dress: self-made, pattern here // shoes: Seychelles
*The fabric for this project was provided by Funki Fabrics and all opinions, anecdotes, and messy hand-stitching are my own.
I feel like a lot of my project posts start off as “So Katie from Skunkboy posted this awesome outfit and I ran off and copied it.” This is not dissimilar from those. At least it’s not Dear Creatures for the umpteenth time!
This dress was inspired by a Black Swan dress that I decided needed to be made in navy velvet with black mesh detailing. Funki Fabrics had just reached out to me about doing a collaboration and their navy stretch velvet sample was everything I was looking for for this project.
I started off with a lady skater and didn’t change too much. I omitted the neckband and arm bands to start. I also hacked off about 1″ from the bodice and 1/2″ from the top of the skirt. I cut a 1.5″ rectangle of black stretch net and sewed it between the bodice and skirt, and then top-stitched to keep it in place. Easy peasy. For the diamond cutouts, I drew up the shape I wanted, cut it out of the dress, and sewed mesh bits in by hand. They’re a bit messier than I would have liked; sadly my Bernina is sick and I’ve been using the back-up Brother which is just not up to working with difficult fabrics.
I think if I were to do this project again I would either leave out the diamond mesh cutouts or use a more stable knit. Or you know, have a decent working sewing machine. Hah.
Love it! Wish I was young enough to wear a dress like that – I’d be copying it tonight. Well done you – it really is FAB!
I love it! I just finished up a dress with triangle cut outs at the side, though in a far tamer fabric. I can’t wait to show it off.
That is so groovy! I love the fabric. I’ve had the Lady Skater for a while but haven’t made one yet. I think I’ll give it a go soon!
Super duper cute! The fit is spot-on. Velvet is one of my all time favorite fabrics. But I have never made anything with it… yet. You’ve got me scheming to make something this fall in velvet.
So pretty!! Love the design of the dress you’re so clever!!
Wow! It looks great! So many amazing projects have been popping up in my blog reader as a result of Funki Fabrics, and this is no exception!
Great job on updating the skater dress. I draw a lot of inspiration from others, so there’s nothing wrong with that! Ahh you have a Bernina! One day for me!
Hey, I love your velvet dress -you look so great in it – belive me!
I would like to wear the things too, but my body isnt as beautiful as yours.
I would love to see more velvet things on you…