Description
This is my version of the lovely Colette Peony. I was attracted to this pattern because of its clean simple lines and I do like a good boat-neck, which I always find is a good balance to my pear-shape.
Because I wanted to use this fabric, which has a lovely drape and a bit of weight to it, I made a few minor variation to the pattern. I omitted the back waist darts on the bodice and used some small tucks instead to create a more bloused effect and I also omitted the zipper, which was great because I usually find back zippers uncomfortable when I am sitting all day.
I added a self-drafted neckline detail with a hand rolled edge because the fabric was suited to the soft folds and I thought the rather serious colour needed the extra detail. Because the fabric has a subtle stripe in it, the folds create a geometric effect (a little hard to see in the photos) and I like the vintage feel of that. The dress is very comfortable to wear although I might add some little ribbon loops inside the shoulders to keep straps at bay.
This was my first Colette pattern and I found the instructions easy to follow. I really like the booklet style as well – rather than wresting with a giant pattern sheet.
Material Notes
Fabric remnant from Tessuti in Sydney
Difficulty
Novice
Jan 3, 2012, 10.07 AMby buzzybee
I like the dress too! And I agree about the boat neck and pear shape body. It works for me too!
Dec 22, 2011, 10.58 PMby missmallowan
Thank you all for the lovely comments about the dress – my first post on Burdastyle. As requested I will try and post some detail photos of the collar in the next few days.
Dec 22, 2011, 06.05 PMby spulford
Yes, the collar detail is really amazing. It adds so much interest and sophistication. I just wish we could see the stripe effect!
Dec 22, 2011, 04.45 PMby rshelly13
The softness of the dress looks great on you!
Dec 22, 2011, 12.25 PMby squirrellypoo
Wow that’s totally beautiful! Is this variation in the book,or did you draft that collar yourself? If it’s the latter, could you share a photo of the pattern piece for that?
1 Reply
Dec 22, 2011, 11.03 PMby missmallowan
Thank you! I drafted the collar myself. I have absolutely no drafting skills so I was pretty surprised it turned out OK. It was inspired by a photo of an Orla Kiely blouse I saw a while ago and I used the shoulder section of the front bodice pattern piece as a base on my dress form and then played around with an extended middle section to form the folded collar until I got the effect I was after. I will try and take a picture of the resulting pattern piece to give you an idea. Hopefully it will make sense.
Dec 22, 2011, 09.37 AMby bernieandi
great work!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.34 AMby K4REN
Beautiful collar! :)
Dec 22, 2011, 08.23 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.23 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.23 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.22 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.22 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.22 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.22 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 08.22 AMby A Sewing Architect
Great idea, the collar detail makes it special!
Dec 22, 2011, 07.00 AMby blueartisan
Very clever, a vintage feel but a modern look. Collar is gorgeous!
Dec 22, 2011, 01.59 AMby schnui
I love the collar detail too. Well done.
Dec 22, 2011, 01.42 AMby The Tropical Sewist
So, so pretty with the collar and the way the whole dress flows. Well done you.
Dec 22, 2011, 01.29 AMby rljulie
That’s so cute! Very clever collar detail. nicely done!