Burda Style For people who sew
Description
Ceil Chapman Cocktail Dress Reproduction from Vintage Fashion Library.
I finished this gown just in time for this year’s Marin Symphony Gala. It was a labor of love, and I am thrilled with the finished project.
I adore this pattern. The bodice is fantastic, the skirt scallops are stunning – well, I love everything about it.
I did have a few issues with the reproduction. Some of the grain-lines are mismarked. Also, many of the perforation markings are missing which made setting in the sleeves a bit of a nightmare. And the petal bust over bodice pieces were a bit of a guessing game for placement – as drafted, they are a bit more oversized than the envelope sketch.
I made quite a few construction alterations to this dress. The directions and cutting layout include a lining for the skirt pieces which are treated as an underlining in the directions (I hand basted my organza to the dupioni). I also added underlining to the under-bodice pieces and the facings for the skirt and bodice. The bodice facings were also underlined with some cotton for a bit of added body. I finished my seams with Hug Snug rayon seam binding as well as the raw edges of the neck facing pieces.
I would recommend this pattern, but be prepared for a challenging experience. From the multi-sized paper pattern pieces to the missing markings, this is a BIG project. Granted, I did make more work for myself with the added corselette, but the bodice really does require some boning because the sleeves just rest lightly on the outer shoulder edges – do not expect them to hold anything up.
I am absolutely thrilled with the finished product and also a bit relieved that it is complete! I am guessing that I spent about 60 or 70 hours on the entire outfit, and while it was certainly worth the effort, I am exhausted! My next project is going to be a simple one!
My journey is chronicled over at my blog <ahref=“http://lilacsandlace.blogspot.com/2011/10/ceil-chapman-cocktail-dress-unveiling.html#comments”target="_blank">Lilacs & Lace.
Material Notes
Silk Dupioni
Difficulty
Advanced
Categories
19 Comments Sign in to add a post
Featured
-
BurdaStyle Project of the Week
X-Ray Open Back Dress
Meg made this edgy variation of the Open Back Dress!
-
Pattern of the Week
Asymmetric Jacket
This fitted jacket will keep you warm and stylish on those cool summer nights!
-
Retro Pattern
Blouse and Pant Suit
Dive back into 1956 with this stylish two in one pant suit pattern!
-
Member Project of the Week
Strapless Bustier Dress
Get inspired by printed floral bustier dress with flounce! It is so summery.
-
Editors' Pick
Surfer Girl: 10 New Sewing Patterns
The style is cool and sporty beach wear that can be worn anywhere!
BurdaStyle - Footer
BurdaStyle is a DIY fashion and sewing community. Our aim is to bring the craft of sewing to a new generation of fashion designers, hobbyists, DIY'ers, and inspire fashion enthusiasts. We offer downloadable PDF sewing patterns, project ideas, tutorials and a community passionate about fashion. Press coverage on BurdaStyle can be found here.
Website Help
About BurdaStyle
© 2013 BurdaStyle. Inc. All rights reserved. Site by AREA 17
Nov 3, 2011, 07.45 AMby Ralf Schmitz
this is what i call a dress! elegant, stylish, beautiful and you made it so well, it could come from a paris haute couture house!
Nov 3, 2011, 04.01 AMby yoyi71
So gorgeous!
Nov 2, 2011, 08.28 PMby carottesauvage
This is just divine! Like a lotus from a Monet painting..
Nov 2, 2011, 06.47 PMby calafia110
You look beautiful! You look like you stepped out of a Jane Austen novel as the lead character! Absolutely lovely!!!
Nov 1, 2011, 11.58 PMby SENEBO
what a beautiful gown, well constructed and fits you like a glove. like the matching handbag it sets the whole outfit off. great job
Oct 18, 2011, 02.09 AMby trploceanmoon
FAB-U-LUXE! I love it!
Oct 8, 2011, 04.03 PMby Dibii
Like Christian Dior! Very beautiful!
Oct 8, 2011, 02.35 AMby mojo elgin
gorgeous! I love the dress! Great job on it! The photos are wonderful, too. What a lovely setting…
Oct 7, 2011, 05.10 PMby tirrs
lovely
Oct 6, 2011, 03.25 PMby Lucha Suarez
Wow wow wow!!!!!!!!!
Oct 6, 2011, 03.07 PMby serendipity
You look absolutely wonderful in this dress. It is truly a piece of art :D
Oct 6, 2011, 01.09 PMby Vanessa Velasquez
no words to describe it!! i absolulety stunning!!!
Oct 6, 2011, 10.53 AMby fashionfreek
Wow. Real nice.:-)
Oct 6, 2011, 06.25 AMby jennidash
This is stunning! I can imagine Grace Kelly in this. I would love to try this. Your photographs are beautiful too.
Oct 6, 2011, 06.03 AMby ronnielee
Wow!! You surely can make a damn fine dress… This is a great example of labor of love, all of those hours have paid off!! Love IT!!!
Oct 6, 2011, 04.14 AMby audrashadforth
This is just amazing. Congratulations!
Oct 6, 2011, 12.59 AMby gaviccaabri
Amazing, amazing, amazing!
Oct 5, 2011, 11.14 PMby 6kidsathome
the dress is so very beautiful!! you look fabulous in it.
Oct 5, 2011, 10.18 PMby mollykatherine
This is spectacular, and quite a sewing feat! the detail in it is amazing. You look truly stunning in it :)