Sunday, September 9, 2012

Macaron

Seriously, this dress sucked all the creative energy that I have.  Honestly, I am really surprised that I even finished this!! 

So, here is my August Colette 2.0 sewalong.  Oh boy.  I think you guys know how much this dress took out of me.  Honestly, it has absolutely nothing to do with Colette Patterns.  The dress was beautifully drafted, the instructions were very thorough and detailed.  My problem with the pattern happened on the drive home from the fabric store.  My water bottle leaked ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY PURSE!!  So, when I got home, I was obviously devastated.  But, I gingerly unfolded my soaking wet tissue paper and laid them over chairs and things like that.  However, I think the whole soaking in water and then letting them hang dry stretched and distorted them!  Unless Sarai planned on the skirt portions to be more of a parallelogram than rectangles.  So, the majority of the SIX MUSLINS required to finish my dress was more of trying to make the pieces fit together they way they were intended.

But, once I got the pieces correct (or mostly, anyways), I sewed up this version.  I think I may have jumped the gun, though.  The sleeves are a teeny tiny bit too small.  They fit and they aren't a huge problem, but when I make it next time, i think I will add like 1/4" to 1/2" to the sleeves. 

I do love this dress!  I got the softest, drapiest corduroy I have ever laid my eyes on!  The floral print was actually a voile that in underlined with a solid dark pink voile.  I omitted the facings and used store bought *cringe* bias tape, instead.  I also added a 1" flare to the skirt, because I wanted it more A-line than the straight skirt. 

back!
I wore this dress to go watch Paranorman!  It was a super cute movie, but it was pretty scary for a kid movie.  Paranorman was a reward for my daughter because she kept her room clean for an entire week!  For a four year old, this is crazy long!  I am so proud of her!  Anyways, I wore this dress to Panera Bread (lunch), Target (candy stock up, of course!), Barnes and Noble, another candy store (forgot to get M&Ms for the theater) and the theater.  It was really comfortable, and I didn't notice anything being too tight, too loose, or too short.  All of those are super important when dealing with a four year old.  So, all-in-all, I consider this dress awesome and I will make it again!

Cost:
Pattern: $18
Fabric (main): 2 yards corduroy ($10)
Fabric (contrast): 1.5 yards voile ($7)
Fabric (underlining): 1 yard voile ($5)
Notions: zipper, thread ($2)
Total: $42

What I learned:
If I ever completely soak my pattern in water either 1) let it dry folded up or 2) just buy a new pattern!

Would I make it again?
Most definitely yes!  It's super comfortable and I really like it!  Not 100% sure that it is flattering, but that's okay, I guess.

11 comments:

  1. Oh no! Maybe laying them out flat is the way to go after patterns get wet? Regardless, your dress came out wonderful. Love it!

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    1. Yeah, I am thinking that it's because I didn't lay them flat. Grrrr!! But, now I know!! Also, because of all the craziness, I know a lot more about fitting!

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  2. The dress turned out beautifully, and bravo for not giving up after your muslin adventures! I'm glad to hear you'll be making more - what colors/fabrics are you thinking for future versions? The corduroy is stunning!

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    1. Well, I am definitely wanting a sleeveless version! I also really, really, really want to do a dark pink for the skirt and bodice and a light pink for the yoke and sleeves. Then, I would do a lace overlay for the front yoke and back yoke! I got it in my head and it just wont leave! Actually, I am thinking a lot about lace overlays...

      I also want to make another one next summer with a really full skirt.

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  3. I love that you added a bit of flare to the skirt. Thats the only thing I would change on my version. Love love the colors too!

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    1. Thank you! Yeah, I have learned that if anything clings too much to my hips, I feel self conscious in it and I end up never wearing it. I don't know why...my hips aren't really a self-proclaimed "trouble spot"

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  4. this is TOTALLY flattering on you! I was just thinking that I hope mine looks as good on me when I get round to making it. Great job in the face of adversity!

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    1. Awwwww! Thanks! I was really worried that the dress wouldn't be flattering at all and I considered sitting out a round of the sew along!

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  5. Your dress looks awesome!! Love the corduroy. Since this sewalong I have now become addicted to Colette Patterns and am on a mission to sew every one! lol

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