This is my fourth project from Cal Patch’s Design-it-Yourself Clothes. [Note: I love Cal, not only for writing the best “craft” book ever, but also for talking to me as I work my way through it. She understands pattern-making and delights in seeing others “get it.” Thank you, Cal!]
This is just about the most basic dress one can make. I think that next time I make it, I’ll make the waist a wee bit higher. And perhaps the neckline would benefit from a slight sweetheart shape.
[Click on this photo to see it on Flickr and read my notes.]
I kind of want to make a strapless version of this. But that’s a whole different deal. I need boning or elastic or something else to make that work. (Cal?)
This is a simple sundress.
With pockets. Of course. And the fabric is the reverse side of the denim I used for this debacle. I remembered that when purchasing the denim, I actually fell in love with the wrong side of the fabric. So I decided to use it!
I like it.
Now. Bring on the sun! :)
P.S. See what Flossie Teacakes has made from the book too. She’s amazing!
February 9th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
lovely, I got this book on the weekend after Florence blogged about it the other day. Its exactly what I need, step but step with idiots guide (quite appropriate for me!). So far its been bed time reading although I did try out the seam finishes she described on some scrap fabric and I’m impressed with how easy it was so when I do try it out my seams will be well finished! I need to aquire some fabric to make a muslin as I already have fabric waiting to be made into skirts! Watch this space!
February 9th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Win! Also love your background wall art.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
The dress looks gorgeous (my denim looks nothing like that on the underside - what a find!). I think a strapless version would look great too.
I am having mannequin envy - is she adjustable? I have a rather starchy mannequin that I bought knowing that her bust was two inches bigger than my own - at the time it didn’t seem like such a big difference…but you suddenly realise that it’s a huge difference when it comes to how clothing fits and so she’s sitting in the garage rather uselessly.
Thank you so much for the lovely link. x
February 9th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
you called?
i’m not a huge fan of strapless myself, but i’d vote for the elastic (maybe 1/4″ elastic in a casing across the top edge?) over the boning, which tends to get poky. it would be cute though… maybe i should give strapless a second chance? and i AM a huge fan of denim on the reverse side! often much more interesting…
February 9th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Hi there… I haven’t ever commented on your blog before, so I hope this is okay! I “favorited” one of your photos on Flickr and somehow found my way to your blog a week or so later and have flipped through the last few months, and I’m in love! You’ve got great style, very inspiring. The funny thing is, I live in Tulsa, too, and now I know where all the Orla Kiely from Target went! :) Just kidding. Anyway, again thank you for the inspiration, I’m a crafter too, so I love all your fun sewing ideas.
Have a lovely rest of your week…
Heidi
(totally normal non-stalking lady.) (wink)
February 10th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Cute dress, awesome site!
Just stopping by to say congratulations on the Okie Blog nomination! You have the best craft site I’ve seen!
Blessings,
Cheryl
February 10th, 2010 at 6:50 am
This is wonderful! I love the colour of the denim - it’s that lovely shade that’s perfect for the summer. It’s such a great shape - simple and easy to wear but it has a lovely outline. If I ever get a sewing machine (I’ve been wanting one for aaages but there’s always something more important to spend money on!) then I’ll check out that book. It sounds fab!
February 10th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I’ve read through that book like a novel. Now I need a day off (or a night off) to start drafting a pattern! Your dress turned out great and it is exciting to see that making your own patterns really does work!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
That book is on its way to me from amazon right now, and I am so excited! I really cannot wait to read through it. Your creations have all turned out so well. This dress is cute (I especially love the addition of pockets), and I think a strapless version would be really fun. (And, like Florence, I am totally coveting your dress form. I don’t have one at all yet, so coveting dress forms is a major pastime of mine.)
February 10th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Very cute dress - and great idea on the fabric! How are you liking your dress form? Is it pretty true to your size? Is it sturdy and stable?
February 10th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Oh, I just love this!! You did such a great job! If you are ever interested, I started a new weekly link up called Make it, Wear it and your stuff would be perfect to link!
February 11th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
I love it! You’re making me “homesick” for summer now. : ) I especially like the picture of you and Emily.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Boning=a real challenge. Think long and hard.