Having seen quite a few lovely versions of this pattern already, I was inspired to give it a go. It comes together very easily and the fit is pretty much perfect without any changes. I think, as others have mentioned, the bust sizing has a lot to do with how easy it is to get the fit right. I did however have trouble understanding the instructions for putting the zip and lining in all together and still have no idea how to do this properly. I have never made a fully lined dress before but I sort of winged it in the end and got there. I have come across techniques that involve finishing the whole dress and lining whilst leaving the side seams to the very end. I might try this next time.
There is actually still about 4cm of room at the waist but it makes it more comfy and I’m not so worried about popping stitches every time I pick up my kids.
The fabric is a stiff, fairly thick traditional Balinese Batik. A friend goes surfing in Bali a lot and brought it back for me. The lining is black cotton voile.
I heeded the advice of others regarding the large amount of fabric required to be gathered at the waist, and went straight to pleats. There was no way I could have gathered that amount and thickness of fabric anyway.
I tried using a normal zip (rather than an invisible one) and had some success but it is still visible in parts.
I had to finish this dress (put in the zip, sew in the lining, finish the hems and attach the straps) by hand as we moved states over Christmas and New Years and my machine went (and still is) in storage.
I miss my machine.
But I’m very happy with my new dress.
Brown and black traditional Batik cotton. It feels a little like a starched quilting cotton. Lining is black cotton voile.
Novice
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Feb 5, 2013, 07.11 PMby rosarini
Wonderful.To reduce the gathering you could pleat it then cut away excess on the inside sorry it’s hard to explain but research it or pop down to Tassie & I will show you.I think your sewing is fantastic….happy sewing
1 Reply
Feb 6, 2013, 01.54 PMby marnieann
Aha, I know what you mean – good tip! But maybe I do still need a quick little trip to Tassie (I do so love it there) anyway….
Feb 3, 2013, 02.21 PMby chula123
the fabric is beautiful and perfect for this pattern. Georgeous ! And you cat is cute too :-))
Feb 1, 2013, 09.00 AMby Misstristras
It’s a really pretty dress! nice fabric for that style, great election. love it!
Jan 29, 2013, 05.15 PMby leeavent
I’m buying this pattern and I’m making it immediately! I love this! You look great.
1 Reply
Feb 1, 2013, 03.34 PMby marnieann
Go forth and make! Oh and I think from memory the straps were marked the wrong way round on the pattern…but it’s pretty obvious once you are there that the angle is wrong and you need to switch the way they go on. x
Jan 28, 2013, 03.51 AMby kisses
Cute dress and the fabric is beautiful
Jan 27, 2013, 10.54 AMby Lauren9
I really like this dress and it looks so nice on you. Cute cat too :)
Jan 27, 2013, 08.46 AMby cathysews
This looks great on you….lovely dress
Jan 26, 2013, 10.41 PMby schnui
I love your new dress and especially the Batik fabric. It is such good quality fabric that you will get sick of this dress long before it will ever wear out. But I doubt you will get tired of this dress as it is such a classic style. Batik fabric is perfect for hot and humid weather, hence making it a favourite for me living in QLD. The remnants make really good table napkins which is something I like to do each time I use Batik. I hope you will be reunited with your machine soon.
1 Reply
Jan 27, 2013, 12.47 AMby marnieann
At first the Batik was something I never considered for a dress (or any clothing for that matter). I guess it started out more like a pattern test / muslin. But once it started taking shape, I knew I loved it and it’s weight makes it great to sew with. Next surfing trip and T’Bone has an order to get me more! Thanks for your comment.
Jan 26, 2013, 06.23 PMby Inga 888
great dress, looks fab on you :)
Jan 26, 2013, 04.52 PMby Mary Athey
This is simply gorgeous on you and.your cats adorable. The fabrics stunning. I just love this.x
2 Replies
Jan 27, 2013, 12.51 AMby marnieann
Ah yes my lovely old puss. He’s 20 years young!
Jan 27, 2013, 01.40 AMby Mary Athey
Ahhhh I have one at 17 x
Jan 26, 2013, 03.31 PMby neveenkarnes
Love love love this dress!!! You look beautiful. Great job!!
Jan 26, 2013, 03.03 PMby marnieann
Thanks ladies! It’s always such a morale booster when others (and particularly fellow sewists) say nice things. xx
Jan 26, 2013, 02.57 PMby chillwear
Adorable!. I have this pattern and I really want to make it now :-)
Jan 26, 2013, 02.35 PMby ink
Stunning on you. Gorgeous fit and fabric, so so beautiful!