“If you’re going to do a bow, I think it should be a BIG bow.” -- Michelle Obama
This dress was a ton of fun to make. The instructions came from Pattern Magic, which I have had for a while. I followed the directions, and it came out just like they said it would, which I believe is nothing short of miraculous. I don't normally do muslins, but I did this time because it seemed so unlikely that it would work out the way they said. Usually when I sew, I do the whole process in my head several times before I even cut it out, but I totally could not get my head around this dress until I had the cut fabric in hand and was in the process of sewing it.
The pattern layout of this dress was horrifying wasteful. What with matching the stripes and accommodating the strangely shaped front piece, it used way too much fabric.
The fabric is a home dec rayon stripe. I loved working with this fabric because it has a great texture, along with enough body that the bow does not flap around. I chose a stripe because I just finished reading the book "The Devil's Cloth: A History of Stripes and Striped Fabric " by M Pastoreau. If you're into scholarly treatises on sartorial topics (and who isn't?), it's a really fun read. One thing he points out is that whether you think horizontal or vertical stripes are more slimming is actually cultural. I have often wondered about that.
The trim is a red silk taffeta, and the lining is the trim fabric. This was a possibly foolish choice on my part, because red dyes are notoriously unstable, but I did machine wash a sample of the 2 fabrics sewn together, and the red did not bleed. I'm hoping it will remain stable.
back view
Muslin. I did not know if it would annoy me to have a big bow in my front, so I wore the muslin to make dinner and put the kids to bed. It did not annoy me at all.
Here is is untied, which looks frankly hilarious. If you can think of an amusing caption for this photo, please write it in the comments.
The Devil's Cloth book
The dress from Pattern Magic
24 comments:
Ahhh...I love a good bow and a ruffle....It is truly beautiful. Your choice of colors and fabrics are great. I even think the muslin looks fantastic!!! Thank you for choosing this style-I have long admired it! I almost think it looks like a giant bib when the bows are untied.
I just received my Pattern Magic books and thank you-you suggested Yesasia-the price was the best. Now.. to find the time to make any of them....
I LOVE the dress and only wish that I could wear a bow like that on the front of me! Love the fabric you chose and all the shots! Thanks so much for sharing your process with me.
This is so gorgeous!!!
Lovely. Looks very good on you. I like the muslin too.
The picture of the bow untied look a bit like sleeves inserted at the wrong place.
I love this dress. The red is a nice touch. Seeing it untied reminds me of a retro-reborn dress (maybe butterick?) which has the same shape but it is suppose to wrap around the waist.
I hope you enjoy wearing it!
Love the dress. You did a nice job matching the strips.
I think the dress with the bow untied looks like a nursing gown for a baby elephant!
I own the Pattern Magic book (and the second Pattern Magic book too) and I’m happy to see one of the featured garments come to life. Such a beautiful and inspiring end result!
Great dress! My caption? "Anyone know when they are coming around with the milking machines?"
Needless to say, I live out in farm country!
I LOVE that dress!!!
the dress is great...
what about "boob tubes" for a caption?
I love the dress, and like Carolyn only wish that I could wear a big bow like that. I like your changes to the original.
Is Pattern Magic one of the Japanese pattern books?
That's a totally cute dress--bow and all! You wear this style well.
I really admire how original your work is. This dress is absolutely beautiful and the choice of colour and trim inspired.
Claudine - I love, love, love your dress, the fabric you chose, and your couture skills!!! I'm going to make this dress and have ordered Pattern Magic. I want to start looking for the right fabric. Can you please tell me how much yardage I'll need?
Thank you so much!
Beautiful. I also really like the muslin color on you; I hope you'll continue to wear it!
There are no words to describe how much I love, love, love this. No words.
What a fabulous creation! I am very curious about the Pattern Magic book. Hoave you used it for anything else? I love this.
Too adorable! I actually like the muslin a lot as well.
Caption for untied muslin - Her mother told her that they would sag horribly after she burned her bra, but Monica didn't believe her until, Alas! It was Too late
this dress is so cute! i really LOVE the huge bow and your muslin does not look like a muslin at all, it looks amazing. two dresses for the price of one! i just might have to add that book to my collection
This is so totally awesome. I'm dying to get into these books and do a couple for myself - just to experiement. Love the way they make you think outside the box. You did a fab job, makes me want to do my even sooner!!!
I love the dress - it is good to see you in it - as I am sewing 'starter' would like to know more about your seams!
Tres' Chic. I love the bow in the front.
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