Description
I was asked to participate in The Sew Weekly’s Common Thread series and this is the project that I came up with for it. It was a challenge for me since it was based around the idea that I had to incorporate a trim into the sewing of a garment, which is actually a rarity for me. I wanted a belt involved somewhere in the project so I took the idea back to my pattern stash and found the Heidi dress from here on Burda Style. Then it all fell together, though I’m still somewhat surprised by the result.
I’ve had the floral silk shantung in my stash for some time now and had always wanted some sort of dress from it. I bought it on an outrageous sale and think it’s meant to be a home dec fabric. Putting the lace up (from the Common Thread project series) against it really grabbed me. But then of course, I had to make it pop somehow especially with a color that really copper-tones up my hair. The chartreuse isn’t even a color in the floral fabric, but that’s the beauty of it I think. Completely artistic.
I made a few alterations to the pattern itself, lengthening the torso since mine is abnormally long, plus widening the hip and bringing up the neckline a bit as the original was too low for me and on the verge of looking unsavory. I incorporated the lace into the neckline and the pocket openings while also using the chartreuse dupioni as an added bias trim which I non traditionally used with the raw edges facing out, as its something I’ve always wanted to do. The belt I went off a little in my own direction for. It hit me one night that I should make the back a lace up to add more to the modern geisha effect. To finish it off I made a silk flower from the lining and gave it a little lace trim decadence. The end result is terribly comfortable with all the romance of a beautiful spring day when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Material Notes
silk shantung, crepe de chine, dupioni silk, eyelets, invisible zipper, lace trim, grosgrain ribbon
Difficulty
Intermediate
Jan 16, 2012, 02.43 PMby skeeler
The details on this dress are absolutely great…I love how ideas just came to you. Creative!
Apr 16, 2011, 07.52 AMby ajtak7171
It’s absolutely fabulous! So perfect, everything!!!
Apr 13, 2011, 07.50 AMby lovelypolly
wow, i like the dress a lot! good job!
Apr 10, 2011, 03.15 PMby anajan
Wow Sunni, the dress is stunning. As Ralf said, the best Heidi I’ve seen on the site. The color contrast is amazing, and it really suits your hair and skin complexion. Well done! It goes straight to my favorites, for future inspiration :)
Apr 10, 2011, 12.17 PMby u120418
Very pretty!
Apr 9, 2011, 08.02 AMby FEDRA
I like the combinations of color and a slight touch of green. stylish and fresh!
Apr 9, 2011, 07.23 AMby Ralf Schmitz
deare sunnilj! this is a fab dress! i love the print of your fabric and the colors you chose for the trimmings. this heidi dress is the best i have seen so far! BRAVO
Apr 8, 2011, 11.38 PMby turtlegirl00
I love it! colors and style—it is great!
Apr 8, 2011, 07.00 PMby janul
This is so lovely! I love the colours and the fabrics! It looks really great on you :)
Apr 8, 2011, 03.02 PMby mudinfedi
its just amazing,. I like the contrast in the belt and dress
Apr 8, 2011, 02.59 PMby elsiesea
My stars, this is nice in both design and execution! And it looks wonderful on you, too. Very inspiring…can I nick the lace-up-sash idea some time? :)
1 Reply
Apr 8, 2011, 03.19 PMby sunnilj9
Of course! The belt for this particular pattern is rather dashing! It’s actually contoured and makes a really nice cincher! You’ll totally love it! I would do one thing differently though. The original belt is closed with side hook and eye closures. I would keep that and add the lace-up in the back just to make it easier to take on and off. I think I might need one more like this at least!
xoxo,
Sunni
Apr 8, 2011, 02.36 PMby christina031106
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the contrast of the green to the floral print, and the detailing on the pockets is beautiful.
Apr 8, 2011, 02.25 PMby amaydak
Once again, LOVE IT!