Burda Style For people who sew
Description
This classic Halston pattern has been in my stash since, like, forever. Of course I was waiting for the ‘perfect’ fabric to walk by.
I bought this navy velour fabric from a Korean seller on Etsy, and oh boy does it feel wonderful! Soft, furry, and as drapey as a velour can get. It is a true navy blue, and the little gold dogs on it are printed on in some kind of semi-sparkly ink. Not sprinkles, not foil – they stay on really firmly in the wash! You’d think it’d be a touch thick for tropical weather, but I’m fine wearing it at my air-conditioned workplace. The colour is particularly difficult to photograph in any sort of lighting – this looks so much more yummy in person!
I’m still not fully convinced that this is the perfect fabric for this particular pattern, but since I have my pattern all graded and re-cut (plus I was a good girl and made a muslin – I find I should always make a muslin for vintage patterns) I will probably be making more of this.
I am especially proud of my machined invisible hem – finally got it going! Though I suspect the thickness of the material contributed a large part to the ‘invisible-ness’.
I made quite a few modifications to the original.
Added a inch to each bust gather, not because I’m particularly endowed, but because there was almost no gather effect at all in the toile.
Took in the bodice sides nearly 1.5in at each armhole to make it less batwing-y.
Let out the bottom of the waist insert for comfort over the jelly belly.
Sewed up the armholes a little way so my underwear wouldn’t be visible when I lifted my arms.
Did a regular skirt instead of the wrapover effect, since the fabric was so thick.
Material Notes
1.8 yards of 44in velour
1 yard of purple pompom trim
1 recycled zipper
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Feb 18, 2013, 01.03 AMby bethmaryharley
This is sooooo beautiful! You look great in it! Very impressed with the invisible hem and the fabric is just perfect! :)
1 Reply
Feb 18, 2013, 10.32 AMby The Tropical Sewist
Aw, thanks! I rather love the fabric myself :) it does feel wonderful!
Feb 16, 2013, 01.41 PMby skeeler
Great dress, with beautiful fit. Kudos to you for doing the muslin!
1 Reply
Feb 16, 2013, 07.01 PMby The Tropical Sewist
Thank you! I’ve learnt that lesson the hard way!
Feb 15, 2013, 11.52 PMby schnui
I love this fabric too and you have really made a lovely dress.
3 Replies
Feb 16, 2013, 07.02 PMby The Tropical Sewist
So kind of you! Sewing is ALL about the fabric isn’t it?
Feb 16, 2013, 10.57 PMby schnui
Yes definitely its all about the fabric. I am suffering from a serious fabric addiction and I am trying not to buy anymore. But it is so hard!!! Do you have the same problem? I haven’t looked at E-bay and I plan on not doing so. It is too easy to click that ‘Cart’ key.
Feb 18, 2013, 10.34 AMby The Tropical Sewist
Oh my, don’t get me started on my stashing/hoarding habits! I had a visitor to my house who thought I was a professional tailor based on the amount of fabric I had lying around, and not just a hobbyist! My problem is with Etsy – shipping is expensive on ebay for me, but there are so many international sellers on Etsy!
Feb 15, 2013, 11.23 PMby Mary Athey
This is lovely,.great fabric x
1 Reply
Feb 16, 2013, 07.04 PMby The Tropical Sewist
Thanks so much! I can’t stop putting my hands in my pockets to stroke the lovely velvety fabric! Thank God I made them – I would look so weird petting myself!
Feb 15, 2013, 09.00 PMby liliarike
Very cute, and so much prettier than the Original dresses! LiliaRike
1 Reply
Feb 16, 2013, 07.03 PMby The Tropical Sewist
Aw, you’re too kind! I think the originals look so ‘greek goddess’ and completely not me – maybe in another 10 years!