apron.

lovely color, should be more elegant, less frilly. loose the ruffle, add some black velvet or lace trim to the torso. add a patent leather belt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Myra DATE:Jun 2, 2008 2:01:00 PM Erin, try a crinoline, I liked the silver idea someone else posted, so edge the crinoline in silver ribbon, add some silver ballerina flats or shoes, cardigan in cream. To make it 50's, add some bodice embroidery or an applique, say of roses. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sami DATE:Jun 2, 2008 2:04:00 PM You know, I agree with Erin that there's something off about this dress, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Reading the comments was like a crash course in dressmaking - there are some wonderful ideas up there. I now know why I like some things about the dress (ruffles! full skirt! quirky!) and why I don't like others (proportions are off slightly - would be perfect with deeper ruffles and / or a v-neckline). I learned how to erase those wrinkles between the darts on the bodice, how grey can be a wonderful neutral, and that even expert sewers have "meh" moments. Thanks, Erin, for posting this 'un - I learned a lot. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Claire DATE:Jun 2, 2008 2:21:00 PM I have to agree with other comments about the color, but I think it's the color combined with that fabric. If you were using a silk taffeta or dupioni the effect would be different and more elegant. I agree with adding some type of trim...yellow, electric blue, lime green, red. Something to make it pop.
I also really like the original neckline. How about changing the current one to a "V". I am partial to the style you currently have, but I think this dress needs more.

I'll be watching your progress as I think you can still make it work and it will look good. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jun 2, 2008 2:59:00 PM Oh, yes....I DIDN'T want to pile more work on you, but the snug v neck pictured in the original sketch does give an "airier" feeling to the dress. I agree that's the right direction to go in, if you can muster it, as it would counterbalance the skirt and color. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 3:15:00 PM I love a good contrast of severe colour with soft ruffles- The grey is lovely, I just think it needs a small collar or some kind of grey-on-grey detail at the neckline to balance the ruffle detail on the skirt- plus punchy colourful accessories as above!
-Sarah ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth B DATE:Jun 2, 2008 3:19:00 PM I've started wearing petticoats under full skirts. They definitely make a huge difference. I say, try the dress on with a petticoat or crinoline, and then re-assess what look you want to achieve. There are a lot of good ideas here that could take your dress a number of different directions.

Or, if you just can't stand to put much more work and $$$ into the dress, you could finish it up as is and save it in case you need a somber colored dress for a funeral or memorial service. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 3:30:00 PM Change the neck - it's too severe and wear some coloured jewellery. Other than that toss it out and move on, sometimes we think all our projects have to be raging successes. Remember the 10% rule? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beth DATE:Jun 2, 2008 3:35:00 PM I'm not a fan of gray (hi, 4 years in all girls catholic high school wearing gray skirts every day for those 4 years)- so that totally clouds my judgement- but not a fan of this dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Karen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 3:43:00 PM My vote is for not touching a thing. Put it on, go through your closet and try it out with every accessory you have, especially the ones that have been waiting for the right dress to go over! red, yellow, green, orange, multi-colored plaid or florals - there are so many opportunities! I really like it as-is, I think the ruffles are a bit subtle, and that keeps it from looking too much like an apron or a square dancing costume. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Eileen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 4:33:00 PM I really like the dress.....so vintage. Maybe just a bright color belt with it, and a short cardigan? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sixties sewer DATE:Jun 2, 2008 4:33:00 PM I love gray. I make a lot of clothes from gray. I don't think that is the problem here and I don't think ruffles fight with gray either.

I have had the experience of developing hard feelings toward a dress that wouldn't cooperate when I was sewing it. I have, for example, a beautiful, linen dress from a DKNY pattern that I have never worn because the fitting issues were so difficult.

All that said, maybe you would be happier with a wild belt or different belts, buttons in bright colors as trim on pockets or at the seam line where the ruffle starts. Something funny and unexpected in the gray.

I like this dress very much and it is so not Texas compound. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ruth DATE:Jun 2, 2008 4:59:00 PM Maybe it's just the weather here--but that fabric just doesn't seem frivolous enough for the pattern. It's all "I'm a serious-work-day don't-mess-with-me-Bubba" type and the pattern is "How ya'll doin sweetie". Start over and see if you can't adapt the fabric to a different pattern with a little more school marm look. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachelle DATE:Jun 2, 2008 6:27:00 PM I actually like both the pattern and the grey you've chosen, but I know what it's like to be disappointed, and how that can suck the love from a project.

