That dress...

After I saw this dress here chez The Retro Modern Housewife I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I mean... silk, slightly oriental design, slit sleeves... it's just stunning.

...And now it's mine. What a happy ending! ;)

The Unwanted Dress

Two weeks ago I had to go through my things to find something to sell in a vintage/swing market we had during one dance event... I found some great things and made some flower clips to sell. The flowers were very popular, and I also sold some of my old clothes that I don't need anymore... but this dress came back home with me.

Yep, no one wanted to buy this even though many people told it looked beautiful and even tried it on... And the price was more than sensible too. It's very comfortable jersey dress, perfect for swing dancing, but there's a But... The bodice is short. Very short.


It's made combining two different patterns, both actually for children/teens. I originally made this for myself and made a little mistake during the process. Ok, it was a big mistake. I shortened the shoulder part without trying it on. Just because that's what I usually have to do to adjust a pattern for myself. I was in a hurry and not thinking. And then I had to add the satin ribbon there to keep it pulled under my bust.

So that's the shameful truth of a project gone wrong... It's even more shame because the fabric is so lovely. Maybe I could replace the upper front bodice with some other fabric and add some room for my bust? Maybe. Maybe not. I really hate mending and redoing my own projects.

I have only one final thing to say about this project: Despite what it looks like, I can sew. Really, I can. ;)

40's dress

So this is supposed to be a sewing blog, eh? Not too many posts about my projects so far...

I've been so unbelievable lazy photographing my finished projects that I should be ashamed. But hey, with my full time day job, teaching two nights a week, performing regularly (I'm dancing also in a musical this winter, it's fun... mostly.), and trying to get some training done too... and continuing to renovate the apartment... and sewing... and desperately trying to get some sleep at some point... (Did I mention I still have few courses on my schedule too?) Well, you get the picture. Time is a limited resource here.

But hey, it's always a good time to start, so here it goes!

This is a project I finished over a year ago, one Saturday between balboa classes and evening dance party. (I actually cut the fabric on the dance floor before I went home to freshen up.) It took me about two to three hours to put the dress together. There were no alterations made, except putting darts on the back instead of gathers. It's really a muslin, so I have to admit I didn't hem it (properly) by hand, but instead just used my sewing machine for speed. (Yes, I'm ashamed of that.) But it was essential to get it done quickly.

I wore it the same evening at the party and got lots of compliment. (Sadly, again, no pictures.)

The pattern is Simplicity 4975. I estimated it to be a mid 40's pattern. I made the version with short sleeves. Here's the pattern cover:

I haven't made another one yet, but because the shape is very flattering this pattern is definately going to get another round.

It fitted like a dream... a year ago. After that I've been loosing weight, so now I'll have to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it more and fill it better than I do. ;) Here are some more recent shots of the dress:

Maybe I'll try the long sleeved version for this fall...