Work'n the Midnight Shift!

Added Jun 24, 2010

by nessys

Adelaide, Australia

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1127

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Description

This is a midnight blue shift dress – hence the name. . .(cheesy attempt at humour . . .)

I used Newlook 6727 (I think this is discontinued now). I chose the view with darts, hoping for a less sack-like look and pinched the sash from another view (still deciding if I like it or not). I also shortened the sleeves so they just sit past the elbow. Added side pockets.

I am in two minds about how this dress looks. I like the boat neck line, but I am not sure if it sits just right (seemed ok on muslin and I did stay stitch this time!). The plan is to wear it as is or with a skivvy (turtleneck) underneath when colder. Feel free to comment honestly – ie “you look like a dork in a dress Ness”!

I thought I checked the final length before I started but I really should have doubled checked against waistline – as it turned out just a touch shorter than I liked (even after employing a fab new way of hemming I’ve just discovered called a “faced hem” – refer to below link for further information!!!).

Last shot shows me at “work’n” in my “sewing area” (our dining room . . . ). Look closely – and you see all the essential items for any sewing project. . . ;)-

Thanks for looking Darls!

Material Notes

Midnight blue stretch cotton poplin. Usual lining material for lining.

Difficulty

Novice

Related Techniques

Categories

For
Women
Garment Type
Dress
Style
Bohemian, Classic, Romantic
Material
Cotton

Credits

Newlook

6727

My Brother Mike

Printing of pattern (thanks Dude!)

Eurovison Song Contest

Background Noise

Digital Changeling

http://www.digitalchangeling.com/sewing/howTo/hems.html

Long Suffering Husband

Taking time out from World Cup to do photos! xxxx

12 Comments Sign in to add a post

  • 554b4fba0e3ca5ec79d260671c5091e4c886b9de_large

    Aug 24, 2010, 08.03 PMby rowsew

    Love this pattern, very versatile. I also dig the colour and that you put pockets in – I love a pocket in anything, but especially a frock.

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Aug 29, 2010, 04.23 AMby nessys

      Thanks Darl – pockets do rock especially in a frock! xxx

  • Front_profile_-_copia_large

    Jul 5, 2010, 08.24 PMby gimmeonekiss

    honestly, i don’t know what a dork is BUUUUUUUT, if it’s a beautiful thing…yes, you probably look as is it! ;))) the dress is fantastic: why don’t wearing it with a contrasting belt? ….and u’re really sexy with flamenco shoes!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jul 6, 2010, 02.19 AMby nessys

      Thanks Honey – you’re a Sweetheart!

      Mmmmm – contrasting belt sounds like a goer! Will have to keep my eye out for some cool fabric for it! Thanks for the suggestion!

  • Dsc_0028_large

    Jul 3, 2010, 03.15 AMby Passiona Cottee

    Gorgeous, Chups! A lovely dress. YOour personal touches have made it something special. And I DO like the colour. Very tame for Eurovision creation ;) Thanks for the hem facing pointer. And your sewing essentials shot: You are an entertaining lass.

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jul 4, 2010, 02.59 AMby nessys

      Hiya Sweets! Thanks for your lovely comments re dress! Re entertainment – I try, I promise nothing!!!

  • Star_large

    Jul 2, 2010, 01.40 AMby moonstar

    Just wanted to let you know I found a pattern kind of like yours – Newlook 6949. Unfortunately I’ve butchered my dress already by ruining the neckline (wanted to do a simple rounded neckline like yours instead of the facing it came with since it looked too complicated) and the sleeves too – for some reason I just can’t seem to be able to add sleeves properly. I might just keep it sleevless…still working on it. Anyway sorry for posting so many comments, I just really like your top. :)

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jul 2, 2010, 02.01 AMby nessys

      Hi Honey – no need to be sorry I am happy to hear from you!!