I'm not sure if you're into wearing a crinoline, but I think that a moderate crinoline and a REALLY loud belt would make all the difference in the world. I'm thinking lime green. Like this;

http://www.prettygirlrodeo.com/pictures/8725.jpg

or maybe even this;

http://www.kimssouthwestcreations.com/store/images/belts/lm-grn-kppy-w-blu-cryst.jpg

Normally I'd shoot myself before I'd wear belt number 2, but with a slightly poufy, ruffled grey dress and a bad attitude, I think I could do it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

S DATE:Jun 2, 2008 6:30:00 PM I love it as is, I think it's really chic and alternative. Having a simple neck line balances out the ruffles imho.

I like the idea of accessorising with bright cardies or jewelery too, rather than 'committing' to braiding etc.

To each their own etc. etc. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

velvet plaza DATE:Jun 2, 2008 6:31:00 PM suddenly I am seeing this dress with a big zebra print belt -- or snow leopard stripes ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Irishlullaby DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:00:00 PM I really like this dress. Whizzed through comments and can't see the. what seems obvious, compliment to this dress. Its PINK. It wants a baby-pink fitted cardigan. No belt please. Pink lipstick. Keep it all soft and chic. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nadine DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:41:00 PM It's beautiful. Love it as is. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathleen DATE:Jun 2, 2008 7:51:00 PM I think it's the proportions that are off-putting. I'd be working the top sleeveless (maybe even cut back armholes) and close-fitting. My vote would be then to leave off trim & accessorize big time.
Very interested to see what you do.
Cheers All! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

fourkid DATE:Jun 2, 2008 8:40:00 PM This has been a great blog entry - I agree that I have learned so much from it - and I love all the great opinions. I am fortunate to have 69 others ahead of me and glean from all that wisdom.

I agree - the fabric is beautiful.
The proportions are off - the ruffle needs to be deeper and the neckline veed. I would leave the color to the accessories only (love the idea of a baby pink). And I really love the tip on how to pull in some of the fullness from the inside of the dart.

Reality - if you don't love it now - it will probably sit in your closet for long periods of time - I would finish it up - and if it doesn't turn to love for you - donate it to a thrift store. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

jessica DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:21:00 PM Erin,
I actually think the ruffle needs to be shorter. It's looking a bit dust-ruffly and heavy. I think a shorter ruffle paired with a yellow cardigan would make this a super cute dress. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean C. DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:29:00 PM Well, you know, it is dark... but what if instead of the dark belt you were talking about... putting/making a pretty yellow belt to go with it and you said that you would wear a yellow sweater with it... take the sweater along and match up colors to either buy or make a belt? Don't over think it... this way you can use whatever color you want with it. It will look great!
You can always shorten from the bottom a bit if it's too long... make the ruffle shorter if need be. Sometimes it's hard to tell until a person has it on. But, the dress it'self looks fine.
Good luck!
Jean ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

2monkeys_mom DATE:Jun 2, 2008 9:51:00 PM Gray and Ruffled are not two things that you tend to see in the same garment. Not sure if that's the dichotomy you're going for (like the camo circle skirt?). I might just need to get used to it.

If you were thinking about making this dress again... I think this dress would be great in a fun, summer popscicle print or gingham.

Also think that red piping (or ric-rac?) in the collar/neckline would be fab. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angel DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:14:00 PM You know, at first glance I wasn't thrilled with it either and immediately started thinking up ways to touch it up with sewn bits of colour. But the more I think on it....

I love the steel gray solid. I myself, if I possessed any sort of talent with a sewing machine, would add a darker gray piping along the tops of the ruffles. To clash against the ruffles in a sort of industrial "look at me being ironic" way. To make the gathers really stand out and put more emPHAsis on something that normally wouldn't be a focal point.

And then I'd revel in all the accessories. The bright red patent leather skinny belt with multicoloured bangles and patent leather shoes. Or a pair of sheer bright orange tights and a pair of funky sneakers. Cream knitted half-gloves that always pop up on Etsy when the weather gets cold, a knit shawl or scarf, a pair of ribbed cream tights, and a pair of lovely worn-in boots.

