Tuesday 29 June 2010

What to wear?

Sometimes, when you've got nothing to wear because it is so darned hot outside, the simplest solution is to sew yourself something new.
  • This is a version of the trapeze sundress from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing.  I made the original dress in the book during the last hot spell, a few weeks ago.
  • To make it into this top, I shortened the pattern to fall at mid-hip, and left off the pockets.
  • I didn't put in pleats, as the pattern instructs, instead I put in gathers.  You just need a very small bit of gathering at the centre front and centre back.  I find gathers much easier than pleats.
  • The main fabric is from the V&A quilt exhibition collection.  I started with a metre length, and ended up with a fair amount leftover.
  • The contrasting fabric is some linen from my stash - I first used it for O's cropped trousers here.  I think it originally came from IKEA - they often have good linens in stock.
  • I added some fancy stitching to the shoulder straps - and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.
  • I thought the front needed something as well, but more fancy stitching might have been a bit much, so I sewed on two little flower buttons.  I'm really pleased with this addition too.
  • Made in the evening.  Worn the next morning.  Excellent.






15 comments:

  1. thats gorgeous..I must get that book..you've made fab things from it....

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  2. I'm liking that fancy stitch on the straps!

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  3. I read your sewing posts thinking, "Thank heavens for LW, she makes sewing seem completely doable". Then I get to your pic of stitched flowers and fall out of my chair.

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  4. It's beautiful! I do have that book so might have to have a go at making one for myself!

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  5. It's very pretty. I've just bought some material to have a go at this pattern. Any tips on altering the size?

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  6. Sue, I don't have an email address for you, but hopefully you'll check back here.

    One of the reasons I like this book is that her clothes all seem to fit well on me with minimal adjustments. But you can try the top on before you attach the bodice, and take it in if it is a little baggy. You can chop it shorter when you hem as well if need be.

    HTH.

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  7. Oooh, how lovely! made in an evening as well, you clever girl. I love the fabric and the buttons. You're an inspiration my dear!
    x

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  8. Oooh, lovely. I've been thinking about making something similar (which should guarantee the sun goes in).

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  9. it's gorgeous ! I bought some lovely fabric today, but it may be winter before I dare to cut into it.....

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  10. All those tops you've made are so gorgeous. I think I need that book!

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  11. What neat stitching...you are so clever!

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  12. I like the use of the fancy stitch. I've never used the ones on my machine despite being bowled over by having them when I bought the darn thing. Also think I ought to pay more attention to this book that's been sitting in my cupboard for a loooong time.

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  13. Gorgeous. Do you find this book useful????? Or are you in fact Heather Ross...

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  14. That looks so good on you - and I love all the little details too.

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Even though I often do not have the time to reply to everybody, I really appreciate all your comments so much - thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts on what I've written.