Friday, April 26, 2013

Dixie DIY Ballet Dress in Pelorous Ponti

Do you read Marie's blog - A Stitching Odyssey? It is one of my favourites. Marie is extremely gorgeous and makes such lovely clothes. Recently she made the Dixie DIY Ballet Dress - a very simple dress intended for knits.


I had not heard of Dixie DIY before, but I loved Marie's floral version and had been looking for a simple long-sleeved dress to make with the 2m of ponti called 'Pelorous Ponti' I bought in Sydney from Tessuti (I couldn't find it on their website).



I made the size small, and made the following adjustments:

  1. Lengthened the bodice by 7cm. I muslined the bodice only and found that it ended only just below my bust - without taking out the seam allowance to join it to the skirt. I don't think it would have been a good look! 
  2. Lengthened the skirt by about 3cm. 
  3. Took the sleeves in by 5cm in total. They were unusually baggy, and I wanted them to be more streamlined. 
  4. Added a belt. I think it needs it to break it up. 

I love this dress. At first I worried it was a bit too firm-fitting and showed every lump and bump, but I changed my bra about fifty times and finally was happy with how all the bumps were contained.

I had a bit of fun with taking photos - it is a ballet dress after all!


I'm so graceful. Especially in knee-high boots.
Little M decided to get in on the fun - she does love a good twirl and a boogie.


Check out that air!
I'm off to take the kid for a spin on her new balance bike - pretty windy in Melbourne today - definitely reminding me to get started on some winter sewing!