I have been itching to use more of the beautiful fabric generously gifted to me by Marge Clothing (read more here). They are so gorgeous I wanted to use them for something special. When a close friend of my Husband invited us to his 40th birthday luncheon I knew I needed a new dress!
I used New Look pattern 6262 with the following modifications:
I added length to the skirt (standard for me!)
I lowered the neckline by 1.5cm, which may have been a mistake because I then had to take it up at the shoulders by 2.5cm! I am not amply blessed in the bust department so the front gaped by my shoulders.
I inserted a regular lapped zip, rather than invisible zip. I use a vintage sewing machine which does not have an invisible zipper foot.
It's an easy to sew pattern and I know I will be using it again. And again!
Now lets talk fabric! A good pattern is important, but the fabric makes it truly special! This dress is lined, or really more of a hack where I sewed 2 layers together and pretended it was one layer. I have possibly made some experienced seamstresses cringe, however this was the easiest way for me to wrap my brain around making it work. I don't have much (any!) experience sewing with sheer fabric.
The top layer is a beautiful red and purple sheer and the layer beneath is a lush purple satin. It feels AMAZING against my skin. Have you ever put something on and just wanted to roll around in it because it feels so nice? No? Just me??! I suspect this is how I would feel in any of the gorgeous pieces from the Marge RTW line! The fabrics are incredible and more importantly, ethically sourced!
This fabric would have been gorgeous for evening wear. However I can't remember the last time I needed evening wear, it was long before I became a Mama! This is a dress I know I will wear a lot!
If you have special fabric in your fabric stash I say use it, wear it, love it!
 |
| Dress New Look Pattern 6262 ; Fabric c/o MARGE Clothing |
 |
| Necklaces: Tiffany & Co On Mama duty - fixing Miss 4's hair! |
 |
| After the party - girls wanted their balloons in the photo too! Photos c/o my wonderful Husband |
That is beautiful! That fabric is the perfect color for you, what wonderful friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you Becki! I am so happy with this dress. x Allison
DeleteYou've done a great job, it looks wonderful! I am an amateur seamstress at best (I wrote a post about it last week), so I take off my hat to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet! Can't wait to check out some of your creations! x Allison
DeleteThis dress (and fabric) is so gorgeous Allison! Even though I don't sew, I enjoy reading about your modifications and the process you go through to make your clothing. I think it totally makes sense that you made a dress you can wear frequently rather than making an evening wear dress that you might only wear once or twice.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Beth! x Allison
DeleteI love, love, love this dress! The fabric is just gorgeous (purple, you know!) and the cut is so flattering on you! I wish you could teach me how to sew. Just an hour ago I photographed a bunch of clothes that I'm selling online, one being a gorgeous shift silk dress bought in Beijing that is just cut too short for me. I kept pulling it from the sell pile, as I really would love to make it into a pencil skirt, but I have no idea how to do that -- I risk wrecking the whole thing. Also, I find that fitting things to your own body without help is really difficult. How to you do the fitting when you sew? Any sewing/refashioning tips are greatly, greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteAnett | Tall Girl's Fashion
Hi Anett, This pattern is really simple (just don't use sheer fabric or try to line it as I did!). If you use a nice cotton it would be a great one to build up your skills and confidence with. It really is an easy pattern.
DeleteFitting is hard, I must have extraordinary contortion skills! I asked my husband to help once. He called the pins "nails" and couldn't put them in the fabric properly and stuck me a number of times. I've not asked him to help again!
For this pattern you can get a good fit with your basic measurements. Give it a try! x Allison
What a beautiful dress on you!! You did a great job creating this dress. Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thank you for your kind words Alice! x Allison
DeleteI love your fabric choice. And I think "underlining" (your method) is just as acceptable as a full lining. Just read a good post on underlining by Lauren @ Lladybird. Anyway, nice job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan! x Allison
DeleteI've just bought this pattern. It's so helpful to read your post and find out what you thought of the pattern. Your dress looks beautiful. I'm really looking forward to making this now.
ReplyDeleteI've just bought this pattern. It's so helpful to read your post and find out what you thought of the pattern. Your dress looks beautiful. I'm really looking forward to making this now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Janet. I'm so happy to hear I could help! Please tag me (@the_tall_mama) if you're on IG, I'd love to see your make! x Allison
DeleteI just bought this pattern today and happened upon your blog in searching for fabric choices others have made. I am also 6 ft tall so what are the chances!?
ReplyDeleteI am wondering how much length you added to the skirt for your height and how you did it.
Hi Theresa, I'm so pleased you found my blog! To be honest, I don't recall how much length I added as I failed to write it on the pattern envelope. Sorry! I only added length to the skirt, because I don't have a long torso. Can't wait to see your make! Xox Allison
Delete