There was a bit of a mishap though... I discovered what happens when you iron over your plastic tape measure...
Yep - it goes all melty and stretches and the printing transfers ONTO YOUR FABRIC!
Sigh! Luckily its on the lining of the skirt so hopefully no-one will notice....
Anyway! There was a lot of hand sewing to be done on this dress like the hem for instance:
And sewing on press studs, and other finishing bits that just couldn't be done by machine, so I spent a fair bit of time sitting on my butt in front of the television trying to pretend I was doing something else. It was all worth it though, because after several hours effort I ended up with this:
I am so happy with it - to me its a really good effort to replicate a pattern without the pattern! And like I said up the top, I am yet to do the bolero, but I'll have that done this weekend. And serendipitously, I have been invited to a party the following weekend where the host would like us to wear green accessories - green accessories will go PERFECTLY with this dress!!!
Oh, I just realised I forgot to tell you about the halter strap!
I put the dress on and put pins where I wanted the halter strap to attach, then I got out the tape measure and measured from one pin around the back of my neck to the other pin.Then I made a strap that was green one side and parrots the other side, and put a button hole at each end (yes, I cheated and used a machine made buttonhole - I know!)
Then I sewed two lovely buttons on the inside of the bodice. This way I can wear the dress without the strap if I want, or with the green side out, or the parrot side out!
So what do we all think? I'm looking forward to getting the other piece of the ensemble finished and putting it all on - I think its going to look amazing (even if I do say so myself!)
Beccie
xxx
it is beautiful, really beautiful
ReplyDeleteThanks Dionne :D
DeleteBeautiful! Can't wait to see it on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! I'm trying to see it in my mind with the bolero on!!
DeleteSpectacular! I just love those colours. Can't wait to see it all accessorized up and worn to your party :-)
ReplyDeleteMe either Esz - I have a feeling its going to be spectacular!!!
DeleteWow! That dress is gorgeous! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cherise :)
Deletegorgeous! excelelnt idea on the strap. incredible execution. funfabric. great shape. and all out of your own imagination. design = awesome!!!
ReplyDeletewtg!!!
cannot wait to see it on and all the extra flare you'll bring to it accessorized instead of it sitting there on your headless friend ;)
I can't wait to show you what it looks like on either!!! But honestly, thank goodness for my headless friend. Without her I'd be lost!
DeleteThat dress is amazing. I love the fabric so much and the green contrast is perfect. I can't wait to see some action shots. You did such an awesome job creating this beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bea! I really wasn't sure about the green at first. I really would have liked to contrast it with pink, but the shop didnt have any pink rayon, only green. So I went with the green and I am SOOOO glad I did!
DeleteThats one awesome dress! Loving the parrots and pom pom combination! Now you just need to organise a little beach side cocktail gathering to show it off :D
ReplyDeleteHow good are mini pom-poms!!!! I just love them!!
DeleteThat dress is so special, you must be thrilled ! It'll be a joy to wear next weekend! those tiny pom poms are adorable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nessa - I am very pleased with myself to say the least!!! And its so wonderful to have the perfect outfit for this party too :) Now I just need the weather to co-operate!
DeleteSo, so beautiful! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz :)
DeleteOoo, I love how the green lining is visible!! :-D
ReplyDeleteThe Fictionista
{sean-mackenzie.blogspot.com}
I know Sean, I love it too!! And green definitely was the right choice in the end :)
DeleteI know Sean, I love it too - and green definitely was the right choice in the end. Its good to step outside your comfort zone every now and again :)
DeleteI've been hanging out to see this project finished. It looks great, I can't wait to see it worn and accessorised. I've wanted to "dive in" to drafting patterns like this and seeing how great this looks might just be the nudge I need. Though I may start with something simpler (I'm not sure I'm this clever).
ReplyDeleteHey Toggles! You'll have to wait a couple of weeks to see the final pictures of me wearing it with all the accessories, but it'll be worth it I assure you!
DeleteI'm always the one who throws herself in at the deep end. The first thing I sewed in August 2011 was a knee length princess seamed tailored coat!
I think you should just give it a shot and see how you go, you might just surprise yourself :)