McCall’s 5377 (Out of print) Square Neck Empire Dress

Hi, everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Today I want to share my first ever recreation of the designer's look. I was inspired by a picture of Adam + Eve dress featured in shopbop.com's Spring 2007 hard-copy catalogue.

Inspiration

My Version

Fabric: Cotton/silk gauze and Habotai silk lining from denverfabrics.com
Notion: Lace from trimfabric.com  ribbon/button from JoAnn store

Pattern: McCall's 5377 (Out of print) View C without bow and frill

To achieve the look, I applied lace trim on the band by zigzagging along the horizontal design on the lace. The catalogue picture did not tell me anything about skirt hem but I thought lace trim hem would be nice. I also made long button holes just under the bust so that they serve as ribbon loops.

Button and loop closure

Ribbon loops

Lace hem

So, this is how my favorite game called recreating RTW started. I've been addicted to this game since then.

Are you addicted, too?



Until next time, cheers to you all!

McCall's 5466 + Vogue 8555 Test Dress

This dress, the second test for my CH floral jacquard dress project, was made last summer. After I made the first muslin from Walmart remnant fabric, I decided to play safe and make one more muslin before I start cutting the jacquard fabric.

Fabric: Vera Wang Lavender Label brocade (polyester 76% cotton 24%) and matte polyester lining from fabric.com. (I made a skirt from this brocade before.)

Pattern: Again, McCall's 5466 (bodice) and Vogue 8555 (Skirt)

I learned that I should not sew the side of the bodice before turning it right side out. I also had to redo zipper a couple of times. It was frustrating, but it was a good practice before stitching more expensive fabric. I now understand the purpose of making muslin. It’s not only fine-tuning the fit but polishing the necessary technique before sewing the real thing.



Until next time, cheers to you all!

Simplicity 2443 Cynthia Rowley Jacket

Fabric: DVF cotton double knit from sawyerbrook.com

Pattern: Simplicity 2443. This is one of Simplicity’s Cynthia Rowley Collection. It comes with knit dress and vest pattern.

This pattern is so much fun because you can play with many details. I omitted D-ring at the sleeve tab, doubled the pocket fabric just for fun, and added hand stitches here and there.

Conclusion: This is fun, casual, and very wearable jacket!

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by!

There's more to come, so stay tuned ;)

Vogue 8379 Wrap Dress

Here’s another dress that I made few seasons ago.

Fabric: Rayon knit from emmaonesock.com. This is one of those “unnamed CA boutique designer” offerings. It’s pretty good quality for the price. (Does anyone know who this mystery designer is?) I like that this knit is opaque but not too heavy.

Pattern: Ever popular Vogue 8379. I made view B without collar. I did my usual petite alteration – shortened the bodice, sleeve, and skirt, and narrowed shoulder. I love that this dress does not require button or zipper.



Needless to say, this is DVF knock-off. It’s chic and comfortable. It’s also a great choice for travel wardrobe. I recommend this pattern just like so many other sewists do.

Until next time, cheers to you all!

Vogue 8182 + Vogue 1086 Crinkled Silk Chiffon Dress

Fabric: Overlay is crinkled silk chiffon from emmaonesock.com. Underlining is crepe back satin. Both underlining and lining are polyester from JoAnn.

Pattern: Vogue 8182 (bodice) and Vogue 1086 (skirt). It was my first attempt to sew a side zipper opening so I was nervous. Luckily, it turned out okay. J

UPDATE:

Pattern usage detail in     Vogue 8182 + Vogue 1086 PartI - Pin, Baste, Repeat  

Some construction tip in Vogue 8182 + Vogue 1086 Part II - Bodice and Midriff 

                                                    Vogue 8182 + Vogue 1086 Part III - It's All Done!

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I made this dress few years back. Why am I looking at it now? It is because I am thinking to make another dress out of these patterns. The inspiration for the project is Delia dress by Milly.

Milly Delia Dress - nordstrom.com

The silk charmeuse and china silk are washed and ready in my closet. I can start this project tomorrow if I finish all the homework today. Well, Milly dress is absolutely fabulous motivation to study, isn’t it?!

So, until I come back from Studyland, cheers to you all!

McCall's 5466 + Vogue 8555 Rope Print Dress

Inspiration - Carolina Herrera Rope Print Dress

This cap sleeve shift dress was my second winter break project. I made a muslin out of canvas fabric of similar weight with no problem, however, it looked horrible on me! It was a perfect example of what a petite woman like me (I am 5'2" (158cm) size 0) not to wear – shift dress made from stiff fabric. I gave up on the challenge of making the exact same dress and opted for an A-line dress.

My version

Fabric: Cotton canvas from Sawyerbrook and Ambiance lining from fabric.com

Pattern: Again, the hybrid of McCall's 5466 (bodice) and Vogue 8555 (skirt). For this dress I cut the bodice front as one piece by omitting the center front seam.

I’m in love with this TNT pattern! I can see myself using it again and again in the future.


Until next time, cheers to you all!



McCall's 5466 + Vogue 8555 Carolina Herrera Floral Jacquard Cocktail Dress

The date of my last post was August 2010… If I remember correctly, that’s when I became full time student and lost quite a bit of my free time. I was actually very surprised to find that this blog still existed! Well, while I was absent from blogland, I made several things to show you.  First off, here’s my latest project.

Inspiration

Source: Neiman Marcus

My version

Pattern: I started off with McCall's 5466 (bodice) and Vogue 8555 (skirt), changed neck line from round to v-neck, moved the position of darts so that the darts and pleats align, and omitted center pleats.



Fabric: silk/misc jacquard and china silk lining from sawyerbrook.com

Netting (overlay at bottom) from voguefabricsstore.com

I wish I could find exact same lace fabric that Madame Herrera used for this dress! Anyway, I’m very happy to welcome this dress to my closet.

There's much more to come. Thanks for stopping by!