Mauve Taupe Polka Dot Halter Dress

Added Feb 13, 2012

by Jamie Lau

Brooklyn, New Yo...

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Description

I found this beautiful Japanese linen at Britex Fabrics a few years ago when I first learned to sew. Never a fan of pink, the mauve taupe combined with the pale yellow polka dots was the perfect girly compromise. As always, I held on to this fabric for the longest time until the right project came along.

Last summer, while making a tulip print halter dress, I fell in love with this style and found the fit to be instantly flattering. So, I decided to make one for myself and varied the halter straps. In retrospect, I probably should not have used linen for this pattern since the steaming does take patience, but the natural crinkle effect is kind of nice for a full, summery skirt. Modeled here in my favorite Rachel Comey clogs at my dear friend Dean Dempsey’s photography studio in Brooklyn, NY.

Material Notes

3 yards of linen, 1 1/2 yards of cotton voile, 12"-invisible zipper, coordinating thread

Difficulty

Intermediate

Categories

Season
Spring, Summer
For
Women
Garment Type
Dress
Style
Beach, Classic, Romantic, Vintage
Material
Cotton, Linen

Credits

Photographer

Dean Dempsey

25 Comments Sign in to add a post

  • Sunglasses_pink2_large

    Aug 5, 2012, 05.32 PMby SassyT

    Absolutely gorgeous!

  • 3864138084_1fb5db6c00_large

    Jul 5, 2012, 11.01 AMby Ruffles Gazebo

    this fits you so well! what an amazing dress!~ did you use the same skirt pattern? yours seems fuller?

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Jul 5, 2012, 06.24 PMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks so much! Yes, I used the same skirt pattern. Adding a petticoat underneath could be great, too, if you wanted more fullness.

  • Clare_hodge_laurence_keane_large

    Feb 18, 2012, 12.25 AMby clareh

    More beautiful than the fabric is the fit of the dress! Bravo!

  • Wabbitfabric_large

    Feb 17, 2012, 10.17 PMby wadoowindi

    It’s a beautiful dress!

  • Green_hornet_and_batmobile_large

    Feb 15, 2012, 07.05 PMby lesyoung

    Love the dress and colors. I am looking forward to the next project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Missing

    Feb 15, 2012, 04.00 PMby wjskiss2000

    I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!!!!!!!! and great choice on material.

  • 043011donna_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 08.22 PMby dborecky

    How did you vary the straps? Did you just move them to the sides more? I stay away from halters because I have an armpit bulge from when I got infected milk ducts, but I like how your straps cover that area nicely. I’d like to know what you did so I can wear cool things again in the summer and not be embarassed.

    3 Replies
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 08.34 PMby Jamie Lau

      Hi,

      Instead of having halter straps that tie behind the neck, I made them straps instead.

      First, determine the placement and length of your shoulder straps. Working from the right side of the bodice self fabric, position the short ends of the straps as desired on the top edge of the bodice front and back and baste.

      Pin the bodice lining and self fabric together, right sides facing with the straps sandwiched in between. Make sure that seam lines are matching. Sew together at the bust line. Remove basting stitches.

    • 043011donna_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 11.09 PMby dborecky

      So simple, why didn’t I think of doing that! Thanks! Now I just HAVE to make this dress!

    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 11.11 PMby Jamie Lau

      Good luck! Would love to see your finished version, too!

  • Missing

    Feb 14, 2012, 06.27 PMby Yueh Wen Chang

    WOW, Jamie, this dress is so cute. I am not a pink person either so I really love this mauve color and the polkadot fabric. Thanks for wearing the necklace. Should I do a plug in here? OK, Jamie’s necklace is from Sora Designs (do a search in Etsy). In the beginning of this year, the lady over at the sewweekly.com made a dress based on one of my necklace. I love to see how these necklaces were being paired with great outfits. Thanks Jamie.

  • Thinker_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 05.59 PMby thinker

    Beautiful! nicely done.

  • 6e3656aa7036783b3e4bbc29f34d1029385afafe_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 05.45 PMby wzrdreams

    I love it. Bravo! Nice choice in the dot. This will be so comfortable in the summer.

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 05.46 PMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks, Grace! Happy Valentine’s Day!

  • Blogg_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 05.09 PMby LilleLine

    Wow, It looks amazing and fits you perfectly. Great job

  • 25326_624762504107_33600381_35437090_5790819_n_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 03.39 PMby wendymichelle1015

    So Cute! I Love!

  • Lexi_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 09.56 AMby Lexicon

    I concur with all the above comments! I hope to be able to make clothes with such a great fit one day.

  • Avatar3_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 09.36 AMby carottesauvage

    You’ll turn heads! Your valentine’d rather hold your hand tight! ;) x

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 02.48 PMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks, Hélène. Happy Valentine’s Day!

  • Ircontemp_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 09.32 AMby bernieandi

    This is gorgeous! The fabric and fit are perfect! Exellent work! :-)

  • Bs1107_bus_0711_091__large_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 06.40 AMby Itsbeensewlong

    Gorgeous dress and looks fabulous on you! Beautiful fabric too! Lou

  • Carmen_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 03.47 AMby bunnytheory

    Wow I am in love with this dress, it is so well made and the mauve and yellow polka dots are to die for!

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 05.08 AMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks! I really wish I bought more yardage of this fabric to do other projects with.

  • Missing

    Feb 14, 2012, 02.24 AMby abcameo

    I’m so impressed with the professionalism of your sewing—especially since I’m still not experienced enough not to botch something on everything I sew! ;-D

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 05.07 AMby Jamie Lau

      Thank you so much! I only learned to sew a few years ago and kept practicing by making tons of tote bags for friends!

  • Me4_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 01.50 AMby poppykettle

    Gorgeous!

  • The_mermaid_large

    Feb 14, 2012, 12.50 AMby blueartisan

    I do love how you have captured the girlie look in a subtle way, that fabric is gorgous and the whole dress is very flattering on you. Great job!

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 01.19 AMby Jamie Lau

      Thank you for the compliment! It took awhile to get all the pleats right, but it was definitely worth it!

  • Img_3334_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 09.13 PMby Jodi Wade

    You look great Jamie. Such a cute dress!

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 14, 2012, 01.16 AMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks, Jodi!

  • Ooobop_thatched_house_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 06.41 PMby janene

    It certainly is flattering. Its gorgeous in fact. I have this issue so thank you for the inspiration. I like your version much better!

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 13, 2012, 07.43 PMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks so much! The pattern is fairly easy to use. You should definitely give it a whirl!

  • Bub_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 06.40 PMby baka-pepica

    its reall great! i like it !!! great!

  • Missing

    Feb 13, 2012, 05.55 PMby Petitemess

    I love everything in this dress!

  • Threadbanger_av_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 04.46 PMby blueshoegal

    Stunning dress – love the neckline!

    1 Reply
    • Project_image_1_large

      Feb 13, 2012, 04.59 PMby Jamie Lau

      Thanks so much!

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