My version of the Angela Kane pinafore.
The denim was fabric I have had in my stash for over 10 years. I never knew what to do with it, but then I saw this pattern and saw that Angela’s samples in her video tutorials were made from denim, and I knew I had finally found the pattern for this fabric.
I made the size Medium, but I wasn’t sure about the overall fit since it was S-M-L and I was on the larger end of the Medium spectrum, so I cut it with 1 inch side seam allowances so I would be able to adjust. I ended up not needing the extra in the bust, just the hips.
I also added 2 inches in length to the skirt (1" to the hip length & 1" to the hem) and 1 inch to the bodice. I think it was about 1/4" too much in the bodice. I should have just added another inch to the skirt instead, but overall I am pleased with the fit.
Other modifications:
- I added center back vent facings. I just extended the pattern at the bottom edge by 1 1/2" and then angled it back into the CB seam 8 inches up. I mitered the bottom of the vent to the hem.
- I used bias tape to bind the neckline and armhole seam allowances. This also helped control the excess length that I found in the front armhole. I first stay stitched the seam allowances to help control the armhole shape and prevent stretching.
- I decided to use my favorite Riri zippers and apply it so it would be exposed. I topstitched in one pass from the top neck down the center back, out over the vent facings, around the hem, and back up the other side of the center back.
- I didn’t have a lot of extra fabric and I wasn’t sure about what extra details I should add. My sister’s opinion was that the fabric made my version a bit less sporty and casual and I should not do the pockets. I took her advice and then decided to make a self fabric belt with the remnants. I used a square faux tortoise slider belt buckle that I got at one of my favorite trim shops and I backed the belt with 1" wide blue cotton twill. My top stitching isn’t perfect at the ends, but I am very pleased with how easy the construction of the belt was.
For this project, I only purchased the zipper ($12) and the bias tape ($2). Everything else was already in my stash. I love it when I am able to mostly get by with things on hand, and using old stash gives me a big thrill (because now I can justify buying more fabric!)
Over all I am very pleased with my new dress. I can’t wait to make it in a lighter fabric for the spring, and I look forward to trying some more of Angela Kane’s patterns.
Denim, black topstitching thread, Riri zipper (bronze teeth, black cotton tape), cotton twill tape, purchased bias tape, plastic slider belt buckle.
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Dec 14, 2010, 11.41 AMby jackaroe
Love the dress! Especially the fabric and the zipper on the oustide. I’m going to make a dress in this style for myself and now that I’m looking at your pics, I can’t wait to begin!
Dec 11, 2010, 05.31 PMby nehmah
Your front view photo gives me the best visual reference as to where the armholes will finish. I’m making this for others (who are not known to me) and I want them to be able to wear a sweater or shirt underneath for warmth. Cordially, Nehmah BTW, the denim plaid(?) is a wonderful look. N
Dec 10, 2010, 02.14 PMby lili123
very nice pinafore.
Dec 10, 2010, 10.16 AMby janul
I really like it! And you are so pretty! :)
1 Reply
Dec 10, 2010, 03.33 PMby wzrdreams
You are so sweet, thank you!
Dec 9, 2010, 05.24 PMby momsgotanewhobby
Really cute and awesome that you held out for the perfect project with this fabric.
Dec 9, 2010, 04.38 PMby eringilday
Love it! I laughed because you made EXACTLY the same alterations I usually have to make…I’m a big M with hips usually busting out the seams, too!
Dec 9, 2010, 04.32 PMby magdamagda
a great fit for the perfect dress to wear a lot this season!
Dec 9, 2010, 11.58 AMby Angela Kane
You have been teasing us for sometime about the arrival of this project and you certainly haven’t disappointed us.
A great version. Fabric choice, self belt, faced back vent and especially the on-the-outside zip are perfect for this simple design.
You are the first to do a more wintery version. Your styling with the grey top and tights is right up my street. This is, in fact, how a pinafore is designed to be worn.
Email contact@angelakane.com and I’ll sign you up as a full member for one year. I have just added an in-depth tutorial for my classic shirt – just for members. A shirt looks really good under this dress too.
Thanks for your support. The detail you have gone to with your description and photos is much appreciated I am sure by all BurdaStyle followers.
Dec 9, 2010, 03.42 AMby reneebies
I’m all about your zippers! Awesome denim too!