This dress was really hard to take a photo of because it's pale, and I'm pale, and the house was dark because it was raining outside.
I made the dress from Eva Dress pattern D40-359. I think this is the oldest pattern I've ever made. It's a reproduction of a pattern from 1940.
The fabric is a 1940s or 50s rayon from Unearthed in Wellington. It has a paisley pattern and then these abstract bow (or maybe flower?) shapes. I'm not normally a fan of synthetics but rayon feels really nice, and it's only a semi-synthetic.
I only just had enough fabric. Even though I had about 4 metres length, like lots of vintage fabrics, the width was really small. It was a total pain in the arse to cut out because it's really slippery. It was kind of hard to sew too. This is why I usually stick to nice, stable, mid weight cottons. So much easier to sew.
I'm not totally sold on this dress. I love the fabric print and the drape but there's just something about it that I'm not sure about. Maybe it's the colour? Pale colours do not suit me at all. Or maybe it's the shape around the waist? The gathers make it way more droopy than the pattern envelope looks. I dunno. Maybe it will grow on me.
I think its pretty cute! Sometimes I find I like a dress less if its been difficult to sew, and if sounds like this one was kind of annoying with the slippy fabric? So maybe it will grow on you as the memories of the difficulties of sewing fade away!
ReplyDeleteI love how you have styled it too - especially the gloves, nice work:D
It was annoying to sew and I had problems with the zip too. Yeah, you may be right. I'll probably just wear it and see if it grows on me. Thanks!
DeleteI think you look marvelous actually, I've never made a dress, so I think being able to even make one is an achievement :) And I like your tights with the colour of the dress too, I think it all brings some colour to your face. Not too pale at all, for me anyways!! I like it :) x
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think because I wear mostly bright colours I feel like I look really pale when I wear lighter colours but you've convinced me otherwise.
DeleteI think it looks really nice on you! Especially with the red accessories. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kat! I was trying to be all matchy with the red accessories.
DeleteI think it's lovely. The material is beautiful, and quite unusual, and the neckline of the dress is fantastic. I think you make the majority of what you wear now, which is such an achievement! Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah, I love the material. It feels really nice to wear too. Yes, I was thinking the other day that it's pretty rare that I'm not wearing something I made these days.
DeleteOh what gorgeous fabric!!! You have made the most lovely dress from it.
ReplyDeleteThe red looks fabulous with it and I love the blue tights. You are so talented sweet.
Love v
Yes, the fabric is lovely, isn't it? Thanks V!
Deleteit looks wonderful! I think this would also look really great with some yellow!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I was actually thinking I should wear it with some yellow accessories but I don't really have any except for some mustard tights which don't go.
DeleteI love that dress, you're great at making clothes. Perhaps Franca is right, you need some yellow or other bright colour with it
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah, I'll have to look for some yellow to wear with it because I own pretty much no yellow accessories.
DeleteYou look fantastic, that frock is lovely and accessorised to perfection! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Vix!
DeleteLovely dress. You are so talented. I love the grey tights and t-bars. Looks so vintage perfect. Makes me long for winter xx
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah, I thought I would go for a 40s vintage-y look. Ha, ha when I see pictures of everyone in the northern hemisphere in their warm weather clothes it makes me long for spring too.
DeleteI love the prints of your dress--so vintage! Gorgeous dear!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Stella
Thank you!
DeleteI think it looks lovely, the print is beautiful. Some yellow/chartreuse accessories might make that colour in the prnt pop out more. What about a wider belt, if you feel the waist isn't quite right? That's usually my trick when in doubt! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, next time I go op shopping I'll have to look for some yellow accessories and a wide belt because I don't own either.
DeleteI really like this dress! Often I find if I'm not loving something I'm wearing, I wait a couple of weeks then make myself wear it for a day - usually by the end of the day, my attitude towards it has shifted and I like it. (Especially if it was troublesome to sew.) I'm hoping you'll find yourself liking this dress more - I like it on you. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is such an adorable vintage look! Following you. =)
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/
I really like the way it looks on you!
ReplyDeleteit looks amazing, and how great is the print on that fabric! wow. i wish i had more time to sew everytime i read your blog x
ReplyDelete