But that is just me :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Shay DATE:Jun 2, 2008 10:33:00 PM A petticoat! I'll bet it will look miles better with the proper underpinnings.

and red accessories, as Angel suggests. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

I have an idea... DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:04:00 PM Rework the bodice. Cut a deep V in the back like in the original drawing. I think the balance is off as someone else suggested. Fake that bodice in the drawing, girl! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:12:00 PM In that cotton fabric, it needs more texture. I'm seeing applique or "chenille" (rough edged bias) in matching grey trimming that dress. Conversely, it would be interesting with flowers appliqued on it cut out of brightly colored shiny vinyl. I think there was something like that in BWoF about six years ago and it was very cute. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

john DATE:Jun 2, 2008 11:33:00 PM i would fold it up and put it in a box and not think about it for a while.
then in several months i would open the box and put the gray dress into the goodwill bag-

a gray dress needs to be made of a fabric that has some life to it-
this fabric looks like it died several years ago.

since you can pull off color and numerical prints and yellow cardigans i wonder why you want a gray dress ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Purl Buttons DATE:Jun 3, 2008 5:10:00 AM A RED cardigan would be nice...and shoes? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ai DATE:Jun 3, 2008 6:01:00 AM My first thought was to add a (white) satin sash, and a (white) applique lace collar.

Something similar to this , this, or this
Although I'm thinking more of an isosceles triangle shape (pointed down).

The other comments about keeping neutral colors (maybe contrast gray or black in this case) so you can still accessorize, make a good point though. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

annie DATE:Jun 3, 2008 6:21:00 AM I'd change the neckline to a V as in the original pattern, and perhaps reduce the sleeves so it is sleeveless, reaching to the shoulder.

Then, as someone else suggested a wide sash, perhaps tying in the back, in a bright color, yellow or turquoise, perhaps. That sash could be removable so you don't have to commit to color.

I think the skirt is very nice, but needs a more simple top with a less modest neckline. The modest neckline and the ruffles is the combo that still screams texas compound (very funny, by the way)

Can't wait to see what you come up with! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

adriennesarmoire DATE:Jun 3, 2008 7:51:00 AM I like it very much. Perhaps longer sleeves, 3/4 length and colored jewelery, depending on your mood. It also would look great with a same fabric shawl matching the ruffle at the bottom to tie to together. Too much is too much; I would not add any more ruffles or anything else to the dress. Keep it simple to diversify jewelery and perhaps jackets/shawls as needed. A slight bit of fullness from a petticoat, but not very much. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 7:52:00 AM How about making several collars from remnants of the gray? Like a gray ruffled v neck overlay that actually extends to the waist of the dress and can either tuck in a belt or, with long ties, wrap around the waist to hold the collar down and act as a sash? That way the dress stays gray, you can wear all your colored cardigans, shoes and jewelry. Another collar could be gray but a wide collared tailored deep v neck that also reaches the waist and tucks into a wide black leather belt with great buckle? Janie ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cindy DATE:Jun 3, 2008 7:57:00 AM this blog entry is causing a stir. i love the ideas! last night i made an a-line skirt with a beautiful black eyelet with black broadcloth lining. i added a 3 in. ruffle. I folded it in half so i didn't have to hem! It is adorable! I would go with a shorter ruffle on your grey beauty. it is a nice touch. thanks for the inspiration! please post pic when you are done. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 9:03:00 AM I second John. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Rachel DATE:Jun 3, 2008 9:10:00 AM I agree that the bodice seems "wrong" for the dress. Flirty on the bottom, old maid librarian on the top.

Now, as far as the color--I like it. Can't wear it myself, but I like it. I would personally either do the embroidery trick one of the pp suggested (in a multi-color design to tie in your many possible accessories), OR nothing at all, and rely on the accessories to put the color into it...

Sorry you lost those pieces, btw. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 10:13:00 AM This is a very dead looking grey. (Possibly because of the photo/flash/lighting?).

Anyway, The bottom is too ruffly for the severity of the top half.

