Then I saw Nichola's version. Talk about an incredibly stunning dress. Then I was lucky enough to be at Nichola's work, Tessuti Fabrics, when there was this lovely stripey remnant sitting on their remnant table.
I ummed and ahhed over what to make with it. First I thought a pencil skirt, but there was 2.3m -- that could be a waste of leftover gorgeous fabric. Then I thought Vogue 8184, but there are many pieces in the bodice, and I was worried about matching up the stripes.
Then, a little light bulb went off in my mind. Jenny!!!
This is such a nice dress to make, even with the added complication of matching stripes. It came together really well. Here is the side view:
I feel pretty sexy in it. It is nicely figure hugging without making me feel like I can't breathe.
One recommendation I do make with this dress is to make it rather snug if using a stretch fabric. I cut out the 38 originally and scaled down to the 36 in the skirt, and still have quite a bit of room to move.
My hubby took the shots - this one is his favourite:
And this is one of mine. I am trying to spice up my project photos by using props. This one is a vintage mirror I picked up for about $2 at an op shop.
It is a long weekend here and I am going to cut out my next project this afternoon. I am making a 1940's dress in some lovely Japanese cotton I bought (again) from Tessuti Fabrics. Tomorrow I'll also post my Sencha blouse -- I have made 2 now - one is for my sister as I seriously overestimated my size. Even after taking it in is waaaayyy too big, so she gets a blouse! She is taller and a little broader than me so it should fit. She is coming over for lunch today, so I'll get her to try it on then. Hopefully she'll let me take a pic of her in it too.
I love that! Such a nice fit!
ReplyDeleteOh My! This is LOVELY! I am so inspired!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! This is stunning! I downloaded this pattern a few days ago thinking this dress would be fabulous! It looks so sexy on you! Completely fabulous! Love love love it!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I've seen Nichola's one and yours is just as cute. I think I might have to get this one, as I'm seriously loving V necks at the moment!
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job! I love your rendition of this dress.
ReplyDeleteGreat dress - very Joanie! x
ReplyDeleteHello Rachel - I wholeheartedly agree with the others; this is a great dress.
ReplyDeleteYou survived the storm ok?
Thanks everyone very much! I do feel it may be my best work to date. I am very proud of my matching the stripes so well.
ReplyDeleteMaree - I survived fine. It was a bit scary though. I got a phone call from Michael, who was at Essendon, saying to close up the house, batten down the hatches, and get Bessie inside cos there were hail stones the size of golf balls where he was. Scary. We were meant to go to the football, but were told they probably weren't admitting spectators. The roof of Southern Cross Station fell in!! Pretty intense. Did you get my last email? I have been having a bit of trouble with my account - hope you received it!
That dress is truly D.I.V.I.N.E...my favourite too!
ReplyDeleteOh i forgot to ask you earlier Rachel.....would you mind adding your gorgeous pieces onto the Flickr Tessuti Pool....when you get a chance of course?
ReplyDeleteAMAZING dress...you look great! Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteWow! Love this dress...never given this dress much thought...but now...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great dress, and you look just lovely in it! Very, very Joan.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's just gorgeous! I'm a big fan of the Jenny skirt (I'm in progress on my third one!) and I've been thinking about trying the dress. Did you find the top difficult to fit?
ReplyDeleteThat's a gorgeous dress indeed. And you looks so pretty and feminine in it. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteGertie - I didn't have any problems with the fit. I love both your versions of the skirt.
I have quite broad shoulders and thought I needed the 38 in the bust to account for that. But I ended up doing the following alterations:
I took in about 0.5cm more on each pleat in the front of the bust to account for my smallish bust (I am a 32C), and moved the buttons at the back over by about 1cm to make it a little firmer across the small of my back.
I think this is important as the sleeves sit quite wide on the shoulders, so (especially if made in a fabric with some stretch) it is a good idea to make the dress relatively firm in that part. I made these changes by eyeballing the dress - I didn't make a muslin - it is a simple enough design that it was sort of obvious where it was a little too big. Apart from that, the dress went together like a dream! Looking forward to seeing your version!
Stunning! The dress looks great in stripes :)
ReplyDeleteThe only alteration I made was to shorten the shoulder seams
Love the dress, very feminine as it gives great curvy look.
ReplyDeleteSo you were the one who snaffled up that fabric. Damn girl, that dress looks so good that I can't even be annoyed that you bet me to it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute dress! Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi! I LOVE your dress!!!!! I love a lot thta style, I have one very similar to it and I'm sewing another one also similar.
ReplyDelete