Burda Style For people who sew

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9 Comments

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  Jun 2, 2011, 11.24 AMby merbecky

  What about adding black netting under the skirt portion to give it a little bit of a 50’s edge? You could alter the bodice by adding a little “V” to the nekline and then add a black belt. I think it looks really nice as it is too. I know it’s frustrating when something doesn’t come out to match your taste or vision though. It happens to me all the time.

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    Jun 2, 2011, 01.28 PMby mariposa21

    Mm, it practically is a ’50’s dress, but that (and the Minnie Mouse) is what I’m trying to get away from.

    Practice makes perfect ;) Thank you x

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  Jun 2, 2011, 11.18 AMby jennieuk

  I personally like it as it is but would add a black wide belt.

  If you don’t want to turn it into a skirt what about using a different fabric or a vest top (a black one might work) and change the top?

  Also if you wanted you could add the same colour to trim the bottom this should help “tone down” the spots

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    Jun 2, 2011, 01.23 PMby mariposa21

    Yes, a black belt or sash has been suggested, and it would suit it well – but it’s not really me.

    I had been thinking of separating the bodice and skirt, and matching it with something else, which is an idea.

    Thanks ;) x

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  Jun 2, 2011, 07.54 AMby jackaroe

  Give it away and start a new and fresh project! If you don’t like the fabric now, you won’t like it later on whether you make a skirt or a more fitted dress or … (I know from experience haha) I don’t really see this type of fabric in a bohemian wardrobe btw. That said: I think you made a beautiful dress. But sometimes we all make something nice that is not really ‘us’. But I’m sure that someone would really love to wear this dress as ElizabethCrowe suggests…

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.36 AMby mariposa21

    I could never give it away! But your right, I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it properly. No, your right! It’s too chic :( A few adjustments like a waistband or peek-a-boo lining would bring it to life, but it wouldn’t me. You’re so right! Mmm. I’ll give it another go.

    Thank you xx

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.45 AMby mariposa21

    I’ve just realised I’ve writen ’you’re right’ three time! Sorry for the repetition!

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  Jun 2, 2011, 04.23 AMby rogue-cellist

  It looks like this is empire line- although it’s a bit hard to see in the photos. If it were mine I’d probably take off the original top of the dress and sew a new bodice section in black or red (or white or whatever you think works for you) and attach that- I’d give it a different neckline too- I tend to go for a scoop or v neck myself. I’d also consider giving it a bit of a net underskirt- especially if I’d used black for the bodice because you need something to tie it in with- so a bit of black net peeking out at the hem, or white if you made a white bodice. That would give it a completely different look, tone down the spots a bit and still gives you an option if you can’t get the bodice to fit right even after fiddling with it a bit more.

  Good luck with it!

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.29 AMby mariposa21

    Empire line, yes. Mm, I was looking at it in the mirror with something of a black bodice but it’s just not me. I was thinking of a lace hem, similar to your idea of a tulle underskirt.

    Thanks! x

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  Jun 2, 2011, 12.11 AMby gezemice

  If it is too big, you could take it in all along the seam lines as others suggested.

  As far as making it more fresh – I like it the polka dots, but if you feel it is too much, you could tone it down with some white accents – like a white belt, a collar, or perhaps a white band along the bottom, maybe add a white cap sleeve. Other ideas include adding pockets (that’s very “in”), a zipper in the front, or maybe a little peek-a-boo lining at the bottom in white or black tulle.

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.25 AMby mariposa21

    Pockets! yes, I like pockets – irrelevant of whether in or not. I’m thinking covered buttons of some sort too now. Certainly the white would accent it.

    Thanks for the suggestions :) x

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  Jun 1, 2011, 09.17 PMby freakusbzzz

  Make it into a skirt! It will be an easy fix, you still have a garment and less overwhelming which such bright fabric.

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.22 AMby mariposa21

    Yes, I had been thinking of separating the bodice and skirt. Might be an idea :)

    Thanks!

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  Jun 1, 2011, 08.35 PMby jd98

  funny, I’ve got its long lost sister in my UFO pile! I’ve seen many 50s style red polka dot dresses that I love… because it’s someone else wearing them. I just feel ready for fancy dress in mine. I really hope you can find a way to fix what’s bugging you. if it’s the “too much print” that’s bothering you, would you like it better as a skirt? (not to self: get the dress out and have a think…)

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.18 AMby mariposa21

    oh dear! I can’t stand red and white polka-dots anymore. That’s precisely it – I just don’t think I’m one for wearing them. To much print it is, I will add another fabric. I was thinking of side panels.. We’ll see!

    If you ever finish yours, please upload it and let me know! I’d love to see how it turns out :)

    Thanks :) xx

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  Jun 1, 2011, 08.14 PMby ElizabethCrowe

  Take in the dress along the seams- I’m not an expert on that part but I’m sure you can find some tutorials on that somewhere on this website. As for making the dress more “Bohemian-” You could cut a new neckline- maybe make it a V-neck or make up your own cut! If you go too deep then obviously you could sew some more fabric under it. You could also add some pretty lace along the top- then sew a sash on the waist or a belt. Sort of like this- http://my-weddingdream.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/bohemian-wedding-dress-2-2.jpg Or you could add ruffles, I always think those are fun :) There are so many possibilities, you should definitely look at some pictures of clothes and see if theres something you like that can inspire you :) Or give it to a friend who likes it the way it is. You could give it to a thrift shop- and someone else would happily buy it! It’s a really cute dress-You did a wonderful job :)

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    Jun 2, 2011, 10.08 AMby mariposa21

    Yeah, first things first, I need to make it fit! As for the neckline, I might adjust the width from the outside. I thought of lace too! Oh I couldn’t give it to a charity shop like that! I’ll have another push it :)

    Thank you for the suggestions :) x

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  Jun 1, 2011, 07.23 PMby tanitisis

  It does look a bit wide, especially in the shoulders. Are there any seams running to the shoulders that you could use to take it in at? Other than that I actually think it looks quite nice—-maybe not as fitted as you had hoped, but it skims your figure nicely.

  I really like the polkadots, and I didn’t think of Minnie Mouse at all ;).

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    Jun 1, 2011, 07.39 PMby mariposa21

    No, no seams along the shoulders – as it is, it’s boring cut so I might make one. Extending the darts or something. I still regret the fabric.

    Thank you very much :) x