A fan of the Azalea pattern and all it's many possibilities, I attempted another for a semi-formal wedding reception... The actual wedding was some time ago in Argentina, so this was more of a bash for friends and family.
I whipped this one up pretty quickly... Like my last Azalea, I shortened it from the pattern, but only by about 4.5 inches. I also took in the 'skirt' part about 3 inches per side...I don't know why it keeps ending up so full (which I like, but it's been too much), but it may have something to do with the excessive shortening.
I also added to the shoulders as with my other dress as well as the yoke length. I think I took it a bit to far this time as my shoulder straps were a little loose and I was too short on time to readjust (hemming 2 hours before the actual party) which you can tell by my glaringly obvious purple bra strap in every pic(!), but I will say that this slight increase in size allowed me to omit any type of closure. I simply sewed up all seams, and it slipped right over my head. Note that I'm pretty lacking in the bust dept, so that may have had something to do with my ease!!
COMMENTS (12)
This is gorgeous. I love the colours and it looks great on you. It sure looks like a good party as well!!
Haha! Yes, I realize that every pic I post is from bawdy events where not too much care is taken to showcase the actual garment, but rather my party-dorkiness, so I've added a pic on the form, albeit a tad wrinkly and worn!!
oh don't mind the party-dorkiness - i mean it is showing the dress in its intended context. it is cool. i like the colour a lot too. you can wear it with a belt similar to the yoke maybe - can be nice too.
I love your action photos. HA! keep it up!!
I love it, you make me want to try this dress, I think I said that with your last version of Azalea, now if I can just find the time... I also love your action shots!
I love how flirty and elegant yours turned out! I'm addicted to that color right now, so it makes me love it more. ironically I pieced this pattern together last night! but I don't know what kind of fabric I want to do it in yet...I'm thinking of doing blue linen and then some sort of really sheer cotton over it that I can do a few embroidery details, but I haven't figured it out yet. I LOVE your version!
Looks so good. It really makes me want to sew one, too ;)
I've been not making this because I hate putting in zippers. I'm happy to hear it will just slip on to us chest-ily challenged girls.
Off to the fabric store (hooray, there is a sale on formal fabrics for prom)!
You guys are AWESOME! Here are some notes: Halfdime, I really really, think this pattern can work with a TON of different fabric choices. It's so easy to make, so don't stress out about it. You can try a few different combos. The blue linen sounds beautiful and summery!
The fabric I used (both times) was a little stiff, so there's a lot of poof...I took in a significant amount from the upper layer of dress both times. Jersey would probably hang just right, but a material with any stiffness is going to have that puff ball effect..unless you use the belt or keep it long.
Allison, zippers are totally unnecessary...at least for me (Full A cup at most on a spectacularly busty day). I did add some length in a variety of ways to the yoke, which may have helped...but, either way, even when I did do closures on my first attempt, it was just some hooks and eyes ONLY on the yoke.
And as for that yoke...if you want anything more than a small line of yoke, you have to add 2 inches or so to the front and back yoke pattern when cutting the fabric.
And I also added maybe 2 inches in length to the straps (I'd read something about the armholes feeling to small once). I think this may be overkill...I like the wider yoke, but the straps would be fine at their intended length...maybe an added inch? Perhaps add length to the bottom of the yoke, but drop the top down a bit for cleavage (yeah right) and keep the straps at their intended length? Really very easy to experiment with!
Lastly, check out user "Myk". She makes some beautiful Azaleas, and I think she uses only the bottom dress piece with the 'illusion' of a second layer with a trim. Much less of a puffy effect without that top layer. Don't get me wrong! I love puff..there's just a lot here.
Happy sewing!! And thanks again for the great comments...really really encouraging!
Lovely dress, because of you I have material for 3 Azaleas. Can you come and help? Many thanks for the inspiration. Party on!
simply beautiful can't decide which one of your dresses I like the most, they're all gorgeous.