I started by sewing up a muslin in some very cheap crinkle stretch cotton I picked up at the Fabric Warehouse summer sale for just $3 p/m. I traced the pattern off starting with a size 8 in the bust and grading out to a size 12 at the waist and hips. I made version A, adding 1.5" to the length. The only change I made to the muslin was to pull the hips back to a size 10 so they weren't like wings!
Quite pleased with the look and feel of the muslin I wanted to use another piece of lightweight knit fabric that I picked up from the same sale at the Fabric Warehouse. I attempted to match the stripes down each side seam - what a shitty job! The stripes were so fine and the fabric wasn't be best quality, but a reasonable match-up in the end.
This fabric was so thin that it needed to be underlined, so I purchased some lycra knit from The Fabric Store and cut the pattern to just above the knee. I sewed the lining up the side seams and across the shoulders then snugged it inside the shell fabric and attached the neck and sleeve bindings to both layers together.
I could have just worn a petticoat underneath but with the razor back I thought it would be better to have it all integrated in the dress. I just have to make a razor back bra to wear underneath!
I really, really like the pattern but a bit oh hum about the purple stripe fabric - the grain line through the fabric is just wonky! It is super comfy to wear and will be fine for a weekend casual dress.
Both dresses were made in the same weekend - which says how quick and easy this pattern is to sew up. Perhaps next time I should use some quality knit fabric for a better outcome!
More photos on my Flickr -->
Gorgeous! And all you have to do about the bra thing is to tie a tape around your bra strap at the back so they pull in. We're the Maxi Mamas!
ReplyDeleteMaxi all the way! Yours are far, far prettier than mine.
DeleteI am a lover of these types of dresses as well. I recently went to Bendon looking for a racer back bra and the girl sold me these little plastic clips that clip onto the straps of a regular bra. They cost only $6 for 3 of them, bargain!
ReplyDeleteI'll need to go get me some of those wee clips. I still want to make up the razor back bra pattern I have, but I haven't even got fabric yet, so summer will be over before I get there. Thanks Andrea.
DeleteI like both of these dresses on you. So next are you sewing it up in a nicer fabric to sashay around the neighborhood? You should. ;)
ReplyDeleteMost definitely on the look-out for some quality knit fabric. I've got a whole shelf of knit fabric in my stash but none would really suit this pattern. I might have to go and check out the sale The Fabric Store are having this week :o
DeleteBoth dresses look really great on you and the racer back looks very sporty! The stripe matching is pretty good, I think!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy! A pitty the body isn't feeling as sporty as it did a few years ago (pre-kids!)
DeleteBoth dresses look so nice and summery....she says at it is rainy, gloomy, and cold in Idaho.....I bet you get a ton of wear out of them! ~Teri
ReplyDeleteThanks Teri. I felt exactly the same way when it was winter here everyone in blogworld was making swimwear. I've just had three weeks holiday over the festive season and have worn these dresses every week - the only downfall is that my legs now need to see the light of day!
DeleteThey look so nice and comfy and cool. I hear you on the Fabric Warehouse sale - I bought four pieces of fabric and am only pleased with one of them. When TFW sale comes around again, can you remind me not to go please?
ReplyDeleteThanks Gemma. Hmmm the next time I got to TFW sale I might go look for fabric for test garments, although I still have a few pieces yet that I'm hoping will sew up better.
DeletePS. I looooove your deck. When can we all come round for a drink?
ReplyDeleteSadly we have very minimal outdoor furniture so haven't done much outdoor entertaining at all!
DeleteVery cool and summery, I love it! Looking forward to seeing the ones you do in your more luxe fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThanks! No plans yet, but when I spy the right fabric it will be made in a jiffy!
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