Monday, April 4, 2011

Sundress for me!

Last night, I finished a dress to wear this spring. I rarely sew clothing for myself because I’m generally frustrated by my fluctuating size and non-standard curves, but it’s time to accept my body as it is right now. That said, my bottom and top are several sizes different, and I’m no expert at fitting myself, so I decided to start with an easy sundress.

This is the first time I’ve used this pattern, and it went together well. I did omit the zipper, although not intentionally (not to self, Nyquil and sewing don’t mix!), but the dress still goes on and off just fine. I used a fairly plain, dark fabric I had in my stash to make the dress, which hides the details, but I’d love to re-do it in a brighter print and redeem myself on the zipper then. The bodice is lined, the skirt is not. If I make this dress again, I will probably add half an inch or so to the top of the bodice, so I can more easily wear a favourite bra.

I envisioned a photo taken in my sunny back yard, but it snowed again this morning, so here I am trying to master the art of late-night self-photography in my bathroom. Please ignore the ankle socks. I wasn’t about to attempt shoes on that bathtub ledge!
jamie dress full length
I still have to hem the dress, which I’ll do on the cover stitch machine when I buy more navy thread. I initially thought I’d leave the dress longer, but I may take it up a bit.

A wicked case of bronchitis has eaten most of my energy over the past few weeks, but I’m feeling a bit better now, and hope to have a few more projects on the go. Next up, is to finish upcycling an old curtain into a knitting needle roll for a friend.

Linked to:

sew many ways

craft

Keeping It Simple

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UndertheTableandDreaming

Mondays @ All Things Fee!

32 comments:

  1. Your dress is really nice Tanya. Glad you are sewing for yourself.

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  2. Tanya - come over from Carolyn's. What a lovely dress. shorter would be good - just right around your knee. That pattern is so darn cute - hope it stops snowing soon so you can wear it out of the bathroom. g

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  3. Tanya - would a pretty dress! You definitely should make it again in another print and then use a solid as the waistband. It would make your waist appear thinner and give you a nice hourglass shape!

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  4. That should be WHAT a pretty dress - egads you can tell it's 12:04am and that I really should be in bed!!!

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  5. Love it also......good on you for sewing for the body you have now, a good lesson to others (me included Lol) who put it off until they lose weight! I have been doing that for years but am trying really hard to change my mindset - thanks for the nudge.

    I think shorter would look great - agree that just about your knee at a length you feel comfortable with - it looks great.....even with the socks Lol :-)

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  6. Great job! And I love the bathroom shot! ;)

    Rose in SV

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  7. I love the bathroom shot too. Great dress. Keep sewing:)

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  8. Great job on this Tanya and I bet you can't wait to wear it on a sunny day. I really like Jennifer's pattern and fabric line. I think she has a new book coming out or maybe it's out already.
    Doesn't it feel great to make your own clothes?

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  9. I bounced over from Carolyn's blog also... great dress. Keep up the good work... And as far as the snow... yeah... we here in Utah... understand! Just when you think it's really Spring... it's snows again just to let us know who's boss! LoL....
    I'm into repurposing fabric too! I have a table cloth and napkins (all grey linen with fancy cut work on them) that I'm going to repurpose into a dress and jacket.
    Keep your fingers crossed for Sun Shine!

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  10. I also found you through Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. Lovely dress and it really suits you. The bodice is very flattering. And I too have shared the feeling of "oh, my size isn't right yet... I won't sew for me", but am just starting to overcome it through making a few simple patternless A-line skirts. Then I'm going to screw up my courage and try for a dress. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  11. So glad you took the time and made something for yourself. You deserve it!

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  12. LOL-another bouncer from Carolyn's blog-I agree with the others, definitely make it a bit shorter! I think just below the knee, on the narrowest part of your lower leg, and you'll be surprised what a difference it will make. You did an AWESOME job on the fit through the bust and shoulders, by the way-it really plays up your soft pretty hairstyle.

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  13. I LOVE it!! You absolutely need to do it in a brighter colour! I'm so impressed!! :)

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  14. Another bouncer from Carolyn's blog- I am a plus sized sewer also. I would like to encourage you to love yourself and take the time to pamper yourself by sewing for yourself.
    The dress came out very nice and is flattering for you.
    Definitely try it again in a brighter color.

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  15. Oh gosh, that is adorable and what a GREAT fit. Well done!!

    SherryV

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  16. LOL, Tanya, I love the bathtub shot! Been there and done that :)
    Great dress and congrats on getting into sewing for yourself!!

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  17. You look fantastic in your sundress. Congratulation. Sewing has changed my life too. Every human being deserves nice clothes and we sewists have gold in our hands that can make our dreams come true.

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  18. You look gorgeous in that dress. I like your dress on you better than the dress on the model on the pattern envelope. I prefer longer skirts but that is just me. Sewing lets ya make it anyway you want.

    . . .Oh and you appear to have great balance on the edge of that tub!!

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  19. I LOVE LOVE this on you. so glad you decided to sew for your self again. I love your pic as well, it is very unique, I never seen a bathroom shot like this. It sure beats the in-front-of-the- medicine-cabinet-so-everyone-can-see-the-camera shot. embrace your curves!!!! whoever dont like it tell them to kick rocks, lol good job and keep it up

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  20. That is a very lovely dress and it looks great on you! The detailing in the waist and the overall flow of it looks gorgeous. It's the perfect spring/summer dress too - great job! :)

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  21. keep it up,the dress is so nice,it looks great on you , I like the black and white , I sew for myself too as I am also a plus size

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  22. Hi Tanya... visiting you from Carolyn's blog. Congrats on resuming sewing and you picked a great dress and it looks good on you.

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  23. What I great dress! I too have trouble finding a great pattern, and this looks like a keeper!

    Thanks for linking up to Calling all Crafters on All Things Fee!

    Hope to see you link up again!

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  24. Wow, you did a fabulous job! I really like the dress and it fits great. You have inspired me to make a dress for myself :)

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  25. Great dress Tanya. I'm writing this pattern down. And you did a wonderful job on the dress. It looks good on you. I understand what you mean about waiting on your size to change, but like you, I've decided to love my body the way it is and sew on. :)

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  26. Thank you, everyone. You've been so kind!

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  27. Love this dress Tanya! I like the detailing in the waste. It looks great on you too. Sorry about the snow and me going on and on about spring picnics. Hopefully, your weather will warm up soon!

    I was working on another dress for Sassyfras last week when I was tired and cut one arm hole too small(like a dolls arm size), but didn't realize it until I sewed it! Fortunately, I can easily fix it.

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  28. ok, so that was supposed to say "I like the detailing in the waist not waste"...you can tell I'm tired again :)

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  29. That's a very pretty dress Tanya! Once again, I'm reminded I need to learn to sew... I'd love to make some for the girls, and maybe even one for me too ;) We should make a date... :) Where's a good place to search for patterns?

    Good job - even in the dark colour, it looks very nice! :)

    Joe
    xx

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  30. You look beautiful. Enjoy your new dress.

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