The problem as I see it is the grey is not a "ruffly" color, but also the whole design reminds me of, um, the prison dresses in old movies. (Or quite possibly, the old commercial with the Soviet women parading out with a beach ball, or a flashlight, all wearing the same dress "beachwear, nightwear").

I think a dress of this color would be more inclined towards the Jackie Kennedy one piece shifts (streamlined, and short, and all one piece, as opposed to piecing it all together at the waist.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 10:19:00 AM You must rework the seam at the waist. Pressing is a must on all the seams, and proper undergarments. The proportion of the skirt ruffle to the skirt is all wrong. It looks about 8inches, it needs to be twelve, with the 4 inches added to the top of the ruffle not the bottom. It needs a white leather belt, some white/grey spectator pumps, a small white clutch/bag and of course white gloves. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

The Rotund DATE:Jun 3, 2008 11:27:00 AM I am kind of amazed by the severity, not of the dress, but of some of the comments. You must do this, you must do that. When, in all actuality, you must only do with this dress that which brings you joy.

Personally, I am trying to imagine how this dress looks ON because stuff never hangs on a form the way it does on a person. I agree that the top seems kind of severe but I think a brightly colored cardigan would mitigate that contrast. I'd look at this dress as a blank canvas manner of dressing - I'd pull it out when I had fantastic accessories that I wanted to take center stage instead of focusing on my actual clothing. I'd pull out my loudest strappy platform sandals and my bright cardigans and maybe even some very exciting brooches. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Zoltar Panaflex DATE:Jun 3, 2008 11:54:00 AM Either you can redo the skirt, or add something. If you finish it without adjusting it - will it end up in your closet - unworn - because every time you touch the shoulder, you'll be reminded of what you thought of doing - and you'll flip past it - never wearing it - because it's not "done". ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Leslie from Goodcrafternoon.com DATE:Jun 3, 2008 12:06:00 PM Reading this comments has been hilarious and very helpful. Here are my thoughts to add to the many thoughts.

1.) After looking at the original pattern picture, it looks like the ruffle is much longer/wider than your version. So perhaps making the ruffle higher--like starting at your mid-thigh or so might take the "Hee Haa" out of the dress and add more "New Look" glamour along with a crinoline.

2.) And I second the idea of a bright colored belt. Yellow seems to be a popular choice. But I think a shocking pink might be nice too.

Anyway good luck and I always always appreciate when you share your work with us. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Emily DATE:Jun 3, 2008 12:10:00 PM I am kind of amazed by the severity, not of the dress, but of some of the comments. You must do this, you must do that. When, in all actuality, you must only do with this dress that which brings you joy.

So true.

I think the severity of the dress is influencing people's thoughts. It's not an obvious Erin dress either.

If you're having a hard time envisioning a garment on a real human, there are some tricks. It's often easier to imagine an artist's sketch of an outfit than a photorealistic image. For getting an idea of what a garment wants, this is often just fine. Your mind's eye fills in the right underwear, accessories, ironing, and trim.

'course, when the dress and wearer have very different personal styles, you then end up with conflict. Then it's time to start editing the mental image, since in a fight between dress and wearer, the wearer wins every time. Often I find adding a particular style of trim will force a garment into suiting a person better. (I was so sad when I realized the dress was almost done and the rickrack insertion trick would be a giant pain to do... it's a very Erin sort of trim, and it'd help take this dress down a peg. Piping was the next Erin-ish trim I could think of, and it's not necessarily the same level of pain to do.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jean S DATE:Jun 3, 2008 12:40:00 PM and another thing....this has really helped me think about color, esp. near the face (MY face, to be precise). Lots to think about! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jun 3, 2008 12:42:00 PM << since you can pull off color and numerical prints and yellow cardigans i wonder why you want a gray dress >> There are many different events that dresses go to, and not all of them are the circus. Sometimes you want something subtler, but still on the bright side. A simple gray dress livened up with colored accessories is a handy variation. Or what if you simply HAVE to go on a blind date with someone you're not interested in, under protest? The same gray dress can be matched with a knitted black shawl wrapped around the head, black boots, no lipstick, and mittens. You see? It's paid for itself. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 1:11:00 PM 1. Bright accessories. Don't trim it, as then you'll be limited in the colors you can wear with it.

