The Dahlia Sewalong is wrapping up over on Colette's Sewalong site. Here's one of the resulting dresses!
This is Version 2. I picked a summery seersucker since it's a strappy sundress, but I think it actually works well with tights and a sweater too.
Before starting I was way more excited about Version 1 that I made out of a wool plaid [yet unblogged], but after finishing them both I think I might like this one more.
Fit wise, for my 33-27-38 measurements I cut 2-4-6. Most of the fit changes I did were on the front bodice - I actually trimmed quite a bit off both sides of the point where the strap is. I did it first after I made a mockup of the bodice, and then again after I tried the dress on before the straps were attached. Since it's sleeveless and the straps are just bias tape, it was a super easy alteration to do [although I did have to rip and redo a portion of the underarm bias tape, but it was worth it!].
The pattern called for 1/4" bias tape, but I made 3/8" for slightly wider straps.
I also ended up shaping the skirt a little less - there are angled portions of each seam near the top that were sticking slightly out on me, which was probably exaggerated by the fact that I cut out to a larger size at the hip. So I just went back after the fact and took those portions of the seams in a bit, then trimmed the pattern pieces to match so they'd be ready for next time.
My great-grandma knitted the hat I'm wearing. She seems to have threaded elastic through the edge of it to keep it from stretching out, which I think is very clever.
I waited forever for a train to go by on the trestle and bridge above me - there are so many trains in Nashville! - but it was freezing and I finally gave up. Right as I was starting my car to leave one came barreling by, naturally.
Devon,
ReplyDeleteI followed your sewalong and l liked version 1 better in the beginning. Now, that you finished them both, I think this version is more beautiful. I think I will make version 2 closer to summer in similar lightweight cotton fabric. Although, I might need to make changes to the front bodice like you did, because my measurements are similar to yours. Cute hat too!
thank you! this version is pretty easy to change because of the lack of sleeves, which is always nice!
DeleteSo glad I have found your blog - love the dress and your photography is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKatie x
prettycreationsbykate.blogspot.co.uk
aw thank you! i'm glad you did too!
DeleteI was actually going to comment that this looks like it fits you really well, and I can see why it does now that I've read your comments about fitting. It seems to me that the version on the envelope is a bit baggy on the model, and some of the seams look like they weren't pressed or something. Your adjustments look great, and it came out beautifully!
ReplyDeletethanks meg! i seem to always have to adjust things in the space between my shoulder, neck and chest - i must be shrunken in that area! :]
DeleteYou always have the best pictures! To bad the train wasn't quite on your side that day! ;) Your dress looks great for summer... The pattern seems to have some fitting, um, quirks (?) so I'm glad you made it work for you!
ReplyDeletei know, such a rude train! maybe next time it will be more cooperative.
DeleteI love this dress! So versatile for summer and winter. Bummer about the train! Isn't that always the way though.
ReplyDeletethank you! :]
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ReplyDeleteNice fabric choice, fit, styling and everything! It looks great on you. I also thought I liked version 1 better before I saw this, but am now excited to make a version 2 for Summer. Thanks again for hosting the sewalong. You are a great teacher and I learned so much!
ReplyDeleteof course, thanks for the nice words!! i'm always so happy to hear that people are learning things. :]
Deletedude, this dress (and the cardigan and hat with it) is SO CUTE! I actually really prefer this to the wool version because it seems so much more you :) also, how much to get one of those hats for myself?!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this pattern and both of your versions look great. I finally purchased it after much internal debate (convincing myself I have a gazillion other things to make). And then I found this gorgeous, thin,dark silk. I want to make the Dahlia out of it and had planned on version 1 but debating if version 2 would be better for a lighter weight fabric... Worried about the possible stress on the fabric from the sleeves... What do you think?
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