      I’ve taken a look at the pattern you’ve got and from what I can see, the BACK of your neck line is very similar to both the front and back of my dress. You could try drafting a front neck line using the back as a guide. Also – I don’t like using neckline facings either. What I did is just attached the lining at the neck line. Remember to stay stitch the necklines of both dress and lining fabric first, stitch the seam, understich the seam then then trim & clip. Does that make sense? Also – I too struggled with attaching the sleeves to my dress. I think this was for two reasons – the type of material (very tight weave) and I was rushing to get it done (not good for me!). What I found really helped was doing 3 (yes three!) lines of easing stitches and then pining them in place and then machine basting to make sure there was no puckers and then final stitching. It sounds fiddly (and it was!) but it was sooo worth the effort. I am one of those “obsessive compulsive” types and like to be thorough and methodical in my sewing (why it takes me so long to finish anything). I am sure others here could do a better job without all the hoo har – but that’s just how I work.

      Let me know what you think, how you get on or if you need any clarification! xxxxx

  • Missing

    Jun 28, 2010, 11.39 AMby sophie11

    Nessy – what I love about shift dresses is that you can shorten up the hem beacuse they’re not fitted. Something always has to be left to the imagination (i.e. shfit and short, fitted and longer). I think you should shorten it a few inches and you’d knock em dead!! And don’t get all coy on me, you’d look great with it shorter!!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 28, 2010, 11.56 AMby nessys

      Thanks Darl! But trust me – no one needs to see my knees!!

      You Sweet Thing! xxxx

  • Picture_2_large

    Jun 28, 2010, 12.50 AMby Britynn D

    I absolutely love the sleeves on this dress, so cute!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 28, 2010, 02.06 AMby nessys

      Thanks Hon! x

  • Canon_eos_july_2009_068_edited-1_large

    Jun 25, 2010, 04.20 AMby jadedrabbit

    You have a great figure and the dress suits you very well. Perhaps a couple of long strands of fake pearls would look good too. Fabulous work NessyS.

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 25, 2010, 06.48 AMby nessys

      Thanks Sweetie – you are very kind!

  • Pixeforburda_large

    Jun 24, 2010, 11.46 PMby pixelink

    You couldn’t make it look any better, I think the neckline and length are spot on and you don’t look a dork! Well done for taking all the time to make a muslin version… you definitely deserve more vino!!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 25, 2010, 12.52 AMby nessys

      Thanks Darl – I think I have just spent wayyy too long looking at it! I should just chill out and have another glass perhaps?? ! xxx

  • Maya_kuzman_large

    Jun 24, 2010, 04.01 PMby sewella

    I looove your dress and I think the boat neckline suits it just fine. I know it’ll go great with a turtleneck! And I think that the length is OK. I also like it like this – with a pair of leggins! To sum it up: a great and versatile piece of clothing! You look gorgeous!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 25, 2010, 12.53 AMby nessys

      Thanks Honey – Iike I said to pixelink – I think I have just been looking at it too long!

      Your sweet comments make my day! xxx

  • Star_large

    Jun 24, 2010, 03.49 PMby moonstar

    ok i checked and they don’t seem to be selling it here. :( oh well, hopefully i will find something similar…

  • Star_large

    Jun 24, 2010, 03.41 PMby moonstar

    I really like your dress. I’ve been looking for a pattern like that so hopefully it isn’t discontinued…

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 25, 2010, 01.03 AMby nessys

      You could try SewingPatterns.com – they may still do it as a “download” pattern or you could try looking on the Newlook (or other brand) site and see if they have this pattern or something similar (apart from sleeves, it is a pretty classic dress). Sometimes Ebay has discontinued patterns – let me know how you get on and thanks for your lovely comment! xx

  • C9c58f92ed60d1987d1a711106e37cb70262f08a_large

    Jun 24, 2010, 01.33 PMby anajan

    Yup, the essential items: a glass of wine, and sexy high heel shoes! Nice dress!

    1 Reply
    • Me_pecks_large

      Jun 25, 2010, 12.53 AMby nessys

      Thanks Sweets! xxxx

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