Sunday, June 22, 2014

Electric Party Dress

I wouldn't say that this project was a "perfect marriage of fabric and pattern", but I did make it to wear to the wedding and reception of some friends that are the perfect couple! Congrats Sarah and Eric!

The fabric was a "deal of the day" from Mood Fabrics a couple of months ago. It was the color (and the price) that sold me! "Electric Fuschia" is what the tag said, and for half off ($6.99/yd), I picked up 3 yards, not sure what it would become yet. It was exactly the amount needed to make Vogue 8997, and although I was tempted to make the typical black cocktail dress, this fabric just kept asking to become a party dress.

I picked up 3 yards of lining at Joann's and got started Tuesday night. I worked on it an hour here and an hour there during the week, and finished tacking down the lining at 4:30pm Saturday, walking out the door an hour later! Here's the inside of the bodice:
 
 
I don't think it was the perfect fabric for this project, though... I followed the pattern's recommendation to interface all the bodice pieces, but I should've also stabilized the skirt seams (at least at the top, through the waist area), as the puckering was really irritating me. It also wrinkled so easily... I knew that my back side would be a mess from the car ride before we even got there. This fabric is made more for blouses and tops... but, I sure did get lots of compliments on the color!


The pattern is drafted beautifully and the instructions are great. I only strayed twice... once for the cutting layout (they recommend cutting a single layer, but I folded my 3 yards in half (1.5 yd x 45") and fit all my pieces just fine (size 14) with all the pattern pieces following the grain line. I also lowered the center front neckline about 1", as I wanted it to be a little bit sexier. Once I had the dress layer done with zipper, I simply put it on, and pulled out the stitches from top down until I was happy with the neckline.

Please pardon the wrinkles, pics taken after wearing!
The sizing on the pattern paper was accurate, and this pattern offers the "custom fit" multiple cup sizes for the bust. I made the size 14, C cup, and it's spot on. I hemmed it 1.5" and *love* the swishing-whisper sound it makes when I walk! I forewarn you to machine hem this dress, though... 4 yards of hemline by hand will be time consuming!

Back view
I'm certain that I'll be using this pattern again in the near future (with the standard neckline provided), as it is a great dress for just about any occasion. It has classic style, with feminine lines (did you see the flutter sleeve version?) and was really straight-forward to make. In a "beefier" fabric, you could either line just the bodice, or forego the lining all-together and use bias tape to finish the neckline and armholes.  It's winning pattern, you'll see it from me again, I'm sure of it!

14 comments:

Dawn said...

Everything about your dress is FABULOUS. Live the color and the fit is perfect!

Marybeth said...

Gorgeous!!!

The Sewing CPA said...

Very pretty color, and the dress looks gorgeous.

Rebecca said...

Very pretty dress. Great fit and I love the color.

Jos van KloskaCreAtief! said...

Love in!

Bunny said...

The only thing that beats and LBD is an LRD and yours wins ten times over! I love it and it's stunning on you, Kristine. Bet hubby loved it too, ;) .

Amanda S. said...

You look gorgeous in that hot pink! Love it!

L said...

The color is bright and cheerful and the fit is spot on once again. Well done!

Lori said...

Another fabulous dress, you look wonderful in pink.

Unknown said...

This is a lovely dress and so becoming to you. You mentioned not being happy with puckering seams. If you would have it professionally pressed it would put your creation over the top. I have found in my 65 yrs of sewing that nothing improves a garment like a professional press.

lmb09 said...

You look gorgeous! I have this pattern and can't wait to make it now!

Summer Flies said...

You look great in that dress... colour and style. I keep seeing that shade everywhere and I want it!

Gail said...

Not everyone can wear that shade. You look beautiful and the dress is very well made.

Anonymous said...

You've done an excellent job on this dress, as it's the sort of fabric that would show any puckering or fault in the sewing, but it's sitting beautifully.
I'm planning on making up this dress to wear to my sister's wedding. I was planning to do two or possibly even 3 layers - a chiffon top layer (including the floaty sleeves), and a light silk layer or two underneath. I was hoping you might offer an opinion on whether you thought the pattern would work with that fabric combination? Thanks!