Lanvin Project: Part 1

I used an app called "UPAD Lite" to create the sketch above. It's a free app, or you can pay $4.99 for the full version. It allowed me to import the pic I took of the line drawing of Vogue 8107, and draw my stripes all over it (top left). It also allowed me to create this entire "sketchbook" page of pics and captions. It's a great way to keep my plans and thoughts organized, and it's really easy to use, especially if you have a stylus to draw with. You can see that I adjusted the midline stripes to eliminate that "illusion" of wider hips. Guess what? The actual original version has "lightly padded hips". No kidding.  Also, I'm simplifying things and following the princess seam lines.

Here are my plans for my Lanvin Resort 2013 Knock-off for February. I already had the pattern in stash (now OOP), but eliminated the skirt part, and added 3" of length (that's that add-on strip at the bottom). I apologize for the "muslin" fabric, but this particular cotton had the perfect weight (and print) for this style). It's a sturdy cotton woven pique, although it raveled like crazy. Got it a few years ago from Ressy's co-op, with it's polka dots and floral print combined.  Fitting adjustments were minor, just took in 3/8" in on the sides from the bottom of the armscye down to the hip. Please excuse the pasty white skin and lack of make-up, it was a "No School, Ice Storm" (aka "Hit the Sewing Room!") day today!

Why am I calling it "The B Dress"? Well, DH called it that first, but because he's referring to the stripes... like a "Bee".  Ha. Ha. Ha. Hilarious, that man is.  But, I think the dress has "attitude", just look at those models. My colleague and I joke that my students may (on very rare occasions, ha!) think that I, too, have an "attitude", and we joke, "Don't Mess with the B in C316" (my classroom). So, there you have it... The B Dress. (My students actually call me "Ms. B", so that's a little more realistic than the "tough gal" story!) Here's a link to some dress details and pics at the Bergdorf website.

Next step: To cut the fabric into 3.5" strips and start creating my fabric. But, not yet... technically I can't "cut the fashion fabric" until Feb. 1 (I'm a rule-follower, PatternReview!). Meanwhile, I need to locate a very long (approx. 33") separating "exposed zipper". I may need some direction and help in the ways of the NYC Garment District, friends...  What do you think, am I on the right track?