Dear rain,
Please go away so I can take pictures in my springy dresses. I’ve developed a bit of a backlog.
Thanks!
Category Archives: sewing
*pout*
Sketches
I’m having one of those days where if my body had its way, I would’ve taken a two hour nap every three hours or so. Even so, I did manage to get some work done, but eventually decided to be productive in a more fun and relaxing way: sketching!
I bought Deer and Doe‘s Belladone pattern a few weeks ago and even though I’m not totally sold on my first version of it, I absolutely love the pattern itself. It fits me perfectly. Like, no seam adjustments or anything required. And it’s very flattering! I did take the neckline down a bit and shortened the skirt as usual, but the bust and waist fit perfectly. I love it!
What I didn’t love so much was the fabric I used. It’s some sort of gabardine blend that just doesn’t like me much and won’t behave so parts of it look a bit wonky. I also prefer a fully skirt, so I think next time I’ll do something pleated or gathered, but that’s just personal preference. I also want to do a two-tone dress where the top is lace and the skirt is a springy color like rose or mint (I drew it in pink because I happen to have a cotton sateen in that color). I also think a peplum top version would be super cute and springy! Maybe in a subtle floral? I haven’t decided on that one.
I’ve been doing a lot of copycat projects lately, it’s been nice exercising the designing part of my brain!
And now I’m going to go curl up with some ice cream and watch more Dr Who. And try to ignore the tinny voice in my brain that’s telling me to drop everything and knit a 12 foot scarf.
Brainstorm
Birthday celebrations are happening this Friday and I’ve been doing that thing where I suddenly hate everything in my closet.
But today I got an idea!
I bought this pattern the other day:
And then I saw this on Pinterest.
So now I want to make the Burda dress in black, but with a shorter skirt and with horsetail braid in the hem to make it swishy.
And definitely with the bow!
*Neither of these images is mine, and they both link to the original owners.
J’y vais par avion
dress: self-made // top: Ross // tights: Hue // boots: Clarks // earrings: thrifted
I think I’ve figured out what’s so fun about replicating designs. When you’re designing something original, you can do whatever you want with whatever you have. You get to make all of the choices. When it’s something else that someone else has created, you almost have to be more creative because the resources you have might not be the same as theirs. You have to take what you can find and somehow maneuver it or tweak it to look like something someone else created. I guess this is more valid with fantasy costumes than everyday dresses, but it still gives me a rush when I finish a project and it looks more or less like the original.
I saw this dress on Delightfully Tacky a few weeks ago and it jumped right up to the top of my to-do list. The original is (wait for it, it’s totally shocking!) by Dear Creatures. (No seriously, I’m slightly embarrassed and considering renaming my blog The Dear Creatures Fan Club.) I used Burda 7309 for the bodice and collar, but extended the front piece sideways by a few inches and cut two of them (well, technically four including the lining) in order to create the double-breastedness. Since the Burda collar only has front pieces, I also had to draft a back piece that goes around the neck and connects the two front ones. That took a bit of trial and error. I have no idea what the technical term is for the way I pleated the skirt but I’m going to call it a double box pleat because that’s essentially what I did. There’s also an extra snap button right under the left collar holding that side of the bodice up.
Holy crap though, nine buttons and a zipper does not make this the most practical piece of clothing to get in and out of!
Now I want to make this blouse to wear under it!
Chelsea collars and wearing things in public
dress: self-made // tights: Modcloth // shoes: Seychelles
This dress makes me super happy. It’s a replica of this one (why is making replicas so much fun? and why am I so obsessed with Dear Creatures???) and I made it entirely without a pattern, which I’m pretty rusty at, which is why it’s sort of wrinkly in a few places. I’m choosing to ignore them.
I used to pretty much only make costume replicas from historical or fantasy films (mostly Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars with some Lemony Snicket and Stardust thrown in) but it was kind of a bummer because I had these gorgeous dresses that I pretty much never wore, except to the occasional ren faire or Comic-Con. Although there was one occasion where my best friend and I walked to the grocery store dressed as Arwen and Padme. No one stared at all. Not a one.
Anyway, the point is this was a fun project. And I’ve already worn it out once! (There was no staring.)
*Note to self: learn to focus properly, kthx.