Sunday, December 13, 2009

Stunning Silk Dress

I worked right up until the very last minute, but it's finished. And, I absolutely love it! (Click to enlarge the photo above!)

Vogue 8382, using 2 yards (60" wide, cut on the cross-grain) of ombred silk from Gorgeous Fabrics. I also used 2 yards of silk organza for added structure (the silk is lightweight and a little sheer) and 2 yards of Ambience lining. When I first saw this fabric, I knew I had to have it. Get on Ann's email list, become a "Facebook Peep" and you'll find out about the great sales (I saved 26% on this one) early! Here is my earlier post explaining the pattern challenges of working with a ombred fabric of this weight. Ann, thank you so much for carrying such a fabulous fabric! I got more compliments on the unique-ness of the fabric, than anything!
The finishing touch was the beaded segments to turn the center front "notch" into a keyhole opening. When I was finally able to put it on, the opening wasn't too deep (I raised it a couple inches from the pattern), but anyone sitting/standing to my side would get a free show. Albeit, not a great show, but nothing I wanted anyone to see! So, I ran to the local bead shop (5 hours prior to party starting) and found a few pretties to close the gap......and make earrings to match! (The beads are smokey black, not brown, and the stones in the center are pinky-mauve. $10 for everything!)You can also see above that my "handstitching the lining" skills are getting better! The pattern has you just line the bodice, but I needed it lining all the way through. Between the silk and the beads, no one would ever guess this dress is homemade!
The fit of the pattern was great, I'll make it up again in spring with a cotton or rayon, and ignore the center front notch. There are only 4 pieces, and it "should" go together very quickly. My fabric and structure choices added on a lot of time in handstitching, but it was worth it. The cap sleeves are very comfortable, not too restricting. I would recommend making a muslin though, if you have large upper arms and to perfect the front neckline.
If I had a formal event to wear it to, I would've made up this BWOF dress from the April 2009 issue. The color gradation and drape of the silk is perfect for the silhouette and the style, so if you have a daughter who needs a prom dress, it would also be stunning!

30 comments:

JoanneM said...

Stunning!!!! This is fantastic and you look lovely. Love the beaded accent. Well done Kristine.

Michelle said...

Fantastic job! Your dress turned out just gorgeous, and the beads at the front are a perfect touch...wonderful work! That fabric is a real show-stopper.

Faye Lewis said...

That is a wonderfully festive dress for the holidays. The fit is perfect.

Shannon said...

I love the fabric, the style and the fit. Not to mention, you look so wonderful in it. A sure winner!

martaz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
judy said...

Georgeous! You look fabulous and the dress looks expensive (not home-made!).

meredithp said...

All I can say is WOW!

Maryissewfast said...

Beautiful Kristine!!!

Gorgeous Things said...

I ADORE!!! that dress on you! It's so beautiful, and I love the finishing touch.

Ann

Marybeth said...

Beautiful! The fabric is sooo pretty, and the beading is a great finishing touch... Great work!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

It's a beautiful dress and you look wonderful in it!

KID, MD said...

Wowee! It's beautiful! The beads are a perfect touch. Absolutely fabulous!! (I need more exclamation points.)

julia said...

Stunning, it is!!

meg said...

Lovely! I especially loved that you were finishing it hours before the event. That is exactly me!

Peace Thyme said...

Really, really beautiful! That neckline is so great on you. Way to go, girl!

deb said...

Wow. I found your blog thru Paco Peralta. You're right, it IS stunning!! Great fit too. That fabric is perfect.

gwensews said...

You look beautiful in that dress. Jewelry is perfect. Shoes. The entire outfit is gorgeous. Nice sewing!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Love the pattern and fabric.

Patty said...

Lovely, Kristine! and the beads just make it even better. This dress is such a classic style that you will wear for many years :-)

AllisonC said...

Gorgeous dress, I just love ombre fabrics. Your use of beads on the front is a brilliant idea too.

Dana said...

Stunning is the perfect word - for the fabric, the garment, and the workmanship. Looks beautiful!

Lisa said...

WOW... what a stunning dress! I love how the jewel piece matched the earrings.... you and the dress look great!

Meg said...

What a great job you did, Kristine! I really love this dress on you. Me too, love the beads. Very creative!

Summerset said...

Just lovely! You were very smart to make a "closure" with the beads - decorative and functional.

Bunny said...

You look incredible, Kristine! This dress rocks on you.

Gail said...

Perfect for you. I bet your husband was standing close all night. Love the gradual change in the colour.

Eugenia said...

What a beautiful dress - you look amazing in it. And you're right, that fabric really is gorgeous!

Kathi said...

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kanishk said...

Love the beaded accent. Well done Kristine.

Work from home India

Nishant said...

wonderful work! That fabric is a real show-stopper.

Work from home India