2. A crinoline!!!! or a petticoat (in a color? maybe swishy red taffeta?) with horsehair braid along the bottom.

3. Avant-garde black accessories. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

San Antonio Sue DATE:Jun 3, 2008 1:39:00 PM Hey, Erin, Pitch it! and consider it a lesson learned. Go find the pattern you really want to use and send this one to the Texas Compound! (My husband always says that if you learned something from the experience, it doesn't matter whether you actually keep or wear what you've made.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 2:10:00 PM i love the whole idea of this dress; that the top is nice and bussiness-like, and the bottem is 'fun and flirty' because of the ruffles~! but the product now, seeing it- well, it definetly could use the cap sleeves, like somone said, and the bright and nice assessories- and then it's perfect! good job! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cookie DATE:Jun 3, 2008 2:58:00 PM We were talking about redingotes a few weeks ago, and I found another picture of one. This, unfortunately, appears to be the ugliest example in captivity, and I would not suggest it as being truly representative. Though sleeveless, it does, however, lean in the redingote direction. But...it's scary.

http://momspatterns.com/inc/sdetail/14978 ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angel DATE:Jun 3, 2008 4:39:00 PM Oddly enough, I don't look at the comments as severe. I think that a lot of the conspirators looked at the dress the same way I did.

"What would I do if this was my dress and I wasn't happy with it and didn't know why?"

I actually think this is a *fabulous* entry. It is extremely interesting to read what people would do were it their own work to "finish" it.

I propose a new series. What Would You Do? Showcase creations that are missing...something. And let us all see what sort of creativity we can individually rock :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

mickey DATE:Jun 3, 2008 5:12:00 PM I'm not sure how much or even why, but when I look at it I'm seeing eyelet on there. Somewhere.

Somewhere in all this was the type of fabric used mentioned? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 3, 2008 7:50:00 PM Many of these comments have mentioned various elements that need to come together to complete this project. THIS is a party dress! I see you at a dinner party, the gray looking sedate and elegant, with candlelight glinting off of your silver jewelry. Then, a playful flash of colorful crinoline when you get up to dance or even just walk across the room. It would be great if you could change the top back to the one on the pattern - I really like the way it fits across the armhole. And of course it should be pressed, maybe even starched.

The idea of *darker* accessories is great - a simple black wrap or scarf of some kind for that chilly night air. Maybe even black jewelry. This isn't bland - gray is a color, and not just for sad or serious occasions.

I agree with Angel that these are not severe comments. They're honest, and just because someone doesn't like the dress or know what to do with it is no insult to you, Erin. Also like Angel's idea to post a What Would You Do? series but it would might take up too much of your blog! Angel, why don't you start it and I'm sure I'll have a contribution any minute now. If it had existed a month ago it might have saved the blue blouse I sent to dust rag heaven - ha!

Great post, Erin! It has been educational and encouraged us to use our creativity. Can't wait to see a picture of you wearing this at a party!

Dawn
(conspirator name-Lexie Madison) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

askpauline DATE:Jun 3, 2008 9:48:00 PM I would dye it black, add a crinoline in a fabulous bright color, and put on some heels and a bright thin belt.

I think the problem is the fabric isn't peppy but the design is. Plus it cries out for a thin belt.

I like the proportion of the ruffles. My mom made herself a disco outfit not unlike this in the '70's. It was all shiny brown ruffles in some kind of nylon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

The Rotund DATE:Jun 3, 2008 11:04:00 PM Oh, I don't think disagreement by its nature has to be severe - but there IS a whole lot of "if this were MY dress" going on and, en masse, it reads rather severe to me. I actually think the variety of offered solutions are awesome. It was just the "you MUST" sort of phrasing that caught a snag for me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

/anne... DATE:Jun 4, 2008 12:07:00 AM I know I've been working in the finance industry* too long when my first thought was - 'Texas Compound? Some sort of interest rate I haven't heard of yet?'.

I have one I-really-think-it-needs-it, and a few suggestions. But it's YOUR dress, so :-)

First, I think it needs a much lower neckline. Scoop, square, sweetheart, vee, whatever you like - it's currently strangling that poor dummy.

I'm not fond of the sleeve area either - for elegant, I'd consider snug bracelet-length or slightly shorter; short and maybe fitted for a cuter look.

