Note the fabulous (autographed!) Liberace album, complete with tribute candlesticks, on the mantle in my studio.
Pattern: Butterick 5490, view A
Fabric: Silk/cotton/lycra twill print, available from Gorgeous Fabrics here
Notes: I have a complicated relationship with stretch wovens. They are comfortable to wear, but at best they seem unpredictable to sew. Sometimes I wind up with crinkley seams, or zippers that refuse to go in nicely. As stretch wovens go, this was actually quite nice. It sewed nicely, without stretching, and the zipper went in fine after stabilizing the fabric. But – I had to take the dress in by 2 inches all the way down after I was finished. Did the fabric stretch while sewing, in spite of obsessive amounts of stay stitching? Perhaps. I did make a muslin, which fit, but the stretch factor is so hard to predict. I will say though – the fabric is beautiful. It has lovely drape, and it’s wonderfully cool and light to wear without being at all sheer.
It’s also possible that this pattern was drafted for a C cup. I’m wearing my most padded bra, but I still don’t quite fill out those pleats. I think, in general, the straps/cups are a bit large for my frame, but I should have thought of that – I know that I have to watch the strap size on sleeveless dresses because my ribcage is so small that the proportions get off easily.
I’m very proud of my pattern matching! You can see the waistband is still a bit big. I would add stronger interfacing to this section next time. The dress called for a half lining, but after a pinking shear disaster I had to turn it into a facing – I used an ivory cotton batiste, and lined to the waistband, but not the band itself. It probably needed that extra reinforcement.
Matching nailpolish again… I love this color!
The pattern was easy, but it does have quite a lot of pleats. It is not, therefore, the most slimming thing ever, particularly in the back. I’m ok with that, but I think it’s something to be aware of and plan for. I didn’t follow the instructions, to be honest, because I didn’t like their lining instructions, so I’m not sure how they were. If you’ve made a dress before this one is really straightforward.
I’m wearing this out this weekend – Hitchcock festival at the Palace theater! They do a summer movie series every year… there is nothing like watching old movies in an Art Deco theater!
Looks great, love the colors on you. Seeing all the pleats I agree with you that it may add bulk. I was planning to make this sometime. I think if I do I will change the back to have a V neck similar to the front, that would lighten it up a bit. And maybe just gather the fullness in the back instead of pleats.
I wonder how it would make up in a lightweight silk? hmmm.
and nice nail polish!
Wheeeee! So, so pretty. I love that mink nail polish – I have something very similair (and enjoy painting my very short nails, too). You are so slender, your frame can accommodate any extra bulk – I might find it more problematic. I’ve never sewn with wovens.
Lovely dress and the fabric is awesome
Super pretty. And again love the nails
You look stunning – and everything matches up beautifully. The piping is perfect.
I don’t think that the pleats add bulk – your fabric choice is perfect for them – they drape beautifully.
I have never used piping before – is it difficult to work with?
Your dress looks beautiful on you!The fabric is so pretty. Hope you have fun at the palace watching the old movies.
It is gorgeous and you look awesome in it!
Gorgeous dress! Have fun wearing it for the rest of the summer. I know what you mean about stretch wovens being difficult to work with. I avoid them entirely.
Absolutely beautiful! LOVE the fabric – the color looks so pretty with your hair
stunning!
I really like the pleats on this. The color and print are beautiful and the fit looks superb. Glad you were able to adjust it when it came out too big. You will look gorgeous at the festival. Have fun!
Very lovely!
Oh this dress is so lovely. I think the pleats look great on you, especially the way they hang in the front! The picture of you outside is especially pretty.
ps. Love the shoes too!
That dress came out beautifully! I LOVE that print. Gorgeous! And I love the piping. I’m so into piping right now. I don’t think the straps look too big for you at all! The whole thing is beautiful. Love those pleats!
Such a pretty dress! I don’t think that pleated fullness is anything but flattering. Enjoy wearing it with your coordinated nail polish!
You look divine in that dress. The colours suit you so well. And your shoes?? Awesome!
Iwas so in love with that fabric…but you did it justice!
it’s a grand dress, congrats.
Good job with the pattern matching! Very pretty dress. Enjoy the movies!
So pretty! AGAIN the colour really suits you. I really need to do my colours.
Really pretty dress.
Great colours.
Those colours are lovely and the fabric drapes beautiful. I think you look very pretty in this dress!
Adorable!
Wow, that is SUCH a beautiful dress!
I agree about sewing stretch fabrics! I’ve been battling a beautiful stretch wool/silk blend- the zipper sewed so wonky I almost screamed in frustration. Glad to hear this fabric sews nicely, though, as I’ve been eying it for a long tome (I’m a Gorgeous Fabrics addict) and the dress came out lovely!
Beautifull dress and I love the shoes! =]
This is SO pretty! The fabric is great. As is the matching polish.
BTW, you are the fastest sewer ever. I don’t know how you turn out so many great projects in so little time. No sleep?
Yes, the dress is gorgeous as all your dresses are, but am i the only one noticing the Exorcist reference? I mean, is there something wrong with my screen resolution or is your head on backwards in the first picture?
That is absolutely stunning! I love the shape and the fabric and the trim and just everything! Perfect on you.
Oh my… gorgeous dress!!! I love the matching nail polish and shoes!
gorgeous! I’m a brand new sewist, and believe me… everything you mentioned about stabilizing stitches, and crinkly seams just makes me gape in wonder! I have no idea what those might look like, much less how to do them (or avoid them) myself!
I shall bookmark your blog in an effort to absorb more sewing knowledge.
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Love this dress and it looks great on you. Is there anything you can’t wear – I don’t think so.
This dress looks great on you. Is there anything you can’t wear – I don’t think so.
Beautiful! And I love the brown piping – it really makes the dress pop.
Looks really, really elegant.