Waste Not Want Not
I made a new dress. This time from this new but unloved dress. Although the dress looks rather nice in the photographs, the fabric lacks stability and the dress just clung well everywhere. Because the viscose Lycra fabric is really too drapey for the original style this time I chose a style with more fullness.
M1411 from My Image Spring/Summer 2014, seemed to be just the ticket, fitted but not too clingy. What I also like about the new style is the bodice is lined which gives my drapey fabric structure. For this I used a piece of white cotton interlock from my stash. What I didn't like about the pattern is the amount of ease. I made the dress in the smallest size, grading out two sizes in the hips according to my measurements. I had some fabric left over from the original dress and this was used to cut a new skirt. 
The back bodice was way too big to attach to the skirt so this had to be narrowed. In the end I pinned the dress to my dress form taking out about 3cm on each side. For the ring in the centre front, I initially butchered an old handbag but discovered the ring to be too heavy. My solution was to visit the local $1,2,3 and found some cheap earrings which I cut the hook off with wire cutters.
While I am really pleased with the resulting dress, I think this pattern is not very well drafted. Just as well it is a simple style which afforded an easy fix. I have ended up with a very wearable summer dress which is more than I can say for the dress I cut it out of.
I know exactly the type of fabric your talking about. I did a Sewing Guild workshop that taught you how to pick it before it come home with you. Your dress does look nice in the photos. Consider it a test for a more worthy piece of cloth.
ReplyDeleteActually no, a more stable knit would not work in this style. It needs the drapey knit to carry it off.
DeleteThis is much nicer on you. It was worth saving the fabric as the print is really lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few rescued items of clothing. I really don't like wasteage. I will have to see what I can dream up for the other pieces.
DeleteLovely! You look great in these shades of turquoise and royal purple. I'm sure you'll get a lot more wear out of this simple chic style :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn. I hope I get a lot more wear out if it this way because I love the colours but it is now technically autumn so we will have to see if the long hot summer continues.
DeleteOoh I absolutely LOVE this on you - the colours, the dress shape and length - what a great save too!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Isn't it a nice feeling to get all if the boxes ticked in one garment?
DeleteI hate wasting things as well .you are very crafty though to be able to get this new dress out of the old one . I tried once to refashion a long A line skirt into a smaller , short , straight skirt and failed miserably. Hope you still get to wear it - you must be having a hotter summer than where we are. We visited the North Island a couple of weeks ago and it was hot ! All the kiwis were saying it was really hot and dry . I tried not to be a complaining Aussie because I thought we would be having lovely temps instead of being sweaty and sticky all the time ! Your country is still absolutely beautiful regardless.
ReplyDeleteIt has been especially hot in the south. Don't let my green lawn fool you. We are a bit naughty and water it! I love the heat though, until it comes to sleeping, so long may it continue.
DeleteCongratulations on creating a wearable dress out of an unloved one. The colours in the fabric are lovely so this was a very worth while project.
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