Okay, I think I've finally exhausted my fascination with this pattern. (Five dresses later . . . )
Version 4 is made in Japanese double gauze by designer Nani Iro. It's this really peculiar scalloped dot pattern.
One change I made was to add a row of elastic shirring underneath the bust for a little more shaping.
I wore it to a concert last night (Lyle Lovett) and started to worry that it looked a tad maternity--like the "is-she-or-isn't-she phase." Ah well, at least it lends an aura of mystery.
Version 5! Again, it's a bit Courtney Love-inspired. I made it in pink
Crepe Couture suiting from Vogue Fabrics.
Crepe Couture has a really lovely drape. I've been sewing with more synthetics lately. I find I don't mind poly fabrics, as long as there's a good reason for them being synthetic. In this case, the poly/rayon/spandex blends makes a sort of super fabric: easy care, the drape of 4 ply silk, and the stretch of a jersey. Fabulous.
The collar is made of cotton lace with an organdy undercollar. I added three little gold/rhinestone buttons.
Because this fabric is light in color, I used bindings at the neck and armhole to avoid the facings showing through.
In other news, the kitty dress is almost done! Added the organza hem band yesterday. This thing is insane in the membrane, readers.
Lastly, I'm having a fabric sale for you this week! Silks are 15% off in my shop all week. I'm making space for some new inventory!
I knew you would love working with that kitty fabric! Some "quilting cottons" are totally worth it, especially with the right project.
ReplyDeleteI've loved all of your Simplicity 1609s! It's been fun to see all of the variations. I'm getting very excited to see the kitty quilting cotton dress!
ReplyDeleteLove your new 'do! And the dresses of course...
ReplyDeleteLOVE your hair!! (Dresses are amazing too!). It's SO cute!!
ReplyDeleteI almost bought that Nani Iro print in the multi-pink colorway and now I wish I had! It's so cute! Almost as cute as your new hair cut. Because seriously, it's THE CUTEST.
ReplyDeleteThank you! ;)
DeleteI love the way you "used bindings at the neck and armhole". Do you have a tutorial on that? I've never done it but I'm very inspired!
ReplyDelete-Sherrie
I have lots of info on bindings in my book!
DeleteI totally have to get the Simplicity 1609 - I feel like I am missing out!
ReplyDeleteer... my four year old asked if you had a baby in your tummy after seeing the pictures. I am 5 months pregnant though, so baby is on his mind a lot ;)
ReplyDeleteCRAP. Please tell me he asks that about everyone.
DeleteI don't think you look the least little bit preggers =) That style is so great on you; it's one I simply cannot pull off.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your new haircut is completely adorable!
love them all!! i love shifts--they are flattering and you can make them original with slight variations. And i am soooooo loving the hairdo!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with the polka dot!
ReplyDeleteyour hair looks cute too!
Such a great little dress. I have the pattern, I just always get stalled trying to find the right fabric..(Not that I don't have a huge stash, but..well..ya know ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the kitty dress!
ReplyDeleteI love the Nani Iro fabric dress - beautiful, fun and the contrast details add a terrific sophistication. Your new 'do is super cute!
ReplyDeleteokay, i think the pink is my fave out of all of them. Loving the shorter hair
ReplyDeleteBobbed haired ladiez unite! So liberating yet so sophisticated, and sometimes a little cray.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that rose print chiffon is so much more gorgeous in person. If you buy it, you won't regret it people.
And I'm dying to see the kitty print dress, Gertie. Dying...
Gertie, I think I like version 4 the best -- the color looks divine on you!
ReplyDeleteThe elastic shirring under the bust is an interesting original detail. I think it makes the pattern a tad more "modern" in feel.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, I love it! I'm certainly inspired by the way you can manipulate patterns to give them a special touch :)
I don't think it looks like a maternity dress at all! Super cute fabric!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the hair....makes me want to chop mine all off.....
ReplyDeleteAnd love the dress. I was thinking of picking up the pattern but I passed. I might have to go back and get it now...
Oh that pink dress is too cute! and with your hair - just like Pinkie Pie!
ReplyDeleteThis Simplicity pattern is one of my all time faves - I have this dress in pretty much every colour now! I love to see how you've styled it up and the fabrics you've picked!
ReplyDeleteHair is sophisticated but in a cartoon land way. Good work. Can't wait to see the kittens in all close up detail.
ReplyDeleteI love all your versions of this, but I think the blue and white polka dots are my favourite. I've just done a giveaway for this pattern on my blog but now I wish I'd decided to keep the pattern for myself :) And your hair looks fabulous, by the way.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know how you did that organza hem! I have tried something similar, but I failed spectacularly.
ReplyDeleteLove the polka dots and your new hairdo!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the hairdo, and of course the retro dresses. Both so flattering.
ReplyDeleteI think your dresses are amazing. I'm so inspired I avnt sewn for about 12 years but I'm definitely gonna get the machine out n dust it down x
ReplyDeleteHaven't dropped in for a while, and the dresses look fabulous. That said, I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!! Love it!
ReplyDelete