Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Lisa-Gabby Dress

Okay, so I swear I chose this fabric for this dress before I saw Lisa's dress. Lisa can testify regarding this, as she cut the fabric for me in Tessuti. You know how much I love Japanese fabric, and this is the most amazing Japanese rayon, sold in panels. Soooo pretty.

Anyway, this is Tessuti's new pattern, called the Gabby Dress.



The pattern is a simple capped sleeve dress. No darts, nothing tricky. It calls for bias binding to finish the neckline. I bought two panels of the fabric, although the pattern calls for 2.20m for the longer length.

I made a size medium muslin and it was much too large, so this is a size small. I cut the pattern pieces at the very bottom of each panel to capitalise on the dots. I also lengthened the hem by 4cm. I did this by just tacking 4cm on the end - there aren't any lengthen or shorten here lines, but I think doing it this way worked just fine.



I decided not to use binding for the neck edge. Because the rayon is sheer, on Lisa's suggestion, I underlined the entire dress using lining fabric. I then lined the bodice of the dress using the same lining fabric. I did this by cutting the pattern pieces 5cm below the armscye, curving out slightly to the CB and CF. I also lined the sleeves, but used the rayon itself. Because I didn't have much fabric, I had to cut the sleeves off-grain, but this doesn't seem to have made any difference.


I love this pattern. It is simple to sew, and because of the simple design really showcases a stunning fabric. I've actually already made another one from a remnant I got at Tessuti not long ago.... pics coming soon!

But now I'm in a bit of a sewing rut. I made a muslin of the Minoru jacket, and it looked awful. I don't have the motivation to tweak it - I just don't think raglan sleeves suit my broad shoulders. What should I make next? Any good pattern suggestions?

18 comments:

  1. I am loving this! Looks very 60s rad :D Perhaps one of the Victory Patterns may be fun for your next project?

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    1. I have one of their patterns but am a bit wary as when i got it it had no square to check the scale. I hoped for the best & made a muslin but it was too small. I contacted the owner and she sent me a new one with a scale check, but I'm just a little wary now!

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    2. Ohh... That's good to know! My payday treat is going to be the Anouk so I'll double check everything carefully...

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  2. Love, LOVE, love!! Great dress. Such a shame about the Minoru. It is a great jacket. I have broad (swimmers) shoulders and I think it looks ok on me. Maybe it is just the muslin fabric??

    I totally stole your idea and bought that simplicity jacket pattern and black ponti. Work on that, and then we can match!!

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    1. Yours looks wonderful on you - thats why I got the pattern! It might be the muslin fabric - i'll try again one day!

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  3. This dress looks stunning. You're really rocking it with the black boots and tights. What an uber chic mummy!

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  4. Great dress! i love this fabric.xx

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  5. Good job you bought that fabric when you did because it's all sold out now. Lady, I like your style ;)

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    1. I'm glad too - I've already worn this dress 4 times since I made it!

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  6. Dress looks fantastic - nicely done!

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  7. Love the spots, it looks really great on you!

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  8. Oooh, what a fantastic style on you Rachel! You look like the cutest little dolly ever...love it!!!

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  9. Gorgeous! The style of that dress really suits you. I love the spot border too. It looks great.

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  10. Fantastic dress - looks fabulous on you!! I too love this fabric (also bought 2 panels). I know what you mean about the 'rut' - I've thought of making the Minoru too but not actually sure it would suit me either - maybe it is the muslin that's making you cringe - not sure. Looks good on so many other bloggers - I actually was unsure about the wide collar, so I'm making a trench instead. Hope you find your sewing mojo soon - perfect weather for sewing.

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    1. It is great sewing weather! I really want to sew, I just cant focus! Argh!!!!

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  11. Wow this dress is just gorgeous! Your version has convinced me to purchase this pattern :).

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  12. I adore this look on you Rachel. Beautifully sewn dress.
    Re your sewing rut...something for Miss M? as she is such a cute model.

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