So. I can't thank you all enough for your help in narrowing down fabrics for the overskirt/wiggle dress combo pattern. And I went to the fabric store intending to buy the blue fleurs, just like we talked about. But then there was a problem. Another fabric caught my wandering eye and before I knew it, we went home together. It was a moment of passion, I must confess. I think you'll understand, though.Just look at this dreamy fabric. It's black embroidered illusion with silver beads and sequins. Be still, my heart. As soon as I saw it, I just knew it was the one. You can see why I fell so hard, right?
Here's a close-up of the embroidery:
And here's how it looks over a bit of black crepe, for dramatic effect.
I hope you can forgive my fickleness!Now I have to find the right black fabric to coordinate with it, which isn't as easy as I thought it would be. It needs to be fairly firm, to tailor into a jacket and wiggle dress. I considered a cotton sateen, but I think it needs to be silk, to match the dressiness of the illusion. But I don't want it to have too much sheen, and therefore look too dressy for work without the overskirt. Ah, what a conundrum.
I will let you know, however, that I've decided to wear the wiggle dress/overskirt ensemble to my friend's wedding later this month - if it works out, that is. And the LBD and jacket will be perfect for work. So once I get the fabrics right, I think I'll actually get a lot of wear out of this!
ooohh...I can totally see why you fell. are there any fabric suggestions on the pattern that help? I personally think I would look for a silk crepe but it's hard to say...you'll definitely need to check everything with a swatch in hand of the illusion!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that is beautiful and a great choice.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice. I have developed a bit of an obsession with the idea of a black fabric with white floral embroidery lately. This is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGertie- so worth waiting. I LOVE it!! Perfect lbd with a bit of pizzazzzz!
ReplyDeleteThis season I would love to make a dress in lace! Good luck.
Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is gorgeous, can't wait to see the finished product!
I would have fallen in love with that fabric also. Make a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteYay! A Little Black Dress! That fabric is amazing, a perfect choice.
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and it is the most fun thing I've read in ages! And so completely inspiring. I'm hauling the machine out of the cupboard this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
awesome fabric combo. And now your dress has a destination! I can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteA great dress for a wedding! And being fickle can be a good thing. :)
ReplyDeleteHow about finding a water taffeta in black? I had a skirt out of this fabric when I was in high school (uhh-in 1957) and I had rave reviews about it. Not sure how it will look with your choice for the overskirt but just a thought from the far reaches of my memory bank.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely forgiven for your change of plans, I really understand why you fell for this fabric, it's lovely! (And I think I like this even more than the blue combination...)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I would choose a silk to go under the illusion, though. I don't know if it needs that and I think I would go for a mat fabric, to make the illusion really pop.
I really like this new choice. I am also glad you have a place to wear the dress!
ReplyDeleteIt seems pretty! I always liked the idea of a black ensemble, because to me it enlights the versatility of this combination: it's not every garment that can go from the office suit to the theatral dress!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't a silk crepe be both dressy and firm enough?
Wonderful fabric! I'm so exited to see the result! How does it go with sewing on the vintage machine? Have you two become friends yet? I have an old machine from the 50s as well, I love it dearly and it very seldom gives me any trubble. However, when it comes to this sort of fabric I have to admit that I prefer my mom's newer machine... Good luck! =)
ReplyDeleteGo for silk noil - a bit of a texture, but very subtle. Firm enough to be tailored, but drapey enough to look good.
ReplyDeleteOooh, that bride better watch out!
ReplyDeleteThat will be a lovely outfit though I admit I will still mourn the blue fleurs. Maybe someone else out their will pick up the torch now?
I love the new fabric! You are certainly forgiven.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karin that it seems that it should be paired with a matte fabric, or a least something with a limited shine, like the silk noil that SallySews suggested.
Wow! I am stupified with awe at that dress and your skills! Amazing. And gorgeous. x
ReplyDeleteSo, there's this old Bing Crosby movie on TV and I just had to post because, OMG, someone is wearing this dress! It was pretty neat to see it "in the wild," so to speak, and I found a clip of it online. Crappy quality, but here's someone kicking ass in a slinky, long-sleeved, polka dot version of this dress.
ReplyDelete"Here Comes the Groom"(1951)
The dress in the movie is a pretty hot number!