Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Tropical Wrap Dress : Here it is!!!!

So for the benefit of those of you that don't follow my Facebook page, I got the bolero all sewn up on Saturday in time to wear to the party on Saturday night (so much hand sewing!!!).  HOWEVER, we had monsoon like conditions on the weekend with howling winds and lashing rain, and while it wasn't cold, it just wasn't the right weather to be wearing this ensemble.

Sad face.

Luckily, the sun has come out since so I was able to get all dolled up and take these photos to show you the end result.  I am so pleased with how it came out, words can't even begin to describe it!

TA DA!!!
Excuse my slightly squinty face... 

I made the bolero by adjusting a pattern I already had - all I needed to do was redraft the front pieces, which was pretty easy, then add a mandarin collar.  I probably could have done a better job on that bit, because I have never done a collar like this before.  I just did a straight piece, but I think it could sit better if it had a slight curve in it.  Never mind!

The detail you probably can't see from this photo is the brooch I used as a clasp.  The pattern envelope doesn't show how they intended to fasten the bolero - no buttons or frogs or hooks and eyes.  I toyed with the idea of adding a frog, but couldnt find one ANYWHERE.  Then I came across this brooch and I knew it was perfect:


Its a vintage brooch with rhinestones and enamel, and while its probably seen better days I couldn't resist it!


Here is the back.  I really like the way that the green bobble trim on the edge of the bolero defines where the bolero ends and the dress starts.  I was originally thinking I would wear the bolero green side out, but it was just a bit too green for me... its still possible though, and I might wear it that way at times...



I just love the way that the rayon feels on - it drapes beautifully!


The whole ensemble is so comfortable to wear and I feel so glamorous in it.  I need someone to throw an outdoor party - possibly in a tropical location - and invite me quick!!!


I also had this gorgeous hair accessory made by the fabulous Mira Mae at Berry Bombshell.  Mira Mae has been making hair clips for a while and has FINALLY decided to open a dedicated Facebook page on which to sell them.  You should really go and like her page here and have a look at her gorgeous hair pieces.  The hibiscus flowers she used match the ones on the fabric PERFECTLY!

Sadly though, when I got home I realised I had forgotten to put on these gorgeous vintage earrings that I had purchased especially:


Aren't they just so precious!  They are made of porcelain, and I'm going to try really hard to remember to wear them next time!

So what do you all think?  Was it worth the 5 weeks work?  Was there anything I should have done differently?

Beccie
xxx



24 comments:

  1. That is god damn gorgeous!
    Loving the bolero and the brooch too!!:)
    Eek Excitement

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    1. Thanks Bec - I love it too!!! If no-one throws a party I can wear it to, I'm going to have to throw one!!!

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  2. Absolutely beautiful! Your drafting and execution are inspiring. And the details blow me away... the accessories! The bobble trim! Love it all

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    1. Thanks Shannon! I think its so wonderful that I inspire people - makes me feel really special :)

      And there is nothing better than matchy-matchy accessories and bobble trim :D

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  3. Oh, Beccie! This is nothing short of awesome! The dress, bolero, brooch, hair clip, earrings, hair (love your color!) and makeup. Oh, honey, just perfect! Now I really am inspired to make a dress like that for myself. Just gorgeous!

    I host a tiki party every June. You have a standing invite if you ever happen to visit the Washington DC area during our summer.

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    1. You have a tiki party!!! I WANT TO COME!!! I wish I could come this year, I have the perfect dress :D

      You should have a go at making one yourself!!! And after the re-release of Butterick B5880 last week you won't have to work out how to construct the swaggy bit on the skirt! Thats half the confusing bit taken care of!!

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  4. Your outfit is amazing. All the accessories you chose are perfect.
    You look beautiful. Backdrop suits the outfit too. Great job :)

    J. x

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    1. Thanks Lola June :) I'm so happy with the accessories too - its amazing how sometimes you just find everything just at the right time :)

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  5. You look gorgeous and the dress turned out fabulously! Now I need to get cracking on making one for the summer. Which pattern did you use for the dress?

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    1. Mariela, I didn't use a pattern. I made it up using Simplicity 1168 as inspiration. Its an incredibly rare and very expensive and popular pattern from the 50s. I was never going to be able to find one let alone afford it, so I created my own version, which looks pretty similar to the original. You can find a photo of it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482967425085873&set=a.482966741752608.100939.393715540677729&type=3&theater

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    2. However, as I said above to Relynn - Butterick have just re-released B5880 which has a very similar skirt that could be adapted to look like this one, then all you'd have to come up with is the bodice :)

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    3. Well you did a marvelous job! That pattern is on my must-buy list.

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  6. Wow, so amazing! If nobody throws a tropical party, I think that dress deserves a party of its own ;) Can't wait to see your next project! xx Kim

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    1. Thanks Kim! And that's a great idea, I'll throw a party for the dress!!! :)

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  7. wow.A perfect display of why im in love with vintage styles.

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    1. I know Michelle - aren't vintage styles just amazing! Classy and sexy and elegant and fun all at the same time!

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  8. I absolutely adore this. Fab job, Beccie! :-)

    The Fictionista
    {sean-mackenzie.blogspot.com}

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  9. You have done such a good job on this, from start to finish. I love it!

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    1. Thanks Tara :) It was a bit of a long haul - probably the longest to sew project I've done - but I'm so happy with the results and blown away by everyone's support!

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  10. Your dress is simply stunning. Utterly fabulous. Hooray!

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