Saturday, March 17, 2012

To going against the grain, going insane, going mad



Uni has been really busy since I started back but I have managed to get a little bit of sewing done. I finished Simplicity 3911 a couple of weeks ago but didn't have a chance to take any photos of it until today.


Vintage Simplicity 3911 pattern


I used some stripey cotton I got on Trademe over a year ago. The fabric had some stains on it which I tried to cut around where possible. I couldn't avoid them all so there's some on the skirt but you can't really see them because of the gathers.


Vintage Simplicity 3911 dress


Sewing this reminded me why I love stripes but hate sewing with them. I managed to cut one of the front bodice pieces backwards. This was after I'd made extra certain that the stripes were matched up. Luckily, I had enough fabric to cut it out again but it did cause me to utter a fair few expletives and throw my pincushion across the room.
I cut the skirt on the cross-grain because I wanted the stripes to be horizontal and it meant I could cut the whole skirt in one piece. I didn't do the tucks in the hem that you can see on the pattern envelope because I pinned them but you couldn't really see them because of the stripes.


Vintage Simplicity 3911


It has pockets and not those stupid, tiny pockets you find in modern clothes that you can't put anything in for fear of it falling out. These pockets are huge and about 30cm deep. If I put my hands in to the bottom of the pocket they swallow half my arm.


Vintage Simplicity 3911 back


I could've taken the side seams in a bit more but I really couldn't be bothered.



I made the bow belt too with millinery petersham/grosgrain from LuluDeux. It's really stiff so the bow sits nicely.



It closes under the bow with a big snap.

I wasn't sure I'd get to wear this dress much since it's autumn but the weather's all over the place. Today has been really sunny so it looks like I'll still be able to wear my summer dresses for a little while yet.

42 comments:

  1. I LOVE the frock. It makes me happy just looking at it! The stripes look so great & I love the style, & deep pockets = bliss! I love it with the red bow & accessories. You are so clever to make it yourself. I'm having some serious sewing envy! My Mum does all of my sewing for me but I really must refresh my skills one day. Xx

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    1. Thanks! Deep pockets are the best. You should refresh your sewing skills. Sewing is so fun.

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  2. I love your whimsical dress and the bright red shoes! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  3. Oh sweet it's so cute and looks just adorable on you. You are so clever.
    The wee red belt is the perfect finishing touch.
    Love v

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  4. This frock is beautiful and I love the way you've styled it. The belt is also great, isn't it great being able to make your own belts? They always seem so spendy in stores!

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    1. Thanks. Yeah, they can be ridiculously expensive considering they're just a small piece of fabric. I'm going to try making a real belt with a belt kit one of these days.

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  5. Love your dress! The stripes are perfect for it :)

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  6. Looks good! Those stripes making that chevron is delish!

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  7. That is a great dress.. you have such great style! I love the belt with it!

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  8. I love it! You did such a great job matching up the stripes. I'm sorry the bodice gave you fits but it turned out perfect. Cute belt and shoes!

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    1. Thanks. I hate matching stripes but I think it was worth it. It was my own stupidity that lead to problems with the bodice.

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  9. This is totally lovely and the belt looks fantastic with it! Well done lady xxx

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  10. Awesome! I love the red bow belt, and your fab use of stripes. Great job!

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  11. What a cute dress! And an excellent use of a stained fabric, hiding the stains in the gathers. That belt is so clever, too--I might have to use that trick! Thanks for the idea.

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    1. Thanks. Gathers hide a multitude of sins. You're welcome.

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  12. I adore your dress, the stripes are adorable! The belt is excellent too :)

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  13. What a fabulous job. I love stripes too and this is just fabulous. We should be having spring but seem to have autumn, harumph x

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    1. Thanks! Stripes are great. We must have stolen your spring. It's been so warm the last couple of days.

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  14. arhgaghadshgkdjv. So wonderful. Loving the shoes also.

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  15. I love the way you put outfits together, you always look so fresh and contemporary.
    That dress is beautiful, the fabric choice is perfect and the straw boater is so cute! x

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    1. Thank, Vix. The straw boater was an impulse buy when I was on holiday and forgot a sunhat but now I really like it.

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  16. Lovely dress! Very vintage, and I hope you find lots of reasons to wear it.

    Happy sewing,

    Katrina

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    1. Thank you! I'm sure I'll find lots of reasons to wear it.

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  17. Sweeeeeeeeeeet frock!!! Love a stripe,and pockets!Hurrah!There's not much better than that!The belt is a darling!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. Thanks! I love a good stripe too. Pockets are the best.

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  18. Deep pockets, what a brilliant idea! Why didn't I come to think of it :D I keep meaning to sew chevron-top dress but I can't seem to find stripe fabric of my likings. Yours looks stunning, just the perfect colours.

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    1. Yes, if only they were deep pockets in terms of filled with lots of money. Finding a nice stripe fabric can be quite hard. Thanks.

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  19. I love this dress so much! Chevron rules. I bought some amazing fabric with stripes of paisley on it and I think I might blatantly copy this with it. Love the rest of the outfit too.

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    1. Thanks! I do love some good chevron. A paisley stripe one sounds wonderful. You should make it then a post a picture on your blog so I can see it.

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  20. As I said of Burdastyle! I just love this dress:)nice work

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  21. Just wanted to let you know I tagged you in a meme on my blog today.

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