The Little Black Victory Dress

 

 Late last summer, or it could have even been autumn, I won a prize through the lovely Maria from Velosewer and Manerva Crafts.  To say I was somewhat surprised was an understatement because I don't win anything usually.  I was also delighted with my win despite popping said prize straight into the cupboard for six months.  The onset of winter did however give me time to ponder the dress and how it would fit into my wardrobe.  Come spring I still wasn't ready to cut into the pretty floral fabric but was ready to try the pattern and so what you see here is the results of my win and six months worth of planning.

The pattern, Nicola by Victory Patterns, is a new one to me, so I was quite unsure of the fit.  I spent quite some time with my tape measure adjusting the pattern for the perfect fit and even redrawing the bodice grading between sizes.  I read that this neckline is quite low cut so I added a small amount of width here as well.

The fabric I chose is a black crepe that I picked up at my favourite op shop.  The lace I bought in Sydney last year at Pitt Trading and was a scant 30cm, so just enough for a sleeve.  The black lining came from Lincraft.  I chose Bemburg lining and this proved to be the most expensive part of the dress, which I find a little frustrating.

The pattern from memory calls for the skirt to be lined but the bodice not, which I thought was quite odd.  Since I had enough lining, I decided to line the entire dress.  At this point I was also considering lining the sleeves because I was worried my lace may be a little scratchy to wear with its lurex thread running through it.  In the end I didn't have enough lining which I am now really pleased about because I don't think they sleeve would have had enough drape had I lined it.

Instead of lining the sleeve, I chose to bind the edges.  It was a risk because binding lace could have opened a whole can of wobbly worms but it turned out great.  I used my crepe fabric as the binding and in the black I feel ties the skirt and sleeve together.  This has turned out to be my favourite feature of the dress.

To finish the dress I used Victory's very clever button hook technique and added a rather lovely blingy button that I rescued off a pair of sandals before I threw them out. 

 

I love this dress!  The bodice did require a hook and eye closure to stop it from gaping but that is my only minor complaint.  I think it will live in my wardrobe for a very long time and hope it gets many outings!