Okay So this project started out because I found this dress on pinterest and was like "ME WANT!"
I think what appealed to me was the fact its just a very lovely day dress which I'm discovering is my style! So I took a few notes on what I liked:
the use of a larger check
the gathered skirt
button front
I knew the Lilou dress would be a perfect base to make this dress around. I did debate whether or not be make a working button front or a faux one but I opted for a faux one in the end, mainly because its easier!
I did pattern match to the best of my ability, the checks run through the side seam.......
and across the back! I'm feeling like a bit of a pattern matching champion to be honest!!! [sorry for the wrinkles in the back, I'd been wearing the dress all day when I took the pictures!]
Here's a close up of the front button placket. I basically cut two strips on the bias sewed them together turned them through and then top stitched them to the centre front! The buttons are from my stash. I only had four of these and I think they look pretty vintage! I used blue thread to stitch them on to add a bit of contrast.
The skirt is a simple gathered one, which I just cut across the width of the fabric. I matched across the side seams of the skirt too, and did French seams!!!!
The bodice is fully lined, which is a bit unusual for a summer dress but I'd rather be a touch warm than have to dealing with seeing facings and seams all over the place!!!
The fabric came from abakhan in Hanley and is a one inch poly cotton I used the navy colourway but I'm thinking I now also need versions in red, royal blue and maybe the pink? or would that make me look like a giant Barbie? its only £3.85 per metre and I think I brought 2 metres so really £8 for a dress isn't too bad is it? and I've got some left so I probably could have squeezed it from a metre and a half?
So here's the two ways I plan on styling it!
So here I'm channelling my inner country girl! this ones great for wandering around and feeling comfortable!
dress - handmade
Plimsolls - I think Primark? but similar here [I've had mine for years, these had just been through the wash!]
This one is something that I'd wear to the cinema or on a date night.
Dress - Handmade
shoes - not a clue but they are like a red peep toe wedge!
bag - refashioned! you can read about it here
So yeah all in all this project was a GRAND success! I love the look of the dress and I can't wait to make more versions! Ooooh I wonder how it would look in a smaller check?
Much Love
Frankie
xxx
