Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Camber Dress Goes to Geelong

Well, my alone time has come to an end. I'm actually quite relieved - I missed Little M pretty badly. And Michael. But Little M more.

As I mentioned in my last post, I went to Geelong for some fabric shopping and a mini-sewist catch up. I actually sewed a frock for it, but when I got to Anna's house on Saturday we both decided we liked my Merchant and Mills' Camber Dress more.


This is one of the first Merchant and Mills multi-sized patterns, and I have to say I am glad it was multi-sized. I sewed a size 14 at the shoulders, grading to a size 10 everywhere else. Thank goodness for the other size lines - it made it so much easier to meld the sizes together nicely. I also shortened (!) the pattern by 4cm. Yes readers, that is correct. I actually had to shorten a pattern.


The fabric is from Tessuti and is a linen that I couldn't find on their online store webpage. It is pretty lush - very soft but still a nice weight which meant I didn't need to underline or line it. Perfect summer dress.


I sort of see this as Gabby 2.0 for me. It is not as 'sack like' as Gabby but still remains faithful to the the essence of Gabby - light, breezy, perfect. And allows a fabric to shine through.


You may be able to see from the above photo that the Camber dress has a back yoke. I love this detail - it gives a bit of shaping and interest.

I hate my new haircut. Have no idea what my hairdresser was thinking.
I had such a wonderful day. All my photos are taken at Joy's Fabric Warehouse where Renay works. I bought linen - quite a bit of linen. And one piece of jersey. And a length of chambray. It sounds like I bought tonnes, but I actually came in at budget - Michael was quite pleased with me!

After fabric shopping we went to lunch/dinner/a meal at Customs House in Geelong. I had an asian-inspired squid salad that was divine. Another Rachel joined us - she doesn't blog yet, but I'm hoping she will soon! As the sun was starting to go down, Anna and I drove home. I said good night to her cute little girls then went home and collapsed into bed! It was a big day!


What do you think of the Camber dress? I've actually sewn another one in spotty linen this weekend and have cut out the shirt version in white linen (purchased at Joy's). Are you tempted to buy it? And if you're up for a drive to Geelong, I seriously recommend Joy's Fabric Warehouse. Be sure to go on a day Renay is working - she's lurverly!!

34 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous dress, I love it! The pattern fits beautifully and your fabric is amazing!

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  2. Lovely dress! Loving linen at the moment.

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  3. Yes. Sold. Love it. I think I'm on a Shifty Mission this summer...

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    1. Do it! Shifts are my favourite thing to wear at the moment.

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  4. Lovely!! gorgeous, gorgeous fabric and perfect summer dress - I must visit Renay soon at Joys ;) Sounds like a perfect day.

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  5. Cute! Gotta love a shift dress in linen :)

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  6. I really, really, really love that dress! You look fantastic - even with the haircut that you hate (which I rather like).

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    1. Thanks Lara. I cut off the bit at the side that was longer than everything else and feel better about it. I think my hairdresser was a wee bit jet lagged that day.

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  7. You've made a real winner with this dress.

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  8. Oh, that fabric is gorgeous - and the pattern is perfect for showing it off! Love it! And BTW I like your haircut...

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  9. This is beautifully made Rachel...I really like this on you. You 'glow' in the close up.

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    1. Thanks Maree. It is very comfortable - perfect for a car trip and eating a yummy meal.

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  10. Love this! I've never sewn a Merchant and Mills pattern but this one is definitely worth a look.

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    1. They are lovely patterns - give one a go, you won't be disappointed.

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    1. Thanks guys! I need an RPE necklace to go with it though. Ruthy borrowed my Birds of a Feather - I think I need a long one with some yellow in it though. Maybe Santa will be good to me.

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  12. Great fabric choice! I love an easy dress for summer. It's well-designed and flattering.

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    1. Thanks Sarah! I agree - easy dresses for summer are a must.

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  13. Shortening a pattern is quite a novelty isn't it! Love the new dress - perfect pattern to show off that wonderful fabric.

    I used to go to Joy's Fabric Warehouse on holidays with my Mum, sounds like I need to get back there again.

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    1. I was shocked! I also just made the M&M trousers and they were the perfect length - no lengthening required. Making me wonder if I have shrunk!

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  14. Love your Camber Dress and that fabric really makes it. What a great practical style for summer.

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  15. That fabric is fantastic! It is perfect for this style of dress. It looks awesome on you.

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  16. That's linen? I would never have guessed from the photos! Love the shape of this dress on you - total winner :)

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  17. It's gorgeous! That is some very special fabric.

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  18. Gorgeous dress. The print is spectacular and so eye catching. The orange shoes perfectly compliment the colours. Love linen - it's the perfect summer fabric.

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