Sunday, November 2, 2014

Alice - the Dress AND the Top.

So... I made myself a 'set' of sorts. I made the new Tessuti Alice Pattern in both the dress and top options, in the same fabric (also from Tessuti).



Am I weird? I have feeling I am. 

When this pattern came out, I knew I would make it in this lovely linen from Tessuti (all sold out, unfortunately). I bought 3.2m of it a while back, thinking I'd make a maxi dress. I changed my mind - a sewist's prerogative, I say!

Let's start with some pictures of the dress:



I made the top and dress simultaneously, so will discuss them together. The length of the skirt portion in both the top and the dress is very long  - I used a 10cm hem for both (5cm doubled over) - so perhaps think of shortening if you are shorter! I am 173cm for reference.  



I cut a size small, however, it was enormous. I do measure closer to an extra small in the Tessuti Patterns these days, but chose to cut the small because I have swimmer's broad shoulders (I don't swim except for leisure, but was told constantly as a young person that I have a swimmer's physique). 

Unfortunately, I found out the size small was too big when the dress AND the top were completed, bar the hems. Gosh I was cranky at myself for not trying on during sewing. I unpicked the arm band/cap sleeves (overlocking, under stitching, all stitching!) and took them in under the arms by 5cm on each side. That meant I also had to take in the arm bands by 5cm on each side. 

The linen I used is quite lightweight and ever so slightly sheer, so I used a white linen to line the yoke and cap sleeves/arm band thingies. Colette from Tessuti also mentioned on Instagram that the linen size small she has made 'grew' by an additional size - mine however was much larger than one size difference. I can't honestly say if it is a sizing issue or a fabric issue. I do plan on making more of these, and will cut a size small, but try it on before I sew on the arm bands. It is easy enough to take in - if you don't sew on the arm bands first!!




Maybe a tiny pregnancy vibe? No, I'm not :-)


I really love both the dress and the top. The fabric is divine - it, and the Alice pattern remind me of Gorman's current collection. I love everything in the current Gorman season. I think I will wear both of these a lot this summer - will you be making one?


41 comments:

  1. Gorgeous fabric & the perfect summery style. I love that you made the top & the dress. I'll definitely be giving this pattern a try very soon.

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  2. Gah I love it! I'm in the process of making the Lisa dress as a top but it is too big and just too long for my frame. I"m facing some mega unpicking as well. I might have to slip this pattern into my shopping cart too :)

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  3. Both the dress and the top are lovely, and I'm sure that you will get loads of wear from both! Thanks for the tip of trying on BEFORE adding the arm bands. I shall definitely be doing that - and will possibly make both a top and a dress as well (but perhaps not in the same fabric ;-)
    BTW - I love those shoes! Details please!

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  4. Thanks Lara! The shoes are Campers - from about 18 months ago. Supremely comfy. Xx

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  5. I've just "spotted" what I think is the same fabric in a Sacha Drake dress or two from this season - what a great fabric score! Your pieces are beautiful.

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  6. These are both fabulous! And i love that you made both - I'm often torn about which I'd wear more, this is clearly the answer! I adore the fabric, even more now that I'm looking at yours made up, it's glorious & you look radiant ;0

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  7. Thanks for the introduction to Sacha Drake - gorgeous collections!

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  8. Ooooh I just looked at their website - such lovely stuff!

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  9. Love them both! My top in the same fabric is always missed when it's in the wash, so I am sure both of these will get so much use!

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  10. Rach, this is AWESOME! I am seriously in love with the both- you have such a distinctive and fab style! I have 1m of this and kinda want to style stalk your top a bit... ;)

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  11. I really like this pattern! Both your versions are awesome. How can they not be in that fabric! I like that you mentioned the top is quite long. I prefer a longer top so it sounds like this would be perfect for me.

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  12. Both are just so fab! Thanks for the tip on the sizing. The Tessuti sizing seems to be big so will need to think of that when I cut out for a 160cm height.

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  13. Love it - what a great silhouette, both in dress and top form! It looks like it does need to be worn quite fitted, so thanks for the tip about sizing - yes, I may well make this pattern.


    I don't think making the 2 versions is weird btw, it's the kind of thing that's tempting to do when you sew BUT usually you don't have enough fabric for! So lucky you!

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  14. I love this fabric! (I've admired it and put it in my basket a few times before it sold out but just couldn't justify it!) The pattern looks super too. Great top AND dress! Oh and I LOVE those shoes!

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  15. Loving both! The fabric is so pretty. The both look cool and comfortable for hot weather.

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  16. Love both. I love the look/style. It looks amazing on you

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  17. Oh my, this fabric is STUNNING! I love the dandelion seed head effect of the spots. And, so vibrant on the dark background. I like the style of this pattern a lot. It doesn't look too big, they style lends itself to 'pregnancy' type flow, I think no matter how small the size. I love the pockets too.

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  18. These are both beautiful! I love the fabric! They both look gorgeous on you!

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  19. They both look wonderful but my heart is with the top. It looks gorgeous with black pants. Looks like I'm going to have to buy this pattern.

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  20. super cute, and i love your shoes as well!

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  21. Thanks Julie! The shoes are very comfy.

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  22. Thanks ChaCha! I feel good in these makes.

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  23. You should! I really like the top with these jeans too - and it's very comfy!

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  24. The fabric is so lush isn't it? Thanks Heather

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  25. Thank you! The fabric is lovely - I'm very glad I got some.

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  26. I can see you wearing this Liza Jane - will you make it?

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  27. Thanks Debbie! I love the shoes. They were so expensive, but I have worn them so much I think it was justified :-)

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  28. I was lucky to buy such a long length for another project! It suits the Alice much more. I think you'd look great in an Alice - do you think you'll do the top or the dress?

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  29. I think they're on the generous side - and they are definitely nice and long, which is good for a tall woman like me - I usually need to lengthen.

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  30. You would look lovely in an Alice top Kat. Are you breastfeeding? - I think it would be a good b'feeding top too. xx

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  31. Thanks Amanda! Do it! You'd get it out of 1m - or if you're running short, use a white linen for the facings. Do it!

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  32. Thanks Nicki! It sure is lovely fabric.

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  33. Thank you so much! What a lovely compliment. I do feel good in these.

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  34. Looking forward to seeing your Alice!

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  35. You'll look lovely in one. Looking forward to seeing yours!

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  36. Haha, yes we are! Thanks Jenny. x

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  37. Stunning fabric, love both versions 😃 . I found this one quite big too will definitely be sizing down next time

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  38. I love these! It's heading into winter here in the US but I'm buying this pattern sooner rather than later!

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  39. Ooh, I really like both of these on you!!! Fabulous fabric :)

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