Wednesday 20 April 2016

Stylish Dress book; box dress D.

Hi there, the sun was shining today and my tulips sparkled in the light.  For the first time in ages, it's actually been warm enough to have blog photos taken without needing to run back indoors for warmth! Of course having said that it did hail heavily over the weekend so who knows!

Looking at my tulips!

This gorgeous little dress is dress D from the stylish dress book. If you haven't got it and you like Japanese style, this is a must have! The pattern was actually the first dress I made.  I recently let out the sides, as I had sewn it with a wide seam allowance; in doing that, I fell in love with this dress all over again.


Fortunately for this dress, I decided to make it at the same time I was going through my stash and scolding myself for having beautiful fabric and not using it up! So, enter this fabulous fabric from the Fabric Godmother. I had bought it at her last open day, and was subsequently scared of it because it was expensive!

Pattern matched pocket for the win!
Well, Josie told me it was ex liberty needlecord and it is so soft that it's actually lovely just to sit and stroke it!  In fact she still has the fabric in stock in a mocha colour-way. But this is cream, mossy green and brown. I did have a brief moment of "should this be a classy skirt?" But, in reality, I have nowhere to wear a fancy skirt, and this is much more me.


This is slightly adapted from the pattern, in that I took 1.5cm out of the centre fold both front and back. I also re-drew the front neckline slightly lower than drafting. This meant changing the facings, but it was no big deal really.


Had I had a solid amount of time, I'm sure I could have whizzed through this dress quite quickly, but I seem only to be able to be able to sew in ten minute chunks at the moment due to kid based distraction!


Well, I am really happy with this dress, it will really come into its own when the sun cranks up the heat, and I can ditch the tights for bare legs and sandals.

I will be back soon with my Sew Over It Vintage Shirt dress, just need to photograph it.

24 comments:

  1. I really love this. The shape of the neckline is lovely, it's an amazing fabric, and those invisible pockets are fab!!! What a beautiful dress. Who needs a fancy skirt, when you have a stunning, but totally wearable dress!

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    1. thanks Helen, really pleased with the pockets.

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  2. Stylish is the word, it really suits you and you are right, you should not store fabric it should be on your back, especially when it looks that good! Jo x

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    1. Agreed, I am trying to be better at using up what I have that's lovely and not going out and buying more. At least until I have created enough room to store any new purchase!

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  3. This is a really gorgeous make! It looks great on you, i love it paired with the necklace and shoes. Both the fabric and thè tulips are fab too!!

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    1. Thank you lovely, I am really happy with it.

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  4. This is a really gorgeous make! It looks great on you, i love it paired with the necklace and shoes. Both the fabric and thè tulips are fab too!!

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  5. I love it!! The shape and the fabric paired together are just perfect.

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    1. Bless you that is so kind, It is a great shape! I can see there being more of these in my future.

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  6. It looks fantastic, that fabric is so beautiful :)

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    1. It really is beautiful and so very soft too.

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  7. This is so lovely - I'm not sure what it is, but this dress is just right for you:). Perfect pattern, fabric, accessories.

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    1. Oh thank you, these japanese patterns seem to suit my figure.

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  8. This fabulous fabric and the box dress were made for each other - a great combination! I made this dress in a wool/cashmere blend but am thinking of taking the dye to it.

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    1. Oh that will be interesting, do blog it if you do.

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  9. It looks brilliant, the fabric is perfect for the dress, absolutely gorgeous!

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    1. I dithered for ages before hand but yes I am happy that the fabric is what it wanted to be!!!

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  10. This is gorgeous Louise!! The fabric is gorgeous and the dress looks really good a bit narrower. I think I'd like to take some out the width if I make it again. So, it wasn't too hard to change the facing? The neck is quite high in the pattern isn't it?

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    1. About an inch centre front and back. It is still very loose fitting though, not at all tight.

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  11. I think I'm the opposite of most people, because if I buy expensive fabric it gets used really quickly because I always think it's a shame for it to be sitting in the stash. Glad you found a good project for using this piece!

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    1. I need to be more like that Ruth, I think its the right attitude.

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  12. I agree that the shape and colourway is very becoming. I love your specs and red lipstick. And your tulips!

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  13. I agree that the shape and colourway is very becoming. I love your specs and red lipstick. And your tulips!

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    1. I am getting into lippy again after ten years not wearing it, enjoying having fun lips!

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