My first thought was applique a few large splashy flowers, maybe 6-8"/15-20cm across, scattered around the skirt, and maybe one or two smaller ones on the bodice. Maybe one could overlap onto the ruffle. Oh, and short sleeves.

Then a wonderful reader suggested black velvet. Yes! Bind the neck with the velvet, and the bracelet-length sleeves, maybe some velvet-covered buttons down the front, and a velvet belt or tie around the waist. A big pouffy underskirt, peeking out from the hem, edged with more black velvet, and maybe a hint of silver. Elegant, grey, and ruffles!

*Four weeks. Far, far too long. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Jun 4, 2008 3:55:00 AM http://www.pylones-usa.com/product.php?osCsid=e1ff0a98a788805f56aea3f0e40b1d53&product=450 Robot clocks! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

raq DATE:Jun 4, 2008 4:47:00 AM i LOVE this dress! i think it's because of its simplicity and the ruffles! it's a great piece to layer that's for sure. time to bring out the colourful accessories! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Angel DATE:Jun 4, 2008 12:15:00 PM What a good idea Dawn! Some coloured crinoline underneath would take this dress to another level. I really like the darker accessories and then leaving the crinoline as the only splash of colour.

*swoons with all the possibilities*

I'd totally do a What Would You Do? series....but I don't sew and it would seem a bit dishonest. Also...my blog is a bit of the, well, foul-mouthed variety ;)

Maybe I'll just set up a new blog entirely purely for that? Heh. That'd be fun! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

lilymarlene DATE:Jun 4, 2008 5:33:00 PM It needs a big petticoat and a bold belt. Then it will be perfect.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Claire DATE:Jun 5, 2008 5:49:00 AM Ooh, you just inspired me. I've had a vintage pattern on my mind for ages (my first!) but I was waiting for the perfect fabric to come along before I would make it. But grey is a great idea! It can be complemented with pretty much all other colours, and I'll just make it in a simple cotton like you've done. Thankyou! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Linda DATE:Jun 5, 2008 6:03:00 AM I like the dress and like what you did to make the ruffles. The color just seems dull from what I usually see you post/wear. I think your idea of colorful jewlery will make this dress "pop". I really like the style. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica DATE:Jun 8, 2008 8:02:00 PM For an elegant-but-funky look, I think a simple pearl necklace and then 40s-inspired yellow shoes and a matching bag would be awesome. I know the current trend is to not match your bag and shoes, but matching them would further carry across the vintage theme.

Good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

La BellaDonna DATE:Jun 11, 2008 12:12:00 PM I think one of the things that Gives Us Pause is that it isn't an obvious Erin Dress; and I do have to say that one of the suggestions about not trimming the dress "as then you'll be limited in the colors you can wear with it" made me laugh. Not our Erin! I do think it wants Erin Colour: a wide bold belt (I think obi-style works attractively with kimono sleeves) and perhaps a crinoline to match? I think it wants more life at the hemline, and would suggest a row or two of nylon horsehair: one where the ruffle joins the skirt, and one at the hem of the skirt itself. If you are going with the Colourful Cardigan, I would suggest a narrower belt than an obi-style, but still go with the Colourful Crinoline. I do think a deeper neckline in a plain V would help.

As it happens, I had a grey wool skirt with a ruffle about same width as your skirt, and I wore it to death, literally. After about 20 years, the fabric had worn to translucency! I wore it with virtually everything, at least three times a week, and loved it with black, but then, grey is right up there in my personal palette! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erin DATE:Jun 11, 2008 4:30:00 PM I ended up wearing it with a skinny black leather belt, an orange cardigan (more mango than Valencia), and orange watch, and blue eyeglasses.

And I ordered five more yards of the gray to try it again with a different bodice! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Grace a la Mode. DATE:Jun 11, 2008 6:08:00 PM very cute! i love the dress very much! I love vintage very much, and that dress is gorgeous! Have a great day! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Sep 3, 2008 6:41:00 AM I think that the dress is a wadder, frankly. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who makes them. What I might try is to take horizontal tucks in the skirt to shorten it, Little House on the Prairie style. Then I would goth it up or wear it as a costume for Halloween. Elle Macpherson might be able to carry it off as a serious garment and look great, but us mere mortals will not. Don't flog a dead horse. ----- --------