Thumbs up on the Project Runway patterns. This one is pattern 3507 and is actually a junior pattern (though the sizing goes all the way up to Junior size 25/26 so those of us who like to dress like teenagers but no longer actually qualify as such are in luck). This is actually a practice dress. I bought the pattern for Twin, as well as a cheery tropical cotton print for the dress. Twin thought it would be wise to practice with a less special fabric to make sure we like the cut of the dress. So wise is Twin. I picked this lovely gray and I really like the minimalist feel. We both think that the sleeves are a little poofy. Twin's dress might have the alternate sleeve in the pattern...the debate is still out on that.
Let's see, tips for anyone who makes this pattern:
- Measure and mark your pintucks carefully or else they won't line up at the sleeve seams. Mine don't. But then, you can't really tell, so maybe it's not a big deal unless you are really a perfectionist. It kind of bothers me.
- Baste down the flaps on your pressed seams when you make the casing for the elastic. I always forget this step and the stupid safety pin gets stuck at the seam every single time. There is much less cursing involved if you baste down the edges.
That's about all I can think of. It's a pretty straightforward pattern. People ask me sometimes if I actually wear the clothes I make. Umm...not very often. Most of them are sightly wonky or don't fit quite right or are kind of fugly when they are actually on my body. For instance, this one is a bit short. I realize this is the fashion. And anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a very hip person. Unfortunately I also have an irrational fear of people seeing my bum. Or really anything above my knees.
So I'm not sure how much wear I will get out of this dress. It may hang in my closet alongside some of the other clothes I have made but never wear. But I distinctly feel that there is going to be a breakthrough very soon when my homemade clothes will suddenly start being just right. Right fit, right patterns, right fabrics. All converging to make clothes that are just right and uniquely me.
Well, maybe some of them will be, anyway. And until then, I'll just enjoy the making and sewing, which is really what it's all about for me anyway.
21 comments:
Oh, I like it! Would you wear it if you shortened it to a little below the pockets and had it as a longer top? With jeans? It's very cute.
it looks great, julie. maybe you'd wear it with tights and boots? regardless, i love it.
I think the dress is lovely. I'd love one.
This dress is SO cute!!
Wow - what a great dress! I must admit, I didn't see the potential in this line - I guess I let the gaudy prints and trim get in the way. Your rendition is wonderful, however - the perfect minimalist combination of nuetrals and texture. I love that it has both tucks and gathering.
AND, I think it looks smashing on you. I don't like skirt hems above my knees either, but this has a decidedly demure look to it. I hope you wear it!
Thanks for the tip! I had no idea these project runway patterns were out there. It's often hard to find patterns for more modern looks, so these look great.
I love your gray dress, even if it is just for practice. You should wear it.
it looks really cute! i am with the tights + boots suggestion. i ordinarily am very freaked out by having my knees exposed too... but somehow the tights make everything okay and i feel less exposed in a shorter dress. xo
Love the dress, it looks great. So simple and yet the detailing adds so much. Go on, be daring and wear it!
Hello there. I love your dress too and immediately thought that it would look great, as is or shortened a bit, over jeans. Perhaps even with a long sleeved T underneath too... I really like your blog by the way and check back here often. Thanks.
Such a cute dress! I really love the grey fabric you chose. Makes it feel less "junior dressing" and more "refined, hip adult". lol. I'll chime in with the suggestions to layer it! I've been doing that with some shortish dresses lately myself; opaque tights and knee socks (not as fugly as it sounds! lol!). ;) And this, imho, is the perfect top for layering over skinny jeans...
super cute dress. i agree with the tights/boots combo too. big oversized bag. it would look fab!
just found your blog. :)
I hope that breakthrough comes soon, Julie, as it kills me that such gorgeous pieces are just hanging in your closet.
As for this dress, it is stunning. And as long as you and your sister aren't body builders with grossly developed biceps, I like the puffy sleeves. Work 'em, girl.
Cute dress!
I'm not getting why those patterns are called Project Runway. Are they based on the designer's clothes? Where's Austin Scarlett's Banana Republic challenge dress? I'd love to have that pattern!
you did a great job sewing that dress!
Love this. If only I could sew. Care to open an Etsy shop? :)
Nice work. I love the dress. The soft color looks fabulous with the pin tuck details. I'm not sure if my husband would like me in that dress though. He likes things tight and silky. Men!
Very cute dress. I like the simple color. I have this pattern sitting on my desk with some Alexander Henry fabric waiting for me. I googled the pattern to see what other people have done with it and up popped your page. I do love your dress, it turned out great.
I love your blog too and all of your Obama gear!
Sometimes my practice dresses turn out to be my favorite. I love the grey!
This is a throw on & wear anywhere. Very cute. I really like it!
I love it! What is a 25/26 like? I usually wear a 4, and am wondering if I could make it fit.
I love it - it looks so comfy but something I would wear to feel cute in.
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